With the evolution of integrated project delivery, the AIA continues to lead the discussion of design, development, and construction. Integrated project delivery is broadcast as “a tool to assist owners, designers and builders to move toward integrated models and improved design, construction and operations processes.” Is there real meaning to those words?
As an allied member of AIA and a project manager with a large general contracting company, I value my membership in the AIA. Since joining the AIA, I have routinely attended the national conventions, subscribed to the knowledge communities, and purchased contract document licenses. In addition, I have advocated for other construction managers to join the AIA.
At the same time, the AIA is reluctant to embrace the voice of the allied members, many of us from varied industries. While other trade groups such as the ULI and AGC address issues in the building industry, there is rare opportunity for a meaningful and frank dialogue between architect and contractor. Which leads to these questions:
Should the AIA provide a forum for a dialogue with its allied members or provide a platform for contributions by the allied members?
With integrated delivery, should the AIA expand its traditional role of core issues related primarily to architecture and design?
Should an allied member of the construction industry be nominated or elected to serve in a position of influence at the AIA?
Comments (2)
In a perfect world it would be nice if Allied Members had more of a voice with the architectural community it serves. I believe the idea of an Allied Member serving in a position of influence is a bit of a reach since most of us are not architects and should not become voting members per se of a group that is made up of architects. That being said, it would be nice to have a forum where architects and Allied Members could get together and discuss issues that affect everyday situations faced by construction managers, general contractors, subs and product suppliers. This would serve to help architects and Allied Members tackle issues that face us every day and possibly lead to increased unity among the categories.
Posted by Bob Taylor | March 14, 2008 2:02 PM
Posted on March 14, 2008 14:02
Have you failed to notice that you are not provoking any comment here?
What is missing here is any reason for any person to make any comment at all!
Why ask questions related to articles on the pretense of seeking comment where week after week there is nothing provocative to speak to?
Posted by Terry L. Walker, AIA | April 11, 2008 3:57 PM
Posted on April 11, 2008 15:57