The Angle

Op-Ed: Beyond Government Advocacy – The Role of the Architect as a Regulator
Henry A. Kosarzycki, AIA, Codes & Standards Committee Chair

At times, architects and AIA members may become complacent about building codes, developing a sense of comfort or security based on the perception that someone else “with an interest in codes” is representing our profession and interests. As the chair of the AIA Codes and Standards Committee, though, I’ve spent over ten years observing the architects diminishing role amidst an unprecedented rise in codes and standard development.

The truth is, at no time in the history of our profession has the engagement of the architect in the codes development process been more important than it is right now. Codes continue to shape our built environment and significantly impact our practice; at times, though, our profession chooses to play the role of consumer. Active engagement opportunities can be found at all levels of federal, state, and local government. Involvement in the development of codes and standards represents yet another invaluable and vital opportunity for the engagement of the architect.

As an example from my home state of Wisconsin, the state posted plan review positions in several locations around the state; no architects submitted their applications. The International Code Council (ICC) recently announced and requested applicants for three code action committees, out of 150 applications, less than five were from architects. 

These examples play out time and time again from coast to coast. We have to recognize that if we remain just consumers, our frustrations will continue, but as active participants our contributions could be boundless.

Health, safety, and welfare regulations continue to grow exponentially. Life safety, fire, and structural performance serve as the foundation for what we recognize as the suite of codes that shape our designs. The health of the building occupants expands our aperture into light, ventilation, mechanical systems, and interior environment. A federal law addressing non-discriminatory action based on an individual’s physical capability brought barrier removal and accessibility into the architect’s scope of responsibility. Most recently, we find ourselves reacting to codes and regulations being written and adopted in response to environmental concerns from issues such as erosion and stormwater runoff to energy efficient design. The rules and principals guiding our involvement from programming through construction administration significantly impact each of us and the buildings that we deliver. The collective engagement of the architectural profession is based on the leadership role assumed by every architect throughout all levels of development, adoption, and enforcement.

It has become a cliché to say that architects play an important role in the building process. Our contribution to the process is not only appreciated, but sought after at all levels. The architect’s greater understanding of the planning, design, and building process, along with a comprehensive understanding of the collective resolve of individual structures, puts us in a strategic leadership role. Participation on building and zoning boards, code committees, and adoption processes, and even something as simple as offering to become a trusted advisor to a decision maker, are only a handful of examples of how architects can engage. 

The architect’s engagement in the code’s arena is vastly underutilized throughout the country. Our profession, and the public we serve, suffer as a result. Let’s work together to change that.