Small Firms Ideas Exchange

I just read the info and I am In Italy (Piana degli Albanesi), and I am licensed in three states. It is essential that I return to MY CITY of Sacramento for family matters and to put AIA and Architecture back into perspective. It has been a couple of "horrible" years for "all" of us...around the world...AND it is hoped to have a better year. The Government of the U.S.A. says things are beginning to look better. However, I must be looking through a bad pair of eye-glasses. Yes, the AIA dues are high. I have had to take "hardship" because of my situation, but I am still a believer in what it is trying to accomplish. It is hoped that the AIA does not drift away from the "Basics" of Architecture. I am extremely upset with all of this "green" stuff because, and since the 1970's ALL Architects have had to try to stay up on the "best" for all construction and for the "life" of a building. So, the LEED stuff "is a fad" and it will fade because it is a "bulky" contraption. But, I hope AIA will wake up and adjust its focus. Additionally, as to the AutoCAD: It has captured a certain audience and it, along with Microsoft, have placed "police" in the sub-routines. If you visit either of the sites and look for updates, of course they are going to check out your programs and possibly some trouble will result. I have just had my computer cleaned and it was loaded...it even restricted me from getting into the California Government website. As to Insurance...seems to be the best bet. Find a "good" company and keep the "threshold" insured. But, don't turn off the lights.

Well, I have gone bare since opening up. Maybe I will be able to get E & O one day but not now. I also have got a relatively recent (2009) version of my chosen BIM Program. While I would dearly love to upgrade for some of the features it won't happen till it's paid for.

I am still on the question on membership. I still have not completed paying for 2009 so I have a really hefty bill.

The AIA does offer a pament plan for dues and a dues waiver for hardship cases.

I'm taking a hard look at the advertising budget and several other line items, like telephone charges. I'm thinking of dropping the land lines altogether. I reluctantly renewed my AIA membership, mainly for the Continuing Ed tracking. I could easily spend $500 (in my own time) with record-keeping and reporting. I'm registered in two states, and naturally, they have conflicting continuing ed requirements. It's a lot to keep track of. I'm pretty bullish on my local AIA chapter, and attend a lot of events there, but less so on the National organization, which I don't feel does very much on my behalf.

Sadly the AIA is no longer relevant. If you go to the www.AIA.org home page they choose to focus on diversity, green topics, and IDP contracts. All three issues are luxurys for a healthy industry. The AIA should stop trying to be a vehicle for SOCIAL ENGINEERING, and focus it's limited resouces on developing the economic viability of our profession.

Can the AIA help me answer this, what is an architect, and why should the public pay for architectural services?

Diversity, Green and IDP topics just illustrate how completely out of touch the AIA is with practicing Architect. That is why we are dropping memberships.

I don't know any small firms that aren't struggling. several of my friends have dropped the AIA after 20 years membership. Others are dropping E/O insurance. I tried to renegotiate my lease for our Oce plotter with no luck, but I was able to renegotiate my building lease.

re: Strategic Decisions

I am struggling with exactly the same issues, and I had to make the sad decision to let my AIA membership go this year. It's a choice between paying my errors and omissions insurance, my CAD software subscription or the AIA. Unfortunately, AIA lost out because the other two are critical to actually performing my work. I hope this year is better!