Small Firms Ideas Exchange

I posted this blog on 5/19/08: http://blog.aia.org/smallfirms/2008/05/a_challenge_to_the_aia.html

It was an open challenge to the AIA. “Be more to the current members than you presently are.” Apparently they weren’t reading or there was a particular cranial obstruction in a sanitary line which caused limited comprehension. It seems like there may still be somewhat of a mismatch between what the AIA wants and what members want.

I’d like to thank Adam H. of Henderson, Colo., for the following insight. He received a spam/e-mail from the AIA on 4/30/09 on “Affordable Healthcare for All Americans." He expressed extreme concern over the action the AIA was encouraging for its members.

In the coming months, Congress will debate legislation that would dramatically reform our nation’s health-care system. The AIA is currently analyzing numerous proposals to assess which policies will best serve our members. Although we do not support a particular bill at this time, we believe that any successful health-care reform policy must accomplish two goals: reduce health-care costs and increase access to quality health care.

I therefore urge you to contact your federal representatives in Washington and ask them to work quickly to debate and pass health-care reform legislation.  At this point, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach that will benefit all members of the Institute equally. However, it is critical that Congress hears the voice of America’s architects and understands that health-care costs are spiraling out of control and are impeding our ability as design professionals to create healthy, safe, and sustainable buildings and communities.

Adam was moved by the e-mail and contacted the AIA, inquiring how the AIA could advocate for more governmental control on individual responsibilities?
Tell legislators to work quickly and reform (to what, something worse?)
stating that health-care costs are out of control and architects can’t design. 

As of yet, I do not believe that Adam received a response. I wonder how I missed this gem of an e-mail from the AIA; I was at the convention (on my own nickel) presenting a seminar. So I’m wondering

• did you see the 4/30/09 e-mail?
• what did you do? 
• how are your health-care costs?  Spiraling out of control? 
• does that cost keep you from creating?

What are Adam and I missing here?

One thing I really do value about my AIA membership is the access to quality programs.  The list below is events structured/tailored to small project and/or small firm practitioners.  I’ve found that with the downturn in the economy, I’m spending more time in the “big thinking” ideas of what I like to do.  Some of these seminars, workshops, and networking at the national convention are great ways to fuel my desire to learn more.  Please take a look at what your colleagues are baking. I hope you register early!

Related Convention Sessions
Wednesday, April 29 

Successful Strategies in Small Firm Operations: SPP-CRAN Series, Part 1 HSW
8 a.m.-noon, $155
3.75 LUs-Intermediate Level
Speakers: Michael S. Bernard, NCARB; Charles R. Heuer, FAIA, NCARB; Stephanie L. Kirschner, SDA; and Deborah A. Pierce, AIA

Ignition I: Fueling Inspiration with Diversity
8 a.m.-noon, $155
3.75 LUs-Entry Level
Speakers: Louis B. Smith Jr., AIA, NOMA, and Lisa J.K. Stacholy, AIA

Successful Strategies in Small Project Delivery: SPP-CRAN Series, Part 2 (SPP Track) HSW
1-5 p.m., $155
3.75 LUs-Entry Level

Big Tent, Small Footprint-Inclusive Green Residential Design: SPP-CRAN Series, Part 2 (CRAN Track) HSW/SD 
1-5 p.m., $155
3.75 LUs-Intermediate Level
Speakers: Duo A. Dickinson, FAIA, LEED AP, and Peter L. Pfeiffer, AIA, NCARB

Ignition II: Powering Concepts into Reality
1-5 p.m., $155
3.75 LUs-Intermediate Level
Speakers: Louis B. Smith Jr., AIA, NOMA, and Lisa K. Stacholy, AIA, NCARB

Thursday, April 30

Regional Sustainability: Challenges and Visions of a Diverse Future-Sole Practitioners and Small Firm Breakfast
8-10 a.m., $51
1.5 LUs-Entry Level
Speaker: Obie Bowman, FAIA

The Etiquette of Discussing Race and Culture in the Firm: How to Talk the Talk So You Can Walk the Walk
2-3:30 p.m.
1.5 LUs-Entry Level
Speakers: Starita Smith; Louis B. Smith Jr., AIA, NOMA, and Jay Stephens, Esq.

SPP National Issues Convocation
4-6 p.m.
2 LUs-Entry Level
Speakers: James B. Cline, AIA; Kevin L. Harris, AIA, NCARB; Laura L. Montllor, AIA; Marilys R. Nepomechie, FAIA, NCARB; and Deborah A. Pierce, AIA

Network with Members of AIA Small Project Practitioners and AIA Custom Residential Architects Network
6:30-8 p.m., $25

Friday, May 1 

Best Practices in Small Project Design: 2009 Small Project Practitioners Awards
4-5:30 p.m.
1.5 LUs-Entry Level
Speakers: Mark S. T. Anderson, AIA; Laura L. Montllor, AIA; Marilys R. Nepomechie, FAIA, NCARB; and Deborah A. Pierce, AIA

Strong Women-How She Does All That and Why She is Leaving
6-7 p.m.
1 LU-Entry Level
Speaker: Lisa J. K. Stacholy, AIA, NCARB

—Lisa Stacholy, AIA

My challenge to the AIA is “Be more to the current members than you presently are.” 

I’ve just returned from the AIA national convention in Boston (Well done, AIA!  It was good!). However, I am becoming concerned about the “Let's Play Nice” approach between the AIA and related and/or allied groups. (It sort of reminds me of the current political rhetoric flooding the radio and TV air waves. For crying out loud, take a stand and stick to it). I would tend to think that, with the current conditions (world politics, U.S. economy, diversity, sustainability of life, etc.), the AIA should be seeking to do more, be more, and continue to provide to its members the “best of the best” resources so that we can all thrive. 

I am very disappointed to learn today that a prized architect friend of mine (whom I met through AIA Small Project Practitioners) is in trouble with his newly adopted state board of licensure—all because (are you ready for this?) NCARB has not finished processing his records for the reciprocity to his new state. How pathetic is that? A wonderfully talented minority architect with a family to support is getting hosed by his state because NCARB can’t do its job in a timely fashion. (Did I mention NCARB has had the records for over 7 months? And he is registered in another state?)

To address my challenge, can the AIA make/create a “help” desk of sorts which members can contact for assistance when all the normal avenues are littered with debris?  (Think of your government representative. A few well-placed phone calls can help get things solved). How cool would it be if he could contact the AIA help desk and get the professional input and liaising he needs? This is a benefit that is truly needed and deserved by loyal AIA members.

AIA Board, are you up to the challenge? 

AIA members, what other “services” or “benefits” could or should the AIA include (see related entry, If You’re "Small," Why Be a Member?) ?

 —Lisa Stacholy, AIA, NCARB

When I’m asked, “Why be an AIA member?” I usually have lots of [monetary] good reasons: access to contracts, discounts on books, someone else can maintain my CEU record, etc. On the other hand, it is fairly costly if those are the only benefits I get from my membership. Beyond the strictly financial considerations, access to colleagues and other architects rises to the cream of the crop of “reasons” why I continue to pay the admission fee.  I can say from direct experience the folks I have met through my involvement with AIA Small Projects Practitioners knowledge community has been “worth” the price of admission many times over. As a small-firm practitioner, I no longer feel at a disadvantage when going head to head with the “bigger" firms on project.  I know that I have developed and cultivated relationships with a wide variety of folks who I can email or call and bounce a few ideas, regardless of the root:

• design related: “I’ve got this project…”
  
• contractual considerations: “Have you ever seen this clause in an owner’s contract…?”
• sustainability and materials: “Do you know of a product that does such and such…?” 
  

A few of my prized friends have evolved into a “think tank” of sorts—great for continued thinking outside the box (when coloring outside that box, we say,“What, there were lines?").

For what reasons are you a member?

—Lisa Stacholy, AIA, NCARB