Boush Street Offices
Showing posts with label AIA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AIA. Show all posts
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Monday, April 1, 2013
AIA Grassroots
I had the great fortune to be afforded the opportunity to attend this year's AIA Grassroots Leadership meeting in Washington DC. Time has passed a few weeks since we were there but it has just been such a busy beehive lately around the office I wasn't able to take the time to wrap up my notes from the meetings. What an incredible event! I met a lot of great people from not only around our state of Virginia but from all over the United States.
I feel fortunate to have attended this year as it seemed that this was the year for change.....really change....not just say it type of change. AIA is in need of redefining itself or becoming irrelevant. As a membership type of organization we often find ourselves asking:
What has AIA done for me? I know myself that so often i hear that question for all types of organizations including church.....yes even church....what has church done for me lately. Really? That is sort of like asking what has God done for you lately. I do believe one of the few famous quotes I remember of President Kennedy was "It not what your country can do for you but what can you do for your country." ......I quote president's since i was in DC. Well you need to be involved to truly see what can happen. Once you finally become involved and I mean really involved not just on the fringes, you will be able to see behind the scenes of any organization and the value it offers....especially AIA.
Due to the high number of concerns and the realization of "change or be left behind." The majority of the leadership meetings conducted were all speaking on what they referred to as the Repositioning Initiative. A more creative way of saying reorganization or restructuring.....after all we are architects so we are good at putting a nice since to potential negativity. However, I like it. It shows self a wanes and the need of insuring relevance in our ever changing society.
Our premise : The nature and practice of architecture is evolving and the AIA must evolve with it in order to secure its leadership position.
Another aspect for the AIA and architectural practices was about how we express our role in society and to be heard. We have a responsibility for our community. If we continue as is, will we be part of the world? Will we be part of the solution and our voices heard? That remains to be seen.
So what is the way forward? That is what we need to know and understand. It's time to shift the conversation away from what the AIA does, and towards why we do it and why it matters.
These are the building blocks to telling the story: think beyond bricks and mortar.
Building design solutions that address societal problems. Creating something that matters. If not, then why are we doing architecture? For a pay check? If that is the case, then we will soon all be out of a job. Someone will find a better way, correction, someone will find a more efficient way of, not creating but producing what we do.
We need to see the bigger picture. We need to keep our Heads up more and not just to the grindstone. We need to begin to ask ourselves the question, "How do you sell it?" The art and architecture no longer sells itself. we need to put ourselves in our client's shoes and be in the hearts minds as well as the pain of clients.
You need to know that at you are good for business. Business? I thought we practiced an art form.....really? So, What is the case? You didn't get taught how to use it. Make the business case. AIA makes better architects, architects make better projects, better projects make better value.
Fuse practice with passion.
Unification: We all first got into profession to make a difference. We all felt that If we became an architect than we would make a difference. Yet we think about process rather than passion. We want to contribute still. We just never have used that model to participate with our profession.
Demonstrate relevance.
What we do is relevant to clients, community and funders, and society. Don't talk about architecture for architecture sake. I remember way back in way back in the college days hearing that some of the universities, probably the ivy schools, were just talking architecture. My theory at the time was this must be a waste of time. talking instead of actually doing. Learning how to do instead of just speaking about it. I feel I did my colleagues an injustice all those years ago. They very well might have been talking about keeping the practice of architecture relevant......instead of immediately sticking our face down to the grindstone. They must might of had their head up and was getting the bigger picture. My apologizes.
We shouldn't say "I can do this." but rather "Through architecture I can help accomplish this."
Focus on connectivity.
Our client's don't really understand what we do. That is hard to believe but it is true. How many times have we been asked to make some changes or create a design concept? Only followed by, "Don't you just go back to your office and push a few buttons and then the design is Architected?" Swish boom! Yes, our software costs a fortune but it yet has the ability to accomplish that on its own. However we do need collaboration of others. Not just the engineers, but all the many others that we may never have considered. Others make our work better or smarter even more effective. Shift from "I" to "we." Architecture is evolving and requires a team. those members will come from fields that we may never have imagined. Keep in mind that all the other members get equal value, they aren't our pawns....but our equals.
Make everyone a messenger.
Years ago one of the job description's of an employee of Apple was = Product Evangelist. That just sounds awesome. Why are we so dull? I think we have tightened our ties too secure around our necks....like a noose cutting off the circulation. Or maybe we have been in the darkroom too much due to our infinite closet wardrobe of black ensembles. Open your eyes and see the new world.
So back to the relevant issues of leadership within the AIA organization. They plan to turn the org chart on it head. Give components a different view point of the structure needed. From top to bottom:
Members
Local components
State components
AIA national
Reverse pyramid with arrows up. Inverted organizational structure.
Let them know that this is THEIR AIA and that national exists to serve and support members. They want the members to be the lead and turn the organization around.
Visionary:
Proactively address issues critical to the profession. Where is the AIA and why are we not out front?
Clarity of Purpose:
Components need a degree of auto only to thrive, they also look to AIA national to lead with a stronger clarity of purpose.
Value:
In today's economy, the need to demonstrate the value of membership and justify the costs associated with it has never been greater. It not about price. Cable tv is valuable to people. We need to see value for the fee.
We need a reason to believe. To believe in the AIA. As interviews attest for the hired consultants looking at our "Image", there is massive dissatisfaction and it is ubiquitous across membership community.
16 member practice is the average size.....is that supported by the AIA?
Members perceive a sense of detachment of leadership in relation to the real needs and experiences of members. Disconnect from what the members do.
There is a profound sense "missed opportunity" to establish a definitive voice of architecture in an increasingly design savvy culture. Where we as a profession are rooted in profound design thinking cultures and environments. But we don't project that or is their an effort in unveiling ourselves. There is a wave that we are not catching.
Due to skepticism from previous failed attempts of organizational change, this effort must be accompanied by real change. This is not the same message.
Positioning statement:
Language is a place to start.
Developed in collaboration with AIA.
AIA is about as an architect, we can design a better world.
AIA members create enduring value. We benefit. Clients and communities benefit through innovation design changes.
AIA members drive positive change. We work collaboratively and creativily to transform client goals into reality.
AIA members lead with vision.
AA members shape the future. We value talent and diversity in new generations.
The AIA is a visionary member organization providing advocacy, leadership, ....
I feel fortunate to have attended this year as it seemed that this was the year for change.....really change....not just say it type of change. AIA is in need of redefining itself or becoming irrelevant. As a membership type of organization we often find ourselves asking:
What has AIA done for me? I know myself that so often i hear that question for all types of organizations including church.....yes even church....what has church done for me lately. Really? That is sort of like asking what has God done for you lately. I do believe one of the few famous quotes I remember of President Kennedy was "It not what your country can do for you but what can you do for your country." ......I quote president's since i was in DC. Well you need to be involved to truly see what can happen. Once you finally become involved and I mean really involved not just on the fringes, you will be able to see behind the scenes of any organization and the value it offers....especially AIA.
Due to the high number of concerns and the realization of "change or be left behind." The majority of the leadership meetings conducted were all speaking on what they referred to as the Repositioning Initiative. A more creative way of saying reorganization or restructuring.....after all we are architects so we are good at putting a nice since to potential negativity. However, I like it. It shows self a wanes and the need of insuring relevance in our ever changing society.
Our premise : The nature and practice of architecture is evolving and the AIA must evolve with it in order to secure its leadership position.
Another aspect for the AIA and architectural practices was about how we express our role in society and to be heard. We have a responsibility for our community. If we continue as is, will we be part of the world? Will we be part of the solution and our voices heard? That remains to be seen.
So what is the way forward? That is what we need to know and understand. It's time to shift the conversation away from what the AIA does, and towards why we do it and why it matters.
These are the building blocks to telling the story: think beyond bricks and mortar.
Building design solutions that address societal problems. Creating something that matters. If not, then why are we doing architecture? For a pay check? If that is the case, then we will soon all be out of a job. Someone will find a better way, correction, someone will find a more efficient way of, not creating but producing what we do.
We need to see the bigger picture. We need to keep our Heads up more and not just to the grindstone. We need to begin to ask ourselves the question, "How do you sell it?" The art and architecture no longer sells itself. we need to put ourselves in our client's shoes and be in the hearts minds as well as the pain of clients.
You need to know that at you are good for business. Business? I thought we practiced an art form.....really? So, What is the case? You didn't get taught how to use it. Make the business case. AIA makes better architects, architects make better projects, better projects make better value.
Fuse practice with passion.
Unification: We all first got into profession to make a difference. We all felt that If we became an architect than we would make a difference. Yet we think about process rather than passion. We want to contribute still. We just never have used that model to participate with our profession.
Demonstrate relevance.
What we do is relevant to clients, community and funders, and society. Don't talk about architecture for architecture sake. I remember way back in way back in the college days hearing that some of the universities, probably the ivy schools, were just talking architecture. My theory at the time was this must be a waste of time. talking instead of actually doing. Learning how to do instead of just speaking about it. I feel I did my colleagues an injustice all those years ago. They very well might have been talking about keeping the practice of architecture relevant......instead of immediately sticking our face down to the grindstone. They must might of had their head up and was getting the bigger picture. My apologizes.
We shouldn't say "I can do this." but rather "Through architecture I can help accomplish this."
Focus on connectivity.
Our client's don't really understand what we do. That is hard to believe but it is true. How many times have we been asked to make some changes or create a design concept? Only followed by, "Don't you just go back to your office and push a few buttons and then the design is Architected?" Swish boom! Yes, our software costs a fortune but it yet has the ability to accomplish that on its own. However we do need collaboration of others. Not just the engineers, but all the many others that we may never have considered. Others make our work better or smarter even more effective. Shift from "I" to "we." Architecture is evolving and requires a team. those members will come from fields that we may never have imagined. Keep in mind that all the other members get equal value, they aren't our pawns....but our equals.
Make everyone a messenger.
Years ago one of the job description's of an employee of Apple was = Product Evangelist. That just sounds awesome. Why are we so dull? I think we have tightened our ties too secure around our necks....like a noose cutting off the circulation. Or maybe we have been in the darkroom too much due to our infinite closet wardrobe of black ensembles. Open your eyes and see the new world.
So back to the relevant issues of leadership within the AIA organization. They plan to turn the org chart on it head. Give components a different view point of the structure needed. From top to bottom:
Members
Local components
State components
AIA national
Reverse pyramid with arrows up. Inverted organizational structure.
Let them know that this is THEIR AIA and that national exists to serve and support members. They want the members to be the lead and turn the organization around.
Visionary:
Proactively address issues critical to the profession. Where is the AIA and why are we not out front?
Clarity of Purpose:
Components need a degree of auto only to thrive, they also look to AIA national to lead with a stronger clarity of purpose.
Value:
In today's economy, the need to demonstrate the value of membership and justify the costs associated with it has never been greater. It not about price. Cable tv is valuable to people. We need to see value for the fee.
We need a reason to believe. To believe in the AIA. As interviews attest for the hired consultants looking at our "Image", there is massive dissatisfaction and it is ubiquitous across membership community.
16 member practice is the average size.....is that supported by the AIA?
Members perceive a sense of detachment of leadership in relation to the real needs and experiences of members. Disconnect from what the members do.
There is a profound sense "missed opportunity" to establish a definitive voice of architecture in an increasingly design savvy culture. Where we as a profession are rooted in profound design thinking cultures and environments. But we don't project that or is their an effort in unveiling ourselves. There is a wave that we are not catching.
Due to skepticism from previous failed attempts of organizational change, this effort must be accompanied by real change. This is not the same message.
Positioning statement:
Language is a place to start.
Developed in collaboration with AIA.
AIA is about as an architect, we can design a better world.
AIA members create enduring value. We benefit. Clients and communities benefit through innovation design changes.
AIA members drive positive change. We work collaboratively and creativily to transform client goals into reality.
AIA members lead with vision.
AA members shape the future. We value talent and diversity in new generations.
The AIA is a visionary member organization providing advocacy, leadership, ....
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Why is an architect licensed?
It is a simple and complicated question at the same time. For those of you who do not concern yourself with matters of the profession of architecture, let me start by stating that an architect is one who has earned a license to practice architecture through a process of education, experience and examination. Being an architect is a bit like being pregnant; meaning you either are or you are not. In other words, a person with a license is an architect. A person without a license is not. In other words, it is illegal to call oneself an architect without a license. That’s not meant to be cruel. The title “architect” is protected in the design world so that everyone outside the design world can steal and malign the title as the title follows every imaginable adjective known to man.
Now, to get to the point, the reason an architect is licensed is to “protect the health, safety and welfare” of the occupants of the jurisdiction (not because we pick the coolest paint colors). So what does that mean? What is health, what is safety, what is welfare? We are bound to ‘protect’ these after all, it would be helpful to know what it is we are protecting. It was simple for knights in King Arthur’s day. There was a castle; protect it.
According to the NCARB, “health, safety and welfare in architecture is anything that relates to the structure or soundness of a building or site.” The New Mexico Board of Examiners for Architects adds “or its role in promoting the health, safety or well-being of its occupants.” Now there is an interesting point. Not only are we required to protect, but are we also to promote the health, safety and welfare? Not that I disagree.
The NCARB definition continues on to expound on each concept. These are heavy concepts, but I believe the architect can solve these requirements with creativity, economy and dependability.
Health: “Aspects of architecture that have salutary effects among users of buildings or sites and address environmental issues. Examples would be appropriate air temperature, humidity, and quality; adequate provisions for personal hygiene; and nontoxic materials or finishes. Health may include aspects of design that have beneficial effects among users of buildings or sites and address health and environmental issues.” Today it’s not enough to merely provide shelter and basic hygienic facilities, but in our environmentally conscious world, we must endeavor to reduce or eliminate unseen hazards too. Fortunately building science, educated consultants, building codes and a wealth of informative sources give us the knowledge to design healthy environments. It does make a difference in how we live, work and play.
Safety: “Aspects of architecture intended to limit or prevent accidental injury or death among users of buildings or sites. Examples would be the provision of fire-rated egress enclosures, automatic sprinkler systems, and stairs with correct rise-to-run proportions.” This is probably the concept that most people would associate with our requirement to be licensed. Building codes are enforced to prevent unsafe building designs from even obtaining a permit, but it is the architect that has to digest these codes and synthesize them in manner that is uplifting, enlightening as well as functional.
Welfare: “Aspects of architecture that engender positive emotional responses among, or enable equal access by, users of building or sites. Examples would be spaces whose scale, proportions, materials, and color are pleasing for the intended use; spaces that afford natural light and views of nature; and provisions for users with disabilities.” This is probably the least understood or least objective quality that we are responsible to provide to the public. However, this evokes the imaginative abilities and talents of the architect. Certainly one can take a solely prescriptive approach to accessibility by minimally following the technical guidelines of the accessibility codes, but it takes an inventive approach to integrate these elements in a way that positively contributes to the space and environment. It takes additional creativity to knit these features into small existing buildings with limited budgets.
So there you have it. Our respective state governments require a license for us to practice as architects. It does not limit an unlicensed person from working; they simply must work under the supervision of an architect. The debate about licensure laws and the path to obtain the license cause some of the fiercest debates between the two sides. This is especially true since some jurisdictions have exempted some building types or situations from requiring an architect. Therefore, I believe the debate will always exist as someone will find it unfair in the least or unjust at worst that they don’t have a license for whatever reason.
Agreed, the license does not guarantee talent and at rare times it doesn’t ensure competency. Regardless, rest assured dear consumer that there are those who have undergone extensive education, thorough experience and rigorous examination to see that you are protected to the best degree possible. No system is perfect and incompetency or illegal behavior occasionally sneaks its way into our world. However, there are systems in place to enforce these regulations and seek justice when someone’s health, safety or welfare has been threatened.
Be careful before you hire a design professional. Consider who is best qualified to meet your needs and protect your interests. Maybe you will seek out the licensed professional now because you “want to” and not because you “have to.” If you have questions, contact your state’s architect licensure board or your local AIA chapter.
I still think we pick the coolest paint colors, and what about carrying a sword like a knight? OK, that’s another discussion.
It’s important to note that in some states, there is a “Practice Act”. This means that not only is it illegal to call oneself an architect without a license, it is also illegal to practice architecture without a license. The Architecture Practice Act also defines what practice is. And contrary to what most people think, preparing preliminary sketches are part of practicing architecture. Hence the practice of a builder preparing preliminary sketches to give to his draftsman (translation: licensed architect) is illegal. Other examples of illegal practice would include a historic review board that doesn’t operate with a code, but demands that architects to move windows, change rooflines, and other appearance types of alterations that affect the function and structure of a building. Unfortunately these practices continue and are rarely enforced. The architect always has the power to walk away from a project. But in a world where there are too many architects chasing too few jobs, this will rarely happen.
Repost from think architect http://thinkarchitect.wordpress.com/2011/10/07/healthy-safe-and-well/
Now, to get to the point, the reason an architect is licensed is to “protect the health, safety and welfare” of the occupants of the jurisdiction (not because we pick the coolest paint colors). So what does that mean? What is health, what is safety, what is welfare? We are bound to ‘protect’ these after all, it would be helpful to know what it is we are protecting. It was simple for knights in King Arthur’s day. There was a castle; protect it.
According to the NCARB, “health, safety and welfare in architecture is anything that relates to the structure or soundness of a building or site.” The New Mexico Board of Examiners for Architects adds “or its role in promoting the health, safety or well-being of its occupants.” Now there is an interesting point. Not only are we required to protect, but are we also to promote the health, safety and welfare? Not that I disagree.
The NCARB definition continues on to expound on each concept. These are heavy concepts, but I believe the architect can solve these requirements with creativity, economy and dependability.
Health: “Aspects of architecture that have salutary effects among users of buildings or sites and address environmental issues. Examples would be appropriate air temperature, humidity, and quality; adequate provisions for personal hygiene; and nontoxic materials or finishes. Health may include aspects of design that have beneficial effects among users of buildings or sites and address health and environmental issues.” Today it’s not enough to merely provide shelter and basic hygienic facilities, but in our environmentally conscious world, we must endeavor to reduce or eliminate unseen hazards too. Fortunately building science, educated consultants, building codes and a wealth of informative sources give us the knowledge to design healthy environments. It does make a difference in how we live, work and play.
Safety: “Aspects of architecture intended to limit or prevent accidental injury or death among users of buildings or sites. Examples would be the provision of fire-rated egress enclosures, automatic sprinkler systems, and stairs with correct rise-to-run proportions.” This is probably the concept that most people would associate with our requirement to be licensed. Building codes are enforced to prevent unsafe building designs from even obtaining a permit, but it is the architect that has to digest these codes and synthesize them in manner that is uplifting, enlightening as well as functional.
Welfare: “Aspects of architecture that engender positive emotional responses among, or enable equal access by, users of building or sites. Examples would be spaces whose scale, proportions, materials, and color are pleasing for the intended use; spaces that afford natural light and views of nature; and provisions for users with disabilities.” This is probably the least understood or least objective quality that we are responsible to provide to the public. However, this evokes the imaginative abilities and talents of the architect. Certainly one can take a solely prescriptive approach to accessibility by minimally following the technical guidelines of the accessibility codes, but it takes an inventive approach to integrate these elements in a way that positively contributes to the space and environment. It takes additional creativity to knit these features into small existing buildings with limited budgets.
So there you have it. Our respective state governments require a license for us to practice as architects. It does not limit an unlicensed person from working; they simply must work under the supervision of an architect. The debate about licensure laws and the path to obtain the license cause some of the fiercest debates between the two sides. This is especially true since some jurisdictions have exempted some building types or situations from requiring an architect. Therefore, I believe the debate will always exist as someone will find it unfair in the least or unjust at worst that they don’t have a license for whatever reason.
Agreed, the license does not guarantee talent and at rare times it doesn’t ensure competency. Regardless, rest assured dear consumer that there are those who have undergone extensive education, thorough experience and rigorous examination to see that you are protected to the best degree possible. No system is perfect and incompetency or illegal behavior occasionally sneaks its way into our world. However, there are systems in place to enforce these regulations and seek justice when someone’s health, safety or welfare has been threatened.
Be careful before you hire a design professional. Consider who is best qualified to meet your needs and protect your interests. Maybe you will seek out the licensed professional now because you “want to” and not because you “have to.” If you have questions, contact your state’s architect licensure board or your local AIA chapter.
I still think we pick the coolest paint colors, and what about carrying a sword like a knight? OK, that’s another discussion.
It’s important to note that in some states, there is a “Practice Act”. This means that not only is it illegal to call oneself an architect without a license, it is also illegal to practice architecture without a license. The Architecture Practice Act also defines what practice is. And contrary to what most people think, preparing preliminary sketches are part of practicing architecture. Hence the practice of a builder preparing preliminary sketches to give to his draftsman (translation: licensed architect) is illegal. Other examples of illegal practice would include a historic review board that doesn’t operate with a code, but demands that architects to move windows, change rooflines, and other appearance types of alterations that affect the function and structure of a building. Unfortunately these practices continue and are rarely enforced. The architect always has the power to walk away from a project. But in a world where there are too many architects chasing too few jobs, this will rarely happen.
Repost from think architect http://thinkarchitect.wordpress.com/2011/10/07/healthy-safe-and-well/
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Ask and you shall receive....
Sometimes you actually get what you ask for....or believe in. I am a firm believer in positive thoughts will effect your outcome in a positive manner. If you think negative, more than likely bad things or nothing will happen in your life. However, thoughts that focus on the positive dreams and desires can and will become a reality. Now you cannot just wish it like a Jennie in a lamp and it will happen, I also believe that you need to be working towards that goal you envisioned.With that said, last week on Monday morning I was so tired. Just fatigued. Even though work was good....it always seems to be something that needs attention or just when you get ahead, something breaks down and you have to spend money....$$$$....never can seem to get ahead. But rather than being drained and starting off the week in an "out of gas" mode. I said, and even posted on my FACEBOOK, that it was going to be a fantastic week! Even tired, I believed that good would develop this week. It started off with a proposal for a new retail project sent off just afternoon.....it was signed before the end of the day. Then there was a call for a meeting with a client for development on their large "plantation" for lack of a better description. Expanded work for another client came next and then the Grandaddy of them all.....Phone call received while I was still at the house on Friday morning asking if I could meet in 45 minutes at a contractor's office for discussion with the developer for the first LEED Retail development in the area! 
Well 45 minutes later it is no longer a proposal but an actual job. We are directed to begin development on the concept and plan for a cost analysis. To top that, when asked of the developer what he envisioned the style or look of the structure to appear as, his response was, "You know, when I visit a restaurant, I don't tell the chef how to prepare my food; so I don't tell my architect how to design my buildings." WOW WOW and DOUBLE WOW!
It all started with a positive thought that Monday morning. Of course I had to present the proposals, I had to do the marketing it didn't just fall in my lap. There was work upfront that had to take place. But the seed was planted. God tells us that "he can provide for us abundantly more than we can imagine"......and I can imagine a lot! We feel really blessed.
WARNING: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR! If you ask for all these blessings....be prepared to get busy. This week I said on Monday morning that since last week was fantastic....this week would be AMAZING......define amazing? All week I was up until 1:00 or 2:00 getting presentations completed. Three marina projects needed presentation by Thursday afternoon, job site visit at the plantation that took 7.5 hours out of the day with travel. AIA meetings on Wednesday and Thursday evening, still working on three other projects getting them ready for city submission or bidding and oh yeah....remember that LEED Retail. Tuesday morning the contractor called and asked if I had anything yet? AHHHHH Thursday afternoon we had a rough concept model. Friday we were figuring out how quickly we could get the project through construction documents. Don't forget about the other calls for some new smaller projects.......all I can say is GOD IS GOOD....ALL THE TIME & ALL THE TIME......GOD IS GOOD...or maybe even FANTASTIC!
My friends, enjoy the day and be thankful of your blessings.
and remember....Be careful what you ask for.....it just might happen.
THINK POSITIVE!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Seeking Solutions
As experienced and professional Architects, we often have clients coming to us seeking solutions to their design problems. Sometimes it is related to functional issues like getting more usable space or create a higher occupancy within a certain confine. Often it is code compliant related where a client is trying to get a specific use from a built structure or even to get something rezoned to accommodate a new end user. There are even those times when a client is seeking a great looking design - pure aesthetics - so we get to work our magic and come up with a new look for an old thought.
However there are times that a client comes to us and asks...HELP! We made a terrible mistake and cannot find a solution. What do we do? That happens when a client has hired an irresponsible architect, designer or builder that has promised them something impossible. This is so irritating to me. I hate when people are taken advantage of, it makes us all look bad in the profession and creates doubt in the consumers mind. I would do anything to help these people find a resolution, after all that is what we do. Unfortunately, fixing a mistake like this usually costs the client more money and in most cases we cannot use anything that was performed previously. A complete waste of time and money. We have to start from scratch. We have to create a confidence that was so ruefully broken by others. We have to create excitement to something that has become an uneasy task now. We have to show them how they should have been treated originally and not used. All of these tasks are not easy and takes extra care and attention to make our new client feel confident once again. Trust once broken is very difficult to rebuild, even if it wasn't your fault to begin with.
Here are a 7 STEPS to take into account before you begin your next project:
However there are times that a client comes to us and asks...HELP! We made a terrible mistake and cannot find a solution. What do we do? That happens when a client has hired an irresponsible architect, designer or builder that has promised them something impossible. This is so irritating to me. I hate when people are taken advantage of, it makes us all look bad in the profession and creates doubt in the consumers mind. I would do anything to help these people find a resolution, after all that is what we do. Unfortunately, fixing a mistake like this usually costs the client more money and in most cases we cannot use anything that was performed previously. A complete waste of time and money. We have to start from scratch. We have to create a confidence that was so ruefully broken by others. We have to create excitement to something that has become an uneasy task now. We have to show them how they should have been treated originally and not used. All of these tasks are not easy and takes extra care and attention to make our new client feel confident once again. Trust once broken is very difficult to rebuild, even if it wasn't your fault to begin with.
Here are a 7 STEPS to take into account before you begin your next project:
- Research your designer to determine if they have had any experience with your type of project in the past. It isn't necessary for them to have 100 projects of this type, after all you do not want to be just another number to this firm.
- Determine a clear scope of what work will be required. Have it outlined in the proposal provided to you. Don't use just a handshake, get a signed agreement. AIA contracts are the most detailed and equally balanced between owner and architect.
- Set up your project to be paid in progress payments. A retainer is expected, but certainly do not provide the entire amount unless the project is completed 100%. Monthly progress payment can be issued should the project be a lengthy one extending over several months.
- Get an expected time frame from your designer. A clear expectation by both parties should be understood before work begins. Some areas of service may be predetermined due circumstances beyond either's control. Surveys, rezoning, variance hearings, drawing reviews and others may delay the project if not properly planned for or anticipated.
- Find out if the principal of the firm is going to be involved in the work or is it going to be handed off to an intern. Involvement from a principal is most desired at some level.
- Don't cut your services short. Many times the owner will limit the services necessary for a designer to properly perform their services. For instance, Contract Administration is a valued service that insures the designer has provided guidance and instruction through the completion of the project's construction. Yes there is a fee, but a VERY important cost that many owner feel, "They can handle it themselves."
- Does your designer have professional liability insurance, current professional licenses or even if they belong to local professional organizations.
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