Tuesday, December 23, 2014

STATE OF THE PROFESSION - 2014

Lance Bird, FAIA, Principal, LCDG

Where is our profession headed?  AIA P&F members say:

  • Our influence is growing (53% surveyed)
  • Areas of anticipated growth include
    • Design Build (83%)
    • Specialization (83%)
    • Collaboration (94%!)
  • Ten-person firm will continue to be relevant (63%)
At the final First Friday Forum for 2014, nearly 20 members representing a broad cross- section of our chapter took part in a lively discussion on the State of Our Profession.  Three-fourths are architects, and the majority has 16 or more years’ experience.  Only four worked for national or international firms, the rest working for local and regional practices.  Nearly 60% work for firms with less than 16 persons.  Interesting survey results included:

  • 89% are happy with their career. 
  • When asked if they would recommend the architectural profession as a career to a young person, 68% said “it depends”.  Coulter Winn, AIA summed it up with “They have to have the drive to put in the work.”
  • The greatest single impact on their career was a mentor (47%).
What are the opportunities in the next decade? 

  • Strongest markets
    • Sustainability
    • Healthcare
    • Affordable housing and senior housing.
    • Public infrastructure
  • Technology
    • Improved analysis tools like code analysis and Facilities Management software
    • Revit
    • 3-D printing
Trends: 

  1. “Integrated Project Delivery is where it’s going”, Armando Gonzalez, FAIA.  “We need a holistic approach to the entire delivery supply chain and stop throwing what we make over the proverbial fence,” said Zig Rubel, AIACC, Definitions Committee chair. “IPD is the necessary bridge for our evolution in maturing the industry and this update defines the differentiation needed for clarity to get us there.”
  2. Toby Pugh, AIA says “… successful projects that I have worked on have depended heavily on collaboration with the larger design team, the owner/developer, contractors and in most cases also with the authority having jurisdiction.”
  3. “Sustainability is big at Occidental College.  It’s important to students.  It must be addressed in every job.  The next generation (students) are well informed”.  Joe O’Hara, AIA. 
  4. Threats – “The California Energy Commission said that architects don’t have the skills to address energy conservation.”  Mark Gangi, AIA
  5. Assembling a winning team – Scott Gaudineer says “Small firms can compete with large firms by hiring consultants to meet client’s needs.  It’s about the people.” 
Advise:

  1. “Have the courage to walk away from bad clients”, Steve Lewis, AIA.
  2. Coulter Winn, AIA said “We must set ourselves apart as creative people.  We can draw!”
  3. Toby Pugh, AIA says “Transparency with building officials, fire officials and planning departments as well as with the client/design/construction teams has been critical for every project I have seen successfully completed.”
  4. Steve Lewis would have our profession increase our community activism.  He referred to the “1% Solution” promoted by John Peterson in San Francisco.  The program pairs architects and non-profits.  Participating architects volunteer a minimum of 1% of their total hours each year.
  5. “Social media is really important”, Armando Gonzalez, FAIA.  “See ‘Innovate Pasadena’, meeting every Friday and aggressively using social media.”  Coulter Winn, AIA added “Use social media to raise awareness of the value of architecture.”
  6. To counter negative forces and completion, Mitch Sawasy, AIA says “We do more than design buildings.  Get the word out by our actions and involvement.  We can’t be passive, and we can’t be reactionaries.” 
 
How can AIA help you?

  1. Sponsor forums to meet potential clients
  2. Develop opportunities for members to share resources
·         Software
·         Model shops and 3-D printers
·         Staff

  1. Julie Arcelay, Assoc. AIA says “AIA must change to become current with emerging trends, and reach out to the younger community.”  Toby Pugh, AIA echoed her remarks, emphasizing mentoring of interns. 
And if you are starting your career and looking for where an architect can make a difference, participants agreed we are needed by builders, construction managers, large engineering firms (i.e. Jacobs, Parsons), and corporations.  If you are thinking of leaving the profession, Joe O’Hara, AIA ended on this high note – “It’s still good to have this background and education.  It’s applicable to a lot of different professions.”  Hmmm…


L. Bird - Maui 12/14
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