Quibbling rivalry - Letters: keep those cards, letters, and e-mails coming

Residential Architect, Nov-Dec, 2003 by John T. Keliiaa

I follow with interest the continued discussions on your "Letters" page concerning residential designer vs. architect, and Registered Architect (RA) vs. AIA. Almost everything in the business world--and architecture is a business--revolves around power, and the American Institute of Architects is no different. The AIA would have the general public believe that there is some greater value to AIA architects than state-licensed architects, I hire many architects and engineers and this is simply not the case. As a trade association, the AIA benefits its constituents. As a general rule, licensed professionals are not identified by their affiliation with nongovernmental organizations; engineers, for example, refer to themselves as PE (professional engineer).

Market share drives the architect vs. designer controversy. Under pressure from architects, some states license residential designers. General contractors, however, can seal their own work. This is an example of political power at work with the goal of eliminating competition and increasing economic benefit to architects under the guise of protecting the public interest. All designers are--and should be--judged by the final product.

John T. Keliiaa

Development Planner

Silverstone Collaborative

Kachina Fine Homes

Division

Casa Blanca, N.M.