A new year, a new President for your Society and the beginning of a new decade; which we really do not start counting until next year. We are all aware the last decade
was a rollercoaster of growth and regression into an economic recession that our country has not seen since the great depression of the 1930’s. For those of us in the architecture profession and the construction industry the last few years have been very interesting.
As a member of Society of American Registered Architects with our outreach across the United States I have taken verbal polls of our member firms and found that some parts of the country are not as affected by the drastic changes of the last ten year cycle.
One attribute that Architects have in their many skills, is the ability and knowledge to deal with change. Our clients change the program in design phase for the project, the Owner cuts the budget during Construction Documents, and there are not sufficient funds for proper “Industry Standard” Construction Administration. We are continually facing change in our performance and product delivery.
That being stated, are we, as Architects able to change when we are faced with difficult economic times? This is my fourth or fifth economic cycle in my short 35 year career. Is our ability to change with all the information and electronic tools that we are continually upgrading and learning to provide a better quality service as changeable as we think? Are we changing? I ask this question of myself and our team in our office continually.
In this New Year the goals of our national board and my commitment to you for the next two years of my service as president will be to renew and enhance the core values of SARA. The history and philosophy of “Architect helping Architect” and benefits of membership of our Society should be reinforced and networked. The SARA Philosophy to:
• Evaluate and perpetuate professionalism in today’s construction practices. • Make the public aware of architects’ responsibilities for public safety and welfare.
• Develop complete acceptance of the architect by the business world as the leader of design and construction.
• Incorporate in professional performance the advances of technology.
• Influence governmental agencies on vital legislative and regulatory actions affecting the profession, building and construction.
• Strengthen the profession by providing programs for architecture students.
In addition to meeting these goals, a new benefit of membership is unlimited complimentary telephone consultation by our very own Affiliate Member, Code Expert, Kelly Reynolds & Assoc.
Recently I received a communiqué from a scholarly friend of mine; he reminded me that he had come to realize that “without art history, there is no appreciation of art. Without communication with each other by written or spoken word, without being able to share our responses and ideas by words, there would be no such thing as masterpiece.” He continued, “I think this is true for music, theater, performance, and writing itself”. Well this premise centrally holds true in the three dimensional world of Architecture. Therefore we would like all SARA members to communicate your thoughts, ideas and projects with your fellow SARA members. We are always interested in articles and opinions on Design and Architecture of interest for the newsletter. Please send to www.melissa@architectureadvantage.com if you have anything you would like to contribute to your Society.
As we transition into this New Year your past president, Michael F. Griffith will continue our outreach to the professional organizations that we have been communicating with on the many subjects relating to our profession.
The board of directors and myself look forward to serving you and pledge our efforts to improving your Society of American Registered Architects.
John M. Maple, FARA President
Message in Jan/Feb SARAScope
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