June 13, 1994

AIA SEATTLE STEPS INTO LEADING ROLE

BY CLAIR ENLOW

Journal A/E editor

Entitled ``Edges,'' The 1994 convention of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in Los Angeles showed that while LA may be on the cutting edge of trends in design, Seattle is becoming a center of the profession.

AIA Seattle was the originator and major sponsor of a resolution calling for a redistirbution of power and resources of the AIA in favor of the local chapters. It passed unanimously.

``I can't say we've changed the course of Western Civilization,'' said AIA Seattle director Marga Rose Hancock, ``but -- not only will there be a benchmark for changes that many beleive are necessary, but the Northwest is at the forefront.''

The Seattle contingent was able to act decisevely, according to Hancock, in the wake of a controversial article authored by Michael Crosbie and published in the April issue of Progressive Architecture (PA). The article desicribes a poorly managed, top-heavy organization that offers less and less stature and value to individual members. The article points out that while AIA dues exceed those of either the American Medical Association, the American Bar Association, or the American Dental Association, the average architects' income is less than members of these professions -- and falling.

The article was answered in the May issue of PA with a letter from AIA Seattle president Jim Sanders FAIA. The letter draws attention to the value of the local chapter to the AIA member as a resource and support network, and calls for systems that ``maximize customer-level decision-making'' and the ``delivery of products and services that support architects where they live an work.''

``The fax machine (at AIA Seattle) went crazy,'' said Sanders. As they took in messages from all over the nation, Hancock and the the local chapter knew they were headed into a leadership role.

Among other directives, the resolution calls for ``a simplified component structure, with clear accountabilities for member services and support,'' and ``an investment program to enhance existing local centers of service.''

Seattle's profile in the profession is clearly rising. One indication of this fact is that Seattle and the Northwest has produced a large wave of inductees into the AIA College of Fellows -- nine in all this year. This is a big step in an ongoing trend that indicates the rest of the country understands that ``There is architecture here,'' according to Hancock. New fellows honored at the convention include Jennie Sue Brown FAIA, Donald Carlson FAIA, Jim Cutler FAIA, David Hewitt FAIA, Mark Hinshaw FAIA, David Miller FAIA and Scott Wyatt FAIA.

Editor's note: Watch for articles about Los Angeles and convention highlights in upcoming Architecture/Engineering sections of the Journal.