ADVOCACY
THE YEAR OF THE ADVOCATE
The American Institute of Architects has named this the Year of Advocacy and Political Involvement. As young professionals, we are commonly at the leading edge of new directions and able to react to changes in the industry. Important public policy issues face the future of the built environment with both positive and negative implications. It is important for the future of the profession to make sure the interests of architects are heard. The expansion of the concept of resiliency and designing buildings to function in some aspect after a disaster can provide a more sustainable and safe built environment. Political changes such as the National Design Services Act in Federal Congress can encourage young designers to work in areas in need of assistance and impact the neighborhood while providing relief from student loan debt. However, we are also challenged by the missing designers that have left the profession and have not returned. These issues are not limited to the federal government but also extends to state houses across the country. Many states have been successful in passing Good Samaritan laws that protect architects when providing disaster relief services. These initiatives and policies have been introduced by architects. It is this involvement in the larger discussion on the direction of architecture which can greatly improve or hinder how we live and work. However, advocacy for these issues cannot be left to the leaders alone. We need architects to be informed of the current issues and find ways to advocate for the profession to their local and federal representatives. We need to make sure that our voice is heard as decisions are made that affect our profession.
Chris Gerrity, AIA
is a project architect at Schmidt Associates, Inc. in Indianapolis, IN. He represents the Ohio Valley Region to the American Institute of Architects' Young Architects Forum.
WWW.AIA.ORG/YAF
APRIL 2015
07