Advocacy and Protecting the Right to Practice

As Architects, it is important to create awareness not only about the practice, but the value of architecture to the greater community.

Understanding the role of an architect is crucial. Architects are integral to the design, planning, and oversight of structures. Architects can influence how people interact with one another in their communities, shape the culture of a space, influence the way individuals operate, create narratives, and more. Therefore, design becomes an empowering piece that facilitates the development of a more inclusive and equitable built environment. As a community, we can influence changes to the codes, design, and the practice of architecture in order to develop interventions that are responsive to the needs and well-being of all.

Architects are tasked to protect the health, safety and welfare of individuals. Building regulations are in place to make sure that buildings are safe for people. These establish basic requirements for construction which means that structures are built to be strong and able to withstand certain conditions. Furthermore, Architects are conscientious towards the physical and mental well-being of users occupying their structures. Without these regulations, individuals would be exposed to great risks. This becomes a pivotal part in understanding the architect’s role in the built environment and the impact that we have in people’s lives and our communities.

It is due to this, advocacy becomes a crucial aspect in the field of architecture. It enables architects to convey their value to the public. Architects and emerging professionals should be invested in advocating for issues that impact the profession. The idea of positive impact and change in our built environment should empower us to use our voices and platforms for greater good not only to speak about architecture and design, but also to empower others in the profession.

AIA Florida Architects and emerging professionals gather every year to engage with policymakers and elected officials to influence policy decisions that affect the built environment. We do this in order to protect our profession, the public and the environment. AIA Florida recently had to protect the title of Architect at the First District Court of Appeal in the case of Enrique Feldman and Feldman Architecture v. Florida Department of Professional Regulation, So. 3d WL 17576861, (Fla. 1d DCA 2022), for using the title of “Architect” without holding a Florida License.1

“If the court were to find that these exceptions were the equivalent of the practice of the profession, many professions would have been in jeopardy of losing their ability to regulate the use of their titles” – George

Levesque

Architects are uniquely positioned in society. We have an incredible amount of influence in the world, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. Our role goes above and beyond a set of drawings and renderings, it encompasses a physical and mental space, it has social and moral impacts, it is permanent, it can affect generations and this ability is challenged by different forces around us. We have the ability to challenge what has been established and create real impactful change by using our collective voice as a profession.

We might not be able to agree on everything, but if there is one thing that is true, it is that we all want to make an impact with architecture. For that: advocate for the profession, advocate for your community, advocate for you, ARCHITECT.

Sources

1Microsoft Word - Reply Brief - Enrique Feldman - Use (flcourts.gov)

2Architect Title Remains Exclusive to Licensees Florida/Caribbean Architect : Spring 2023 (mydigitalpublication.com)

Jaramillo is a licensed Architect at Goodwyn Mills Cawood. Her work encompasses a variety of project typologies including residential, commercial, higher education, healthcare, hospitality and aviation projects.