7.2 - Public Policy Position - The use of the word architecture

Steve Mickley
Steve Mickley
Last updated 
Author:
Steve Mickley, Chief Staff Officer

Purpose:
Recently, a bill was approved by the Utah legislature that allows for the use of the word "architecture" to describe a person's services. For example, a building designer marketing in Utah may say what they do is Residential Architecture, without penalty. If signed by the Governor, the amendment to the Architectural Act will take effect in May 2025.

Benefits of the position:
  • This resolution aligns with the AIBD's commitment to supporting its members' professional growth and accurately representing their work. By endorsing the legal use of "architecture" and its derivatives to describe services within the field, the AIBD is taking a progressive stance that acknowledges the evolving nature of the profession.
    1. Increased Recognition: This position could lead to greater recognition of building designers' expertise and contributions to the field of architecture.
    2. Market Expansion: Allowing the use of "architecture" in marketing may open up new opportunities for AIBD members, potentially expanding their client base.
    3. Alignment with Industry Trends: The resolution reflects recent legislative changes, such as the Utah bill, indicating a responsiveness to industry developments.
    4. Professional Boundaries: The resolution maintains a clear distinction between using "architecture" to describe services and the protected title of "architect," which is crucial for maintaining professional standards.
Potential negatives created by the position:
  • Potential Opposition: We should anticipate possible resistance from traditional architectural organizations that may view this as encroaching on their domain.
  • State-by-State Variations: Implementation of this policy may vary across states, requiring careful navigation of different regulatory landscapes.
Process: 
Policy positions must be approved by the AIBD Board of Directors using the following steps. 
  1. Form a resolution recommending the position to the board (below). The presentation is to include general background information, the pros and cons of the issue, as well as similar actions previously taken by the Institute. 
  2. Discuss the resolution at a board meeting. The board may decide that the issue is too complex or controversial and that it should be voted on by the Professional membership.
  3. Once the position is approved, the board is charged to implement the policy through a variety of activities which may include but are not limited to developing position papers, providing testimony, issuing public statements, writing letters and op-ed pieces, and forming coalitions to lead advocacy efforts on the issue.
  4. The position will cease to have effect after five years unless further action is taken by the board of directors.
Effective:
Immediately

Prior Actions:
None

Resolution

 
TITLE: The use of the word Architecture

WHEREAS, the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) is committed to the ongoing
success and development of its members’ businesses; and

WHEREAS, the work that our primary members performed is most accurately described as architecture;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD);

Strongly supports the legal and ethical use of the word "architecture" and its derivations when describing services or work within the practice of building design and residential architecture, as defined and permitted by applicable state laws; and

Affirms that this support extends to marketing, professional communications, and service descriptions by qualified AIBD members and other building design professionals; and

Commits to developing and promoting guidelines for the appropriate use of architectural terminology that respects legal boundaries and professional ethics; and

Advocates for consistent and fair application of these principles across all states while respecting the autonomy of state regulatory bodies.

Be it further resolved that the use of the title "architect" or any other combination of words, letters, or abbreviations used to indicate that a person is a licensed architect shall remain reserved only for those who are architects registered or licensed according to state law.

Implementation

  1. Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with other professional bodies, regulatory agencies, and AIBD members to gather diverse perspectives on the implications of this policy.
  2. Clear Guidelines: Develop comprehensive guidelines for members on how to appropriately use "architecture" in their marketing and service descriptions to ensure compliance with state laws.
  3. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a system to monitor the impact of this policy over the five-year period, including any legal challenges or professional conflicts that may arise.
  4. Educational Initiatives: Implement educational programs for members on the ethical and legal aspects of using architectural terminology in their practice.