Society for Architectural Illustration

[Jock]

I've came across the website for this society and wondered if there any many others in the forum who are members and if so if its been of any benefit to you?

 

I'm a member of ciat for example and to be perfectly honest it wouldnt make a blind bit of difference whether i was in it or not, though my company pays for the subscription and like for everyone to be a member, thats the only reason i'm there. I'm just wondering if this is more of the same or actually worthwhile.

[cellophane]

I joined ASAI a few days ago... A lot of help I know

 

I'd guess that like most organisations - you get from it what you put into it. I think the AIA is a load of rubish but I have to be a member to practice...

[Iain Denby]

Hi Stewart

 

I'm a member of the SAI and am on its Council. It's true that you get out of it what you put in. We have informal meetings twice a year where we bring work to discuss and meet and talk to other like minded people, sharing expertise. When you become a member, you automatically get a folio page for all your work and details - another mini website within the main SAI site. Also, a newsletter usually 3 times a year. Oh, and you can add the SAI suffix to your name too.

 

But, if you become a member, don't expect to sit back and receive numerous call from clients wanting to give you work (although you do sometimes get work through the SAI)

[Devin Johnston]

I've been a member of the ASAI for 3 or 4 years and my overall experience with the organization has been neutral. I've never received any work from having my information on their site and although I have ASAI on my business cards and e-mail I've never had a client ask about the organization or choose me because of it. I originally joined because I wanted to be a member of a professional organization from which I could learn but I soon found out that they don't offer anything in the way of continuing education except for a yearly conference that only seems to deal with traditional illustration not 3d. To be honest other than an arch viz contract I downloaded from their site I've never gotten anything for the $150 I pay every year and I could have paid a lawyer less to draw one up for me. As you can tell I'm a little sore on the subject.

[Jock]

Cheers for the replys.

 

I'll have a bit more of a look through the website and see whats there. I'm just a bit apprehensive due to my experience with similar organisations in the past but im sure some out there are worth the annual fee.

[TheAllusionisst]

I joined ASAI a few days ago... A lot of help I know

 

I'd guess that like most organisations - you get from it what you put into it. I think the AIA is a load of rubish but I have to be a member to practice...

 

Why do you have to be a member of the AIA to practice?

[TheAllusionisst]

I am not one for titles and to throw acronyms after my name, but I think having it on your website and listed in proposals and listings of qualifications probably adds a bit of credibility even if no one ever comments on it. I think it sends the message that you are serious about your craft and the advancement of it.

 

Looking at site hits I notice most from the ASAI came from the studio member with a last name starting with "B", so I have to think alphabetical order would hurt you if your last name started with a 'Z'. Never got work that I know of from being a member, but want to try and help the profession and think we need some sort of representation.

[cellophane]

Sorry - I wasn't clear. One can't achieve professional registration as an architect without them...

 

Graphics and Viz work isn't the long term goal. I enjoy it quite a bit but it's not what I want to do for a career.

[eagle_ear]

A lot of architects are not aia members. You get your license from the state, in the US.

Aia is like all these other professional organizations in that

it sends the message that you are serious about your craft and the advancement of it.

[cellophane]

A lot of architects are not aia members. You get your license from the state, in the US.

Aia is like all these other professional organizations in that

 

HRM. Maybe I'm mis-informed. I'll have to look into it. As I understand it - in order to be registered as an architect, one has to have a degree, complete the intern process and pass all the AREs. After that you apply for state license which is verified through the AIA / NCARB - hence if you are not a member renewals don't happen since they don't have a record / continuing ed credits etc.

 

There is however a legal difference between an architect (registered and has a state stamp) and someone who does architectural work - some work doesn't require a stamp.

 

Now I'm super intrigued.

 

Anyhow - I agree whole heartedly with your quote.

 

edit - why is my formatting messed up after an edit?

Edited November 12, 2010 by cellophane

[TheAllusionisst]

You are mis-informed, the AIA has nothing to do with NCARB. Understandable the confusion because they do everything they can to make it look like you need to be a member.

 

Non licensed - single family residential and multi-unit under four units and commercial under 4,000 sq. ft. (I believe)

 

Licensed - No limitations

 

To become elligible to take exams:

1.) 12 years internship under direct supervision of registered architect (this option may be eliminated)

2.) 4 year degreee and 8 years internship

3.) 5 year professional degree (B.S. and B.A.) and 3 years internship

4.) 6 year masters degree and 2 years internship

 

Current ARE 4.0 exam by NCARB is 7 exams which you pay for and take at testing facilities.

 

Depending on your state, typically once you pass the exams you summerize state bylaws in written form and then take an oral exam/interview. If you pass all this and pay the fees you receive your stamp and are a registered architect. AIA is not part of the process.