What would you like to see from an industry association?

[Tommy L]

I remember offering my time for ASAI but it fell on deaf ears, I think that was the case with everyone. I'd be interested to read your long response John...

[Chris MacDonald]

Look at it in this way; What is the RIBA to architects?

 

Basically you don't get any work through them, they charge you a fee to be a member and it's damned hard work to actually become a member - So what are the benefits? You get to legally call yourself an architect and being RIBA certified means that you've had to pass a certain level of "quality control", for lack of better words.

 

Architectural visualisation is still in its infancy (yes, I know people hand sketched years ago - but it wasn't an industry then) but I see no reason that there couldn't be a governing body similar to that of the RIBA that lobbies for the term "architectural visualisation", or something similar to become protected in the same way that "architect" is, and also to become a symbol of quality so that clients can seek out certified firms and know that they will be getting quality.

 

Just an idea.

[Justin Hunt]

There is a huge difference, if an architect doesn't know what they are doing and a building fails the architect could be liable, especially if some one gets hurt. Same deal with doctors and lawyers etc.

 

At the end of the day we produce pretty pictures, peoples lives are not on the line.

 

Jhv

[timillustrator]

Being a member of the RIBA does not entitle you to call yourself an architect. That is governed by law and the ARB and, as Justin says the reason for this liability.

 

The chances of the British Government ever protecting the title of 'architectural visualiser' or similar is less than zero, they would not consider protecting the titles of Engineer, Surveyor, Contractor, Builder, Clerk of Works etc. (despite extensive lobbying from some massive engineering institutions with many thousands of members) so protecting the consumer against a badly rendered perspective would be given pretty low priority.

 

The list of protected titles in Britain is very small indeed (much less than the US), it includes Solicitor and several health related titles - doctor, osteopath etc. but not much else.

[Chris MacDonald]

Fair points indeed. Hadn't thought into it quite that deeply!

[John Dollus]

What I would really like to see from an industry association is certification of service providers based on software registration. The benefit to the members would be in the form of legitimacy and as a funnel for work through the database. The organization could also be promoted as a portal for businesses to use in preventing the support of illegal business activities. Motivators for joining the organization would be twofold - potential clients for service providers and promotion of businesses against illegal activity.

Of course, this will never happen due to legal privacy issues and companies having to actually release information but it would be nice.

 

***An easy option would be to have the salary/business survey information only available to members of the association so you can either pay to get the survey or join the association and get the survey results as a benefit.

 

Only you know how successful the existing store is but margins on products and publications have become so tight that adding an additional tier for association members is likely not a viable option.

Organized events are nice but also loss-leaders from a balance sheet perspective.

 

Your key benefit from my perspective seems to be data aggregation so structuring an association around that appears to be the only justification.

[Devin Johnston]

IDK if I really want an organization regulating my software, I feel like there's already enough of that from the software makers. I understand where your coming from though, it isn't fair that legitimate businesses pay for software and other digital assets while others don't have to and illegally download them. I just don't think this organization could successfully police the industry without it becoming intrusive and overpowering. I do like the idea of it being a portal for businesses and I would like to see it become a way for businesses to legitimize themselves. The question is how do you accomplish that and I think it would all hinge on getting the word out to the industry's that we service. Maybe it would be something like the Better Business Bureau.

[Tommy L]

As an extremely busy person, I find no reason in any of the above posts to make me want to join an association. I know thats bad and a sign of the times, with immediacy and the 'now-ness' culture, but I get everything I want from a professional association from CGArchitect. Peers to chat to, an informed forum to ask advice...

Paying to expand my list of stuff to do be aware of doesnt appeal. Sorry for the negativity, just the way I feel about it.

[Tommy L]

Jeff,

I think you have the framework and the audience to actually put together an industry association right here on CGArchitect. I dont think a new start is needed. You need a crowd-sourcing area for useful documentation pertaining to running a 3d arch-vis studio which can be moderated and the same for the legal/accounting side of things. Add in a geo-based directory of studios and artists, just like they have on the ASAI website and you are pretty much in the game. The features which are now part of CGA (competitions etc) just need re-branding to be an industry association event.

I personally would pay to be listed in the directory and have the perks of being an industry member. Not much, maybe I'd close my Adwords account and spend the same amount here, a dollar a day or so.