5 Cent Architecture Advice

[Henzo]

Talk about undercutting the competition.

"..Twice laid off from architectural firms in the past year when work dried up, the 27-year-old was inspired by a public radio program's "Ask an Iraqi" show and Lucy's psychiatric help stand in the comic "Peanuts." Morefield decided to set up a booth, offer cheap advice on home remodeling -- and hope the contacts would turn into design jobs.

So he built the small stand and painted his sign. He packed up his draftsman tools and laptop (for mapping research that extends beyond the top of his head) and set out. He secured space with market organizers, and brought a stool and a warm coat.."

I wonder if this is what I'll be graduating to? (admittedly, i could charge perhaps 8 cents, with the exchange rate)

Check out the full article here

[SWANK-E]

You'd hope he's got professional indemnity insurance and disclaimers written everywhere. Everything you say as a professional can have consequence, even without being in a contractual architectural service.

[roadkill]

this is pathetic... it took many years for architects be remunerated accordingly and suddenly just for survival some architects will send these rates plummeting risking the future of many small practices. it is disgusting, people will start to question what we do and the value of our skills - looks like one more nail in the coffin for the profession and i rather stuck up shelves in my local supermarket than charge peanuts for my hard work and liability. can't see many other professionals do this type of thing even when business is bad - we are not car salesman and should have a bit more dignity

[VinceFerrero]

I wouldn't worry too much, it's just a stunt you know.

[designforgood]

Stunt or not, I have to say it's the beginning to a new thinking out of the box era. I also was laid off twice last year, been spinning my wheels in the mud a little since then. Decided to look for what ever I could and have still not found anything.

The last recession forced architects to come up with some new solutions to bringing the beef to the table. I agree with SWANK-E, he has hopefully done his homework. Otherwise he will be handing back more than just those bucks he is maybe earning.

[flino]

Very interesting article in my opinion (Architectural Record-April)
(See attachment)

www.architecture5cents.com

[brudgers]

The guy's not actually an architect and his presenting himself as such is illegal.

Of course that doesn't stop the AIA's offical rag from promoting his story.

[jake]

Seems like a pretty successful stunt.

brudgers, I cannot find where it says he is not an architect. Where did you read that info?

[gorgon]

Damn he stole my idea.
I've been reading "guerilla advertising" that Lewis left at my place and just decided that my plan was to build a stall at my local fete and offer free advice. I think this is a good idea and while there may be liability risks, in the current climate a little risk may be a good thing.

[treviesweets]

Originally Posted by roadkill

this is pathetic... it took many years for architects be remunerated accordingly and suddenly just for survival some architects will send these rates plummeting risking the future of many small practices. it is disgusting, people will start to question what we do and the value of our skills - looks like one more nail in the coffin for the profession and i rather stuck up shelves in my local supermarket than charge peanuts for my hard work and liability. can't see many other professionals do this type of thing even when business is bad - we are not car salesman and should have a bit more dignity

He gives the 5 cents he earns at his stall to charity...even if you do think it is a stunt I think it highlights the point that Architecture has become something that is perceived to be just for the elite (or maybe it has all become like that).
If you want to make a real impact on the world as an architect then, as a profession, you need to take on the small jobs and make yourself accessible to everyone.
I think its great that he's getting out there and engaging with the public and promoting the fact that an Architect can provide valuable input to the smallest of projects.