Points of View
Letter to the Editor
Should there be a dues category for "nonpracticing" professionals?

I am a board member for AIA Seattle, a member of the Program Committee, and a
member of the Assembly Planning committee for the Washington Council. I have
been an AIA member for over 20 years and I have "practiced" (been employed)
as an architect for about 25 years.

I am currently taking time away from paid architectural work to work in my home as a mother, homemaker, and community volunteer. I am maintaining my AIA
membership as a connection to my career and my colleagues and to continue my
education and keep current for when I re-enter the workforce.

For these reasons, I believe the AIA should promote membership for those who are not actively "practicing" architecture but are maintaining their license. To make membership more attractive, AIA should add a membership category with appropriate (lower) dues for "nonpracticing" licensed professionals.

I wish the AIA would take up this topic for debate. I sincerely want to continue my AIA membership and participation in the organization. But the dues are tough to pay when not employed in the profession.

Thank you very much.

Carol Simpson, AIA

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.

  
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