MEMBER’S VOICE
How Is the Downturn in the Economy Affecting You and Your Firm?
AIArchitect checks back in with our members about the state of their practices.
In April, AIArchitect asked five members what the downturn in the economy was doing to their bottom line. What began as a steep decline in the residential and home mortgage markets has spiraled into a wider credit crisis and news of an all-out recession. That makes this economically inopportune time the perfect opportunity to check back in with four of those same members.

Historic American Buildings Survey Celebrates 75 Years as Invaluable Design Resource
Whether for an actual historic restoration project or browsing through Americana design ideas, architects often include a visit to the Library of Congress via the Internet into their programming activities. Three online collections—the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), Historic American Engineering Record (HAER), and the Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS)—offer an extensive collection of high-quality drawings, photos, and notes on several thousand locally and nationally recognized structures. Recently feted for its 75th anniversary, the HABS collection, with its own ties to the AIA, is a valued resource for architects in any region of the nation.

Why Would a Client Want to Negotiate a Balanced Agreement?
During challenging economic times, knowing how to negotiate effectively with clients—reducing collective risks, avoiding future disputes, aligning expectations, and getting paid commensurate with the value provided—takes on added importance. In this issue of AIArchitect, we kick off a series of articles authored by Michael Strogoff, AIA, titled “Negotiating the Economy” to help our members and their clients reach successful agreements and accomplish their respective goals.