The AIA and their green case study

The American Institute of Architects (the AIA) is a membership organization for architects. It has been around for 175 years and serves as a club for architects.

I have never bothered to join the AIA. After all, other than a discount on books, I do not see much benefit from joining. None of my friends who are members can explain to me why they pay $700+ a year to join. Plus, the AIA always seemed to be more focused on Architects and not on Architecture.

Case in point: At the AIA Convention last year in Los Angeles, the conference organizers removed all reference to the US Green Building Council and to LEED in the bios of the speakers. Censoring LEED did not make much sense. When I pressed for a reason why, I was told, "The AIA cannot be seen endorsing a specific rating system." Really? LEED seems to be alone in the marketplace. What other rating systems were they concerned about?

Well, the AIA just launched a new site called, How Design Works. Designed to help consumers choose an architect (but only AIA member architects), the site is well done. It includes this case study of a sustainable house. It is a great discussion on the process of building a green house. I think my previous soured experiences with the AIA might have tainted this very educational site.

How Design Works: Green Case Study