Architosh Staff (info@architosh.com)

16 Feb 2001

Email to the Editor: On AIA Mac Software for Architects

Architosh Update on our AIA Mac Software Efforts - Page 2

Since our last article in January on the AIA and its Mac software status we have received dozens of letters (emails) to us concerning the frustration felt by AIA members being disenfranchised by the AIA because they use Macs. Here are a few of the points shared with us.

The Values of Equality

"Dear Phyllis Krasnokutsky, American Institute of Architects

Please develop your AIA documents for the Mac platform. Our membership dues are crying for equality in the AEC profession."

-- Matt Pearson, Polk Stanley Yeary Architects

 

"Dear Phyllis Krasnokutsky, American Institute of Architects

...."One of the biggest concerns (while considering joining the AIA) is the fact we would be paying dues, but could not take advantage of the software.

..."Please do whatever it takes to move the AIA documents (and other software into the 21st century. Concerns about platforms should be old news, especially if we were to be paying for software we could not use."

Gregory Klosowski

 

Dear Phyllis Krasnokutsky, American Institute of Architects

I have been researching the purchase of AIA software for our 15 person firm. It is incredibly hard to believe the attitude of "my" AIA (heavy sarcasm intended) regarding our chosen platform (Macintosh).

Enough promises, PRODUCE A MACINTOSH NATIVE VERSION OF THE AIA DOCUMENTS OR REFUND (at least partially) MY AIA DUES!

-- Rick Clanton, reluctant AIA

The Issues for the AIA: Compatibility of Data, Not of Operating System

Dear Phyllis Krasnokutsky, American Institute of Architects

We are a contractor that does 95% of work in the Macintosh environment, including CAD/Shop Drawings, Accounting, Contract Management, and other functions. It has always been a desire to be able to do our backup documentation in native Mac and feel that this should be a stronger issue with the AIA. Your documentation is [the] standard used nationwide and the issue should be compatibility of the data, not of the operating system.

We would hail any moves by the AIA to accelerate the development of this software and would purchase it for use as soon as available to aid in streamlining our overhead operations."

-- Bill Ellis, IESNA, Vice President, Candela Controls, Inc.

Let the Architects Determine the Best Format for their Data

"...The AIA should endorse open cross platform computing standards in order to allow Architects to really be a lead professional in the construction industry. Clearly Architects are involved early enough and thoroughly enough in the construction process to determine the format of the database for the information in a construction project."

-- Gep Pond, IT, Lee Nichols Architecture

Outstanding Firm of the Year 2000, North Carolina Chapter of the AIA

Other Thoughts...

We have a different batch of comments to share in an addendum to this report but some of the items addressed here are key points of an argument for Mac support of AIA software materials.

Other items not mentioned here involve:

• Adequate Mac market size substantiated by Availability of CADs
• Adequate Mac market size substantiated by AEC Business Software
• Availability of Excellent Cross-Platform Development Tools
• World Preferences for Cross-Platform Internet Technologies (Adobe PDF)
• Popularity of Macs in Architecture Higher Than General Market (15%+)

These points should all be addressed in a final petition letter to the AIA and those wishing to contribute draft letters now do not need to focus on all points...instead they may wish to develop key arguments for individual items. Together we can make this happen.

Sending Draft Petition Letters for Mac AIA Software

Send your draft letters to us at: Draft Petition Letter