Attention Residential Architects

By Dawn M. Holtrop, AIA

Michigan Director

The Grand Valley Chapter of AIA decided to become a member of the Home Building Association (HBA) as a one-year trial.  Our board weighed the pros and cons and decided it was worth exploring.  AIA Michigan supported our decision.  I was selected to be the liaison between GVAIA and HBA because residential architecture is a substantial part of my business.  If we decide to continue our membership in HBA, we may elect to have an AIA member that is not currently on the board to be in this position.

This move to be involved with the HBA has raised many questions related to serving our members that specialize in residential architecture and how best to take advantage of our membership in HBA.  The following are some ideas suggested by the board.  

1. A committee or subgroup within GVAIA for the residential architects.

2. The residential architecture firms as a separate listing on the GVAIA website.

3. A GVAIA booth at one of the HBA Home Expos.

4. A brochure for potential residential clients created by GVAIA listing the member firms and why they should hire an architect.  This can be made available at the HBA building on East Beltline.

5. One or two programs a year that focus on residential architecture with topics such as sustainable design.  Please note that the October program is on Co-Housing.

6. Attending the HBA events as a group.

7. Co-host an event with HBA.

Please send your comments and ideas to dawn@dmharch.com or call me at 616-364-7545.  I realize that several firms are already members of HBA.  I would appreciate hearing from you on why you joined, your involvement in the organization and how we can make the most of our membership.