Architects are much more than "building designers".

They are (through education and professional training) problem-solvers, perceptive listeners and creative thinkers who can devise cutting-edge strategies while finding solutions to complex problems.

As professionals who are intimately involved with many of today's most relevant news issues, architects can provide insight, analysis, and opinions on a wide range of topics important to you. 

AIA Michigan Architects are involved in a variety of themes and public issues.

The Michigan Architect is involved in more than what can be listed here on this web page. To view a comprehensive listing go to our Placemakers pages. The expanded listing below is intended to give you a feel for the extensiveness of the Michigan Architect's involvement in the profession, their communities and the environment.

Livable Communities/Urban Revitalization

Sprawl. Urban Renewal. Livability. These are themes that resonate with all Americans today, and architects are at the forefront of the issues. How does smart design and development promote improved quality of life in our communities? Is there an approach that helps encourage economic vitality, preserve open space and historic structures, and maintain a natural environment? How can the architectural community help to curb urban sprawl and develop smarter growth strategies? An AIAMI architect can help answer these questions.

 Schools/Educational Facilities

How can we create schools that offer an environment appropriate for learning? When teachers, administrators, parents, and students all have different yet valid opinions on how a school should look and feel, who can we turn to for an objective, well thought-out strategy? An AIAMI architect can help answer these questions.

  Health Care Facilities

Can effective design of health care facilities promote healing? How? An AIAMI architect can help answer these questions.

  Workplace of the Future

Even Dilbert would like to work in a well-designed office environment. Does work space design improve productivity and morale? Do today's employees-from factory floor workers to executive management-feel better about work because of the design? An AIAMI architect can help answer these questions.

Natural Disaster Preparedness/Response

Can architects in California design structures that are earthquake-proof? What about floods and hurricanes? How do architects design homes, buildings, and facilities that are safe during natural disasters? An AIAMI architect can help answer these questions.

Housing Issues

What are the latest trends in residential design? Are Americans building bigger homes with room to spare, or smaller ones that fit their personalities and lifestyles? What do the designers of those homes have to say about it? An AIAMI architect can help answer these questions.

Justice/Correctional Facilities

How are prisons and correctional facilities designed? Can proper design of these facilities play a role in inmate rehabilitation?An AIAMI architect can help answer these questions.

Religious Facilities

What are the latest trends in design of religious facility? How do architects design religious facilities that are appropriate for worshippers? An AIAMI architect can help answer these questions.

Retail Design

How do retailers work with architects to develop stores that appeal to the shopping habits of their customers? Does retail design attract new customers and affect the bottom line? An AIAMI architect can help answer these questions.

Stadiums/Sports Facilities

New sports facilities-such as those in Baltimore, Cleveland, and Seattle-are all the rage. Who are the names and faces behind their creation? How do they design a facility that meets the needs of the modern fan, while offering an old-time, nostalgic look and feel? An AIAMI architect can help answer these questions.

Aging Population/Facilities

Many Americans must face the issue of aging parents and family members. Where they can reside? Are there enough retirement facilities? What about the quality of such facilities? Are they being designed to meet our needs? An AIAMI architect can help answer these questions.

Americans with Disabilities Act/Accessibility Guidelines

The ADA continues to be a lightning rod for discussion, as are accessibility issues in general. AIA member architects-early proponents of the ADA who endorsed its passage-remain at the forefront of regulatory and accessibility issues. An AIAMI architect can help answer these questions.

Crime Prevention Through Design

Crime prevention in the workplace will always be an issue of utmost importance to Americans. But when a business embarks on an office development project, who takes crime prevention into account? Who can provide the expertise necessary to help design a safe workplace? An AIAMI architect can help answer these questions.

Information Technology (Use by the Profession)

Has the architecture profession been affected by the technology boom? How? An AIAMI architect can help answer these questions.