The AIA Housing and Custom Residential Knowledge Community tracks housing issues and develops relationships with industry stakeholders to encourage and promote safe, attractive, accessible, and affordable housing for all Americans.
Join the AIA Housing and Custom Residential Knowledge Community by updating your AIA member profile.
Contact | Advisory Group | Related Links | CRAN Discussion Web site
Highlights
Specialty Networks
The AIA Housing and Custom Residential Knowledge Community encompasses custom residential, market-rate housing, green building practices, multifamily housing, special-needs housing, and other areas: Affordable Housing Network | Custom Residential Architects' Network (CRAN) | Green Housing Network
AIA Housing Awards Programs
Be recognized in the AIA Housing Awards and AIA/HUD Secretary Awards. Submissions are due December 11, 2009.
Home Design Trends Survey
Join the survey panel and participate in the production of this quarterly report. See past reports and press releases.
Resources
So You Want To Do Houses? Residential design is not for every architect, says one who has learned from experience
A casual survey of why people become architects will inevitably lead to an early interest in or passion for the design of houses. It is therefore surprising to many people that not all architects design houses. Single-family residential design is something most architects feel they have the skills and knowledge to do effectively, but the reality is few of us makes an ongoing practice of it and even fewer can earn a meaningful living doing it. I know, I try to do it every day and it is tough. Read the complete article by Michael Malone, AIA published by the Texas Society of Architects/AIA. Discuss on the CRAN Discussion Web site.
Show How You Re-Green Awards Program
The awards program seeks to recognize housing renovation, remodel, and rehabilitation projects that demonstrate exemplary performance. The submission deadline has passed for 2009.
Toolkit: Working with an Architect Seminar
Component leaders can use this toolkit for an outreach seminar to explain the process of designing a project with an architect to community groups. This document is specific for the AIA Austin Chapter but can be revised to meet the standards/codes for your local chapter. The Outreach Seminar can be presented at public libraries, Centers for Architecture, City Chamber meetings, etc. For specific questions regarding the program, contact Susan Welker, AIA.
Resources for Using ARRA Funding
On February 17, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The AIA Housing & Custom Residential Knowledge Community is committed to increasing the AIA’s emphasis on federal advocacy related to all housing sectors. See resources provided for your reference.
Innovations and Collaborations in Housing Affordability
This conference was held in Phoenix, AZ, in October 2008, jointly sponsored by the AIA Housing and Custom Residential Knowledge Community and the Association for Community Design. See conference networking Web site.
Architecture Knowledge Review Podcast Series
Architecture Knowledge Review is a podcast series for design professionals, featuring interviews, discussions, and best practices by architects and other design professionals who are at the forefront of the profession. Some featured podcasts are:
• Modern Sustainable Residential Design: A Guide for Design Professionals
Considered the first convergence of the eco-design movement and modernism, Modern Sustainable Residential Design: A Guide for Design Professionals, written by William Carpenter and Monique Birault, presents in-depth case studies that focus on global aspects of the sustainability movement. Both Carpenter and Birault reveal the difficulties of sustainability projects while offering positive suggestions on how to design and build a modern, sustainable house. iTunes | MP3
• Not So Big Remodeling: Tailoring Your Home for the Way You Really Live
Sarah Susanka discusses her most recent publication, Not so Big Remodeling, and the importance of improving the functionality and aesthetics of existing housing structures in the United States as an alternative to rebuilding and relocating. The author also covers topics such as energy efficiency during the remodeling process, the significance of accessibility, and Universal Design throughout various chapters of her book. iTunes | MP3
• To Boldly Go Where Everybody Else Has Gone: Access in New Houses
Basic home access (visitablility) is a strategy to provide affordable, sustainable, and accessible design for many new homes. This podcast presents a discussion of the history and strategies of life-span housing and how to incorporate home access in a variety of house types. iTunes | MP3
Speaker's Registry
Find knowledgeable, qualified speakers on topics ranging from land use, sustainability, and green architecture to affordable housing and public health. Or register as a speaker yourself.