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Custom Residential Architects' Network

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. Best Practice Exchanges create opportunities for professionals to share indispensable information and techniques for custom residential practice. Knowledge gained during an exchange gives participating firms an understanding of what is succeeding nationwide. Moreover, they present a unique opportunity to improve your own practice while contributing to a state-of-the-art model for custom residential practices in general. Join the CRAN Discussion.

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.

Getting There: A Roadmap for Clients
Use this booklet (shared by AIA CRAN member, Bud Dietrich, AIA ALA NCARB) as a template to create your own media to help educate clients on the design and construction process.

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.

Full Spectrum Practice: AIA CRAN Symposium
October 19 - 21, 2007 | Hotel Allegro | Chicago
The AIA Custom Residential Architects’ Network hosted a national symposium that instructed attendees on the essential techniques of business planning and marketing for custom residential design firms. Among the many opportunities to learn and share information, symposium presenters focused on business growth opportunities in sustainable design and digital home technology. Review the five AIA Best Practices created from the symposium sessions: