The Value of an ArchitectThe Value of an Architect
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About Bryan R. Zimmer, AIA: Bryan is the current President of AIA Omaha and a Principal with The Architectural Offices. He has practiced architecture in Omaha since 1991. Bryan’s work has been recognized by AIA Omaha and AIA Nebraska as exceptional. He works tirelessly in promoting architecture and the preservation of architecture while serving on various civic boards. Bryan believes that architecture has the ability to give physical presence to people’s hopes and dreams, recording and preserving one generation’s ideals for future generations. His work strives for timelessness, while celebrating the Midwestern spirit and attitude. Bryan and his wife have two children, both of whom have been victims of many “architectural vacations.”
About Christopher J. Johnson, AIA: Chris is the President-Elect of AIA Omaha and a Preconstruction Manager with The Weitz Company. He works with architects throughout the Midwest as an integral part of the design and construction team. Chris works with owners to ensure they understand every step of the process. He challenges the design team to follow through on the design intent from initial concept to final details. As construction manager, he estimates, schedules and builds the project with his project team. Chris and his wife have four children, all of whom are addicted to Legos.
Bryan and Chris, AIA Omaha is currently preparing for its bi-annual AIA Architect’s Home Tour. Can you talk about the genesis of the program? Much like AIA National, AIA Omaha was searching for a way to reach the general public to address the specific question of “What is the value of an AIA architect?” AIA Omaha hosts significant amount of presentations directed at its members. As an organization, we were looking for a signature outreach event that could draw anyone interested in architecture, design and construction. Our first home tour was in 2003 where we had close to 200 attendees, mostly architects and their spouses. Over the years, the tour has grown significantly. Our last tour drew nearly 1,000 attendees. We are definitely at a point where we are reaching beyond just the architects in Omaha. The success has also transferred to AIA Lincoln, about 45 minutes from Omaha. We have decided to alternate years of hosting the tour with AIA Lincoln to gain more regional awareness of the AIA. Why do you think this program has proved so popular with the public? There is an innate curiosity to see other people’s homes. Attendees gain the opportunity to view how people live away from their “public face.” It also gives attendees the chance to see ideas that people can use in their own homes. People know these are not your typical suburban cookie-cutter homes. These have been designed and constructed for these specific home owners, and people want to see what that means. People value what they have learned on the tour. AIA Omaha has hosted presentations featuring the AIA Firm of Year for the last three consecutive years. Design has certainly become more accessible through mass media, but in Omaha design awareness has become even more heightened through programs with affiliate organizations such as RestoreOmaha, Omaha by Design, Design Alliance, and notable Omaha works by Norman Foster and James Polshek.
How do you think this program helps people recognize what an architect does—the scope of an architect’s contributions to a project? People can see, feel, and touch the work that goes into each home. These are not just images on TV or in a magazine. You get to experience the place, how the spaces flow, and the materiality of each home. Attendees realize that architects can assist in answering the question of “How do you want to live?” Architects talk in terms that owners may not have thought about. Site/street, massing, light, materials, flow, and how these systems can integrate to solve a problem and create something unique. These items ultimately result in construction, but a suburban housing development may never address any or all of these. AIA Omaha is an unstaffed component, which means its operations are managed entirely by volunteer members. What does it take to put together this kind of ambitious program with volunteers? AIA Omaha Board is very strong. Our board members know they have an obligation to the public, to AIA National, and to themselves to increase the value of an AIA architect. We have learned over the years what it takes to make the tour happen. Preparation starts nearly a year in advance of the tour date. AIA Omaha has teamed with a local Web/graphics designer to assist in the production of the tour’s overall look and Web interface. It takes about 50 volunteers to pull off the event—and they do everything from the call for entries to gathering sponsor events, and from taking tickets to cleanup. By far the most important thing is to make the home owner at ease with the whole process, especially on the day of the tour. AIA Omaha is a strong, growing, all-volunteer organization. We have incredible support from our local firms and return the favor by providing world-class programs. |
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Five houses, each designed by Visit the AIA Omaha Web Bryan Zimmer, AIA www.thearchitecturaloffices.com Christopher J. Johnson, AIA www.weitz.com |
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