Main Themes

• Protection of Public Health, Safety, and Welfare is Paramount

Architects are licensed professionals with a fundamental responsibility to protect the well-being of the public through the design, construction, alteration, and maintenance of buildings and structures.

“Architects are professionals licensed by the state to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the public.” (“About AIATN.pdf”)

“As it relates to construction and occupancy of buildings and structures, the purpose of building codes is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.” (“Architects Count on Building Codes.2023.pdf”)

“Licensed Professionals Ensuring Safety: Architects are licensed by the state of Tennessee to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public in the design, construction, alteration, and maintenance of buildings and structures.” (“Tennessee Architects: Value, Safety, and Economic Impact”)

• Adherence to and Importance of Building Codes

Architects are integral to ensuring compliance with up-to-date local and state building codes, which are designed to safeguard the public.

“As architects work through a project, they will refer to building codes at the local and state level to ensure the building is adhering to the most up-to-date codes for the project.” (“Architects Count on Building Codes.2023.pdf”)

“Architects meticulously refer to local and state building codes to ensure that all projects adhere to the most up-to-date safety and functionality standards.” (“Tennessee Architects: Value, Safety, and Economic Impact”)

Building codes are flexible and adaptable to emerging technologies and industry regulations, a benefit over potentially rigid state statutes on building materials (as illustrated by the asbestos example).

• Architects as Drivers of Economic Growth and Community Improvement

Investment in design and construction projects, led by architects, generates jobs, stimulates local economies, attracts investment, and improves the overall quality of communities.

“Each new building project creates work for Tennessee’s architects, engineers, contractors, sub-contractors, laborers, suppliers, vendors and many others down the line.” (“Capital Maintenance & Investments.pdf”)

“Investment in the state’s buildings will create jobs, support business growth, provide a healthier environment, and improve opportunities for TN residents.” (“Capital Maintenance & Investments.pdf”)

“Smart design by architects attracts businesses, boosts property values, and reduces long-term costs for taxpayers.” (“Tennessee Architects: Value, Safety, and Economic Impact”)

• Comprehensive Expertise, Collaboration, and Continuous Development

Architects possess a unique blend of artistic and scientific knowledge, collaborate with various specialists, and are committed to lifelong learning to ensure they provide the best possible design solutions.

“Architects are trained in the art and science of building design who work closely with their clients to develop concepts for structures and turn those concepts into plans.” (“About AIATN.pdf”)

“Throughout this process, the architect will work closely with a variety of specialists, including engineering and construction professionals…” (“About AIATN.pdf”)

“Licensed architects must complete 24 Professional Development Hours (PDH) every two years, including 13 hours in Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) topics, to maintain their license.” (“Architecture Education and Profession in Tennessee”)

• AIA Tennessee as a Valuable Resource for the State

AIA TN advocates for the profession, serves as a liaison to state agencies, and provides expertise on building and community-related issues.

“As a professional membership organization, AIA TN advocates for the value of architecture, and provides our 1,500 members with the community, advocacy, and knowledge they need to drive positive change through the power of design.” (“About AIATN.pdf”)

“AIA serves as a liaison to key state agencies, including the TN General Assembly, State Building Commission, State Licensing Board, and Fire Marshal’s Office.” (“The Value of an Architect.Combined.pdf”)

“If it impacts buildings or communities, architects are an invaluable resource for public officials.” (“About AIATN.pdf”)

Most Important Ideas and Facts

• Licensure: Architects in Tennessee are licensed by the state after meeting rigorous requirements in education (NAAB-accredited degree), experience (Architectural Experience Program – AXP, 3,740 hours), and examination (Architect Registration Examination – ARE).

“Aspiring architects must earn a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).” (“Architecture Education and Profession in Tennessee”)

“Graduates must complete the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), which requires a minimum of 3,740 hours of documented work experience…” (“Architecture Education and Profession in Tennessee”)

“Candidates must pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), a multi-division test…” (“Architecture Education and Profession in Tennessee”)

• Continuing Education

Licensed architects are required to complete 24 Professional Development Hours (PDH) every two years, with a significant portion focused on Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) topics, ensuring ongoing competency.

“Licensed architects must complete 24 Professional Development Hours (PDH) every two years, including 13 hours in Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) topics, to maintain their license.” (“Architecture Education and Profession in Tennessee”)

• Economic Impact

The design and construction sector, with architects at its forefront, is a significant contributor to Tennessee’s economy, creating numerous jobs and attracting investment.

“The design and construction industry supports thousands of jobs and contributes billions to the Tennessee economy.” (“Tennessee Architects: Value, Safety, and Economic Impact”)

Building Codes vs. State Statute: Building codes offer flexibility and are developed with input from diverse experts, making them a more adaptable and appropriate mechanism for regulating construction than embedding such details in state statutes.

“Major confusion can occur if code related issues are introduced into state statute. Design professionals do not refer to state statute for issues normally found in codes…” (“Architects Count on Building Codes.2023.pdf”)

“Codes are also much more flexible than state law. Emerging technologies and industry regulations require codes to be flexible and adaptable.” (“Architects Count on Building Codes.2023.pdf”)

• AIA TN Membership

AIA Tennessee comprises over 1,500 members, representing over 1,600 dedicated architectural professionals in the state, and there are approximately 3,800 licensed architects practicing in Tennessee.

“Our 1,600 members are dedicated professionals…” (“The Essential Role of Architects in Tennessee: Building a Safer, Stronger, and More Prosperous Future”)

“Currently, AIA TN has over 1,500 members…” (“Tennessee Architects: Value, Safety, and Economic Impact”)

“There are approximately 3,800 licensed architects practicing in Tennessee.” (“Tennessee Architects: Value, Safety, and Economic Impact”)

• Architects’ Role Beyond Aesthetics:

Architects consider functionality, safety, and economic factors in their designs, going far beyond just the visual appearance of buildings.

“But the design of a building involves far more than its appearance; buildings must also be functional, safe, and economical.

Architects consider all these factors and more when designing.” (“About AIATN.pdf”)

• Collaboration is Key

Architects work closely with engineers, contractors, and other specialists throughout all phases of a construction project.

“Throughout this process, the architect will work closely with a variety of specialists, including engineering and construction professionals…” (“About AIATN.pdf”)

• Resilience and Sustainability:

Architects design buildings to meet current needs while also anticipating future threats like storms and focusing on sustainable building practices.

“Our buildings must be designed to satisfy current needs and anticipate future threats to protect the health, safety and welfare of the building occupants.” (“Capital Maintenance & Investments.pdf”)

“Architects look for ways to create sustainable buildings that improve visitor experience.” (“The Value of an Architect.Combined.pdf”)

• Architectural Education in Tennessee:

Several universities in Tennessee offer NAAB-accredited architecture programs, providing the necessary foundation for aspiring architects. These include the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; University of Memphis; Belmont University; and Tennessee State University (Architectural Engineering).

Quotes Emphasizing Key Roles

• Public Safety

“Architects are the lead in terms of the design of a building or structure. The architect will develop a design based on extensive conversations with the client and future occupants, taking into consideration issues such as appropriate adjacencies, emergency evacuation requirements and user comfort and productivity.” (“About AIATN.pdf”)

• Economic Impact

“Investing in vertical infrastructure improvements has shown to yield dividends in private sector investment and long-term productivity growth. Investment in local design and construction projects impacts local jobs.” (“Capital Maintenance & Investments.pdf”)

• Community Value

Our work, and the work of our members, turns houses into homes and makes the places where we live, work, and play more beautiful, healthy, and safe.” (“About AIATN.pdf”)

• Partnership with Policymakers:

“By partnering with and supporting architects, Tennessee legislators can ensure the creation of safer, more sustainable, and economically vibrant communities for all Tennesseans.” (“Tennessee Architects: Value, Safety, and Economic Impact”)

Call To Action

The resources consistently emphasize the value of architects to the state of Tennessee. AIA TN encourages partnership with policymakers and offers its expertise as a resource on issues impacting buildings and communities. Contact information for AIA TN’s government relations team (ashley@aiatn.org) and general inquiries (615.255.3860) is provided for further engagement and assistance.

By understanding and supporting the role of architects, Tennessee can foster safer, more prosperous, and more vibrant communities for all its residents.