“While it seems safe to assume that the design of U.S. homes will undergo fairly significant changes over the coming decade, it’s equally likely that these changes will be determined by fundamental economic and demographic developments….” writes Kermit Baker and Jennifer Riskus, the authors of  “The Coming Decade for Residential Design,” an article in AIA ARCHITECT looking at how home design will change in the near future. The article highlights the results of the AIA’s Home Design Trends Survey. COLUMNS wanted to see how the survey and the trends compared to the local residential architectural trends, so we turned to AIA Pittsburgh’s CRAN (Custom Residential Architects Network) and had some local members respond to the national information. Local architects Mary Cerrone,...

Emerging professionals often have to guess as to what sector they would like to work in, applying to firms that they hope will be a good fit. In an effort to expand their understanding of what custom residential architecture can be, the Young Architects Forum (YAF) has paired up with CRAN (Custom Residential Architects Network) for a building tour and panel discussion. Next week, both young and established architects will meet in Lawrenceville to tour the new residence by DeNinno Architects on 45th Street, where Jeffery DeNinno, AIA both designed and acted as general contractor. After exploring this three-story residence, Jeffery and other members of CRAN will open up about the challenges and rewards of custom residential design, giving young...

This past June at Convention, AIA National announced two strategic partnerships to enhance and connect architects in today’s technology-driven world. One such partnership with Houzz, the world’s leading online platform for remodeling and design, is hoped to develop technology initiatives to engage architects and increase the public awareness of how good design can enhance our lives. Next week, this partnership comes to our community, as AIA Pittsburgh’s CRAN welcomes Houzz Community Team member Michael Stein for a Houzz presentation ‘Technology for Storytelling: How to reach new clients and engage a global community’. For architects and other design professionals, technology tools extend far beyond space planning and drafting. Today, technology is used to communicate more effectively with clients, tell engaging stories...

Last September, the Custom Residential Architects Network, an AIA Knowledge Community, created their own channel on YouTube, CRANtv, and published a short video entitled “The Architect’s Education”. Ten months and four videos later, CRANtv has garnered over 7,000 views and its creators hope to continue to build a library of educational tools to communicate the value of the residential architect. Columns was able to catch up with the AIA National Chair of CRAN David Andreozzi, AIA and learn more about how the series was started. COLUMNS: You are a residential architect in Rhode Island, as well as involved at not only a local but national level with the AIA and the Custom Residential Architects Network. How and why did you...

I am a solo practitioner – I chose this after swearing I’d never do it. There are good and bad things to every choice you make; I’ve discovered there is no greener grass, just different grass. In fact Jojo thought the grass was greener in California…oh wait, you’re saying that wasn’t what that song was about? Working on your own comes with pros and cons. I think it’s important for anyone considering hanging out their own shingle to think hard before you make this choice. It is right for me but it’s not right for everyone. The income can fluctuate greatly and there might be times when there is little or no income. Of course there are also opportunities to...

The Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) is a Knowledge Community of the AIA for architects who practice residential architecture for individual homeowners. CRAN member Ana Migone, LEED AP, renovated and rehabilitated this Sharpsburg home. [sws_aia_slideshow AIA_Slideshow=””] [/sws_aia_slideshow]

48th Street Row Homes by Moss Architects. Photos by Albert Vecerka [sws_aia_slideshow AIA_Slideshow=””] [/sws_aia_slideshow]  

Name: Mary Cerrone, AIA Firm: MCAI Family: Kevin (husband), Anna and Peter (kids) Years in practice: almost 20 Education: University of Virginia (UVA), Yale University Your first job: Concession stand at Wheeling Country Club; first architectural job: Historic American Building Survey (HABS) Building you would like to tear down: Any Sheetz service station…they are way too bright; also several buildings at Pitt. What is the best part of your job: Working with great clients and excellent builders. What would you change about your job: Less sitting. What have you always wanted to tell your clients: Similar to advice for travelers: pack what you think you need, then put back half. What is the most annoying thing that architects do: Think...

Kicking up leaves along a sidewalk. Getting one of the last seats on the bus. An inspiring project. A late-night idea. Homemade meals shared among friends and family.  There are so many things to be thankful for and as the year winds down, this month is a great time to keep them in mind. After giving thanks, don’t forget to renew your membership, make sure your continuing education credits are all accounted for, and save room for pie! AIA Membership Campaign – Time for your annual membership renewal! Renew by December 31st and you will both receive a free continuing education course via AIA Virtual Convention as well as be entered into a drawing to win a complete AIA 2013...