Contractors and architects are trading jobs as a part of a new program instituted by the Associated General Contractors of America and the American Institute of Architects. The program, titled “Walk a Day in My Shoes,” has the national presidents of each organization spend a day in each other’s offices to give them a better understanding of industry roles and responsibilities.
“I visited (AGC President) Jack Kelley at his company on bid day and was given a baptism by fire as to what contractors go through just in an attempt to win a project,” AIA President Thompson Penney said. “I have a whole new perspective about how my role affects the contractor’s ability to perform his responsibilities and how valuable good relationships and trust are in this industry.”
Kelley said the experience was an eye opener about the architectural side of the industry.
“Thom was able to give me a very good overview of the business of architecture, including what it takes to run and manage a design firm,” Kelley said.
Although this year’s program included primarily the organization executives, both AGC and AIA are looking for ways in which the “Walk a Day” program can be implemented at the state and local level. A similar program that includes college-level students or entry-level professionals in the architecture/construction industry is also being discussed.
AGC and AIA meet two times a year to discuss major industry issues and to promote joint activities between the organizations and their local chapters.
For more information about the “Walk a Day” program, or if you have an idea for how the program could be developed in your AGC chapter, click on the link to the right.
