what does 'ARA architect' signify after a name?

amricca

Are you sure that is not "AIA". AIA is the American Institute of Architects. Many Architects belong to this organization and put AIA after their name.

wallabee4

Yes, I am sure it is ARA, as this architect has already been told by AIA he can't put that after his name, as he isn't a member of the AIA. It is clearly ARA and if you Google ARA architect, you see it after other guys' names, too.

amricca

Architectural Research Associates is all I can find, weird I have never heard of this before. It is not an official title an architect would use behind their name. I would suspect if the person using this is a registered architect.

Architectural Research Associates Market Research for Building Product Manufacturers

wallabee4

Hey, I found out by e-mailing a guy whose name I found on-line who also has ARA after hsi name. It is Society of American Registered Architects. Now, can you perhaps take a look at their website and tell me if an architect being a member of this means anything at ALL to a consumer? (in your opinion)

amricca

Looked at their website, I've never heard of them or of an architect using ARA after their name. I'll ask around some more and let you know if I find anything out. Probably means about as much as seeing AIA after the name to a consumer...not much. You should see if NCARB has anything to say about the guy you are having problems with too.

NCARB: National Council of Architectural Registration Boards

borayg

It's probably RA. RA stands for Registered Architect. Some Arhcitects use RA and some use AIA.

amricca

It is Society of American Registered Architects (ARA). I had never heard of it or seen it used before this question.