The program is in response to a growing trend in the real estate marketplace of requesting services above and beyond traditional design services in the development process. The design market is shifting to a big picture focus, say AIA officials, and the industry should better prepare its architects to address and respond to clients needs that cover the full range of development skills.

"Increasingly, architects are responsible for guiding their clients in the development of facility options, from funding to real estate to design, construction and post occupancy requirements," says Gordon N. Park, AIA, AIACC Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, and Chairman of the AIACC Certification Program. "In essence, an architect with the CDS designation can offer an owner/client a single source of responsibility that will result in a predictable development process. Further, the architect who obtains the designation has demonstrated the diversity of skills necessary to help to ensure a business future that is responsive to market demand cycles."

In order to qualify for the CDS program, architects must have at least five years of registered architectural experience, and three years of experience relevant to the CDS role.