Better Homes and Gardens

The article on the Jersey Devil ((AMERICAN SCENE, April 27)), an irreverent group of designer-builders, asserts that the American Institute of Architects has a policy against architects' both designing and building projects. To avoid this alleged prohibition, the firm has chosen not to become licensed. This is an inaccurate representation of both A.I.A. policy and the licensing process. First, the A.I.A. does not license architects; state boards do. The A.I.A.'s position on any subject could not affect the Jersey Devil's ability to become licensed. Second, the Jersey Devil partners are in error when they assert that the A.I.A. has a policy against its member architects' designing and then building their projects. The institute has had no such policy since 1978.

Donald J. Hackl, President

The American Institute of Architects

Washington