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A Message from the 2013 AIA President: To Architects

Dear Colleague,

On the way home from the office this evening, I turned on the radio to check the news. In addition to the usual reporting, I caught a segment of NPR’s “Cities Project,” a series that focuses on the trends and challenges facing today’s cities. Here was a program heard in prime time by millions talking about the role of America’s architects in creating a better quality of life for our communities.

How did a program like that get on the air? It happened because of you and me committing to be AIA members; that’s why I’m writing to ask you to renew your membership. Our participation and leadership made it possible for the American Institute of Architects to be an underwriter of this high-profile program that elevates the public awareness of the importance of architecture.

Whether the subject is contract documents, professional development programs, advocacy at every level of government, or innovative public outreach programs like NPR’s “Cities Project” or Dr. Richard Jackson’s 4-hour PBS mini-series “Designing Healthy Communities,” it’s our leadership that makes it possible.

When we work as a team to address sustainability, government regulations, knowledge research, energy tax credits, business development, and a myriad of other issues, we enhance our ability to create jobs, prosper economically, and increase the value of what we do in the marketplace. It’s time for us to tell our stories, develop a strong communications strategy, and position AIA members as leaders in the profession, business, politics, and the community. We can do that more effectively as active and involved AIA members.

It’s really a simple concept—the more engaged we are in the AIA, the greater the odds are that we and our firms will be able to do what we’re trained to do best—design a livable, healthy, productive, and sustainable built environment. It’s up to us to make that difference.

There’s a lot more good work we can and will be doing together. I look forward to the opportunities. So please join me in renewing your AIA membership. Together we’ll build a healthy future for the practice of architecture.

Sincerely,

Mickey Jacob, FAIA
2013 AIA President

A Message from the 2013 AIA President: To Associates

Dear Colleague,

What are we doing, you and I, to share with the public, clients, and our colleagues the value of architects and architecture? In one sense, a lot. Improving people’s lives is the best argument we can make for the value we bring to the ordinary and the extraordinary. And that’s what we’re trained to do.

But as a young professional you’re facing many challenges to put that training into action – licensure, IDP, knowledge research, government regulations, building a practice, and, indeed, job loss. Dealing with these issues on a daily basis can be daunting. That’s why I’m asking you to renew your membership in the AIA. Membership provides unique opportunities to address these issues with colleagues and friends who face the same challenges and have similar interests.

Because the AIA is your professional community, the value you derive from membership is completely dependent on you. Membership is a vehicle to pursue your professional interest areas, providing opportunities to build relationships with colleagues and firm owners. Membership is a platform to sharpen your leadership skills as a vocal advocate for your community. Being actively engaged is an investment—an investment in a successful, rewarding, and meaningful future.

Something else: As a profession, we can’t effectively address the issues of importance to you without your participation. You help define the agenda, offer ideas for solutions, and develop a strategy for action. Working together across the generations, we’re in a much stronger position to advance the good of the profession and the public we serve.

In a speech about his commitment to the space program, President Kennedy said “We don’t go to the moon because it is easy, we go to the moon because it is hard.” Yes, doing our best to make a positive difference in our communities and our profession is hard work. But it’s good work. It’s what makes what we do for our neighbors, our clients, and one another so rewarding.

I invite you to join me in renewing your AIA membership. Together, we can build a sustainable, prosperous and healthy future for the practice of architecture.

Sincerely,

Mickey Jacob, FAIA
2013 AIA President

Thanks for Your Membership
In order to efficiently handle
the renewals of almost 80,000
members, we ask that you
renew your AIA
membership by January 15,
2013.

Learn more about AIA member
benefits and resources.
Download our member
benefits
and resources guide.

Elevate Your Career Path.
Renew Today.

AIA members discuss how
professional relationships
made through AIA
membership have assisted in
their careers.

AIA Membership Pays for
Itself

Dues and Tax Deductions
For state and federal income
tax purposes, payments to the
AIA and its components are
generally deductible as trade
or business expenses—except
for the percentage spent on
lobbying federal or state
governments. Consult a tax
professional to determine the
appropriate tax treatment of
your dues.

Dues Installment Program
All renewing members are
eligible to participate in the
2013 Dues Installment
Program. Enroll by April 30,
and pay your membership
dues in up to six installments.
2013 membership dues must
be paid in full by June 30,
2013.
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Members who want to
maintain their professional
lifeline through the AIA, but
who are under hardship, are
encouraged to contact their
local AIA component to
discuss their options.

Contact Us

Telephone:
800-242-3837, option 2

E-mail:
MemberRenewal@aia.org