Issues & AdvocacyFederal

Agriculture

Runs rural development programs to help rural communities finance infrastructure and facilities. AIA and its allies have advocated to the Department that it incorporate sustainability into its programs.

Commerce

Promotes the export of U.S. goods and services abroad. AIA and Commerce have launched the first-ever architectural trade mission to India.

Defense

Procures billions of dollars in design and construction of military facilities. In May 2012 AIA signed a new Partnering Agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers to promote design in the Corps’ work. Army Corps, Air Force and Navy are key partners in AIA’s Federal Agency Connection program at AIA Conventions to help members identity work opportunities.

Education

Promotes sustainable, high performance school buildings; oversees student loan programs. AIA has worked with Department to promote awareness of green schools.

Energy

Performs research and develops policy related to energy efficient buildings. AIA is partnering with DOE and national labs on a wide range of activities, including energy modeling, advanced energy codes, deep energy retrofits and advanced energy guides.

Health and Human Services

Performs research into design of health care facilities and ways that design impacts overall health. AIA working with the Department on its design and health initiatives.

Homeland Security

Includes FEMA, which directs federal government’s response to disasters. AIA and its members work with FEMA to provide damage assessments after disasters and assist communities in recovery, including after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Housing and Urban Development

Oversees billions of dollars in funds for design, construction and rehabilitation of housing and community development projects. AIA works closely with HUD on a range of issues, including supporting its new Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities; HUD Sec. Donovan gave the keynote address at the AIA’s 2012 Convention.

Interior

National Park Service runs historic sites and monuments around the country, as well as Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS). AIA is a key partner and advisor to NPS on preservation of historic sites.

Justice

Implements and enforces Americans with Disabilities Act. In 2010, DOJ agreed with numerous AIA recommendations on implementing new ADA Accessibility Guidelines

Labor

Provides research and statistics on labor market and employment; oversees high-skilled worker visa program. AIA shares its Architectural Billings Index and other architecture-related research with the Department to help its research

State

In charge of design and construction of U.S. diplomatic facilities abroad; oversees U.S. participation in international architectural exhibitions. AIA is working with State Dept. to implement new design excellence program for embassies based on AIA recommendations; has worked with State to support international architecture exhibitions. State is also a key partner in AIA’s Federal Agency Connection program at AIA Conventions to help members identity work opportunities.

Transportation

Administers billions of federal dollars for the planning, design and construction of transportation facilities and systems. AIA prepared a study for DOT in 2008 outlining the role design plays in transportation projects and is working to provide guidance as Department implements newly passed transportation law.

Treasury

IRS provides rules and guidance on federal tax law. AIA has worked to ensure that IRS guidance on 179D energy efficient commercial building deduction and other tax provisions reflects role of architects.

Veterans Affairs

Procures billions of dollars of design and construction of veterans health and rehabilitation facilities. VA is a key partner in AIA’s Federal Agency Connection program at AIA Conventions to help members identity work opportunities.

Council on Environmental Quality

White House office that coordinates environmental policy for administration. AIA working with CEQ to support and implement Better Buildings Initiative.

Environmental Protection Agency

Oversees Energy Star program for energy efficiency in buildings; Office of Smart Growth supports community design efforts. AIA has partnered with Energy Star Challenge for Architects at AIA Conventions and works with Smart Growth office to promote role of architects in community design.

General Services Administration

Oversees billions of dollars in design, construction and renovation of federal buildings and leased space, including courthouses, office buildings, border stations and more. AIA members serve as peer reviewers for GSA Design Excellence program; GSA is a key partner in AIA’s Federal Agency Connection program at AIA Conventions to help members identity work opportunities. AIA also works with GSA to ensure that procurement process for federal design projects is performed in accordance with Brooks Act qualifications based selection law.

National Endowment for the Arts

Funds various programs to support the arts, including architecture. AIA works with NEA on numerous programs to support the role of design in society.

Small Business Administration

Provides loans and technical support for small businesses and sets size standards for what defines a small business in various industries. AIA working with SBA to promote financing opportunities for architecture firms across country and ensure that size standards reflect the true demographics of architecture firms.