Pressroom

Contact: Suzanna Wight, AIA
202.626.7325
swight@aia.org

For immediate release:

Washington, D.C. – June 17, 2010 – George Miller, FAIA, President of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Taro Ashihara, President of the Japan Institute of Architects (JIA), sign an Accord on Professionalism in Architecture renewing the relationship between the two organizations. The event, taking place during the 2010 AIA annual convention and exposition in Miami, marks the third accord of a relationship that was formed more than twenty years ago. The essential intent of the accord is to assure and promote the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and competence among architects in Japan and the United States, thereby fostering special skills and a profound sense of stewardship essential to the development and protection of the built environment in both country’s societies and cultures. The AIA and the JIA share the common objectives of organizing and uniting members of the architectural profession in Japan and the United States; promoting the aesthetic, scientific and practical efficiency of the architectural profession; advancing the standards of architectural education, training and practice; coordinating the building industry and the profession of architecture to insure the advancement of the living standards of people through an improved environment; and making the profession of ever-increasing service to society.

The AIA developed a close relationship with the JIA in the late 1980’s; the first Accord on Professionalism between the partners was signed in Nagoya, Japan in 1989.

Mr. Miller said “Our relationship with the Japan Institute of Architects has been a model for the AIA’s strategy to form alliances beyond the boundaries of the United States. The partnership between AIA and JIA is a continually evolving and dynamic one thanks to the exchange of our leaders’ and our members’ knowledge, experience and creativity. We expect this relationship to continue for many years to come.”

Rick Lincicome, AIA, Chair of the AIA International Committee said, “I am pleased to be renewing the AIA’s accord with Japan, which as a country, has a long and distinguished history of architectural creativity combined with the highest standard of professionalism.”

The 2010 Accord between the AIA and the JIA will be in effect for five years at the end of which time it can be continued or revised by mutual agreement.

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org

About the Japan Institute of Architects
The Japan Institute of Architects (JIA) is Japan’s only professional organization of architects. Its principal role is to define and promote the social and legal status of professional architects in Japan. The JIA was founded in May 1987 and was the result of the unification of two formerly separate associations that shared the same ideology: The Japan Architects Association (JAA) and The Japan Federation of Professional Architects Association (JFPAA).

As an association of free and independent architects, the JIA is striving to create a greater understanding of the field of architecture within Japanese society, and to establish a firm social foundation and recognition for its members and their foreign counterparts.

Visit www.jia.or.jp.