About The American Institute of Architects
AIA History The American Institute of Architects (AIA) was created in 1857. Through education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach activities, the AIA works toward a public environment that is responsive to the people it serves while representing the professional interests of America's architects. In close concert with other members of the design and construction team, the AIA also works to fulfill its commitment to help coordinate the building industry.
As members of the AIA, more than 72,000 licensed architects and associated professionals express their commitment to quality design and livability in our built environments.
Architect members are currently licensed to practice architecture in the U.S. Associate members are unlicensed to practice architecture, but they do meet one of the following criteria. They are working under the supervision of an architect in a professional or technical capacity; they have earned professional degrees in architecture; they are faculty members in a university program in architecture; or they are interns earning credit toward licensure.
International associate members hold an architecture license or the equivalent from a licensing authority outside the U.S.
Emeritus members have been AIA members for 15 successive years and are at least 70 years of age, or they are at least 60 years of age and fully retired, or they are incapacitated so as to be unable to work in the profession.
Allied members are individuals whose professions are related to the building and design community, such as engineers, landscape architects, or planners; or senior executive staff from building and design-related companies, including publishers, product manufacturers, and research firms. Allied membership is a partnership with the AIA and The American Architectural Foundation.
Although the AIA functions as a national organization, at its heart are more than 300 local and state organizations providing members with the essential local focus that reflects the nature of their professional lives. AIA members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct that assures clients, the public, and colleagues of an architect's dedication to the highest standards in professional practice.
By speaking with a united voice, AIA architects can influence government practices that affect the practice of the profession and the quality of American life. The Institute constantly monitors legislative and regulatory actions and uses the collective power of its membership to participate in decision making by federal, state, and local policy makers. To serve the public at large, the AIA's community-based programs work in concert with federal legislators and local governments to elevate the design of public spaces, protect the nation's infrastructure, and develop well-designed affordable housing for all Americans.
To learn more about the role of advocacy at the AIA, contact AIA Government Advocacy at (202) 626-7507 or govaffs@aia.org.
Contact Us
To learn more about building permitting information or our organization contact the AIA.
Mailing address:
The American Institute of Architects
1735 New York Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20006-5292
Phone: 800-AIA-3837 or 202-626-7300
Facsimile: 202-626-7583