New graduate? Join AIA as an Associate member—for free!
Graduating from architecture school is a big achievement. Now it’s time to take the next step—and AIA is here to support you with a free AIA membership.
Launch your career with confidence
AIA’s global 100k+ member community is the largest, most influential network of architecture professionals. It’s filled with emerging professionals, seasoned mentors, firm leaders, and design changemakers who are shaping the future of the built environment. Wherever you’re headed—from licensure to your first firm, an alternative career or specialization—AIA helps you make connections, grow your skills, and stay inspired.
Our members agree—91% renew their membership year after year, outperforming the average association by 10%.
Free membership at the Associate level is open to first-time AIA members who have recently graduated.
AIA membership benefits
This isn’t a trial membership. It’s full access to everything an Associate-level membership offers—at no cost for up to 18 months. Get ready to launch your career with confidence!
- Use the trusted AIA member designation after your name—Assoc. AIA for Associate members.
- Access your local design community—and the resources that come with it—through AIA’s 200+ global chapters, the National Associates Committee, and the Young Architects Forum.
- Use the AIA transcript to track and report your AXP experience.
- Take advantage of authoritative resources and the industry’s best continuing education to advance your knowledge, earn AXP experience, and be the best at what you do.
- Take advantage of grants to attend career-building events, pay student loans, and support ARE expenses.
- Take the next step in your career: Find a job, use our salary calculator, find a mentor, and get resume advice.
The right network and resources can make all the difference in your career, especially when you’re starting out. That's why we're offering you free membership that starts on your graduation day, access to the largest professional community, and all the support you need to launch and thrive in your career.
Eligibility for free membership
You are eligible if you are a first-time member and have earned a NAAB-accredited architecture degree within the past 18 months.
If you have not earned a NAAB-accredited degree, you could still be eligible if you meet all the following conditions:
You are a first-time member, you earned a non-NAAB-accredited architecture degree within the past 18 months, and you currently work under the supervision of an architect.
OR
You are a first-time member, you currently work under the supervision of an architect, and you are currently enrolled in an AXP or equivalent activity.
Up to 18 months estimate is based on graduating in spring and receiving the rest of the graduation year AND the following year for free. The free membership period begins upon the date of graduation, not your join date. Graduates of accredited schools of architecture with an eligible undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate degree may receive complimentary Associate-level AIA membership, until you receive full licensure when you will be required to become an Architect member. Non-NAAB degree holders or individuals currently enrolled in AXP or equivalent activity may also be eligible if working under an architect's supervision and that work is in a professional or technical capacity directly related to the practice of architecture. This promotional offer is a one-time offer for first-time members only and applies to national dues. Some local and state chapters charge a nominal membership fee. For questions regarding your local or state chapter, call (800) 242 3837, option 2.
Questions?
Contact us at (800) 242 3837, option 2, or email us.