The AIA-AGC  partnership began in 1948 as both organizations formed the AIA-AGC National Joint Cooperative Committee.

The goal and purpose of the committee was to "consider problems in building construction of mutual concern to architects, contractors and the public." In 1994, the group changed its name to its current official name “The AIA-AGC Joint Committee.”

The committee is a 22-person group – 11 architects and 11 contractors - and its primary focus is to consistently promote and foster the collaboration between architects and contractors. What makes this committee special is that there is no similar group of individuals within the AIA or AGC who are seen as thought leaders within their respective fields. The ideas and guidance the committee provides to both sets of member groups is highly regarded and respected.

In order to accomplish the mission of collaboration the committee executes and focuses on the following:

• providing a working level liaison with each organization, and a forum for the exchange of information on matters of mutual concern;
• representing and advancing current positions, views and goals of the AGC Building Division and the AIA;
• acting on matters of direct interest to architects and building contractors as they relate to their participation in the construction process;
• promoting and increasing joint activities between the national organizations and their local chapters and components in order to enhance industry professionalism consistent with each association's policies and procedures; and
• in making recommendations on matters requiring attention at the highest organizational level of each association.