Taking the next steps in your career as a newly-licensed architect

You’re now a licensed architect. Here are resources to help you continue your path towards success.

Architects around table

What you should do first

After you get your state license, transfer your AIA membership from Associate to Architect.

In My Account, under the Membership information section, you’ll find a link to a form to change your membership type. Find out more here. If you’re not an AIA member yet, learn more about our benefits and join!

Three ways to maintain a successful career

Continue learning

Growing your knowledge about the profession now will help secure your success in the future.

  • Continuing education: Take advantage of AIA continuing education to maintain your license. There are always new opportunities in your area. Be sure to check out AIAU for online continuing education opportunities, including the Business Foundations Certificate.
  • Business practices: AIA Trust is here to help protect you and your business.
  • Thought leadership: AIA provides you access to information and insights about our ever changing profession. Subscribe to the biweekly AIA Architect digital newsletter, read the articles highlighted below, find more articles in Topics, or check out the Young Architect Forum’s quarterly publication, CONNECTION.

Connect with a community

It can be challenging to determine what your "ideal" career path should be. Connecting with AIA members in your area, nationally, and internationally can shape the course of your professional life.

  • Emerging professionals groups: Work with your AIA chapter's group or start your own. Find your chapter.
  • Knowledge Communities: Sustainability, emerging technologies, small business, starting or managing a firm—no matter your interest, there is an AIA Knowledge Community for you.

Advocate for your profession

Advocating for architecture can be the next step in your professional journey. AIA advocates for architects, the profession and the built environment at the federal, state, and local levels.

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Architects around table

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