Supporting communities before and after disasters
AIA’s disaster assistance programs mobilize architects to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters—safely and with resilience.
Delivering impact when it matters most
As systems thinkers, architects are uniquely equipped to support communities facing the complex, far-reaching impacts of disasters. AIA and its local chapters are ready to support communities—whether guiding preparation before a disaster, supporting response efforts, or collaborating to approach recovery strategically.
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AIA IndianaPreparedness. AIA Indiana hosted a joint exercise with the Indiana Building Emergency Assessment and Monitoring (I-BEAM) team to simulate post-disaster building safety assessments. The exercise allowed architects and engineers to practice safety assessment protocols, apply SAP training, and build critical relationships with local emergency management personnel. -
AIA CaliforniaResponse Architects in California are providing pro bono support to homeowners whose homes were damaged or destroyed during the Los Angeles fires. Licensed architects offer one-on-one guidance at no cost, sharing expert advice, resources, and community support throughout the rebuilding process. -
Ben WardTemporary housing. Architects in South Carolina collaborated on a workshop and task force with the South Carolina Office of Resilience, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), SC Housing, and Clemson University to evaluate the state’s post-disaster housing strategy. This effort identified key challenges and opportunities, with the goal of establishing a viable framework and potentially a full-scale housing model. -
GettyAdvocacy. In 2018, AIA successfully advocated for language in the federal Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) requiring FEMA to expand post-disaster assessments by licensed architects and engineers. This legislation also authorizes FEMA funding to facilitate the implementation and enforcement of adopted building codes.
Mobilizing architects post-disaster
The first step toward recovery is assessing the extent of the damage. Architects support building officials and communities by helping them safely return to homes, schools, businesses, and other essential facilities.
Want to help your community post-disaster? Complete the Safety Assessment Program (SAP) training to become certified and ready to assist when a disaster occurs in your community.
Equipping architects across the disaster lifecycle
Supporting communities after disasters requires seeing the full picture—one that considers the people, buildings, policies, and planning. Explore the resources below to help make communities safer and more resilient.
AIA Disaster Assistance Handbook
Your go-to resource for understanding the role of architects in mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Disaster Preparedness Series
Connect with the AIA Resilience and Disaster Response community to advance resilience in the built environment and help communities prepare for and respond to shocks, stresses, and disasters.
Contact us
Want to learn more about AIA’s disaster assistance programs—or need help getting involved?