About The AIA

About the American Institute of Architects

Based in Washington, D.C., the AIA has been the leading professional membership association for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners since 1857. For the latest news, visit the Pressroom.

Our Goal

With nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA serves as the voice of the architecture profession and the resource for our members in service to society. (View the AIA 2010-2015 Strategic Plan and the AIA Strategic Plan Toolkit.)

We carry out our goal through advocacy, information, and community. Each year the AIA

• Sponsors hundreds of continuing education experiences to help architects maintain their licensure
• Sets the industry standard in contract documents with more than 100 forms and contracts used in the design and construction industry
• Provides countless Web-based resources for emerging architecture professionals
• Conducts market research and provides analysis of the economic factors that affect the business of architecture
• Hosts the annual AIA National Convention and Design Exposition
• Serves as an advocate of the architecture profession
• Promotes design excellence and outstanding professional achievement through an awards program

AIA Member Groups

AIA member groups help you meet like-minded architecture professionals who share the same interests, expertise, and experience; get to know each other; and stay informed of the latest issues and trends.

Communities on the Web

• Connect, share, and learn from like-minded design professionals on
  AIA KnowledgeNet
• Share inspiring architecture images on Instagram and Pinterest
• Develop professional contacts on LinkedIn and Facebook
• See what your colleagues are watching on the AIA channel on YouTube
• Follow AIA National on Twitter

(Want to find even more of our online communities? Connect with the AIA.)

Not a member yet? We invite you to learn more about membership in the AIA and join our vibrant community.