American Institute of Architects facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | AIA |
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| Formation | 1857 |
| Type | Nonprofit |
| Purpose | Architectural profession |
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Professional title
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AIA |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
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Region served
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United States |
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Membership
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96,000+ |
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is a group for architects in the United States. It helps architects learn, speak up for good design, and work with others. Their main office is in Washington, D.C..
Contents
History of the AIA
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) started in 1857 in New York City. Thirteen architects founded it. At that time, there were no special schools or laws for architects. Anyone could say they were an architect.
The founders included Richard Upjohn, who became the first president. They met on February 23, 1857. They invited 16 more architects to join them.
By March 10, 1857, they wrote down their rules. They first called themselves the New York Society of Architects. Later, they changed the name to the American Institute of Architects. This was suggested by Thomas U. Walter.
On April 15, 1857, the members signed the new rules. The next year, they added their main goals. These goals were to make architecture better in art, science, and practice. They also wanted architects to work together and raise the standing of their job.
In the 1860s, architects from other cities joined the AIA. By the 1880s, there were local groups (chapters) in many cities. These included Albany, Baltimore, Boston, and Chicago. By 2008, the AIA had over 300 chapters.
In the mid-1960s, the AIA held a contest to design a new main office. It was to be at 1735 New York Avenue, NW, in Washington, D.C.. The first design was not approved. Later, a new design by The Architects Collaborative (TAC) was chosen. It was approved in 1970 and finished in 1973.
In 2007, the building was renamed the "American Center for Architecture." This was for the AIA's 150th birthday. It also houses other groups for architecture students and schools.
How the AIA Works
Who Can Join the AIA?
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has over 98,000 members. These members are licensed architects and other related professionals. AIA members follow a set of rules about how they should act. This shows they are serious about their work.
The AIA has five main types of members:
- Architect members (AIA): These are people who have a license to practice architecture in the United States.
- Associate members (Assoc. AIA): These members do not have a license yet. They work with an architect or teach architecture. They might also be interns working towards their license.
- International associate members: These are architects licensed in other countries.
- Emeritus members: These members have been with the AIA for 15 years. They are either at least 70 years old or cannot work anymore.
- Allied members: These are professionals who work in fields related to building and design. This includes engineers, landscape architects, and people from building companies.
Many local AIA groups offer student memberships. There is also a national group for students called the American Institute of Architecture Students.
The highest award from the AIA is the Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA). This honor goes to members who have done great things for architecture. Only about 2% of all members receive this honor. Important architects from other countries can also become Honorary Fellows.
AIA's Structure
The AIA is run by a board of directors. It also has over 200 employees. The AIA is a national group, but it works through 217 local and state chapters. These chapters are all over the United States and its territories. There are also AIA groups in other countries like the United Kingdom and Japan. These chapters help AIA members throughout their careers.
AIA's Community Service
The AIA watches new laws and rules. It encourages its members to help make decisions at all levels of government. The AIA works with lawmakers and local governments. They try to improve public spaces and make sure buildings are safe. They also work to create good, affordable housing for everyone.
In 2013, the AIA started "Designing Recovery." This was a design contest to help communities after natural disasters. It focused on designing strong, good-quality homes. The designs were shared with communities needing to rebuild.
Professional Growth
AIA members help their profession and communities. They work in many areas, from design to city planning. They also join groups that create new ideas for architecture. Local AIA groups help younger architects. They offer programs for interns and help with exams. They also help members find jobs.
The AIA holds a big meeting every year. It is usually in late spring or early summer. Many architects from all over the world attend this conference.
Teaching the Public
The AIA wants to show people the value of architecture. They want everyone to understand why good design is important. For their 150th birthday, the AIA asked Americans to name their favorite buildings. This helped show how architects have shaped our world.
In 2007, two AIA programs won awards. "The Blueprint for America" helped communities across the country. The "Sustainability 2030 Toolkit" helped leaders build in environmentally friendly ways. These awards showed the AIA's commitment to public service.
AIA Honors and Awards
The AIA gives awards to people and groups. These awards recognize great work in architecture and support for the AIA.
Top Honors Program
- AIA Gold Medal
- Architecture Firm Award
- AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion for Excellence in Architectural Education
- AIA Whitney M Young Jr Award - given to an architect or group that shows social responsibility
Institute Honors
For new and restored buildings anywhere in the world:
- Institute Honor Awards for Architecture
- Institute Honor Awards for Interior Architecture
- Institute Honor Awards for Regional and Urban Design
- Twenty-five Year Award
This award is for a building that has been important for 25 to 35 years. The architect must have been licensed in the U.S. when the building was finished.
For Professional Achievements:
- Associates Award
- Collaborative Achievement Award
- Edward C. Kemper Award
- Thomas Jefferson Awards for Public Architecture
- Whitney M. Young Jr. Award
- Young Architects Award
- Benjamin Latrobe Prize for Architectural Research (from the College of Fellows)
- AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects (from the AIA Committee on the Environment)
Co-sponsored Programs
- AIA/ALA Library Building Awards
- AIA Housing Awards
- AIA/HUD Secretary's Housing and Community Design Awards
Membership Honors
- Honorary Membership (Hon. AIA)
- Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA)
- Honorary Fellowship (Hon. FAIA)
Past Presidents of the AIA
All the people listed below served as presidents. They were also made Fellows of the American Institute of Architects.
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See also
In Spanish: Instituto Estadounidense de arquitectos para niños
- American Architectural Foundation (AAF)
- AIA Columbus, a chapter of the American Institute of Architects
- Architecture Billings Index
- Boston Society of Architects (BSA), a chapter of the American Institute of Architects
- Society of American Registered Architects
- Architecture of the United States
- Architecture of Washington, D.C.
