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. Its main office is in Washington, D.C.. The AIA helps architects learn new things and supports them. It also works to improve communities and teaches the public about good design. They team up with others in the building world.
Contents
History of the AIA
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) started in 1857. It was founded in New York City by thirteen architects. At that time, there were no special schools or laws for architects in the U.S. Anyone could say they were an architect.
Founding Members and Early Days
The first meeting was on February 23, 1857. Important founding members included Richard Upjohn, who became the first president. They invited 16 more architects to join. By March 10, 1857, they had written their first rules. They first called themselves the New York Society of Architects.
Later, they changed the name to the American Institute of Architects. This idea came from Thomas U. Walter. On April 15, 1857, they signed their new rules. The next year, they added a goal to their rules. They wanted to improve architecture as an art and a science. They also wanted architects to work together and raise the standing of their job.
Growth and Headquarters
In the 1860s, architects from other cities started to join the AIA. By the 1880s, there were AIA groups, called chapters, in many cities. These included Albany, Baltimore, Boston, and Chicago. By 2008, the AIA had over 300 chapters across the country.
In the mid-1960s, the AIA decided to build a new main office in Washington, D.C.. A design competition was held. Mitchell Giurgola Architects won, but their design was not approved. Then, The Architects Collaborative (TAC) was chosen. Their design 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 is also home to other architecture student and school groups.
How the AIA Works
AIA Membership Levels
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 for good behavior and high standards in their work.
The AIA has five different 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 architects or are studying architecture. They might be earning credit to get their license.
- International associate members: These are architects who have a license from outside the United States.
- Emeritus members: These are members who have been with the AIA for 15 years in a row. 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.
The highest honor is being named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA). This is for members who have made big contributions to architecture. Only about 2% of all members receive this honor. Important architects from other countries can also become Honorary Fellows.
AIA Structure and Programs
The AIA is run by a board of directors and has about 200 employees. It is a national group, but it also has 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 at every stage of their careers.
In 2013, the AIA started a program called "Designing Recovery." This program helped communities rebuild after natural disasters. They held a design contest for homes that could stand up to future disasters. The winning designs helped people in New Orleans, Louisiana; Joplin, Missouri; and New York City.
Professional Development
AIA members help their profession and communities in many ways. They work on different areas of design and urban development. Local chapters help younger architects. They offer programs to help them get their license and find jobs.
The AIA also holds a big conference every year. It is the largest gathering of architects from all over the world.
Public Awareness of Architecture
The AIA works to show people how important architecture is. They want everyone to understand the value of good design. For their 150th anniversary, the AIA asked Americans to name their favorite 150 buildings. This project was called America's Favorite Architecture.
Awards and Recognition
The AIA gives awards to people and groups. These awards recognize great achievements in architecture and support for the AIA.
AIA Presidents
The people listed below have served as presidents of the AIA. All of them were also named 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.
