About Us

About AIA

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) works to advance our nation’s quality of life and protect the public’s health, safety and welfare, as it has done for 160 years.

AIA members from across the world assist with fabricating the environments where people live, learn, work, and play. From hospitals for healing, to houses of worship for spiritual wellbeing, we design for the next generation with sustainability in mind to create healthier and safer communities. Architects are the backbone of the world’s design and construction industry. Whether entrepreneurs or small business owners, they do more than just simply create great spaces; they create opportunities.

As an AIA member you have a voice in the values we uphold in our daily practices. Architects are eager to develop new policies to create a better, stronger, and more equitable and sustainable society as natural facilitators and problem-solvers. AIA members are committed in engaging in the policy-making process and to focus the power of design on solving the challenges facing our world.

Being aware of the damaging effects excessive carbon has on our atmosphere, the AIA will continue to advocate for policies that protect the environment by encouraging the design, preservation and construction of high-performing buildings. Reducing the carbon footprint of buildings is not just good for the environment; it’s good for business. According to a 2015 study, from 2011 to 2014, the green construction market generated $167.4 billion in GDP, supported over 2.1 million jobs and provided $147.7 billion in labor earnings. That is why we advocate for policies that lead to energy efficient, carbon neutral buildings.

We stand for federal policies that help firms thrive, not hold them back. That means a tax code that treats architects fairly, small business programs that provide loans and financing support and programs that give small firms the chance to compete. That is why AIA advocates for policies that ensure small firms remain strong contributors to the nation’s economy.

The youth is held back by a lack of access to education and the crushing burden of student debt. This is true in architecture where recent graduates often leave the profession to pay down student loans. Without a pool of qualified architects to design buildings, projects will not move forward, stifling the economic development. So that young professionals remain in the architectural profession, the AIA is an advocate for policies that provide better access and financing for education.

As AIA, we rise to meet the challenges of today with the designs for our future. This is where we stand—today and every day.