AIA-The American Institue of Architects

The AIA was created on February 23, 1857, 13 architects met in Richard Upjohn's office to form what would become the American Institute of Architects. The American Institute of Architects has grown to a robust, focused organization providing guidance, service, and standards to architects around the world. The AIA continues to strive for quality, consistency, and safety in the built environment and to serve as the voice of the architecture. 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.

AIA Commitment

The AIA has set the rule to:

• 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
• Champions architects’ future by enhancing public belief in the value of design
• Promotes design excellence and outstanding professional achievement through an awards program

AIA Chapters

The AIA has chapters in the 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam and Micronesia and the Virgin Islands. In addition the AIA has international chapters located in: United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Japan, Middle East

AIA Contract Documents

AIA Contract Documents delivers a comprehensive suite of over 100 contract documents that address the full spectrum of design and construction projects. More than 100 forms and contracts comprise AIA Contract Documents. These forms and contracts define the relationships and terms involved in design and construction projects.

Prepared by the AIA with the consensus of owners, contractors, attorneys, architects, engineers, and others, the documents have been finely tuned during their 120-year history. As a result, these comprehensive contracts and forms are now widely recognized as the industry standard.

The most used contract documents are:

• A101™–2007 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor where the basis of payment is a Stipulated Sum
• A105™–2007 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor for a Residential or Small Commercial Project
• A201™–2007 General Conditions of the Contract for Construction
• G702™–1992 Application and Certificate for Payment
• G703™–1992 Continuation Sheet

AIA Memberships

The AIA offers several types of memberships depending on the type of Architect and its role in the construction industry. The AIA memberships categories are

1. Architect Member (AIA) - An Architect member is an individual with an architectural license from a U.S. licensing board. It is one of the most common types of memberships for individual.
2. Associate Member (Assoc. AIA)- An associate member of the AIA, is offered to individuals who can meet one of the following requirements:
   • The individual has obtained a professional degree in architecture from an accredited academic institution
   • The professional is actively working under the supervision of a licensed architect
   • Currently enrolled in the Intern Development Program (IDP) and working toward licensure
   • Faculty member in a university program in architecture
3. International Associate Member (Int'l Assoc. AIA)- This membership is open for individuals who have an architectural license or its equivalent from a foreign licensing board. This membership is offered for Non-US Architects.
4. National Allied Individual Member - This membership is particularly different because it is available for individuals who do not possess an architectural degree, but have special interest in the construction and design environment as a professional colleague or participant. This membership is offered at a National level only. Contact you local or state chapter for more information and how to enroll.
5. Cornerstone Partner - A cornerstone partner is offered for companies or construction material manufacturers, service providing companies for architect or trade association.