AIA Membership

Connect with over 98,000 professionals with a mutual love for the built environment.

  • Sharpen your expertise with continuing education courses and Knowledge Communities

  • Attend free local networking events to build meaningful relationships

  • Connect with mentors and mentees within the profession

  • Develop leadership skills and discover new professional opportunities

To afford members additional time to renew without losing access to membership benefits and resources, the renewal deadline has been extended from March 31 to April 30, 2024.

Membership benefits

Membership Types

Membership is tri-level, with local applicants also being required to join at the national and state levels. Join now as a registered architect, associate, or student.

Architect membership

Open to individuals with an architectural license from a U.S. licensing authority.

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Associate membership

Open to individuals with a professional degree in architecture, those working under an architect’s supervision or enrolled in the Intern Development Program and on a path to a license. This category is also open to faculty members working in university architect programs.

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Professional Affiliate Membership

Professional Affiliate members may include contractors, engineers, planners, landscape architects, sculptors, muralists, artists, those in government, education, journalism, manufacturing, industry and/or other fields affiliate to architecture.

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AIA San Mateo Partners

Strategic partnerships open to businesses that share an interest in the built environment.

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Upgrade Membership to Emeritus Status

If you have been an AIA (Architect or Associate) member for 15 successive years and you are 70 years old or incapacitated, you may be eligible to upgrade your membership to an Emeritus Subscriber Membership. This will result in much lower dues.

Please contact your chapter Executive Director for assistance. [email protected]

AIA College of Fellows

AIA College of Fellows The AIA College of Fellows seeks to stimulate a sharing of interests among Fellows, promote the purposes of the Institute, advance the profession of architecture, and be of ever-increasing service to society.

The College of Fellows, founded in 1952, is composed of members of the Institute who are elected to Fellowship by a jury of their peers. Fellowship is one of the highest honors the AIA can bestow upon a member. Elevation to Fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of the architect as an individual but also elevates before the public and the profession those architects who have made significant contributions to architecture and to society.

If you are searching for information about becoming a Fellow, see the Fellowship Web page.

More Membership Benefits

Continuing Education

Shape your future with top-quality education from leaders in the field. You can earn AIA learning units (LUs) plus HSW, GBCI, and RIBA credits. You can also earn supplemental experience hours for NCARB’s Intern Development Program.

Advocacy

The AIA is your voice in policy and legislation at all levels of government. Our efforts, combined with the power of 85,000+ member advocates, help architects and design professionals protect their livelihood and make a difference.

Industry Research

Shape your business strategies with AIA research and market intelligence. Discover the latest practice trends and their impact on business and growth, see where the economy is heading, get compensation data for firm positions, and more.

Business & Career Resources

Establish a standout presence and take your career to the next level with AIA’s business and career resources. They’ll help you promote your work, make it easier to do business, and streamline the hiring and job search process.

New to the Profession

Over 21,000 of our members are young professionals, and more are joining every day. The AIA makes you a priority with resources to help you create your path and build your leadership skills.

AIA Convention

It’s one of the largest and most exciting annual gatherings of architects and design professionals in the U.S. The people, the ideas, the environment, and the setting all come together for an experience that will supercharge your year.

Recognition

Design excellence is revealed in many ways. The AIA’s 30+ award programs acknowledge and celebrate the diverse professional accomplishments and outstanding achievements of at every career stage.

Membership Discounts

Get exclusive discounts on the products and services you use most. You’ll save on Contract Documents, continuing education, master specifications, insurance, and more. Here’s an overview of the discounts you’ll enjoy as a member.

Publications

Stay on top of the field and what’s new at the AIA with free subscriptions to these publications. You may also subscribe to members-only publications through your state and local chapters. Please contact your chapter for more information.