American Institute of Architects

Professional association for architects The American Institute of ArchitectsAbbreviationAIAFormation1857; 169 years ago (1857)TypeNonprofitProfessional titleAIAHeadquartersWashington, D.C., U.S.Region servedUnited StatesMembers100,000+Websiteaia.org The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is a professional organization for architects in the United States. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C. AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach programs, and collaborates with other stakeholders in the design and construction industries.. While many US-based architects are members of the AIA, it is not a professional requirement. History The Octagon House in Washington, D.C., built in 1799 and owned by Architects Foundation (AIA Foundation) 1957 stamp commemorating the AIA's centennial The American Institute of Architects (AIA) was founded in 1857 in New York City by a group of thirteen architects. The founding members include Charles Babcock, Henry W. Cleaveland, Henry Dudley, Leopold Eidlitz, Edward Gardiner, Richard Morris Hunt, Detlef Lienau, Fred A. Petersen, Jacob Wrey Mould, John Welch, Richard M. Upjohn, and Joseph C. Wells, with Richa