About
Info
801 W. 12th St.
Austin, TX 78701
Phone 512 452 4332
Currently operating (in-person + remote)
AIA Austin staff in the office:
M/ Tu/Th 8:30am-6pm
AIA Austin staff working remotely:
W 8:30am-6pm
F 8:30am-Noon
AIA Austin is the voice for our region’s architecture community. We advocate for our members, the profession, career development, and design excellence. We influence public opinion and policies that shape our built and natural environment.
The Austin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, AIA Austin serves 1300+ architect and associate AIA Members; and 180+ Allied Member companies in AEC fields in the greater Austin area—north from Copperas Cove and Salado, south to Buda and San Marcos, and west to Fredericksburg. We open doors, provide connections, keep our members and the public informed, and demonstrate our commitment to great design as the key ingredient for livable, sustainable places.
AIA Austin is a professional association incorporated as an IRS 501c6 nonprofit corporation. We are governed by an elected board of members and representatives that authorizes committees to develop programs and services for our members. Committee membership is open to all members and to other interested individuals.
As a 501c6 nonprofit corporation, our corporate policies and financial statements are available for public review. If you wish to view that material, please contact Ingrid Spencer, Executive Director.
About AIA
The American Institute of Architects (AIA), founded in 1857, is the professional organization for 94,000 licensed architects and associated professionals. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., and some 300 state and local chapters worldwide, the AIA helps to build public awareness of architecture and supports the practice of architecture. The Texas Society of Architects is a state component of the AIA, with 17 regional chapters and over 6,000 members.
In addition to meeting professional standards for licensure to practice architecture, AIA members adhere to the AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, assuring clients, the public, and colleagues of their dedication to high standards of professional practice. AIA members must also fulfill annual continuing education requirements to maintain their professional standing and to stay current in the profession.
History
On February 23, 1857, thirteen architects met in New York City to form what would become the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The group sought to create an architecture organization that would “unite in fellowship the Architects of this continent, and to combine their efforts so as to promote the artistic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession.” These precepts have been refined over time, but the mission remains the same.
By the 1860’s, architects from other cities wanted to join the AIA, and local chapters were organized. By 1887, AIA chapters had been formed in Philadelphia, Chicago, Cincinnati, Boston, Baltimore, Albany, Rhode Island, San Francisco, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Washington, D.C.
The Austin chapter of the American Institute of Architects was part of the Texas Chapter of the AIA formed in 1913, then part of West Texas Chapter in San Antonio when the Texas chapter was split into three regional chapters in 1924. In 1938, Austin-area architects requested to separate from the San Antonio group and formed the Central Texas (Austin) chapter. The Austin chapter was incorporated in 1957. Today, AIA Austin is the third-largest AIA chapter in Texas.
source: Texas Archival Resources Online
