The AIAS is one of five organizations that make up the architecture “collaterals”, a group of organizations that collectively lead the profession. Here is a quick rundown of how the AIAS engages with these organizations to amplify the student voice.
1) AIA – The AIA is AIAS’ largest partner, supporting the AIAS operationally, financially and programmatically throughout the year. However, you may not know that the AIAS maintains representation in AIA’s leadership as well. The current AIAS national president sits on the AIA Board of Directors, while typically the AIAS national president-elect sits on the AIA Strategic Council. The AIA also maintains a liaison on the AIAS national Board of Directors, currently held by Tim Hawk, FAIA, president at WSA Studio in Columbus, OH.
2) NCARB – NCARB also serves as a significant operational, financial and programmatic partner of the AIAS. However, you may not know that each year an AIAS national officer sits on NCARB’s internship advisory committee, charged with evolving the experience portion of the licensure requirement. Additionally, NCARB supports the Architect Licensing Advisor Community, of which AIAS chapters may nominate a Student Architect Licensing Advisor. NCARB also maintains a liaison on the AIAS national Board of Directors, currently held by Dennis Ward, FAIA, past NCARB national president and president of FW Architects in Florence, SC.
3) ACSA – The ACSA and AIAS trade partnership benefits throughout the year when possible. However, you may not know that the AIAS national vice president serves on the ACSA Board of Directors. The ACSA also maintains a liaison on the AIAS national Board of Directors, currently held by Carmina Sanchez, Arch. D., R.A. of Hampton University in Hampton, VA.
4) NAAB – The NAAB leadership is made up of representatives from the other four collaterals. Two AIAS appointees serve on the NAAB Board of Directors at any given time. These positions are currently held by Sarah Killingsworth, AIAS from the University of Houston and Ryan Cusack, AIAS from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Additionally, AIAS members may volunteer to serve on NAAB Accreditation Visiting Teams. The AIAS president appoints this pool of volunteers each year based on submitted interest.
