The AIAS is an independent, 501c(3) non-profit and student-run organization that is more than just a club. This grassroots association is a cooperative between thousands of students in North America (of all ages and academic degrees) committed to helping each other. It provides a sense of community and a forum to share differing views. The AIAS is also a professional organization that is the official voice of architecture students. Members get the very best information, advocacy, education and networking opportunities.

Most student members experience the AIAS through a collegiate or high school chapter. They participate in events like lectures, job fairs, field trips, social events, community service projects and conferences. For everyone else we offer an Affiliate membership.

All members receive the same benefits and services regardless of the membership type. Below are the premier opportunities offered to our members.

Download the 2009-2010 AIAS Member Benefits Flier (PDF) | Click to jump to Publications

For more than thirty years, Crit, Journal of the AIAS has been the only continuous source of published student work from across the world. The theme of each issue provides a conversation of current issues in architectural education, the profession and design, in general. Student projects are published in an effort to highlight the best of the best in architecture schools. A $30 value, it is free to members.

FORUM is the annual meeting of the AIAS and the official Global Gathering of Architecture and Design Students. There you can learn about issues facing architectural education and the profession, meet students and professionals with common interests, and interact with today’s leading architects and designers. FORUM is held over the New Year’s Eve holiday (cities vary). Members receive substantially reduced registration rates.

The monthly newsletter keeps members of the AIAS community abreast of events, news and opportunities. AIASinfo serves to disseminate information directly related to and affecting AIAS on the international, regional and local levels. It is forwarded to all members via email only.

If you are not receiving it, please contact the AIAS office at mailbox@aias.org.

Enhance your membership by subscribing to these free additional services based on your specific interests. The topics include Historic Preservation, Sustainability and Urban Design and Planning. Through partnerships with organizations like the Congress for New Urbanism, Urban Land Institute and others, you receive access to extra resources to increase your knowledge in these subject areas.

Show off your creative skills and talents. Competitions present unique opportunities to investigate and utilize building materials and design techniques from different perspectives or those that the student might not be familiar with already. In partnership with our sponsors, students can earn thousands of dollars in prize money to support their educational pursuits. Members receive free registration in all AIAS organized design competitions.

Freedom by Design™, the AIAS community service program, utilizes the talents of architecture students to radically impact the lives of people in their community through modest design and construction solutions. Our priority is improving the safety, comfort and dignity of the home’s occupants. Members support the program via their annual dues and helping with projects organized by the numerous participating chapters.

The Grassroots Leadership Conference is the annual AIAS conference for our elected chapter and emerging leaders. It is held each July in Washington, DC. The conference offers programs on how to be an effective leader, how to run a successful AIAS chapter and how to motivate and organize students. AIAS leaders are also informed on important current issues and ideas relevant to architectural students, education, and the profession. This discourse sets the future course for the organization.