What We Do

MISSION: Advancing leadership, design, and service among architecture students

What We are Working Toward

VISION: A more sustainable, healthy, and equitable future through the empowerment of student voices, ideas, and actions

We promote excellence in architecture education, and training:

Architectural practice is constantly evolving and we understand that a large part of this evolution begins within education. The AIAS strives to be ahead of the curve; providing our members with invaluable experiences that will prepare them for entering the profession and beyond.

We foster an appreciation of architecture, design and related disciplines:

Our events and programs are geared towards encouraging students to discover and ignite their true passions. Each AIAS opportunity is developed to appeal to students of varying backgrounds, experience levels, and interests. 

We enrich communities in a spirit of collaboration:

Through the Freedom by Design™ program and other community outreach, we empower our members and students as a whole to be good citizens on their campuses and in their communities.

We organize students and combine their efforts to advance the art and policy of architecture:

We are the sole student voice in the discussion and decision-making process in a strategic alliance that includes the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), and the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA).

Who We Are

The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization dedicated to providing unmatched progressive programs, information, and resources on issues critical to architecture and the experience of education. The AIAS aims to promote excellence in architectural education, training, and practice; to foster an appreciation of architecture and related disciplines; to enrich communities in a spirit of collaboration; and to organize students and combine their efforts to advance the art and science of architecture.

These value statements reflect our programs, events, initiatives, and culture that can help tell the story of an AIAS member.

AIAS VALUE STATEMENTS:

IMPACT: We advocate for and enact positive change.

COMMUNITY: We foster an inclusive network of peers that learn from, support, and drive one another.

GROWTH: We inspire students to reach their greatest potential through meaningful learning opportunities.

PASSION: We pursue large goals and aspirations through each member’s enthusiasm.

PERSPECTIVE: We link the profession’s opportunities to architectural education.

BALANCE: We promote respectful relationships, an environment of diversity, and a thriving studio culture