Benefits

AIAS Programs

 

Conferences

For more than 30 years the AIAS has been preparing future leaders in architecture through our AIAS Grassroots Leadership Conference and Quad Conferences. AIAS Members receive special member pricing at these events.

Grassroots Conference: Join your fellow AIAS members for 2-1/2 days of professional development, networking, and fun, all amidst the backdrop of our architecture- and history-rich Nation’s Capital! All members receive discounted registration fees to the full conference.

Quad Conferences: Looking to get to know architecture students and professionals from your area, or perhaps an area you’re considering working in? Quad conferences will be in full force in 2025–all members receive discounted registration fees. The Midwest and Northeast Quads have conferences this fall! Check out the events tab for more details! Dates and locations for 2025 Quad Conferences will be announced in early October!

 

American Institute of Architects (AIA)

AIAS members receive a 10% discount at the AIA Store (in DC and online store) when they use the code MEMBER.

AIAS members can automatically roll over to AIA Associate membership for free for 18 months upon graduation.www.aia.org/join/assoc-newgrad

AIA also provides a complimentary digital edition of ARCHITECT magazine to all AIAS members, as well as plenty of opportunities for engagement at AIAS conferences, local AIA chapters, and online.

 

 

Virtual Career Expo/Portfolio Review:

Whether you’re ready to start thinking about internship or job opportunities, AIAS is happy to offer you two different options no matter where in the world you are. The Virtual Career Expo will feature different architectural firms, organizations, and graduate schools, while the Portfolio Review will give you the chance to have your work seen by those currently working in the field. Participation in either or both events is free for AIAS members.

 

Webinar

Whether you’re looking for career prep, information about licensure, working with different materials, or so much more, AIAS’ webinar program may be a useful resource for you. AIAS conducts different webinars throughout the year, with its partners, committees/task forces, and others. You can view these webinars at any time, day or night, from the freedom of your screen! Webinars are free to AIAS members.

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Get Involved

 

Advocacy Through Committees and Task Forces

Join a Committee: Do you want to make a difference in your association? Do you want to make your voice heard? All members, regardless of their experience in AIAS or architecture school, can apply to join a committee or task force. There is no one way to be a leader, and there are so many opportunities to use your voice and make a difference. No matter what you are passionate about, there is a committee for everyone. The opportunity to apply for committee service may be open all year; reach out to your Director for more information!

 

Run for Office

AIAS is the only association run by students, for students. If you have ideas of where the Association needs to go in the future, or an enthusiasm for serving the Association and its members, why not run for the Board of Directors? Consider running for quad or regional director, or set your sights higher, and aim for president, vice president, or secretary/treasurer. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been a member of your chapter’s leadership before. More details and a timeline for the 2025-26 elections will be available later this year.

 

Participate in Freedom by Design

Freedom by Design™, the AIAS community service program in partnership with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), uses the talents of architecture students to radically impact the lives of people in their community through modest design and construction solutions. The program encourages students to serve their communities by addressing issues with design solutions. FBD provides real-world experience through working with clients, learning from local licensed architects and contractors, and experiencing the practical impacts of architecture and design. AIAS student chapters can receive a grant to help their projects progress. For more information, visit here or reach out to mailbox@aias.org!

 

Become an NCARB Student Licensing Advisor

Are you interested in learning more about the licensure process and helping others understand it and the value of an architectural license? You can sign up to join the NCARB’s licensing community and be connected to professionals across the U.S. (You might even be able to get a grant to attend Grassroots for free!) For more information on the licensing community, visit here, and if you’re interested in signing up to become a student licensing advisor, reach out to advisors@ncarb.org!

 

Become a NAAB Accreditation Team Student Representative

The National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) is responsible for the accreditation of architecture programs at colleges and universities across the country. As a student representative, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in site visits to evaluate architecture programs for accreditation decisions, and you’ll be an advocate for architectural accreditation. Visit here for more information on NAAB and the role of student representative, and if you’re interested in signing up to become a member of a visiting team, reach out to president@aias.org!

 

Become an AIAS Activist

The AIAS Activist program (formerly known as AIAS Advocates) provides members with the opportunity to make an impact by using their voice and taking action on an issue or cause that is important to them. Learn how to combine the Association’s resources with your passion to make a difference. Email mailbox@aias.org for more information, and if you’re interested in signing up to become an activist, let us know!

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Get Recognized

 

Use the AIAS Designation

Show the professional community your commitment to furthering the architecture profession as well as your dedication to the Association by using “AIAS” after your name on business cards, resumes, documents, etc.

 

Write for CRIT Journal

CRIT is the journal of the AIAS and the premier publication of students in architecture, design, and associated fields. Published since 1976, CRIT offers a variety of opportunities for AIAS members and acts as a forum for critical discourse and the dissemination of knowledge. CRIT presents opportunities for students to have their work published in a national journal that is read by thousands of students and is a part of the collections of nearly every architecture school library and a growing number of architecture firms. Additionally, contributing to CRIT is an opportunity to develop research and writing skills. For more information about submission guidelines and deadlines, email crit@aias.org.

 

Become a CRIT Scholar

CRIT Scholar is a research-based fellowship program funded by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in partnership with several prominent architecture firms. The program aims to support student research and serves as an exclusive opportunity for students to receive further guidance in their own research. AIAS members passionate about architectural research can apply for a $1,000 grant to fund their research. In addition, the students selected for the program will be personally matched with an architect mentor who specializes in their topic area of research. There will be opportunities for students to present their research to the professional community at the close of the program. The next application cycle will begin in late fall 2024; visit here for more information on the program.

 

Enter a Competition

AIAS, often in collaboration with its national partners, will promote competitions in various areas of architecture. Members can enter as many competitions as they wish, and the winners of the competitions often receive monetary prizes and recognition. Competitions are held throughout the year; visit here frequently for the latest information.

 

Apply for a Scholarship or Fellowship

Architecture school tuition is among the most expensive for a higher education degree. This is before the cost of materials, food, housing, and expensive software. If you are looking for a little bit of financial help for school, or you are interested in winning an award to travel, why not apply for an architecture-specific scholarship or fellowship? AIAS has compiled a list of scholarships and fellowships here; check back periodically for up-to-date information on scholarships, grants, and awards available to architecture students!

 

AIAS Honor Awards

At the heart of all AIAS activities is a cooperative effort designed to transform today’s students into the architect and design professionals of tomorrow. This includes not only an active and involved student membership but also a close and mutually supportive role for faculty, professionals, the design community, and the corporate community who contribute to the advancement of the art and science of architecture.

Each year the AIAS honors individuals and groups for their exemplary work in areas such as leadership, collaboration, scholarship, and service. The AIAS Honor Awards were developed to publicly recognize outstanding achievements by students, educators, and practitioners who have exhibited an exemplary commitment to the education and development of architecture students.

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Resources/Discounts

 

• 20% Discount from our partner Terraviva Competitions when submitting your work!
• 4 free sessions from our partners at BetterHelp!
• A free digital subscription to Architectural Record.
• Access to AIAS’ Learning & Teaching Culture Policy and AIAS’ Public Policies, to help you advocate at your school.
• A full library of recordings and resources to be found here.