Why Should You Join?
The AIA is an unparalleled source for peer networking, knowledge development, advocacy, community service, and recognition, leading to better career opportunities and greater influence in the marketplace for our members. AIA Arkansas is an extension of the national organization and provides many services and benefits for its members. Below is a list of these benefits.
ACCESS
- Use of the “AIA” designation after their name which communicates professionalism, provides a competitive advantage and shows a commitment to the highest professional standards and practices.
- Access to Continuing Education Programs to help meet state licensure and AIA requirements and expand the architectural knowledge base as changes in the profession occur.
- Ability to participate in our annual Design Awards Program, recognizing works of distinction by members and bring to public attention outstanding examples of architecture
- Use of LegaLine Services, legal guidance available through the AIA Arkansas and the AIA Trust
- Discounted job listings on the AIA Arkansas website.
- Discount registration to the annual state convention, offering members a chance to attend a variety of continuing education programs including renowned speakers in the profession as well as network and socialize with professional peers in the design community.
ASSISTANCE
- A fully staffed office through our association management firm, Brent Stevenson Associates, who facilitates the flow of information to the membership and manages all AIA Arkansas activities.
COMMUNICATION & NETWORKING
- Receive Columns, the AIA Arkansas e-newsletter, keeping members informed of programs, opportunities, jobs and news about our association, its members and the profession.
- AIA Arkansas web site (www.aiaar.org) which provides information on AIA Arkansas membership, Allied membership, news and events, a history of AIA Arkansas Design Awards, job postings and more.
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
REPRESENTATION
- Advancing members’ interest through lobbying efforts. AIA is the collective voice of the architectural profession, and as such makes sure the members’ concerns and interests are heard by key decision makers at the federal, state and local levels.
- Marketing the profession through public relations campaigns on behalf of the architectural profession as well as maintaining and promoting a positive image in Arkansas.
A list of benefits offered through the national chapter can be found here.
For instructions on becoming a member, click here.
USE OF AIA DESIGNATION
The name and initials (AIA) of the American Institute of Architects are registered trademarks. This means that no one has the right to use them to describe any other organization, individuals, or activities connected with the architecture profession without the Institute’s permission.
One of the benefits that comes with membership in the Institute is the right to use a suffix to the member’s name that includes the AIA’s initials. The Institute’s Bylaws designate a particular suffix that may be used by each membership category except for allied members, who are not permitted to use the AIA’s initials as a suffix to their names. (See list below.)
Only those individuals who are members in good standing are entitled to use these AIA designations. Use of an AIA designation by a nonmember is a trademark infringement and is subject to legal action under both state and federal law. Similarly, organizations or companies may not use the AIA’s name, initials, or other trademarks unless the Institute has entered into a written agreement giving permission. To report misuse of AIA designations or other trademarks, e-mail the Institute’s legal counsel, copyright@aia.org.
AIA—Architect member (individual entitled under law to practice architecture and use the title architect in any state of the United States)
Assoc. AIA—Associate member (individual without architectural license from a U.S. licensing authority who meets other architectural educational or employment requirements set out in the Institute’s Bylaws)
International Assoc. AIA—International associate member (individual without U.S. architecture license who has an architecture license from a non-U.S. licensing authority)
FAIA—Fellow (architect member who has been advanced to Fellowship by the Institute)
AIA Member Emeritus—Architect member emeritus (architect member who has applied for and been granted emeritus status by the Institute as set out in the Institute’s Bylaws)
Assoc. AIA Member Emeritus—Associate member emeritus (associate member who has applied for and been granted emeritus status by the Institute as set out in the Institute’s Bylaws)
FAIA Member Emeritus—Fellow emeritus (architect member who has been advanced to Fellowship by the Institute and been granted emeritus status by the Institute as set out in the Institute’s Bylaws)
Hon. AIA–Honorary member (individual otherwise ineligible for membership who has been admitted to honorary membership in the Institute as set out in the Institute’s Bylaws)
Hon. FAIA–Honorary Fellow (architect who is neither a citizen or resident of the United States, who does not primarily practice architecture within U.S. territory, and who has been admitted to Honorary Fellowship as set out in the Institute’s Bylaws)
Source: American Institute of Architects
UNASSIGNED MEMBERSHIP
Unassigned membership in AIA Arkansas is available to any Architect or Associate member with current membership in good standing in an assigned chapter of the American Institute of Architects, as per the bylaws of AIA Arkansas. Participation in this category of membership is voluntary and provides benefits for the state component of AIA Arkansas membership only and is supplemental to the members assigned chapter membership.
Unassigned membership in AIA Arkansas is available to any Architect or Associate member with current membership in good standing in an assigned chapter of the American Institute of Architects, as per the bylaws of AIA Arkansas. Participation in this category of membership is voluntary and provides benefits for the state component of AIA Arkansas membership only and is supplemental to the members assigned chapter membership.
AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP
Affiliate Membership in AIA Arkansas is available to non-architects, registered to practice their professions where such requirements exist, with established professional reputations. Professional affiliates may include engineers, planners, landscape architects, interior designers, sculptors, muralists and other artists, professionals in government, education, industry, research, and journalism, and other professionals whose work is related to the practice of architecture.