The AIA/Houston is a chapter of the national professional association of architects, the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Its 1500 members include architects, interns (individuals with architecture degrees who are working toward professional licensure), associates (individuals with architectural training who are employed by architecture firms but not pursuing a professional license), affiliates (individuals involved in related professions), and architecture students. While AIA Houston is primarily an individual membership organization, it also provides services and benefits to architecture firms and Affiliate Firms (engineers and specialty consultants, contractors, and suppliers).
AIA Houston is governed by an elected board of fifteen (15) members. The Board authorizes committees (currently 31) to identify and develop programs and services for members. Membership in committees isto all members and to other interested individuals.
AIA Houston exists to serve both its members and the public. It unites in fellowship the architects of the Chapter area (currently 17 counties in the Gulf Coast region) to do together what they cannot do alone. The major initiatives in the AIA Houston Long Range Plan include both organizational and external objectives:
Organizational:
Developing a leadership training program
Implementing a membership recruitment and retention plan
Expanding a long range financial plan
External:
Creating a forum for public discourse about design
Demonstrating the value of excellence in design
Initiating and implementing programs in the public interest
Building partnerships with other industry organizations
AIA Houston participates in a national network of metropolitan chapters of the American Institute of Architects and is part of the Texas Society of Architects, the regional component of AIA.
