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mj100

What are the benefits to joining the AIA?

 
Jul 27, 15 12:56 pm
Carrera

Oh boy, get ready for a firestorm.

Jul 27, 15 1:04 pm  · 
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3tk

+1

Rather touchy subject mostly for political reasons...

- network of professionals to tap into (whether that's a plus or minus is up to you)

- discounted access to documents (contracts, etc)

- a body that lobbies for the profession at local, state and national levels (whether this has been effective is up for debate); I believe they have a full time lobbyist in DC.

- discounted registration fees to national and local conferences where you can earn continuing education credits in one place.

- there's also discounts on business services (http://www.aia.org/about/memberservices/benefits/AIAP074019) which may be helpful if you don't get through another source.

There's no immediate return on investment for most people, but the lobbying/advocacy is useful in the long term.  A lot of people feel that the organization doesn't represent them well.  It tends to be only as good as the people participating in the local chapter...

Jul 27, 15 1:16 pm  · 
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chigurh

you get to be in an old white boys club with all your competition...

you get to pay $600 bucks a year for nuthin.

you can add AIA to your business cards...which the general public associates with licensure thanks to the AIA's crap marketing.  

Jul 27, 15 1:21 pm  · 
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Bloopox

You get "AIA" after your name.  To the extent that the general public has any awareness of architects, many mistakenly associate "AIA" with "licensed" or qualified.  When prospective clients call, one of the first questions from many is "are you AIA"?  I do always briefly explain to them that AIA is a professional organization, and that many licensed architects aren't members - but I sense it goes in one ear out the other. It's a few hundred dollars a year for a title that reassures clients - whether it should or not.

Jul 27, 15 1:26 pm  · 
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null pointer

i like the AIA after my name. i pay for that, and the free booze every once in a while. I've taken to drinking competitively during evening sessions at the AIA center.

 

YOLO.

Jul 27, 15 1:37 pm  · 
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chigurh

what can they do if you add AIA after your name and your membership is lapsed or you were never a member?  I don't think they can enforce disciplinary action like a state board, do they just call you and tell you to stop using it?  Request that you pay their over-inflated fees? Have some attorney call you an threaten legal action?  I guess that is what the dues are for....they gotta pay somebody to troll the interwebs for unauthorized use of their title.  

Jul 27, 15 2:12 pm  · 
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JLC-1

is it a trademarked acronym?

Jul 27, 15 2:13 pm  · 
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quizzical

Like any organization made up primarily of volunteers, you get out of AIA what you put into it. If you just want the initials behind your name and don't have any interest in being active, then the initials are pretty much your sole benefit. However, if you have the time and inclination to participate in a meaningfully active fashion, AIA can provide substantial worth relative to the cost of membership.

I have been extremely active in AIA for nearly 30 years. Over that time, I've served in virtually every local, state and national volunteer position. I've had many opportunities to hone my leadership skills and lobby Congress and our State legislature on behalf of the profession. I've been exposed to many very interesting people (both inside the profession and out) who I probably never would have met otherwise.

Those experiences have led to a number of really important (to me) life-long friendships, plus they've generated many opportunities to "team" with other firms around the country in pursuit of new projects. I've been able to see, and understand, the profession from the inside and - in some cases - been able to participate in activities that make the profession stronger (as one example, serving on the committee that publishes The Architects Handbook of Professional Practice).

Along the way, I've met many members (and non-members) who see only the AIA's flaws (and there are many) and who embrace an undying cynicism about the organization. I look at those individuals and think "you really don't understand what you're missing".

Here, at the tail-end of my career, I would not trade my time in AIA for anything. For me, it's been a great journey and I've benefited tremendously.

Jul 27, 15 2:16 pm  · 
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Bloopox

If you use AIA and you've never been a member, they can report you to your state board for misrepresenting yourself - and they have done so.  Depending on the state you get a warning or a fine, and a public notation on your record that you've faced disciplinary action - do you really want to do that just to be a fake AIA member?

If your membership is lapsed they don't tend to get on top of that very quickly - even their own chapter websites list many people who haven't been members in years.

Jul 27, 15 2:19 pm  · 
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chigurh

holding ones self out an an architect has nothing to do with the AIA, if you are licensed I don't know why a state board would get involved in a pissing match between a licensed individual and a third party professional organization that has nothing to do with your legal standing as an architect.  If you are not licensed, different story.  

wouldn't fake it, just asking what would happen if you did.

Jul 27, 15 2:25 pm  · 
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I totally echo quizzical's experience. I've written about it elsewhere on this site, so I won't repeat it all, but by being an active volunteer in AIA I've met many people, including some in high positions in my city, traveled, and learned about the local business community.

Jul 27, 15 3:01 pm  · 
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mj100

Thanks for the responses...I am trying to determine if it is worth the $600/year (it seems like it might be).

Jul 27, 15 3:13 pm  · 
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curtkram

if you tell people you're a member of the aia when you know you're not a member of the aia, you're acting in an unethical manner.  you're being deceptive.  isn't there a bylaw with most state professional credentialing boards to discourage people from acting in an unethical manner?

why is so hard for people to just be honest these days?

Jul 27, 15 3:13 pm  · 
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x-jla

Putting AIA after your name could probably warrant a civil lawsuit at most...cant imagine that the state could have any police powers over such a thing being that it is a private org...

I went to a bunch of AIA meetings for a while and met some nice people...ate some free lunch...and most importantly I realized that I did not want to be part of traditional practice...For young people it is a window into your bleek future...At first I thought I had stumbled onto the set of a Viagra commercial, but I soon realized that these old guys were not the ones fucking but rather the ones who were getting fucked...Horror story after horror story...it scared the shit out of me...

Jul 27, 15 3:18 pm  · 
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Wilma Buttfit

There are many groups and clubs to join and benefit from. Just another way to look at it. I have served on two boards and volunteered many, many times with different groups and didn't have to pay for much of anything and learned so much and met great people. I don't have need for contracts though, I guess that is why many join AIA and say it is worth it for those alone. 

Jul 27, 15 3:28 pm  · 
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Bloopox

Yes, most states have language about misrepresenting yourself, and about ethical behavior.  If you put anything after your name that asserts that you belong to any group to which you don't, that's misrepresentation.
 

Jul 27, 15 3:28 pm  · 
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chigurh

could always put "A (lower case L) A"  on your business cards :  AlA

Ha!

Jul 27, 15 4:04 pm  · 
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AIA is a trademark especially when context is American Institute of Architects. The same as AIBD. It is protected by Federal Trademark Laws. The civil lawsuit is a Federal lawsuit and can come with still penalties. If you are licensed as an Architect, you can have license suspended or revoked which is possible. In addition, an injunction order by a judge can be imposed not only before a lawsuit but also as a sentencing order.

 

Violating those orders can result in severe fines and/or prison sentence. If Federal judge ordered it, this can be time in Federal prison and not necessarily the club fed prison but could be the "ouch my ass hurts" prison. Get the idea, pretty boy! That is because you be stupid enough to disobey a judicial order which is CONTEMPT OF COURT. 

I have never put myself in that position but other people have. 

Jul 27, 15 5:03 pm  · 
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null pointer

Hi Dick.

Jul 27, 15 5:10 pm  · 
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My point isn't that trademark violation will necessarily result in prison. It would result in fines and any court matter is a serious matter. Don't laugh it off as nothing. This attitude is just the attitude of those who went to jail for contempt of court because that attitude is disrespect of the authority of the court and Judge which by law IS a contempt of court violation when you mock the legal authority. A Judge has the legal authority to apply all measures necessary to stop a wrong including your arrest and imprisonment. 

That is one thing a licensing board often does not have remotely that power on their own.

Jul 27, 15 5:16 pm  · 
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Bloopox

Richard a much more common AIA-related issue in state board proceedings is use of the AIA's logos to mislead the public, unintentionally or not, about being a licensed architect - by using the AIA's logo on websites and marketing materials.  That is one you might want to remedy as you're using an AIA logo on your website.  That has drawn $1000 fines for a first offense in several states.

Jul 27, 15 5:32 pm  · 
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Bloopox

See example here, re George Massey: http://www.boa.alabama.gov/PDFs/Public/Newsletters/SUMMER2006.pdf

(No I'm not in Alabama - it was just the first example I came across in alphabetical order.)

Jul 27, 15 5:37 pm  · 
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Wilma Buttfit

Speaking of being misleading... the AIA misleads the public into thinking that AIA means licensed architect when it does not. They should pay a fine for that while we are at it.

Jul 27, 15 5:39 pm  · 
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quizzical

tintt: "AIA misleads the public into thinking that AIA means licensed architect when it does not"

That's a stretch ... how did you come up with that ?  The AIA merely says that you can use "AIA" after your name only if you are a) licensed, and b) a member of the Institute.

Jul 27, 15 5:59 pm  · 
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proto

I understand the you-get-what-you-put-into-it. But you're paying $600 for the privilege...I can volunteer anywhere and the same rewards apply.

what do you get for your $600?

(I'd like to know what ncarb does for the dues too...other than hold your personal data hostage)

Jul 27, 15 6:06 pm  · 
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As I said on another thread, and I wish I could just cut and paste from it: the benefits of networking with other architects is it helps you meet the entire community and better understand what niches each firm holds, how they differ in their work environment, etc. If you are looking for a job nit he future, or looking for a firm to team up with, or looking for recommendations for a really excellent fabricator for something that will make or break your reputation with an important client, knowing the architecture community in your city is a huge benefit.

By all means volunteer for your local food pantry and bike hub too, but you won't get those industry-specific benefits from them.

Jul 27, 15 6:14 pm  · 
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Bloopox,

My website is a Houzz website. It comes up because of the organizations I am a member of. I am a member of AIA. As such it shouldn't be an issue. 

Is there a specific policy issue. If there is a policy against it, I'll remove it.  It is indicated under Organizations. Don't get me wrong, I do take it seriously. I just want to be sure what is precisely the social media policy matters such as with Houzz where it is indicated that I am merely affiliated or otherwise organizational membership is with.  I need to know what that is precisely.

I do not recall it to exactly have precise fine-tuning as a from the grounds up website creation. 

AIA is not used as an initials after my name. Only those who are architect members of the AIA may do that. 

Those who are not have title like Hon. AIA or Assoc. AIA. 

Jul 27, 15 6:15 pm  · 
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Wilma Buttfit

Quizzical, ask any member of the public if they think AIA means licensure. Many in the industry make the same mistake too.

Jul 27, 15 6:15 pm  · 
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null pointer

dick, your website doesn't even work.

 

 

 

you can't code that shit in cobol.

it just doesn't work.

Jul 27, 15 6:23 pm  · 
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tintt,

That is only because it comes from legacy and outdated knowledge of AIA. At one point in time, the AIA used to only have Architects as members of the AIA. It now has Associate members, Alliance members, etc. 

AIA used to be only architects. The public doesn't know anything about AIA except hand me down knowledge which some of it goes back to a time when it was more true than fiction from grandparents that are old enough to remember that time. These newer membership tiers came about since the 1950s. I believe it was in the 1960s, 70s, and later. 

Where people get their misinformation traces back to older generations and a time when it wasn't misinformation. The fact that the general public knows nothing about AIA membership in general, they need to have that information publicly updated. This will take informing the younger generation and over time when the older generation dies off, this misunderstanding will die off in the subsequent generation or two. So in 50 or so years, people will get it straight and not think of AIA as an architect only club.

Its very name doesn't help to abate the fact. It probably should change "Architects" to "Architecture" and then the public will finally get past that cognitive struggle.

Jul 27, 15 6:25 pm  · 
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null,

I was doing some work on it. So it should be working. I don't have images uploaded at this time. There are other work to be done at some point in time so it would be revised some.

So that isn't broken per se.

Jul 27, 15 6:27 pm  · 
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Richard, I haven't looked at your website (or Houzz site) to verify, but it you are using the AIA logo, you are doing so against the bylaws of the AIA. See "Can Associate Members use the AIA Logo?" here (pasted below). On the other hand, you're good to go on the lapel pin.

 

Can Associate Members use the AIA Logo?

No.

As outlined in the Bylaws, Associate members may indicate they are an "Associate AIA" or "Assoc. AIA" but may not use the AIA logo.

Section 2.23 Rights and Privileges of Associates and International Associates
2.231 Title.
 Associates in good standing may indicate that they are Associates of The American Institute of Architects, subject to applicable state laws, and may use the title Associate AIA or Assoc. AIA, but not AIA Associate nor the initials AIA alone, as a suffix to their names. International Associates in good standing may indicate that they are International Associates of The American Institute of Architects, subject to applicable state laws, and may use the title International Associate AIA or Intl. Assoc. AIA, but not AIA International Associate nor the initials AIA alone, as a suffix to their names.

2.232 Pin and Symbol. Associates and International Associates in good standing may wear the silver AIA pin. Associates and International Associates shall not be permitted to use the gold AIA pin nor the AIA symbol.

Jul 27, 15 6:27 pm  · 
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chigurh

Armenian Institute of Agriculture

Jul 27, 15 6:31 pm  · 
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Volunteer

$600 a year compounded at 6 percent is about $145,000 over 45 years.

Jul 27, 15 6:35 pm  · 
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Thanks E.I.

It seems to be something in Houzz website mechanism applying the logo. I'll take care of the issue. It seems to be applying the logo automatically when noting affiliation. I'll double check with AIA if necessary. Anyone in AIA national office here? 

In the meantime, I'll remove the logo from the site and Houzz profile. Seems like the social media platform itself applies the logo symbol so it is kind of an annoyance that one can't indicate they are members of the AIA. I'll see if there is a way to pull it off but I hate to have to hack the code framework. Given the site isn't exactly providing me source code access to the files.

Jul 27, 15 6:55 pm  · 
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Had a look at it, technically it isn't the official AIA logo. It isn't the eagle in front of the fluted column logo or the fonted The American Institute of Architects.

Either way, I deactivated the showing of the logo on the Website. As for profile, it isn't as simple to indicate membership in AIA in the Affiliations. 

Jul 27, 15 7:02 pm  · 
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Decided to remove reference on the profile on Houzz as well.

Jul 27, 15 7:12 pm  · 
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Carrera

Who cares, hey Richard, give me your address and I’ll send you my gold pin, then send me your silver, I’d rather have silver….my partner has a fellows pin, it’s red, he hates red, we’ll throw that one in too if you promise not to wear an AIA T-shirt.

Jul 27, 15 7:45 pm  · 
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I agree, Carrera! I wanted a silver pin instead of gold then discovered the silver is only for Associates. The F pin is downright clunky but I'm going for my F, anyway. 

Jul 27, 15 7:48 pm  · 
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Carerra, I can buy you a silver pin to be delivered to you unless AIA screws up and mails it to me but then I have to mail it subsequently to you.  I have two silver ones. Just email me your address and go from there. :-)

Any of the pins can be purchased at the AIA store by just about anyone.

I agree, I won't wear an AIA T-shirt.

Jul 27, 15 7:57 pm  · 
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curtkram

all that because you really thought you were going to federal pound-in-butt prison RB?

Jul 27, 15 7:57 pm  · 
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With my professional membership in the AIBD, I got a name tag that is magnetically connected so no pin point to puncture the fabric of blazer or other clothes. The name tag has magnets on the back and a metal plate. Nice name tag... beats those cheap ass sticker name tags. LOL!

Jul 27, 15 8:00 pm  · 
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Beepbeep

Dammit Balkins go get your B.arch or M.arch already! You can even do it online at some schools you wont even have to move!

Jul 27, 15 8:01 pm  · 
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Nope curtkram but I rather not let it get anywhere close to that.

Jul 27, 15 8:01 pm  · 
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BeepBeep,

Have $150,000 to donate?

Assume 4 years and tuition inflation. There is a various ways to go about it but that is about what it would cost. 

Jul 27, 15 8:06 pm  · 
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Beepbeep

state schools are not that much. I went to one and work at a fine firm. Portland state can not cost to much. I will sell you my M.arch for 50.00! I should of become a mechanical engineer!

Jul 27, 15 8:25 pm  · 
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Carrera

Donna - F? You’re pretty squeaky-clean so maybe. Used to take a heavy body of work and awards, but giving out 150 a year they are running out of people. Funny how so many of the current stars we talk about aren’t. Having a close friend or partner that is a fellow is key….having just one fellow who doesn’t like you will sink your ship.

Funny too that we all need licenses and pins, and these guys don’t. They’re casing after the wrong guys.

Jul 27, 15 8:38 pm  · 
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SpontaneousCombustion

Beebbeep he got himself stuck: he can't finish his bachelor degree because he used up all his inancial aid eligibility.  He can't do an M.Arch because he doesn't have a bachelor degree.  He got into the University of Oregon but he couldn't get into the architecture major because it has competitive admissions and he refused to take the SAT because he was afraid he'd be accused of molesting a high school girl (I'm not joking - that's what Richard wrote), so he spent 3 years taking geography courses but not getting a degree. That was after more than 10 years of community college. He can't save up the money to afford the last year of his BA, because he lives in a third-tier city with no job prospects and not enough projects for all the building designers.  But he won't move because he's worried that if something were to happen to his parents (very elderly, early sixties!) his brother would let their historic house fall to ruins. 

Jul 27, 15 8:43 pm  · 
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Portland State is not an online M.Arch and it is a two hour drive to Portland each way. It can get costly in regards to gas unless you have a regular stable income stream. I have to have that duck aligned. I'm not ruled it out at some point. It is just not something I can necessarily do right at *THIS* very moment.

Jul 27, 15 8:52 pm  · 
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Beepbeep

WOW. Can we get a kickstarter or archinect scholarship to get him is damn BA in geography ? He could become a planner? he seems to be intelligent... Just finish the BA Balkins.Or even better What about the military ? ROTC will pay him tofinish his BA.... they paid for my gradate school...plus you make good money and if you are in he guard or reserves its like playtime once a mouth and they let you fly shit even ! I mean I get that things can get hard... I did not come from money you just have to find a way to make it work.
 

Jul 27, 15 8:54 pm  · 
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