Yes. First, you will not likely have to pay $500 for the AIA designation, they prorate. Second, you'll likely have a reduced fee for being newly licensed. Third, you can pay dues over time.

^ Ditto. And ask your employer if they reimburse for AIA dues. Many employers do.

why join, is the first question you should ask?

So that my business cards look super official...??

Unless your employer pays for it don't bother, there is no benefit.  The AIA has marketed their designation to the public so people assume "AIA" = licensed professional.  It does not.

Just add "Architect" or "RA" to your business cards and be done with it.  Take back our professional designation. 

since I've been registered as an Architect (2012) I've pulled in at least 100 jobs (mainly very small) and NOT once did anyone ask why there was no AIA on my card, NOT once.

I'm registered in 3 states, btw.

If you like sitting in cheap hotel banquet rooms eating bad food, I say go for it.

you can join archinect for free, it is the new alternative to the AIA. 

Alternatively, if you like knowing who all the other architects in your town are, so you know:

-who has niche firms or special knowledge  

-who might be your direct competition

-who is trying new software, moving to a new office space, merging with an ID firm etc.

-which contractors to avoid vs. recommend

-which consultants to avoid or recommend

-what learning unit opportunities are out there (most likely you'r required to get CEUs whether you're AIA or not)

-which firm principals are cool vs. jerks

-which firms are going on a hiring spree vs. letting people go

The idea that AIA will directly bring you *clients* isn't necessarily true, because clients don't tend to hang out at AIA events (except when they're getting awards). But meeting people through the AIA means the people in your field will know who *you* are and if a client comes to them they could give you a recommendation. For gaining specific, inside knowledge of what is happening in *your* community in the design and construction world in general I can't think of a better place than the AIA.

That said, you have to be ACTIVE in the AIA or it won't do you any good at all. You won't meet people unless you volunteer for a committee or event or similar. You get our of it what you put into it.

Donna always coming full force to defend the AIA.

All of the items in her list can be learned by having a simple network of architect friends/classmates/former coworkers.  You do not have to join the AIA for any of that info.

Most AIA members are actually rather protective of all of this beneficial info...Think about it...why would another architect want to give up anything to help the competition? The true failing of the AIA.

For better or (likely) worse, the AIA designation translates as "licensed" in the minds of many people who don't know better.  Who cares?  Well... some of those people hire architects.  It's a pricey "credential" to have, yes, and lots of folks understandably don't pay it.  Others do.  (That tack is more useful for sole practitioners.)

In a way, it's like "architect" itself.  Not everybody gets licensed and uses the term legitimately.  Kudos to you!

If you wait 'til September-ish, your local branch will probably offer a plan to join for 2017 but get the balance of this year included.  That's how I renewed.

do you like golf. because there is much golfing.

design kc as in kansas city?

what letters do i put on my business card for being an active member of archinect?

yep, those who don't, criticize about things they know nothing about.