Frequently Asked Questions

There are a few answers to this question. First, look to see if there is a chapter at your school by checking out the Find a Chapter section. If there is a chapter at your school please print out a membership form by going to the membership section and download the individual membership form. Fill out the form and give it to the chapter president. He or she will make sure you have paid the correct amount in local and national dues. Your membership form will be sent to the AIAS office by a chapter officer.

If we do not have a chapter at your school, please go to membership section and fill out an Affiliate membership form and return it to the AIAS.

A student may also start a chapter at a school without one. If this is something you are interested in, please visit the Chapter Management section. We can send you a packet of materials to help you organize a successful chapter at your school.

My chapter already had the deadline for membership, is it too late to join the AIAS?

No! It is never too late to join the AIAS. You can join the AIAS at any time during the membership year which runs September 1st through August 31st. Follow the steps above in order to join now.

If I join in the middle or later part of the membership year do I still need to pay the $45?

Yes, the dues are not prorated. You will receive all of the same benefits as any one that joined at the beginning of the year (including any back issues of Crit published that year).

How do I update my address or e-mail address with the AIAS?

If you have a change in any of your contact information, please contact the AIAS. When doing so, be sure to provide your name and school name, along with the updated information.

American Institute of Architecture Students
1735 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006-5292
T 202.626.7472
F 202.626.7414
E mailbox@aias.org

Need assistance immediately?
Click here to send us an instant message (when available).

My major is not in the actual field of architecture, can I (or should I) still join the AIAS?

Yes! Anyone with an interest in architecture or other design-related professions is welcome to join the AIAS.

I’m still in high school, can I (or should I) become a member of the AIAS?

Yes! The AIAS has a special High School Affiliate membership. You can download the form in the Membership section.

What are the benefits of membership in the AIAS? Where does my money go?

There are tangible and intangible benefits to membership in any association. The combined voices of over 6,200 architecture and design students has and does make a difference in: architectural education, internship practices and processes, and the future of your chosen profession.

The AIAS paved the way for a paradigm shift in the way interns are treated. The AIAS is also studying the studio culture environment which resulted in the modification of the NAAB Conditions and Procedures for accreditation.

The national organization is the voice that facilitates the change. Membership dues funds some of those efforts. To a larger extent, though, the Board of Directors approves a budget that allocates dues dollars to programs that directly benefit the membership, and uses non-dues revenue to fund, as much as possible, those programs and overhead costs that do not directly relate back to the individual member.

Direct member benefits include Crit, Journal of the AIAS, a highly-respected international student-relate journal; AIASinfo, our bi-monthly e-newsletter to the membership; funding travel for the Board and national officers (President and Vice President) to visit fledgling and established chapters around the country; support to host FORUM and Grassroots Leadership Conference (the chapter leadership training program held each summer). For more tangible benefits please visit the benefits page and look at the various exclusive discounts you can receive on software, books and other products.

To get the most out of your membership you need to get involved and make changes. As a combined group change can be affected on a “national level.” Membership benefits you and other students across the country in that it helps to remind those who are teaching, those who will see to licensing, and those who will be hiring you that you are here and your concerns over the profession are important and should not be brushed aside.

What is FORUM?

FORUM is the annual convention of the AIAS. More than that, it is the global gathering of architecture and design students. FORUM provides students with the opportunity to learn about important issues facing architectural education and the profession, to meet students, educators, and professionals with common interests, and to interact with some of today’s leading architects through keynote addresses, tours, workshops and seminars.

FORUM 2006 will be held in Boston, MA, December 29, 2006 to January 1, 2007. Please visit the FORUM Web site for more information on the event.

Do I have to be a member of the AIAS to attend FORUM?

No, you do not have to be a member; however it is beneficial to be one. Non-members who would like to attend FORUM will pay much more than members. Membership for the AIAS is only $43 so it actually saves you money to become a member, plus you will get all of the great benefits that go along with membership in the AIAS. So follow the steps in question one and join today!

What are my responsibilities as a member of the AIAS?

What you put into the AIAS is what you get out of it. The benefits of the AIAS come from attending the events and participating in the activities–at the local and “national” level. Your level of involvement is up to you, but the more active you become, the more worthwhile the experience will be. There are so many ways to become involved, please contact your chapter president or the office to find out what you can do to make the most of your AIAS experience.

If you have any other questions please e-mail us mailbox@aias.org and your questions will be answered as soon as possible.