Innovate. Inspire. Impact.

About AIA Illinois

Since 1946, AIA Illinois has proudly served as a steadfast AIA component of the American Institute of Architects. At AIA Illinois, we drive impactful initiatives, from advocating for the profession to offering resources, job opportunities, and educational programs that shape the future of architecture in Illinois.

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AIA Component in Illinois | AIA Illinois

Mission

AIA Illinois is the state component of the National American Institute of Architects. Illinois enacted the first Architecture Practice Act in the nation and the state continues to set the trends for innovation today, both in the design field and among AIA components.

From our Springfield headquarters within eyesight of the Illinois Statehouse, we represent more than 4,300 members working to build livable communities from Cairo to Chicago.

Whether you are an intern, sole practitioner, principal, government employee, or a potential client, AIA Illinois advocates on your behalf, provides leadership training, and manages special programs like 200 Great Places and Coloring Book to promote the significant contribution of Illinois architects.

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Strategic Plan

Impact

Advocacy

At AIA Illinois, advocacy is not just a role; it’s a commitment to fostering collaboration and driving change. Through a nonpartisan lens, we forge partnerships, spark dialogues on community design, and safeguard the integrity of public investments. Our dedicated efforts have yielded tangible results, from the robust Architecture Practice Act to pivotal wins like the statewide rehabilitation tax credit in 2018, marking a decade-long journey of unwavering advocacy for our architectural community.

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Outreach

Witness the ongoing growth and expansion of Illinois’ rich architectural legacy as our member architects passionately craft livable and awe-inspiring solutions that resonate with modern living. Through impactful initiatives like the renowned 200 Great Places and the esteemed Illinois Honor Awards for Design and Service, we create a vibrant space to narrate the unfolding chapters of Illinois’ architectural narrative.

Leadership

Through the AIAspire two-day class, AIA Illinois introduces college students to the diverse career paths within and beyond traditional architecture firms, offering valuable mentoring support for portfolio development and interview readiness. Emerging professionals attend the EP Summit portion of the event to experience education, networking opportunities, and more. AIA Illinois demonstrates its commitment to leadership by directing volunteer efforts and financial assistance to esteemed partner organizations and initiatives and fostering collaboration with other impactful entities.

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Guiding Principles

AIA Illinois is guided by duty and honor to serve our members, their clients, and our communities. As the voice of the architecture profession in Illinois, AIA Illinois provides a nonpartisan perspective to assist in the development of partnerships and good public policy. We recognize the diversity of communities and interests within the state but seek to find common ground to achieve better, safer communities while maximizing our public investments.

We develop or support specific legislative positions based on these transparent and permanent principles.

Licensing

At the forefront of regulatory excellence stands the Illinois Architecture Practice Act, a visionary standard that mandates periodic updates to uphold its relevance. AIA Illinois collaborates closely with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Illinois Architects Licensing Board, steadfastly ensuring the preservation of these principles to safeguard public safety and uphold the integrity of professional practices.

Building Codes and Standards

Building Safety

AIA Illinois champions the adoption and continuous refinement of model building codes to fortify public safety and embrace emerging building techniques and technologies.

Higher Standards

Embracing a commitment to excellence, we advocate for codes that promote high-performance structures, efficient energy utilization, and sustainable community design. Furthermore, our advocacy extends to enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities and supporting the evolving needs of the aging population.

Clarity and Consistency

Driven by a vision of uniformity and quality, our aim is to establish comprehensive and consistent building codes and standards throughout the state, aligning with the recommendations set forth by the Illinois Task Force on Uniform Building Codes.