THE AIAOC COMMUNITY
Welcome to AIA Orange County
AIA Orange County has received numerous awards for its program material including an AIA California Award for Emerging Professionals, a National AIA Best Practice Award for the Student Design Competition, and National AIA CES Providers Award of Excellence recognizing the Chapter's commitment to an overall system of quality continuing education programming.
AIAOC members are actively involved in AIA governance and committees at the local, state, and national levels.
Why Select an AIA Architect?
Like doctors and lawyers, architects are licensed professionals. The title “Architect” may be used only by an individual who possesses a state license to practice architecture. They are the only professionals in the construction industry who are ethically bound to represent you, the building owner. Professional qualifications generally include:
- College degree from an accredited school of architecture, requiring five or more years of professional studies
- Three years of internship under the supervision of licensed architects
- Passage of eight rigorous examinations
- Only those professionals who have fulfilled these requirements, or other requirements as stipulated by each individual state, may legally call themselves architects and practice architecture in the jurisdiction granting the license. Individuals may be registered, or licensed, in more than one state by means of reciprocal licensing agreements among the states.
Get the Best of the Best - Look for the Initials “AIA”
Look for the AIA initials after the name of any architect you consider for your project. AIA architects are required to remain current with professional standards through continuing education and subscribe to a code of ethics and professional conduct that assure clients, the public and colleagues of their dedication to high standards in professional practice.
USEFUL PUBLICATIONS
You and Your Architect by The American Institute of Architects The Consumers Guide to Hiring an Architect by the California Architects Board (CAB)
About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, members of the American Institute of Architects consistently work to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through over 200 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public polics that promote economic vitality and public well-being. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders, and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world
How to Select an AIA Architect
Like identifying any professional, finding an architect for your project is a crucial task that can be daunting, especially if you’ve never worked with an architect before. But fear not, for AIA has created a number of resources to guide you through this process. We recommend that you download these documents and take a few moments to watch the informative videos. Also check with your state Architects Board to verify an architect’s license prior to hiring.
National AIA Architect Finder: Ready to Find Your Architect? Check out AIA’s Architect Finder to identify AIA architects in your area or contact us at the Chapter for some local referrals.