Associate Membership

The AIA Orange County is pleased to learn of your interest in joining this professional society. AIAOC believes the programs scheduled will be of substantial benefit and interest to you in your profession.

ELIGIBILITY
You are eligible for Associate AIA Membership if you do not have an architectural license and are:
1. Participating in career responsibilities recognized by licensing authorities as constituting credit toward licensure: or
2. Employed under the supervision of an architect in a professional or technical capacity directly related to the practice of architecture; or
3. Holder of a professional degree in architecture; or
4. Faculty member in a university program in architecture actively involved in research, administration, or the teaching or architecture; or
5. Holder of an architectural license or the equivalent from a non-U.S. licensing authority who demonstrates honorable standing in the profession in the locale in which he or she is licensed. Such persons may reside within or outside the U.S. (International Associate).

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
1. Can I use AIA after my name? Associate Members may use the title Associate AIA, or abbreviated, Assoc. AIA. The privilege to use only the initials AIA after your name is reserved for professional (licensed architects) Members and Members Emeritus only. The laws of the state of California prohibit a non-licensed individual from using the term “architect” to describe themselves.
2. What are my voting rights? Associate Members have full voting rights in all open elections, as provided for in the national AIA Bylaws (and applicable at all levels of organization), with two restrictions. Associates cannot vote on member dues, and they cannot constitute more than 1/3 of all votes in any election. This “1/3 rule” is strictly enforced at the annual national AIA convention, where no more than 1/3 of a chapter’s delegate votes may be cast by Associate Members.
3. Can I hold elected positions? The answer to this question varies depending on the elected position. Some chapters allow Associate Members to hold any elected position, but most provide separate positions for Associate Members on their Boards. Associate members in good standing are eligible to serve on the AIAOC Board of Directors. Associate Members may serve as Directors on the AIACC Board, and have voting rights, consistent with AIA Bylaws. They may also be AIACC Officers.
4. Can I serve on a committee? Associate Members may participate on all local committees, and may also be the chair of the committee subject to local restrictions. Associate members may also serve on many of the committees at National. AIA Regional Directors or the Associate Liaison to Membership Commission may nominate individuals for these positions. AIACC (specifically the President) may appoint Associate Members to its committees.

RECENT GRADUATES:

Recent graduates can join AIA at a reduced rate to all who will graduate with a degree in Architecture. The National and State components offer complimentary membership to graduates of accredited schools of Architecture for the year in which you graduated. In order to participate, you must pay current and local dues, provide a copy of your diploma along with the graduate application, and meet the following criteria:
· Participate in career responsibilities recognized by licensing authorities as constituting credit toward licensure (intern)
· Work in a professional capacity under the supervision of an architect
· Hold a professional degree in architecture

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
The answer to this question varies from chapter to chapter. Dues are based on a three-tiered structure: National AIA, the State, and Local component.

Dues are directly related to the costs of services components provide to their members. The national AIA bills for all three levels of membership: national, state and local. Member firms are also sometimes charged supplemental dues, but Associate Members are not affected by this separate dues structure. National will maintain a membership database for all chapters.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Complete both sides of the application and return the original.
Please be sure to sign and date the application.

2. Licensed Architects are required to submit a copy of their current registration/license.

3. A check payable to AIA (this covers your National, State, and Local AIA dues from now through December 31st) or MasterCard, VISA, or American Express billing information for the amount. Dues are pro-rated. See application for current amount due.

4. Please return all items to the Chapter Office:
4100 Birch Street, Suite 300
Newport Beach, California 92660

Upon receipt, your application will be presented before the AIA Orange County Board of Directors who usually meet on the third Thursday of every month. Upon the Board’s favorable recommendation, your application is forwarded to National AIA in Washington, D.C. for final approval. Processing usually is completed within six weeks. You will receive notification from the Institute regarding your admission date.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact:
Marilee Edgar,
Manager of Membership Services
AIA Orange County
medgar@aiaoc.org