Become a Member
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the nation’s largest organization representing members of the architectural profession. AIA is committed to strengthening the value of the architectural profession in the building industry and the community as a whole. As such, AIA Orange County strives to provide members with a network of support and information, comprised of industry professionals in Southern California.
Choose your membership category:
Architect
Individuals with an architectural license from a U.S. licensing authority are eligible for Architect membership.
Download an application for AIA membership.
Associate
Associate AIA membership is open to individuals who meet one of the following criteria:
- Professional degree in architecture
- Currently work under the supervision of an architect
- Currently enrolled in the Intern Development Program (IDP) and working toward licensure
- Faculty member in a university program in architecture
Download an application for Associate AIA membership.
International Associate
Individuals who have an architecture license or equivalent from a non-U.S. licensing authority are eligible for International Associate membership.
Download an application for International Associate AIA membership.
Affiliate
Individuals who do not hold a degree in architecture but share a special interest in the built environment as a professional colleague can join AIA Orange County as an Affiliate member. This category of membership is local and open to: engineers, contractors, designers, landscape architects, attorneys, artists, design and construction-related consultants, as well as product vendors, distributors and manufacturers.
Download an application for Affiliate/Allied membership
Benefits
Professional Affiliate members receive many of the basic benefits enjoyed by architect and associate members. This means you can share Chapter resources, programs, services, and activities. “Share” is the key word – Affiliate members learn from architects as much as they inform architects about their own disciplines, professions, products and concerns.
Purpose
The Professional Affiliate classification is intended specifically for professionals that work in industries related to architecture. It represents an opportunity to increase communication between professionals and helps promote the common objective of advancing the architectural profession.
Privileges and Restrictions
- Professional Affiliates (PAL) belong to the Local Chapter only.
- A Professional Affiliate (PAL) member may serve on any Chapter committee that is not concerned with disciplinary matters or any duty of the Executive Committee and whose membership is not otherwise limited by the AIA OC and/or the Institute By-laws.
- A Professional Affiliate (PAL) member may not make motions, vote, serve as chairperson, or hold office on the board of directors/
- A Professional Affiliate (PAL) member may attend any meeting or function of the Chapter.
Membership Services
- AIAOC Update – electronic weekly bulletin of events and programs produced by the Chapter and partner organizations
- Present continuing education seminars for the benefit of the members through the Chapter’s Lifelong Learning program
- Keep members informed of any industry-wide changes in local building code revisions.
- Online Professional Affiliate Member Services Search for professionals seeking referrals to AIAOC Professional Affiliate members
- Online Job Bank for employees seeking employment and employers searching for employees, free to AIAOC members
- AIA contract documents (paper and electronic), handbooks, and bulletins, available to members at discounted rates
Educational/Professional Development
- Chapter meetings providing networking opportunities
- Professional development seminars
- State, Regional and National Conventions
Public Service For the Orange County Community
- Various community activities which help to raise the public’s awareness of the design professions
- News releases to local newspapers and periodicals
- Annual design competition for community college students
All of these services are available to AIA Orange County Professional Affiliate (PAL) Members. In addition, your participation in Chapter meetings and activities help strengthen unity and communication among design professionals in all disciplines, thus increasing your network for referrals.
Executive Professional Affiliate Guidelines Executive Affiliate Benefits
Your Individual Affiliate membership represents an opportunity to increase communication between professionals and helps promote the common objective of advancing the architectural profession. The Executive Affiliate membership offers additional benefits and visibility created for you and your company. These new benefits include:
- AIAOC membership mailing labels, quarterly upon request ($600 value)
- Addition of six representatives from your company to the distribution lists.
- Complimentary admission for four at the Year-End Party.
To take advantage of the Affiliate or Executive Affiliate membership, please choose this level of membership on the attached application, and include the appropriate dues payment. Please send the application and payment to:
4100 Birch Street, Suite 300, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Should you have questions, please contact Marilee Edgar at medgar@aiaoc.org.
Download an application for Affiliate membership in AIA Orange County.
Student
Individual currently enrolled in an architecture or architecture-related program at a local institution. Proof of full time student status is required with your application. Student membership provides local benefits only. This membership is separate from the “AIA Student” (AIAS) organization.
