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Membership in the AIA is the right step. Click here to find out how to join. Click here to renew online now. Having trouble with your online renewal? This handy document walks you through the process.

Who are we? The American Institute of Architects is a professional society with component organizations at the national, state and local levels. The Virginia Society is a state component of the AIA, focused on delivering value to architects with statewide impact. Since 1914, the Virginia AIA has represented the professional interests of architects and allied professionals in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Society works in collaboration with five local chapters - Blue Ridge, Central Virginia, Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, and Richmond. These six components join with West Virginia in forming the Region of the Virginia to elect a representative director to the national AIA board. Together with the national component and components across the country, we form one AIA.

Our Mission
The Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects is the voice of the architecture profession in the Commonwealth dedicated to serving its members, advancing their value, and improving the quality of the built environment.

Our Vision
Through a culture of innovation, the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects empowers its members and inspires the creation of a better built environment.

What We Do
While you focus on the business of architecture, the VSAIA supports and protects you by monitoring and influencing legislation and regulation at the state level. Staying current in your profession is critical to your success. We provide a wide range of professional development opportunities in locations throughout the state. Good architecture and design affects the quality of life for all the citizens of Virginia. We communicate the value of your work and the role you play in the community. Professional relationships enrich your career. We help connect you with colleagues who share common challenges, opportunities and interests.

How We Do It

Advocacy
We fight for fair state laws and regulations regarding the built environment. We work to educate Virginia legislators about the complicated issues surrounding the practice of architecture: building codes, qualifications-based selection, statutes of repose, historic tax credits, growth management, historic preservation, and more. We propose state regulations that benefit the practice of architecture. We position architects as leaders in the community through recommendations for gubernatorial appointments. We provide comments and recommendations on statewide codes and regulations. We track and provide you with updates on legislation of interest to architects. We sponsor a Political Action Committee that supports legislators (on a non-partisan basis) who have been identified as friends of the profession. We encourage Citizen Architects by supporting volunteer, elected, and appointed leadership service within government, civic and charitable organizations. Interested in finding out how to get involved in advocacy efforts? Email daber@aiava.org.

Professional Development
We host an annual conference and expo - Architecture Exchange East - to keep you on the cutting edge of the profession (and earn up to 18 learning units). We develop and deliver symposia, seminars, forums and classes throughout the state. We recognize excellence in design and preservation through various awards programs. We assist emerging professionals on the path to licensure and continue to nurture professional growth through leadership development programs. We track continuing education units. We distribute AIA Contract Documents and Code Books. This is just the tip of the iceberg! Click here to find out more about VSAIA Professional Development opportunities.

Public Outreach
We publish and distribute Inform magazine to serve as an active voice for enlightened design in the region. We work to educate members of the media about the contributions of architects and allied professionals to the community. We coordinate the annual Virginia Architecture Week to celebrate the built environment. We support educational programming - for preschoolers to senior citizens - to create a community of design advocates and nurture future architects. Inform magazine publishes an annual membership directory, which is made available to the people in search of an architect (and your peers in search of your professional contact information). Look for several special issues each year, filled with resources to contact the wide range of consultants that provide services to architects. Interested in getting involved in public outreach efforts? Contact rgeorge@aiava.org.

Professional Connections
We sponsor state Knowledge Communities to keep you connected with others who share your professional interests and passions. We mindfully create networking opportunities during all of our events. We promote collaboration between the profession, students and professors in Virginia through programming, scholarships and awards. We help you find a job (or the perfect employee) by offering job postings on our website.

Staff
The staff of the VSAIA is committed to providing member value and service. Click here for contact information for members of the VSAIA staff and board.

Frequently Asked Questions About Membership

What is the VSAIA dues cycle?
Membership dues are calculated on a calendar year, January to December. Look for your renewal letter in October or November. Dues for new members are prorated quarterly.

How am I assigned to a chapter?
Chapter affiliation is assigned by ZIP code based on the home or work address that you selected as your preferred address on your AIA application.

How do I update my contact information?
Contact your Member Services Coordinator, and we'll be happy to update your information at the state, national and local level.

When is the annual meeting?
The annual meeting takes place each year, during November, at Architecture Exchange East in Richmond, Virginia. This event is free and registration is not required. A notice announcing the meeting will be sent each year to all members.

Can I join the VSAIA without joining the national and local level?
Membership in the AIA for Architect and Associate members is a three-tiered organization, requiring membership at each level. Allied membership works a little differently. Allied members are not required to join at the national level, but can join multiple chapters.

What are supplemental dues?
AIA member firms are responsible for paying additional dues for their architectural staff when a principal or owner is an AIA member. Supplemental dues on behalf of the firm are paid by just one principal. Supplemental dues are based on the size of the firm, so larger firms with greater needs pay more, while smaller firms pay less.

Why do I have to pay supplemental dues for my firm?
Supplemental dues support legislative advocacy efforts undertaken to protect the business interests of architecture firms. They help fund efforts which directly advocate on behalf of architecture businesses, including working with public agencies to enforce qualifications-based selection and other regulatory matters.

How is the VSAIA governed?
The VSAIA bylaws and rules of the board define how the organization is governed. Changes to the bylaws can be recommended by the board, but can only be implemented by a vote of the membership. The board is made of directors and officers. Directors are nominated to the board by Virginia's five chapters. There is also one director representing all of Virginia's accredited architecture programs and one representing associate members. Officers are elected each year at the annual meeting. Have more questions? Contact your Member Services Coordinator.