The American Institute of Architects was created in 1857 by a group of architects in New York City. The goal of the first members was to have a place where members could meet for lectures, conventions and meetings. The original 13 have grown to nearly 300 local chapters representing 91,000 licensed architects and associated professionals. AIA members adhere to a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct that assures clients, the public and colleagues of their dedication to high standards in professional practice.

Florida’s state association was formed in Jacksonville in 1912. By 1929 the Florida Chapter had been divided in three chapters, Florida North, Florida Central and Florida South. The Florida South Chapter was divided several times as the region grew. In 1980, the Florida South Chapter changed its name to the Miami Chapter of the American Institute of Architects in 1987. There are 800+ members in the Chapter.

AIA Miami has strived to provide its members with the services, activities and knowledge delivery required to maintain the high standard of profession.

Where architects stand: A statement of our values

Now more than ever, the collective voice of architects is essential for designing a better future for our country and planet. Even in times of change, AIA’s values remain constant. We are at the table with policymakers who are committed to a better built environment and a prosperous architecture profession. But we will not hesitate to call out those whose values we oppose.

Today our nation faces unprecedented challenges: the impacts of a changing climate on our communities and critical infrastructure that is deteriorating from neglect. We need policymakers to put politics aside and get to work. No more delay—it is time to act.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) works to advance our nation’s quality of life and protect the public’s health, safety and welfare, as it has done for 160 years.

Each day AIA members across the country and throughout the world create the places where people live and learn, work, and play. We design hospitals that heal us and houses of worship that sustain us. We create next generation energy-saving buildings to make our communities healthier and safer. All the while, architects work with clients and allied design professionals and construction partners to improve the built environment in a $1 trillion sector that accounts for almost 6 percent of the economy.

These priorities form the basis of our legislative goals for the 115th Congress. They are derived from the feedback we have received from thousands of members since the election. This federal agenda is our blueprint for achieving positive change in Washington by harnessing the power of architects and their allies to advocate to their elected representatives.

Combined with architects’ advocacy in state houses and city halls across America, this agenda serves as a solid foundation upon which we will anchor our profession in this constantly changing political landscape.

Finally, our federal agenda represents the charge from our Board of Directors to reassert our values as a profession. As we have done since our founding we are committed to advancing public policies that seek the greater good and that foster stronger, more sustainable communities and a prosperous, equitable society for all.

This is where we stand—today and every day.