The American Institute of Architects is a three-tiered professional association of architects. The “Institute,” as the national level is sometimes called, is the parent organization. In addition, there are state chapters or “components,” (AIA California Council), and local chapters.
AIA Central Valley is the local chapter of The American Institute of Architects that serves architects and the public in the 17 northern California counties of Alpine, Amador, Butte, Colusa, El Dorado, Glenn, Lassen, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Shasta, Sierra, Sutter, Tehama, Yolo, and Yuba. The chapter has been in existence since 1942 and has grown from a group of 5 Charter Members to a current membership of over 500.
The purpose of the organization is to further the art and science of architecture. AIA Central Valley strives to advance these goals by:
- Providing continuing education for architects and other design professionals in the areas of business methods, technical development, design excellence, marketing techniques, practice management, project management.
- Communication to members in the form of a monthly newsletter, seminars, workshops, chapter meetings, receptions, and committee meetings.
- Assistance to the community through leadership in design charettes, and members’ service on local government bodies and community organizations.
- Advising legislators on legislation related to the profession & industry.
- Distribution of standard documents and publications used by the construction industry such as AIA Standard Forms of Agreement between the architect/owner, owner/contractor, architect/consultant, etc.
- Providing a referral service to the public, and fielding questions about what architects “do”, how to hire one, what to expect in the working relationship by providing booklets on “hiring and architect”.
- Providing a resource for research into the various areas of architectural interest.
- Working with allied professions on issues of mutual interest and concern.
Through a strong committee structure, the chapter addresses the needs of a broad based membership. There are currently committees at work with Codes, Housing, Small Firms, Government Relations, Scholarships, Continuing Education, and Urban Design.
The chapter has an outstanding reputation as a provider of professional development seminars. AIA Central Valley seminars for candidates preparing to take the architectural licensing examination are highly regarded.
