For candidates earning their architecture license or architects currently practicing, professional organizations offer invaluable resources, community, and growth opportunities. Several architecture organizations provide unique benefits tailored to different interests and needs within the profession. 

Whether you're looking for learning opportunities and workshops or hoping to build a professional community in your area, here are four different ways to take advantage of professional architecture organizations: 

1. Find architecture and design events near you 

Professional architecture organizations offer a wide variety of workshops and lectures throughout the year on trending topics in the profession—and many qualify for continuing education (CE) credit!  

Many local American Institute of Architects (AIA) chapters, for example, host group study sessions for licensure candidates working toward the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®), while the Association of Licensed Architects (ALA) provides targeted resources and workshops throughout the year educating architects on the practical aspects of running an architecture practice.  

Looking for demographic-specific opportunities and events?  

  • If you’re a Latino/a/e licensure candidate or architect, the organization Arquitectos hosts opportunities throughout the year to build community among Latine/x professionals and facilitate cultural exchange between U.S. architects and Latin American practice. 
  • The American Indian Council of Architects and Engineers (AICAE) hosts events that aim to increase the visibility of American Indian design professionals and explore Indigenous design philosophy and its applications in contemporary practice. 

2. Network with other professionals in the AEC industry 

Whether you're interested in volunteering, advocacy, or mentorship, architecture organizations have plenty of opportunities for you to connect with other design professionals.  

Whether you’re looking for a mentor or looking to be mentored, the Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) creates intentional networking and mentorship opportunities across experience levels and disciplines, and the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) offers structured mentorship programs connecting experienced minority architects with emerging professionals. 

3. Get resources for emerging professionals—including available job opportunities 

Many architecture organizations make it easier to research firms and find jobs in your area through local job boards. Local AIA chapters often highlight Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®)-friendly firms for licensure candidates and host NCARB outreach events. Reach out to your local AIA chapter if you’d like them to host an event! 

4. Advocate on behalf of the profession and the public 

Architecture organizations have a history of advocating for issues impacting the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry and the built environment. Arquitectos champions the preservation and celebration of Hispanic architectural traditions. And the AIA continues to tackle urgent issues affecting the architecture profession and the AEC industry at both the national and state levels, including the continued reasonable regulation of the profession and student loan debt relief. The collective voices of these organizations represent the diverse perspectives and needs of architects across the country. 

By participating in these groups, you contribute to the profession while gaining valuable resources for your own career development. Visit each organization's website to see how you can get involved.