The American Institute of Architects, Potomac Valley Chapter (AIA·PV), a local component organization of AIA, founded in 1955, is based in College Park, Maryland and represents  500 members. The Chapter's territory includes Montgomery, Prince Georges, Frederick, Garrett, Washington and Allegany Counties. In addition to the membership categories indicated above, AIA/PVC also provides Professional Affiliate membership for those individuals who are engaged in a practice or business related to architecture.

The mission of the AIA Potomac Valley Chapter is to create value for its members by providing opportunities to advance their roles in service to society; provide a collective voice to help cultivate the future of the architectural profession; and to foster innovation and sustainability in design.

Community
Cultivate internal and external relationships to better engage and support members in expanding their influence and strengthening their roles in society and the profession.

Advocacy
Increase the public's understanding of the value of a Potomac Valley Chapter architect; take a leadership position on issues affecting the public good; promote sustainable architecture; and support and sponsor appropriate public policy.

Value/Resources
Focus Chapter resources on highly valued programs and services.

Knowledge
Provide members with a lifelong learning environment by identifying and providing continuing education opportunities for the delivery of knowledge, culture, understanding, and skills to survive competitive challenges in business and the environment.

What is the AIA?

The national organization, The American Institute of Architects (AIA), is the largest and most influential professional association for architects, interns, and those directly involved with the practice of Architecture in the world. Based in Washington, DC. the AIA has almost 300 state and local chapters representing over 83,000 members, including a majority of registered architects in the United States.

Two categories of national membership are offered by the AIA. The first, Membership, is for registered architects. The second, Associate Membership, is for those individuals working under direct supervision of a registered architect and working toward professional registration. For more information about membership in AIA, see the Join the AIA section of our website.