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, visit our Membership Information Page.

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 over 500 members, including 428 architects. 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 (Allied Members). Examples of such membership include photographers. contractors, building material suppliers, landscape architects, and interior designers.

All Members, Associate Members and Intern Members of the Chapter are also members of AIA Maryland, the state component organization of the American Institute of Architects, located at One State Circle in Annapolis. The American Institute of Architects and its component organizations strive to promote design excellence in the built environment. Founded in 1857, The AIA is significantly influential as a professional organization for architects and related professionals.