American Institute of Architecture Students
The American Institute of Architecture Students is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization providing programs, information, and resources on issues critical to architecture and the experience of education. The core focus of AIAS membership supports architecture students in collegiate schools across the United States, a population of approximately 25,000 students annually enrolled in accredited degree programs. In recent years, the AIAS has also expanded into international academic programs.
The organization represents one of five collateral organizations that govern the discipline of architecture in the United States, including allied organizations: the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture, the National Architectural Accrediting Board, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and the American Institute of Architects. These governing bodies reflect the trajectory an architect will take during their career, from initial education, through licensure, and into practice.
AIAS publishes Crit, Journal of the AIAS and hosts events for students and professionals throughout the year, including FORUM, Grassroots Leadership Conference, and Quad Conferences. The organization was founded in 1956; it was originally called the National Architectural Student Association. Later the name changed to the Association of Student Chapters, AIA, before finding its present-day name the American Institute of Architecture Students.
History
NASA: Before the Space Age
In 1956, architecture students established a continuing presence with the formation of the National Architectural Student Association. Chapters are established at all of the schools of architecture and a regional governance network is formed by the students at the first Student Forum. The students also elect Jim Barry as the first national president. Having accomplished the task of organizing a disparate array of local student activities into a collective voice, the ambitious students of NASA plant the seed for the nationally organized student voice from which we benefit from today.Jim Barry serves as a part-time volunteer from his school with funding provided by the American Institute of Architects and Washington-area architectural programs. During his term, NASA publishes the first issue of LINE magazine, has representatives involved on AIA committees and hosts many interesting programs at the Octagon. The members of NASA also attend AIA Convention in Los Angeles, with special programs designed specifically for students.
From NASA to ASC/AIA
In 1958 the student organization is renamed the Association of Student Chapters, AIA, with the goal of bridging members to the AIA upon graduation. However, staff and leaders of the AIA are concerned in the early years about a separate student organization. It is believed this will conflict with the objective of encouraging students to maintain their memberships with both organizations. At the 1960 student convention the AIA board of directors proposed to abolish the ASC/AIA. John Richards, FAIA, then president of the AIA states, " of the past had not been as successful as had been hoped, and that it was feeling of the staff of the AIA that student organization structure was in need of improvement."Students leaders lobbied to convince the AIA board of directors that the ASC/AIA chapter system was the foundation for the AIA and for the promotion of future generations entering architecture. Final remarks made by student president Charles Jones on this matter foreshadow what is to become. In his speech to the General Session of the AIA on April 22, 1960, he states, "The students have no desire to make this organization so large that it becomes completely out of hand." However, the organization did grow. At the 1970 AIA Convention student president Taylor Culver leads a student revolt. Minutes of the meeting report that Culver and his fellow students take over the podium held by the AIA president and display their strength and solidarity in numbers.
The strength of the organization continues to grow in all directions, and the responsibilities of the officers coincide. In 1972, two-term student president Fay D'Avignon is elected as the first female president of the organization, and also becomes the first ASC/AIA officer to take full-time responsibilities in Washington, DC. This marks a new phase in the organization's efforts to become an autonomous voice of architectural students. This is a significant point when professionals and the AIA relinquish responsibilities to the ASC/AIA in many affairs that directly impact students. As a result, ASC/AIA develops into a unified national voice for students. The number of local chapters increases steadily as does the general membership. With the extra workload, it is clear that the vice president is also needed on a full-time basis in Washington, DC. In 1975 president Ella Hall and vice president Steve Biegel become the first ASC/AIA national officers to work full-time in the National Office in Washington, D.C., as a team. The term for the national officers also changes to the July–June schedule, parallel to academic schedules.
Exhibiting unbridled energy, 1976–1977 team Jerry Compton and Robert Rosenfeld demonstrate creativity and clarity of vision. Notable achievements include solidifying the ASC/AIA growing operations budget, holding the first design competition, publishing the magazine Telesis, and establishing student representation on the IDP Coordinating Committee. Rosenfeld names Crit, which launches the rebranded publication the following year. Crit celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2016.
The following year, Rosenfeld continues on as vice president, with Charles Guerin as president. These two officers start many current traditions of the organizations, including initiating the first ASC/AIA Chapter Honor Award and publishing the first issues of Crit. They also hold perhaps the most unusual competition to date, which concludes with the construction of a hot air balloon that is then launched over the Pacific Ocean.
In 1978 John Jeronimo and Mary Beth Permar collaborate on the continuation and improvement of Crit from a magazine format to a true architectural journal. Additionally, they increase the size of the board of directors to include the FORUM Chair and Crit Editor. The overall operating budget of the ASC/AIA passes the $100,000 mark for the first time in history. Jeronimo and Permar set in motion the largest national design competition to date, the first McDonald's Competition, which includes over 650 entries.
A New Autonomy: AIAS, Inc.
After several years of continued prosperity, the ASC/AIA arrives at a critical phase. The growth of the organization is beginning to outweigh the abilities and skills of the national officers alone. In 1984, after a thorough self-examination, president Tom Fowler accepts the recommendations of the Special Task Force to review the structure of the organization. This report further suggests renaming the organization "The American Institute of Architecture Students", incorporating The organization hires the first full-time Executive Director, Carl D. Costello, who quickly exhibits outstanding administrative skills and an understanding of the interests and concerns of architecture students. That year the organization is officially incorporated in Washington, D.C., as The American Institute of Architecture Students, Inc.With a fresh name and new independence, the AIAS leadership takes to the task of developing the organization. 1985 president Scott Norberg and vice president Whitney Powers dedicate themselves to examining issues that are critical to the architectural scene. During the Kent State Memorial Competition, Ian Taberner's award-winning proposal is rejected by the University "because he was not a citizen of the United States, as required by the design competition". This sparks debate within the AIAS and becomes an issue at the annual meeting. Participation at these meetings is exceptional: over 1,100 students attend the 1985 AIAS FORUM in New York.
Growth and prosperity
The first meeting of AIAS Grassroots Leadership Conference was organized during the summer of 1985. This sets the beginning of a 30+ year legacy of chapter leaders from around the country gathering annually at the AIAS National Office in Washington, D.C., to discuss chapter issues, community involvement and participate in the governance of the organization. Also during 1985, the AIAS holds three national design competitions. In Norberg's second term, alongside vice president Lee W. Waldrep, Ph.D., the number of competitions increases to four; the AIAS initiates the Search for Shelter Program to address the growing issue of homelessness in America; and the AIAS contributes to the AIA Education Initiative by establishing the AIAS Outstanding Practitioner in Education award.Norberg's successor, president Kent Davidson, combines forces with vice president Karen Cordes. During their term, the Search for Shelter Program is further developed with design charrettes across the country. The AIAS partners with Microtecture Corporation to initiate a computer software grants program providing 56 schools of architecture with Datacad computer software with an estimated retail value of $1,000,000.
In 1988–1989 the AIAS accepts its first chapter outside the United States when the Council of Presidents votes to accept Ryerson Polytechnic Institute in Toronto, Ontario. AIAS strengthens its commitment to the housing for the homeless issue with active participation in the Habitat for Humanity program. The "Partners in Education" program is also founded. The sponsorship-based program provides interested individuals and corporations the opportunity to support students of architecture and the AIAS.
In 1989–1990 the AIAS moves into new office space, increases the full-time national office positions to five, and makes a major investment in desktop publishing software. The dues structure for local chapters is also revised to reflect a commitment to the organization by individual member dues, rather that a lump-sum from the entire school. One substantial outgrowth of this revision is the establishment of an active database which allows individual mailings of pertinent information to each AIAS member. A triumph for students this year is the inclusion of a standardized NAAB four-year degree language in college catalogs. This mandate is initiated by the AIAS and adopted by the five collateral architecture organizations the following year.
The 1990–1991 term sees the AIAS experience grow with the addition of thirteen chapters, which pushes membership to a then record 156 chapters. An additional full-time staff person is hired to coordinate AIAS competitions. The year's agenda is largely an affirmation of student commitment to environmental issues. The Environmental Action Committee is established to gather information pertaining to environmental issues and their relationship to the design process, and disseminate this information to fellow students and educators. Two significant position papers on architectural education deficiencies and degree nomenclature are also presented to the collateral organizations by AIAS leaders during this term. These are included in a newly compiled, comprehensive set of AIAS governing documents.
The 1991–1992 officers, president Lynn N. Simon and vice president Kevin P. McGillycuddy, emphasize a devotion to the quality of career counseling and the internship experience. Five national directors focus their endeavors on minority programs, affordable housing, women in architecture, community involvement and career options. The Five Presidents Declaration proposes a single designation for the professional degree in architecture, that sparks discussion and debate among students, educators and practitioners.
At the beginning of the 1992–1993 term the officers and staff work to make the office's duties manageable while combating a budget deficit. But there is continued development when the office produces a new handbook for each chapter to use on the local level, while the 1992–1993 national directors produce informational documents on career options and environmentally safe resources for the studio, and a video on women in architecture. A new system of regional coordinators is also set into place, the AIAS Long Range Plan is developed into a finished document, and the Sustainability Declaration is finalized for adoption by the four other collateral organizations. The membership is at 7,520.
1993–1994 president Garen D. Miller and vice president Christine A. Malecki hire former AIAS vice president Irene Dumas Tyson as Executive Director. The Council of Presidents votes to double individual dues with a goal to maintain a high membership level. Indeed, the 1993–1994 membership grew to 8,025. The AIAS enters the information highway with an e-mail address, involvement on the AIAOnline network, and develops of an all-electronic design competition. The COP approves a historic policy of the AIAS, requiring all speakers invited to AIAS events to verify that they pay their interns legally-mandated wages. Following the lead of the AIAS, the board of directors of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture and the AIA adopt similar policies.
At the 1995 Grassroots conference the Council of Presidents is offered three options for membership dues: $12, $24 or $36. Taking the appropriate action, the COP votes to triple the dues to $36/school year. Unfortunately, the consequence of this action is 42% drop in membership to 3,980 members, however, 85% of the chapters remain active. The AIAS enters its 40th year with decreased membership, but with leaders determined to re-grow the organization.
The next year, 1997–1998 president Robert L. Morgan and vice president Rachel Livingston Ahalt spend their term focusing on the financial viability of the National Office, and organizing AIAS Legacy members to defeat a proposal by the AIA board of directors to investigate the creation of a student category of membership within the AIA. The proposal sparks cohesiveness among AIAS members and debates at the 1998 AIA Convention reaffirm AIA members' support for the AIAS as an independent organization.
Heading toward the 50th Year
The 21st century begins with an exploration on the quality of the educational experience in the school-based design studios. The board of directors establishes a Studio Culture Task Force to study the effects of current architectural education practices on students' health. In December 2002 the organization publishes 'The Redesign of Studio Culture' that outlines the five values for the preferred culture in studios: engagement, innovation, optimism, respect and sharing. These values serve as a basis for making changes to the culture in architectural design studios. Two years later the National Architectural Accrediting Board adopts a 13th Condition for Accreditation requiring schools to have a written policy regarding a positive learning environment in their studio environments. The AIAS also hosts a summit in 2004 to explore strategies for improving the studio experience.The year 2002 sees the addition of two days to the Grassroots conference to focus on leadership education in collaboration with professionals from Georgetown University. The AIAS also reaches its healthiest financial position at the time with a strong organizational reserve, new investment policies, and professional management. Other organizational improvements included a shift in the terms of board of directors to coincide with the Grassroots conference, the creation of Personnel and Finance Committees, the initiation of a strategic planning process and a streamlining of the elections process.
In early 2003, Pam Kortan Day resigns as the Executive Director and the board of directors hires Michael V. Geary, CAE. Efforts then increase to better market the organization, increase membership, expand fundraising efforts, and prepare for the 50th anniversary. In 2004 the organization adopts a new logo and Web site. The new logo includes an "A" in the middle representing a design compass and the "A"s in the organization's acronym. Also at this time the masthead and interior of Crit, Journal of the AIAS and AIASinfo are redesigned by Design Army to supposedly reflect the modern design aesthetics of the members.
The AIAS makes a major shift to elevate the social members of the organization can make by launching Freedom by Design™. The program encourages architecture students to radically impact the lives of people in their community through modest design and construction solutions. Freedom by Design™ teaches students how to resolve accessibility issues while simultaneously providing them with the real world experience of working with a client, mentorship from an architect and constructor, and an understanding of the practical impact of architecture and design.
50th anniversary
In the year 2006 the AIAS celebrated fifty years of organizing students. While operating in an autonomous manner, the organization has not been alone over the years. Allied organizations like The American Institute of Architects, Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture, National Architectural Accrediting Board, and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards work collaboratively with the AIAS. There are also numerous companies, trade associations and professionals who play an important role in ensuring the viability and continuity of the AIAS. More importantly, the 100,000 students involved over the years demonstrate the long-term capability and necessity of a non-profit, independent and student-run association. Freedom by Design begins growing rapidly, reaching chapters across the organization. In 2006, the Beyond Architecture Campaign is launched as part of the fifty year celebration. This capital campaign raised $1.5M in endowment funds to support leadership development programs, including the Freedom By Design community service initiative of the AIAS.By December 2007, the begins causing significant damage within the construction industry. Many practicing designers in the field of architecture lose their jobs between 2007–2012. The United States hits an all time unemployment high, second only to the. The residual damage caused severe impact on architecture graduates trying to enter the field. Many left the practice of architecture entirely during 2007–2014. This major moment in time increased interest in alternative careers in architecture.
In 2008, president Andrew C. Caruso and vice president Tony P. Vanky releases the AIAS Issue Brief on Architectural Education. With rapid changes in technology, this critical and anticipatory document highlighted issues relevant to the future education and practice of the profession. The brief was intended to impact the 2008 review of the National Architectural Accrediting Board Conditions for Accreditation, citing opportunities for necessary and visionary change by way of major themes such as ecological literacy, social responsibility, global change, urbanism, diversity, technology, and culture.
2009 president JW Blanchard focused on ensuring the legacy of Crit to continue as a valuable asset to the membership. Development of resources to assist Quads with conference planning were released, which expanded outreach of regional events within the four territories. Participation numbers for Quad conferences rose.
At the end of 2009, Michael V. Geary, CAE resigns as Executive Director, launching an Executive Search for the organization. Association Strategies is hired to assist in finding a qualified replacement. Joshua Caulfield, IOM is hired in spring of 2010. Between 2009–2011, president Je'Nen M. Chastain, vice president Brett Roeth, and president Tyler W. Ashworth and vice president Danielle McDonough were faced with the challenge of transitioning the organization into the next decade. Strategic planning exercises started in 2006 are carried through to realize long discussed programs, policies, committees, and member benefits that will support growing professional needs of the membership. Implementation takes off quickly into 2011–2012. FORUM receives a record high attendance of 1,000+ students in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Under the leadership of president Nick Mancusi and vice president Laura Meador the AIAS undergoes a Re:Branding effort. Advocacy also shifts forward as a strategic priority of the organization with the introduction of the Federal Student Loans. A four-year financial plan to double revenue is created, with the goal to achieve decade record high membership. New program tracks are introduced at the Grassroots Leadership Conference, and membership services are expanded. Continued growth takes place in 2011–2012. Gradual recovery from the in the United States allows the profession of architecture to also recover.
In 2012 the AIAS is met with the resignation of Executive Director Joshua Caulfield, IOM. President Westin Conahan hires Nick Serfass, CAE as the new Executive Director.
Programs
FORUM
FORUM is the annual membership meeting of the AIAS, gathering 600–1,000 architecture students in one city over New Years. The AIAS signature conference, FORUM, is the largest annual gathering of architecture students in the world.Quad Conferences
Organized by the four regions of the AIAS: Northeast, Midwest, South, and West, Quad conferences bring students together at nearby schools of architecture.Freedom by Design
Freedom by Design is the community-service portfolio of the AIAS. Students use their design skills to address a wide variety of barriers in their communities.Initially focused on just physical accessibility, the scope of Freedom by Design was expanded in 2017 to encompass a wider variety of student-driven projects.
A significant amount of support for Freedom by Design is provided by NCARB. NCARB offers both funding and mentorship for participants.
''CRIT''
CRIT is the journal of the AIAS.Competitions
AIAS administers various competitions throughout the year.Branding
During the 60-year history of the AIAS, the name and branding of the organization has evolved.Name change
1956–1958, National Architectural Student Association1958–1984, Association of Student Chapters, AIA
1984–present, American Institute of Architecture Students
Logo evolution
Referred to as the "Dancing Bunnies" Logo, the previous logo was designed in 1985 by Kim Murray of Montana State University.In 2004 the organization adopts a new logo and website. In 2004, the AIAS introduces a new logo with alternating layered shapes, that are reflective of both the past and forward looking. This suggests a progressive organization that is also respectful of its history. It includes an iconic "A" in the middle representing a compass, an "A" for architecture, and the "A"s in the organization's acronym. A compass is a technical drawing instrument that can be used for inscribing circles or arcs. As dividers, they can also be used as tools to measure distances, in particular on maps. Compasses can be used for mathematics, drafting, navigation, and other purposes. Members of the organization received a pin with this symbol and began wearing it on their lapel.
In 2011 the organization began a Re:Branding effort led by president Nick Mancusci. The redesign was revisited again in 2015, as the organization explored modifications to simplify the 2004 logo.
Colors
The primary color for the AIAS logo will always be hexadecimal #6b8fb5. When AIAS chapters add their text next to the logo and under the AIAS text it will appear in the color hexadecimal #5c6266. The secondary palette, which is only used on material to complement the logo, is the following colors: hexadecimal #364c63, #ffd400, and #e3e2d9.Members and chapters
The organization is made up of members from various chapters across the United States and abroad. Currently 6,000 members strong, the AIAS represents the nearly 25,000 architecture students enrolled in NAAB accredited programs. Being centralized in the U.S., regions are based on four geographic territories: Northeast Quad, Midwest Quad, South Quad, and West Quad.Chapters follow the governing rules of the AIAS set forth in the Bylaws and Rules of the Board; however, every chapter also creates their independent culture based on location, design school philosophies, support from faculty and administrators, and engagement of students.
Chapter leaders serve on the Council of Presidents. This governing body of the organization meets twice a year to vote on business of the AIAS, including election of the board of directors. Meetings of the COP occur at the Grassroots Leadership Conference in the summer and FORUM, the annual meeting during New Years break.
Midwest Quadrant
- AIAS Illinois
- Andrews University
- Ball State University
- Bowling Green State University
- Drury University
- Dunwoody College of Technology
- Ferris State University
- Illinois Central College
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Iowa State University
- Judson University
- Kansas State University
- Kent State University
- Lawrence Technological University
- Loyola Academy
- Miami University
- North Dakota State University
- Ohio State University
- Ranken Technical College
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Detroit Mercy
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- University of Kansas
- University of Kentucky
- University of Michigan
- University of Minnesota
- University of Nebraska at Lincoln
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
- Western Kentucky University
Northeast Quadrant
- Anne Arundel Community College
- Boston Architectural College
- The Catholic University of America
- City College of New York
- Cooper Union
- Cornell University
- Drexel University
- Fairmont State University
- Hampton University
- Howard University
- Keene State College
- Massachusetts College of Art and Design
- McGill University
- Morgan State University
- New York Institute of Technology- Old Westbury
- Northampton Community College
- Northern Virginia Community College – Alexandria
- Northeastern University*
- Norwich University
- Pennsylvania State University
- Philadelphia University
- Pratt Institute
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Roger Williams University
- Ryerson University -Intl
- State University of New York at Morrisville
- Alfred State College
- Syracuse University
- Temple University
- Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
- University at Buffalo
- University of Hartford
- University of Maine, Augusta
- University of Maryland, College Park
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- University of Virginia
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
South Quadrant
- AIAS Fort Lauderdale
- Auburn University
- Central Piedmont Community College
- Clemson University
- Florida A&M University
- Florida International University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Louisiana State University
- Louisiana Tech University
- Mississippi State University
- North Carolina State University
- Oklahoma State University
- Palm Beach State College
- Prairie View A&M University
- San Antonio College
- Savannah College of Art and Design
- Southern Polytechnic State University
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Tech University
- Tulane University
- Tuskegee University
- Universidad de Puerto Rico
- Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico
- Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico
- University of Arkansas
- University of Central Florida
- University of Florida
- University of Houston
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- University of Miami
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- University of Oklahoma
- University of South Florida
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- University of Texas at Arlington
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- Valencia Community College
West Quadrant
- Academy of Art University
- American University of Sharjah -Intl
- American University in Dubai
- Arapahoe Community College
- Arizona State University
- Arizona Western College
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
- California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo
- California College of the Arts
- College of the Canyons
- Comsumnes River College
- Cuesta College
- East Los Angeles College
- Kuwait University -Intl
- Montana State University
- NewSchool of Architecture and Design
- Portland State University
- Saddleback College
- Spokane Community College
- Stanford University
- Truckee Meadows Community College
- University of Arizona
- University of Bahrain -Intl
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Colorado at Boulder
- University of Colorado at Denver
- University of Hawaii at Manoa
- University of Idaho
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- University of New Mexico
- University of Oregon
- University of San Diego
- University of San Francisco
- University of Southern California
- University of Utah
- University of Washington
- Ventura College
- Washington State University
- West Valley College
- Woodbury University
- Woodbury University-San Diego
- Pikes Peak Community College
FORUM
FORUM is the annual conference of the American Institute of Architecture Students, and is the largest annual gathering of architecture students in the world.at the Milwaukee Art Museum, FORUM 2007
| Year | Host City | Host Chapter | Theme |
| 1957–1967 | Washington, D.C. | AIAS National Office | |
| 1968 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | University of Michigan | |
| 1969 | Houston, Texas | Rice University | |
| 1970 | San Francisco, California | ||
| 1971 | Washington, D.C. | ||
| 1972 | Tucson, Arizona | Arizona State University | |
| 1973 | Miami, Florida | University of Miami | |
| 1974 | Fargo, North Dakota | North Dakota State University | |
| 1975 | Phoenix, Arizona | ||
| 1976 | Columbus, Indiana | Ball State University | |
| 1977 | Charleston, South Carolina | Clemson University | |
| 1978 | Sun Valley, Idaho | University of Idaho | |
| 1979 | Houston, Texas | Rice University | |
| 1980 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | ||
| 1981 | Los Angeles, California | ||
| 1982 | Lincoln, Nebraska | University of Nebraska | |
| 1983 | Atlanta, Georgia | ||
| 1984 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | University of Michigan | |
| 1985 | New York, New York | ||
| 1986 | Phoenix, Arizona | Arizona State University | Permagrid |
| 1987 | Boston, Massachusetts | ||
| 1988 | Chicago, Illinois | ||
| 1989 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Tulane University | |
| 1990 | San Francisco, California | ||
| 1991 | Miami, Florida | University of Miami | |
| 1992 | Buffalo, New York | SUNY Buffalo | |
| 1993 | Lexington, Kentucky | University of Kentucky | |
| 1994 | Portland, Oregon | ||
| 1995 | Washington, D.C. | AIAS National Office | |
| 1996 | Denver, Colorado | ||
| 1997 | San Francisco, California | ||
| 1998 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | AIAS Fort Lauderdale | Oceanside Forum |
| 1999 | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Ryerson University | Beyond Borders |
| 2000 | Los Angeles, California | University of Southern California | Transformation |
| 2001 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Carnegie Mellon University | Going Beyond Green |
| 2002 | Chicago, Illinois | University of Illinois | City Reborn |
| 2003 | Austin, Texas | University of Texas – Austin | Off the Beaten Path |
| 2004 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Tulane University | Tourin’ the Vernacular |
| 2005 | Cincinnati, Ohio | University of Cincinnati | Building from Crisis |
| 2006 | Boston, Massachusetts | Wentworth Institute of Technology | Transitions |
| 2007 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee | Architecture in Motion |
| 2008 | Denver, Colorado | University of Colorado Denver | Energy |
| 2009 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | University of Minnesota | Connections |
| 2010 | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Ryerson University | Action Reaction |
| 2011 | Phoenix, Arizona | Solutions | |
| 2012 | Savannah, Georgia | Savannah College of Art and Design | part |
| 2013 | Chicago, Illinois | Illinois Institute of Technology | Unified |
| 2014 | Nashville, Tennessee | The University of Tennessee, Knoxville | Reverb |
| 2015 | San Francisco, California | No host school | Bandwidth |
| 2016 | Boston, Massachusetts | Wentworth Institute of Technology + Massachusetts College of Art and Design | Revolution |
| 2017 | Austin, Texas | Texas A&M University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Houston, + San Antonio College | TEXAS |
| 2018 | Seattle, Washington | University of Washington, Montana State University, Washington State University, + University of Calgary | Cascades |
| 2019 | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Ryerson University + University of Toronto | Contra- |
| 2020 | Chicago, Illinois | TBD | TBD |
Legacy and Board of Directors
The AIAS National Board of Directors are students and recent graduates elected by members to serve the organization's highest office for a one-year term. Elections include a rigorous candidacy at the AIAS annual meeting FORUM, including national speeches, Q&A, and networking. Once elected, the new board of directors undergoes a transition period from December to July. In July of each year the new board of directors is sworn into term at the National Building Museum. Individuals are asked to "raise their drawing hand" in order to take the oath.The President and Vice President, known as Officers, are hired full-time to work together on behalf of the organization out of the National Office in Washington, D.C. Presidents transition into the role of Past President upon completion of their term on the board. Quad Directors work with students from within their region, typically while still attending school. Liaisons are appointed from collateral organizations, including the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture and the American Institute of Architects. The AIAS is supported by a full-time staff led by the Executive Director in Washington, D.C.
Legacy Members
Members who have served the organization are honored with the title of Legacy Member.| Term | Year | President | Vice President | NE Quad Director | MW Quad Director | S Quad Director | W Quad Director | ACSA Liaisons | AIA Liaisons | NCARB Liaison | Executive Director |
| 2018–2019 | 62 | Amy Rosen, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, Carnegie Mellon University | Brigid Callaghan, AIAS, Kent State University | Mike Chiappa, AIAS, New Jersey Institute of Technology | Adam Fogel, AIAS, Illinois Institute of Technology | Paul Bamson, AIAS, University of Tennessee Knoxville | Dominic Armendariz, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, University of Nevada, Las Vegas | Ikhlas Sabouni, Arch D., RA, Prairie View A & M | Timothy Hawk, FAIA, Columbus, OH | Dennis Ward, FAIA, NCARB | Nick Serfass, FAIA, CAE |
| 2017–2018 | 61 | Keshika De Saram, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, University of Minnesota | Elizabeth Seidel, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, Montana State University | Amy Rosen, AIAS, Carnegie Mellon University | Brigid Callaghan, AIAS, Kent State University | Sarah Curry, AIAS, Auburn University | Caitlin Kessler, AIAS, University of Arizona | Carmina Sanchez Arch D., RA, Hampton University | Timothy Hawk, FAIA, Columbus, OH | Dennis Ward, FAIA, NCARB | Nick Serfass, FAIA, CAE |
| 2016–2017 | 60 | Sarah Wahlgren, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, Auburn University | Rachel Law, AIAS, Assoc. AIA, Ryerson University | Clayton Daher, AIAS, Roger Williams University | Jeremy Gentile, AIAS, Illinois Institute of Technology | Jenn Elder, AIAS, University of Tennessee at Knoxville | Elizabeth Seidel, AIAS, Montana State University | Carmina Sanchez Arch D., RA, Hampton University | Steve Vogel, FAIA, Detroit, Michigan | Dennis Ward, FAIA, NCARB | Nick Serfass, AIA, CAE |
| 2015–2016 | 59 | Danielle Mitchell, Pennsylvania State University | Joel Pominville, Clemson University | Rachel Law, Ryerson University | Danielle Jones, Kent State University | Sarah Wahlgren, Auburn University | Ashley Kopetzky, University of Oregon | Greg Hall, PhD, AIA, NCARB, Mississippi State University | Steve Vogel, FAIA, Detroit, Michigan | Nick Serfass, AIA, CAE | |
| 2014–2015 | 58 | Charlie Klecha, School of the Art Institute of Chicago | Obiekwe Okolo, University of Texas San Antonio | Danielle Mitchell, Pennsylvania State University | Nicole Gerou, Lawrence Technological University | Joel Pominville, Clemson University | Kirsten Keane, Arizona State University | Greg Hall, PhD, AIA, NCARB, Mississippi State University | Nick Docous, AIA, Sacramento, California | Nick Serfass, AIA, CAE | |
| 2013–2014 | 57 | Westin Conahan, University of Nevada, Las Vegas | Jennifer Taylor, Tuskegee University | Dave Golden, Drexel University | Ryan Gann, Illinois Institute of Technology | Obiekwe Okolo, University of Texas San Antonio | Andrea Young, The University of Arizona | Marleen Kay Davis, University of Tennessee | Nick Docous, AIA, Sacramento, California | Lenore M. Lucey, FAIA, Interim Executive Director; Joshua Caulfield, IOM | |
| 2012–2013 | 56 | Matthew A. Barstow, University of New Mexico | Brent A. Castro, University of Tennessee Knoxville | Interim: Danielle Mitchell, Pennsylvania State University | Jason Soderlund, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign | Miyuki Tsujimura, University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Westin Conahan, University of Nevada, Las Vegas | Marleen Kay Davis, University of Tennessee | Chris Morrison, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, Washington, DC | Joshua Caulfield, IOM | |
| 2011–2012 | 55 | Nick Mancusi, Taliesin, the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture | Laura Meador, Louisiana State University | Becky Joyce, Drexel University | Bryce Gamper, Lawrence Technological University | Brent A. Castro, University of Tennessee Knoxville | Matthew A. Barstow, University of New Mexico | Thomas Dutton, Miami University | Chris Morrison, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, Washington, DC | Joshua Caulfield, IOM | |
| 2010–2011 | 54 | Tyler W. Ashworth, University of Idaho | Danielle McDonough, Northeastern University | Jared E. McKnight, Penn State University | Michelle Morehead, University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Laura Meador, Louisiana State University | Nick Mancusi, Taliesin, the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture | Thomas Dutton, Miami University | Ed Zeigler, FAIA, Greenville, South Carolina | Joshua Caulfield, IOM | |
| 2009–2010 | 53 | Je'Nen M. Chastain, University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Brett Roeth, Miami University | Dave M.A. Guerriero, Philadelphia University | Jared Sang, Kansas State University | Sarah Able, University of Oklahoma | Tyler W. Ashworth, University of Idaho | Bradford Grant, Howard University | Ed Zeigler, FAIA, Greenville, South Carolina | Susan Zuber, Interim Executive Director; Michael Geary, CAE | |
| 2008–2009 | 52 | JW Blanchard, Southern Polytechnic State University | Deana Moore, University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Anna McCorvey, Howard University | Ashley Wilson, Ball State University | Je'Nen M. Chastain, University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Amy Perenchio, Washington State University | Bradford Grant, Howard University | Stephen K. Loos, FAIA, Lyons, Colorado | Michael Geary, CAE | |
| 2007–2008 | 51 | Andrew C. Caruso, Carnegie Mellon University | Tony P. Vanky, Tulane University | Danielle McDonough, Northeastern University | Brian Dennen, Iowa State University | JW Blanchard, Southern Polytechnic State University | Henry G. Schneider, University of Hawaii at Manoa | David Mohney, University of Kentucky | Stephen K. Loos, FAIA, Lyons, Colorado | Michael Geary, CAE | |
| 2006–2007 | 50 | Jonathan K. Bahe, University of Minnesota | Catherine McNeel, Mississippi State University | Andrew C. Caruso, Carnegie Mellon University | Brian Dennen, Iowa State University | Melissa Schricker, Auburn University | Daniel Brown, University of Nevada-Las Vegas | David Mohney, University of Kentucky | Glenn H. Fellows, AIA, SMPC Architects | Michael Geary, CAE | |
| 2005–2006 | 49 | Eric Zaddock, Andrews University | Matthew Fochs, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee | Travis Bridges, Wentworth Institute of Technology | Jonathan K. Bahe, University of Minnesota | Stuart Thiel, University of Florida | Sean Beatty, Washington State University | Michael Geary, CAE | |||
| 2004–2005 | 48 | Jacob R. Day, University of Maryland | Trinity Simons, University of Arkansas | Eric Zaddock, Andrews University | Ashley Wood, University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Ryan McEnroe, Arizona State University | Michael Geary, CAE | ||||
| 2003–2004 | 47 | Wayne Mortensen, University of Nebraska | Katherine Bojsza, Carnegie Mellon University | Jason Nguyen, Drexel University | Randall Holl, University of Minnesota | Trinity Simons, University of Arkansas | Robert Williams, University of New Mexico | Thomas Fowler IV, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo | Thomas R. Mathison, AIA, Tower Pinkster Titus Associates, Inc. | Michael Geary, CAE | |
| 2003–2004 | 46 | Lawrence Fabbroni, Carnegie Mellon University | Jeanine Gunderson, University of Idaho | Katherine Bojsza, Carnegie Mellon University | Eric Hegre, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Leon Geoxavier, Tulane University | Sarah Peden, University of Southern California | Thomas Fowler IV, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo | Wayne Silberschlag, AIA Burlini/Silberschlag Ltd. | Pam Kortan Day |
- 2001–2002:
Aaron Koch, Vice President – University of Minnesota
- 2000–2001:
Nicole Kuhar, Vice President – University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee
- 1999–2000:
John M. Cary, Jr., Vice President – University of Minnesota
- 1998–99:
Amy J. Isenburg, Vice President – University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
- 1997–98:
Rachel Livingston Ahalt, Vice President – University of Colorado at Denver
- 1996–97:
Casius Pealer, Vice President – Tulane University
- 1995–96:
Shannon Kraus, Vice President – Southern Illinois University
- 1994–95:
Elizabeth M. Koski, Vice President – Arizona State University
- 1993–94:
Christine A. Malecki, Vice President – Carnegie Mellon University
- 1992–93:
Leigh Chatham Hubbard, Vice President – North Carolina State University
- 1991–92:
Kevin P. McGillycuddy, Vice President – Washington-Alexandria Center
- 1990–91:
David T. Kunselman, Vice President – Carnegie Mellon University
- 1989–90:
Catherine R. Miller, Vice President – University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
- 1988–89:
Irene Dumas Tyson, Vice President – Mississippi State University
- 1987–88:
Karen Cordes, Vice President – University of Arkansas
- 1986–87:
Lee W. Waldrep, Ph.D., Vice President – Arizona State University
- 1985–86:
Whitney Powers, Vice President – Mississippi State University
- 1984–85:
Christine Reinke, Vice President – University of Miami
- 1983–84:
Darrel Babuk, Vice President – Montana State University
- 1982–83:
Christina Vina, Vice President – Texas Tech University
- 1981–82:
Nora Klebow, Vice President – Kent State University
- 1980–81:
Margie Miller, Vice President – Arizona State University
- 1979–80:
Kimberly Stanley, Vice President – Clemson University
- 1978–79:
Mary Beth Permar, Vice President – Clemson University
- 1977–78:
Robert Rosenfeld, Vice President – University of California at Berkeley
- 1976–77:
Robert Rosenfeld, Vice President – University of California at Berkeley
- 1975–76:
Steve Biegel, Vice President – Syracuse University
- 1974–75:
Ella Hall, Vice President – North Carolina State University
- 1973–74:
Perry Reader, Vice President – University of Florida
- 1972–73:
Patrick Delatour, Vice President – Howard University
- 1971–72:
Robert Graham, Vice President – Howard University
Mark Maves, Vice President – University of California at Berkeley
James Miller, Vice President – University of California at Berkeley
Bruce Webb, Vice President – Montana State University
- 1970–71:
Stephan Castellanos, Vice President – California Polytechnic State
Gene Lindman, Vice President – University of Illinois at Chicago
Jack Mathis, Vice President – Auburn University
- 1969–70:
Jim Kollaer, Vice President – Texas Tech University
Jim Brown, Secretary/Treasurer – Georgia Institute of Technology
- 1968–69:
Ray Franklin Kenzie, Vice President – Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Richard Kidwell, Secretary/Treasurer – Arizona State University
- 1967–68:
- 1966–67:
- 1965–66:
- 1964–65:
- 1962–63:
- 1961–62:
- 1960–61:
Alexi Vergun, Vice President – Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- 1959–60:
Alexi Vergun, Vice President – Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- 1958–59:
Eugene Burr, Vice President
Allen Roth, Secretary/Treasurer
- 1957–58:
- 1956–57:
Robert Harris, Vice President – Princeton University
Laurie M. Maurer, Secretary/Treasurer