about the organization

The AIAS (American Institute of Architecture Students) is an independent, non-profit and student-run organization that is more than just a club; this organization is a cooperative effort between thousands of students [of all ages and academic degrees] committed to helping one another. It provides a sense of community and a forum to share your thoughts and have your voice heard. The AIAS is also a professional organization that is the only official representative of students to academia and the architecture profession.

AIAS UB is committed to serve as a voice for architecture students; through membership to this organization, opportunities exist for students to voice concerns and suggestions to faculty and administrators within the university, and to the community at large. Participation in a variety of volunteer and fundraising events allows students to meet their peers and engage in architecture related activities outside of the classroom.

To promote excellence in architecture education, training and practice,
the AIAS celebrates its membership in several ways. Members of the AIAS have the opportunity to have their work published in Crit, the only national journal devoted to the work and critical thoughts of architecture students. Each issue provides a dialogue of current issues facing architectural education and the profession.

To foster an appreciation of architecture and related disciplines,
the AIAS hosts an annual convention, FORUM, providing students with the opportunity to learn about the issues facing architectural education and the profession, to meet students and professionals with common interests, and to interact with some of today's leading architects and designers.

To enrich communities in a spirit of collaboration,
AIAS is taking a proactive approach to community service with several new policies. Among them is the updated public policy "Public Awareness Policy at National Events," that incorporates public service projects at all AIAS national events. In addition to this policy, the AIAS issues a community service handbook to all of its chapters with information on how they can affect their own communities.

To organize students and combine their efforts to advance the art and science of architecture,
the AIAS represents the sole student voice in the decision making process of such organizations as The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), and National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).