AIA Designations

The name and initials (AIA) of the American Institute of Architects are registered trademarks. This means they cannot be used to represent any other organization, individual, or activity related to the architectural profession without the Institute’s authorization.

One of the membership benefits of the Institute is the right to use the AIA initials as a suffix to a member's name. The Institute’s Bylaws designate specific designations for each membership category, except Allied members, who are not permitted to use the AIA designation. 

Only individuals who are members in good standing may use the designation. Unauthorized use by non-members constitutes trademark infringement and may result in legal action under state and federal laws. Likewise, organizations or companies may not use the AIA name, initials, or other trademarks without a written agreement granting permission from the Institute.

A list of AIA designations is listed below:

• AIA: Architect Member (individual entitled under law to practice architecture and use the title Architect in any state of the United States)

• Associate AIA or Assoc. AIA: Associate Member (individual without an architectural license from a U.S. licensing authority who meets other architectural education or employment requirements set out in the Institute’s Bylaws)

• International Associate AIA or Intl. Assoc. AIA:  International Associate Member (individual without a U.S. architectural license who has an architectural license from a non-U.S. licensing authority)

• FAIA: Fellow (Architect member who has been advanced to Fellowship by the Institute)

• AIA Member Emerita/Emeritus: Architect member Emerita/Emeritus (Architect member who has applied for and been granted Emerita/Emeritus status by the Institute as set out in the Institute’s Bylaws)

• Associate AIA Member Emerita/Emeritus: Associate member Emerita/Emeritus (Associate Member who has been applied for and been granted Emerita/Emeritus status by the Institute as set out in the Institute's Bylaws)

• FAIA Member Emerita/Emeritus: Fellow Emerita/Emeritus (Architect member who has been advanced to Fellowship by the Institute and been granted Emerita/Emeritus status by the Institute as set out in the Institute’s Bylaws)

• Hon. AIA: Honorary member (individual otherwise ineligible for membership who has been admitted to honorary membership in the Institute as set out in the Institute’s Bylaws)

• Hon. FAIA:  Honorary Fellow (architect who is neither a citizen nor resident of the United States, who does not primarily practice architecture with U.S. territory, and who has been admitted to Honorary Fellowship as set out in the Institute’s Bylaws)

To report misuse of the AIA designation by a nonmember, contact membersupport@aia.org. The process for handling designation misuse can be found here.