Welcome to the American Institute of Architects New York (AIANY) and the Center for Architecture. Here, two institutions work closely together to advocate for a more engaging and responsible environment for all who create and experience architecture.
AIA New York seeks to cultivate an architectural community that is adept, influential, and just, empowering its members to work at the apex of their abilities. A professional association at its core, AIA New York is dedicated to three goals: design excellence, public outreach, and professional development. Founded in 1857, AIA New York is the oldest and largest chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The Chapter’s members include over 5,500 practicing architects, allied professionals, students, and public members interested in architecture and design. With an objective to empower architects and design professionals through career advancement, AIA New York is dedicated to cultivating a membership that is age, race, and gender diverse. Members participate in over 27 committees to address critical issues facing the built environment. Each year, AIA New York also hosts a Design Awards Program to recognize design excellence in three categories—architecture, interior architecture, and projects. In addition, the Chapter publishes a magazine, Oculus, and a bi-weekly newsletter.
The Center for Architecture endeavors to be the most compelling, relevant, and open place to learn about architecture and urbanism in New York City. Opened in 2003, it set a precedent as the first cultural institution within the AIA network of regional chapters. Focused on public outreach and education, this active venue welcomes architects, design professionals and the general public to engage through a diverse range of activities. Robust K-12 education programs teach over 8,000 children a year from throughout New York City, while a grants program provides scholarship and educational opportunities for college students and scholars. Yearly, a dozen public exhibitions and hundreds of public programs explore topics including sustainability, resiliency, new technologies, housing, historic preservation, and urban design.
Together, AIA New York and the Center for Architecture advocate for the relevance of architecture and design in the midst of a powerful and ever-changing city. These organizations fundamentally believe that design can improve lives.
To do this we embrace values that support civic engagement, equity, environment sustainability, resiliency, new technologies and excellent design that inspires.
