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About Us |
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The American Institute of Architects Washington Council (AIA|WA) is a professional society comprised of registered architects in the State of Washington. With a sixteen-member governing Board of Directors, representing architects statewide and over 2,000 members the AIA|WA is the Washington architect's voice on state policy matters. There are several different divisions within the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to help architects at different levels – nationally, regionally, statewide, and locally. The AIA|WA is a State arm of the AIA that is focused on policy and politics. The AIA was first present in Seattle Washington 1881. The AIA|WA was established later, in 1960, on the principle that government policies effect State architecture and therefore architects should have a voice in their creation. The AIA|WA mission clearly defines our purpose: to serve our members through influencing state government with regard to issues that impact the practice of architecture. The AIA|WA has made a lot of strides since 1960, far too many to mention here. But one of the most highly regarded changes AIA|WA has made came recently, in 2005. That year AIA|WA helped to pass the first law in the Nation which required that publicly financed buildings were designed and built to LEED standards. This change was a great leap into the promotion of sustainability. More than ever during the 2008 Legislative Session AIA|WA lobbied the continued to promotion of sustainability. That session saw the institution of laws that study tax incentives for sustainable construction, energy efficient equipment, and other measures that encourage sustainable development. The AIA|WA promotes a broad spectrum of issues that are important to architects. A demonstration of those issues can be seen in our goals for 2009. During the 2009 legislative session the AIA|WA will seek to: clarify state law so that the capture of rainwater does not require a water right, require litigants to file a “Certificate of Merit” prior to any civil proceedings against design professionals, protect the six year statute of limitations, modernize and improve architecture licensing laws, and stop efforts to allow non-architects to practice architecture and weaken current licensing laws. Further, the AIA|WA protects architect’s interests by participating in political races and election campaigns that support architect friendly candidates and legislators. We do this through the Architects Political Action Committee (APAC). For more information about APAC please visit our advocacy page. The AIA|WA is a resource for the community as well as architects. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have about laws and policies regarding the practice of architecture in Washington. 724 Columbia Street NW |
