Professional architecture associations are excellent resources for making industry contacts, keeping up on industry issues and news, sharing ideas and research, attaining registration and certification, and pursuing continuing education that can update your skills even after you have graduated from architecture school. Following are some of the major architecture associations:

American Institute of Architects – The AIA is the leading professional association for both licensed architects and emerging professionals. It provides continuing education to help architects maintain their licensure, more than 100 standard forms and contracts used in the design and construction industry, market research, online publications and networking groups, and web-based professional development resources. It also encourages mentorship through NCARB’s Intern Development Program.

American Institute of Architecture Students – The AIAS is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization for North American architecture students of all ages and academic degrees. It hosts an annual convention to educate students about issues facing the industry, and provides student input into the decision-making processes of the AIA, the ACSA, and the NAAB.
American Institute of Building Design – This nonprofit trade association for the residential designer, builder, and architect community offers a monthly newsletter, regional and national events, discussion forums, and the Professional Building Designer certification through the National Council of Building Design Certification.

American Society of Landscape Architects – The programs and services of this professional association for landscape architects include continuing education, a professional magazine and e-newsletter, an online directory of landscape architects, an annual meeting and exposition, an online employment site, and green roof educational resources.

Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture – The ACSA is a nonprofit membership association of more than 250 architecture schools. It provides information on architecture schools, workshops, conferences, publications, awards, student competitions, and support for architecture research.

Association of Women in Architecture – The nonprofit AWA is dedicated to advancing and supporting the positions of women in the architectural industry. It develops educational programs, lectures, and tours, provides mentoring opportunities, and raises scholarship money for women students pursuing architecture degrees.

National Architectural Accrediting Board – NAAB is the only agency authorized to accredit professional architecture degree programs in the United States. It offers information on accredited programs and the accreditation process and submits nominated students to serve on NAAB Visiting Teams.

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards – NCARB administers the Architect Registration Examination and the Intern Development Program, as well as provides information on state registration requirements, reciprocity, and NCARB certification.