Based in Washington, D.C., the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has been the leading professional membership association for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners since 1857.

Why We Exist

To help each other put our talents to work to create better places for people to live, work and play through:

  • Community – building a healthy and welcoming profession
  • Knowledge – sharing experience and wisdom
  • Advocacy – extending the influence of our profession’s values.


Three Hawaii-Based AIA Organizations

The AIA has three organizations in Hawaii representing the interests of members and the public on state and local/county issues.

  • AIA Honolulu:  In 1989, the Hawaii Society became the Honolulu Chapter, the American Institute of Architects, representing the local interests of AIA members on Oahu, the Island of Hawaii and Kauai and Lanai.  In 2004 the Honolulu Chapter changed their official name to AIA Honolulu, by which they are known today.
  • AIA Maui: A Chapter of the American Institute of Architects formed on January 26, 1990 to present and serve the local needs and interests of AIA members residing on the island of Maui.
  • The Hawaii State Council:  The American Institute of Architects was formed on December 26, 1989 to represent AIA members on matters of state-wide interest with a primary function to provide assistance and advice to state, governmental and regulatory bodies where matters of state-wide interest to the architecture profession and the built environment are concerned.

All three organizations are separately incorporated under the laws of the State of Hawaii as a not-for-profit corporation.


The AIA Hawaii State Council

The AIA Hawaii State Council represents AIA members on matters of state-wide interest, and provides assistance and advice to state, governmental and regulatory bodies regarding issues affecting the profession and practice of architecture in Hawaii.

The AIA Hawaii State Council has organized three committees to work on legislative and regulatory subjects on behalf of all Hawaii’s architects.  Each committee has an agenda that matches current state legislative and regulatory issues monitored by AIA as government advocacy service to members.

For more information about the AIA Hawaii State Council, please visit http://www.aiahonolulu.org/?page=StateWideAdvocacy