AIA continuing education helps you, and it helps the profession.
If you’re an architect, or soon to become one, AIA continuing education credits may very well be a permanent part of your future. You’ll renew your license regularly through your state licensing board. And your state probably requires professional development hours (PDH) or credits. But what about the American Institute of Architects and their requirements?
Generally speaking, membership with the AIA is not something you’ll be required to do. But if you want to be part of this critically important community, the only way to get there is by following their membership guidelines.
Fulfill AIA Membership Requirements
Where state licensing might vary on continuing education, membership in the American Institute of Architects requires it. Joining the AIA isn’t mandatory for licensure, but it’s a valuable, professional resource for all architects.
The AIA offers conferences, works as an advocate in the industry, sponsors independent continuing education opportunities, and helps you network with other architects. If you want to participate in what the AIA has to offer, you’ll need to acquire and report professional development hours regularly.
The AIA helps you stay involved with what’s important in your industry.
Stay Current with New Educational Developments
Legalities and memberships aside, one of the primary reasons for continuing education is just that – education. When you graduated, you were fairly current in architecture educational developments. But new developments happen every year, and you’re no longer in college to learn about them. PDH creates an ever-expanding bridge that extends to cover more and more new developments as the years pass.
Maintaining your education safeguards your career. If you’d graduated in the 80s, you’d have learned nothing about LEED because the U.S. Green Building Council didn’t exist. But imagine knowing nothing about LEED now, while the rest of the field marched on ahead. Continuing education ensures that every architect is aware of, and educated in, relevant developments in the profession.
The better educated the membership base, the more the AIA can do to advance causes that affect you.
Improve the Field of Architecture
In the same vein as staying current, continuing education requirements also help advance the field as a whole. The AIA is forward thinking and always looking for new ways to improve the profession. A well-educated membership base is critical for making that a reality.
The AIA is involved in code advocacy, public policy, and anything else that affects the field of architecture. And continuing education means you can stay involved and help the causes.
While membership in the American Institute of Architects isn’t a licensing requirement, it does help you find your community and stay on top of the industry. You can network, learn about what’s trending, and keep your eye to the future. But if you want to be a member, continuing education is part of the bargain.
PDH Academy helps you fulfill your AIA continuing education requirements, and we make it as straightforward as possible. Not only can you find what you need easily, we also report your PDH to the AIA for you. Check out our courses today, and you’ll be well on your way to membership in one of the most valuable organizations in architecture.
