About the AIA
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has served as the leading voice for architecture professionals since its founding in 1857 and continues to be the most prominent membership organization for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners. With the national association based in Washington, DC, the AIA is also able to meet the needs of its members at the state and local level via nearly 300 chapters both domestically and abroad. The mission of AIA is to serve as a resource for its members, allied professionals, and the general public through advocacy, community, education, and outreach.
About the AIA Long Beach/South Bay
Our Mission:
The AIA Long Beach / South Bay Chapter is the local voice of the profession and is dedicated to serving and inspiring its members and the public through education, advocacy, and design excellence.
Our Vision:
Driving positive change through the power of design in our community.
Why join the AIA LBSB chapter?
Like any professional organization, if you choose to be involved then you will benefit both personally and professionally. When our members are asked why they continue their membership year after year, we hear these words most often: Approachable, Open to New Ideas, Innovative Programs, a Sense of Community, and Fun!
AIA Long Beach/South Bay provides members with opportunities beyond the general AIA member benefits:
Social aspects to connect with peers and industry pros
- BARchitecture monthly program
- Joint programs with other industry groups and professionals (USGBC, Planning Assoc, Long Beach Heritage, Palos Verdes Art Jury, Modern Homes Tour, vendor/sponsor programs)
- All programs open to public to attend
California license renewal
- 5-hour accessibility seminars for very low cost
- ZNCD offerings throughout the year
Unique committees and programming for members and the community
- Committee On The Environment (COTE)
- Coastal Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN)
- Architectural Bike Ride
- Architectural Photography Competition
Promotion of our member firms
- Website directory
- Discounted posts on our Job Board
- Social media sharing
- Member and firm spotlights
Unparalleled publicity with our Design Award winners + all project submissions
- Display installation in large public venues
- Ongoing showcase on website
ARE prep
- A.R.E. Scholarship opportunities for Associate members
Leadership opportunities
- Size matters: Being small allows for flexibility and opportunities within a realistic timeframe
Go to the Become a Member page to learn more
Our history
The Southern California chapter of the AIA was established in 1894. The Architects Association of Long Beach, which was established in 1920, joined forces with the AIA and became the Long Beach District of the AIA Southern California in 1959.
In 1966 the Cabrillo Chapter was established, incorporated, and officially chartered as a separate chapter of the AIA, encompassing that portion of Los Angeles County from Long Beach to El Segundo and east to Whittier.
Recognizing that a more geographical name would better suit the organization, the Cabrillo Chapter membership voted in 1996 to change its name to the Long Beach/South Bay Chapter.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
562-989-1399 or send us an email
6444 E. Spring St. #269, Long Beach CA 90815