Our Mission
AIA Queens is the voice for our Architectural community, engaging and harnessing the diversity of Queens, to improve, create and sustain a better built environment, and be a resource to its members and society.
Our Vision: Driving positive change through the power of design, adaptability, equity, leadership and community.
History
The AIA Queens Chapter has a rich history, dating back to its founding in 1945. Originally established as the Queens Society of Architects in the 1930s, it officially became a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) on October 30, 1945. The AIA itself, founded in 1857 in New York by 13 architects, has grown into a nationwide organization with over 94,000 members.
The AIA Queens Chapter, currently boasting a membership of over 400 professionals across the borough of Queens, has been an integral part of the AIA network. As a local chapter, it plays a vital role in connecting architects, promoting professional development, and advocating for the interests of the architectural community.
The chapter is situated within the broader framework of AIA New York State, headquartered in Albany, which represents the collective interests of over 8,000 members in 13 chapters across the state. The AIA Queens Chapter is one of five local chapters in New York City, each representing a specific borough.
In 1995, the AIA Queens Chapter celebrated its 50th Anniversary, marked by notable recognitions such as a Proclamation from the NYC Council, a Declaration of Honor from the Queens Borough President’s Office, and a Certificate of Congratulations from AIA NYS. Continuing its commitment to local architectural matters, the chapter actively addresses issues of importance to the profession within the borough of Queens.
In 2020, the AIA Queens Chapter reached a significant milestone by celebrating its 75th Anniversary, highlighting its enduring dedication to the architectural community in Queens.
