KITE Architects, Warren Jagger Photography

Using the AIA designation

Only those individuals who are members in good standing are entitled to use the AIA designations. Use of an AIA designation by a nonmember is a trademark infringement and is subject to legal action under both state and federal law. Similarly, organizations or companies may not use the AIA’s name, initials, or other trademarks unless the Institute has entered into a written agreement giving permission.

  • AIA - Architect member (individual entitled under law to practice architecture and use the title architect in any state of the US)
  • Assoc. AIA - Associate member (individual without architectural license from a US licensing authority who meets other architectural educational or employment requirements set out in the Institute’s Bylaws)
  • International Assoc. AIA - International associate member (individual without US architecture license who has an architecture license from a non-US licensing authority)
  • FAIA - Fellow (architect member who has been advanced to Fellowship by the Institute)
  • AIA Member Emeritus - Architect member emeritus (architect member who has applied for and been granted emeritus status by the Institute as set out in the Institute’s Bylaws)
  • Assoc. AIA Member Emeritus - Associate member emeritus (associate member who has applied for and been granted emeritus status by the Institute as set out in the Institute’s Bylaws)
  • FAIA Member Emeritus - Fellow emeritus (architect member who has been advanced to Fellowship by the Institute and been granted emeritus status by the Institute as set out in the Institute’s Bylaws)
  • Hon. AIA - Honorary member (individual otherwise ineligible for membership who has been admitted to honorary membership in the Institute as set out in the Institute’s Bylaws)
  • Hon. FAIA - Honorary Fellow (architect who is neither a citizen or resident of the United States, who does not primarily practice architecture within U.S. territory, and who has been admitted to Honorary Fellowship as set out in the Institute’s Bylaws)

Contact AIA Rhode Island's Executive Director or Secretary to report misuse of AIA designations.