American Institute of Architects history

Contact our archivist, Nancy Hadley, for access to the AIA Archives, which include records of AIA policies, programs, publications, members, and awards—starting with the minutes of the first meeting on February 23, 1857.

The newly minted New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIANY) holds its first meeting on March 19 and hosts the first AIA Convention later in 1867.

With his influential background, Upjohn was a natural leader and the first president of AIA, serving the organization until 1876.

In 1884, a rival organization, the Western Association of Architects, was founded in Chicago.

By 1888, it was clear that the WAA and the AIA had similar goals and, in some cases, the same members.

When the AIA and WAA merged in 1889, the WAA members were allowed to keep their title of Fellow, and everyone who was a member of the AIA in that year became a Fellow as well.

Although founded in New York, AIA moved their headquarters to Washington, DC by 1898.

1910: The LeBrun Grant is established to further the personal and professional development of an early- or mid-career architect through travel.

1916: The 1916 Zoning Resolution, the first citywide zoning code in the United States, is enacted.

1917: AIANY introduces the Medal of Honor, one of the highest honors for distinction in the profession.

1938: AIANY introduces Oculus, the Chapter’s official newsletter.

1939: World’s Fair opens in New York, planned and designed by AIANY members.

1940: The Arnold W. Brunner Grant is established, funding advanced study to mid-career professionals in any area of architectural investigation that contributes to the knowledge, teaching, or practice of architecture.

Then, in 1952 AIA leadership established the College of Fellows an entity within the Institute.

1957: A plaque placed on 111 Broadway in Lower Manhattan commemorates the centennial founding of the AIA. Mayor Wagner and Governor Harriman honor Chapter and AIA and declare New York’s first “Architecture Week.”

1958: The Architecture of Diplomacy, an exhibition of embassy and consulate buildings commissioned by the United States Department of State and organized by AIANY, the Architectural League, Life Magazine, and Architectural Forum, opens in New York.

1963: Equal Opportunities Committee is formally established to administer scholarship fund for minority students across the city.

1967: The highly popular AIA Guide to New York City is released.

1973: AIANY takes unprecedented political action, releasing official letters of protest to President Nixon condemning escalation of the Vietnam War and the cutting funds to low- and middle-income housing.