Value of using AIA Architect?

I'm looking into building a modern home on the lot I own, next door to my current house, and the best firm I found so far is not affiliated by the AIA. They have a history of design/build experience with the city, but they're not down with AIA.

Is there something valuable to be gained by dealing with an architect who's a member of the AIA? I'm sure that the AIA will say that I'll regret the decision, but I'm wondering if it's anything more than a referral network. Please let me know, thanks!

The AIA isn't much more that a referral network. ALL lisenced architects will have met the same requirements. The AIA is an association that architects join voluntarily. They do provide networking services, some continuing education seminars, etc. but in reality it is pretty much a good-ole-boys type network.

I'm sure MANY members would disagree with me, but it is quite clear that the AIA holds no exclusive rights to quality designers or architecture firms.

I agree with Mark (and I'm an AIA member.)

The most important considerations are do you feel like the working relationship would be good and do you like their work.

I also agree with Mark. The distinguishing factor between one guy and the next is whether or not they are a licensed architect which has nothing to do with being a member of the AIA. The AIA is a club per say and NCARB is the organization that licenses architects that have met the qualifing requirements.

Thanks for the info. The seminar I attended at the AIA made me feel like anyone outside their ranks is a renegade, so this is good feedback. Thanks a bunch.

precisely the reason I don't support the AIA.

[quote:cdr format=text/plain] The AIA is a club per say and NCARB is the organization that licenses architects that have met the qualifing requirements. [/quote]

That's not quite correct. Architects are licensed by the individual states. NCARB is a council that establishes standards for training and qualification of architects, although state boards have no obligation to follow their lead. They certify architects and track their experience and facilitate them when applying for licensing in new states. NCARB also works with like organizations in other countries to make working abroad easier. Establishing and maintaining NCARB certification says more about an architect than AIA membership which all you have to do is pay dues. AIA will say they have continuing education standards which is true, but many states do as well. If you maintain registration in a state with continuing education standards then I really think the AIA has little credibility to say their members are better qualified.

Its a shame really that the organization has deteriorated so much that they have resorted this kind of marketing. If the AIA offered value to its members it would not need to engage in that kind of behavior to validate itself. But there are still lots of valuable things they do - their contract forms are second to none. Their work establishing MasterSpec was a great thing, and they have extended that work to sustainable materials. They should push on these strengths, and not some suggestion of an elite club.