You’ll miss the AIA if you leave.
Before you trim the fat of your architecture firm’s budget by cutting ties with the AIA (and AIA continuing education), give it a second thought. These are interesting times, indeed. Business is bouncing back after a precariously long and damaging recession, the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. But not everything is firing on all cylinders just yet. So it’s tempting.
There are plenty of example of firms who’ve decided to leave the AIA. However, the case for keeping your membership active has really never been stronger. If you’re sitting on the fence, here are a few reasons to hang in there.
#1: The AIA is an Industry-Wide Recognizable Name
There’s something to be said for prestige. And that’s part of what the AIA brings to the table. The public knows the name, says EntreArchitect. And although clients probably would never scan your credentials, industry professionals and peers as well as the public recognize “AIA” at the end of your name.
AIA Continuing education goes hand-in-hand with membership. It sets you apart from other architects. And in a competitive industry that’s still coming back to life, a positive differentiator is a good thing.
#2: AIA Continuing Education Credits Give You More Variety
Continuing education might often be interesting, but it’s not always fun. When you get some of your credits from the AIA, you get a lot of variety. And there’s never a question about whether or not a course will be applicable. Just as PDH Academy promises that our CE courses are relevant and will satisfy your requirements, AIA promises the same.
The AIA also offers a wealth of CE resources. They include FAQs, an interactive map for checking your state licensing board’s requirements and online offerings. And of course, there are hundreds of courses from which you can choose.
AIA Membership also helps smaller firms feel like less of an island.
#3: Conventions Offer Once-in-a-Lifetime CE Credit Opportunities
Conferences are good for the architect’s spirit. And that’s especially true for smaller firms. In addition to the online CE courses that the AIA offers and self-study, you’ll also get the benefit of earning credits through conference attendance.
Lectures, seminars, workshops and other AIA opportunities give you a well-rounded range of CE choices. And the best part is that these may be once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Through your AIA membership, you could earn credits in a unique environment.
Your continuing ed requirements are the result of years of industry evolution. With an AIA membership, you can help shape it.
The AIA is on the cutting edge of advancements that move through the industry. Change doesn’t happen quickly, asserts EntreArchitect. But involvement with the organization puts architects on the ground floor of important changes that will ultimately affect everyone. And it positions architects like you, especially people in small firms, to take an active role in what will matter next.
Membership dues might come dear while the industry is being reinvigorated. But they’re worth it in the long run. And so are the courses that you’ll get from PDH Academy. When you’re ready to add to the wealth of knowledge that you’ve already earned, check out our courses for architects.