Australian Institute of Architects


The Australian Institute of Architects is a professional body for architects in Australia.

Name

The body was known as the Australian Institute of Architects from the time of its inception on 6 September 1929 to 18 August 1930, when the "Royal" title was granted, and it became the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. In 2008, following an informal poll of members in 2001, the National Council resolved to continue trading as the "Australian Institute of Architects", while retaining "Royal Australian Institute of Architects" as the legal name. The postnominals of FRAIA and RAIA continue to be used with the legal name abbreviated.

History

A number of states formed professional societies for architects, including the Queensland Institute of Architects, and the West Australian Institute of Architects.
The Australian Institute was formed in 1929, when state architectural institutes combined to form a unified national association. A chapter is now maintained in each state and territory, though full federation did not come about immediately, with some states maintaining their independence. The Royal Victorian Institute of Architects was the last to join, in 1968. The Institute is represented on many national and state industry and government bodies, and is affiliated with the International Union of Architects.
The South Australian Chapter was known as the South Australian Institute of Architects in 1946.

National awards and prizes

Gold Medal

The AIA Gold Medal is the highest award of the Australian Institute of Architects awarded annually since 1960.

Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize

This award honours architect and gender equity advocate Paula Whitman.
The National Architecture Awards have been presented since 1981 and include:
Each of the state chapters also presents awards, with notable examples including:

New South Wales

National presidents

National presidents:
New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Western Australia
Northern Territory
Australian Capital Territory