The American Institute of Architects Minnesota, founded in 1892, is the professional association for architects in the state of Minnesota. As a state component of AIA National, affiliated with three local chapters, AIA Minnesota has over 2,300 members and a staff of eight professionals. AIA Minnesota is focused on Connection, Advocacy, and Promoting the value of architects and architecture. We produce a regional conference, publish a digital monthly newsletter and annual print journal ENTER, lobby on behalf of the profession at the state legislature, and deliver continuing education and professional development for all members.

AIA Minnesota and each of the three local chapters – AIA Minneapolis, AIA Northern Minnesota, and AIA St. Paul – are proud to be nationally accredited components of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Every three years, AIA components are evaluated through an accreditation process to ensure core member service standards are met. The AIA Core Member Services (CMS) program lays the groundwork for component excellence by ensuring that all AIA members receive a consistent level of service, and that each component implements best practices of nonprofit associations.

AIA Minnesota is proud to be a Just organization. Created by the International Living Futures Institute (ILFI), the Just program is a voluntary disclosure tool for organizations to elevate internal discussions, policies, and procedures and create a common language and measurement framework for social justice issues. Just is a call to action, and AIA Minnesota is committed to being a more transparent, equitable, and socially just organization. Learn more and view AIA Minnesota’s Just label details.

Mission

Advancing a vital profession, vibrant communities, and architecture that endures.

Core Values

Authenticity

Equity

Collaboration

Integrity

Strategic Priorities

These priorities are deeply interrelated, and our approaches will reflect this. Making progress requires attention to how each priority influences and supports the others.

Build and mentor the profession

From first introduction through every stage of career success, with a priority on expanding access and reflecting the demographics of the broader Minnesota population. 

Make architecture accessible, understandable, and highly valued

Engagement to grow awareness of and appreciation for the process, outcomes, and importance of the profession among the general public and key influencers.

Take immediate, bold action to address climate change

Drive wide-scale adoption of sustainable, resilient, and regenerative design solutions for human and ecological health.

Foster equity, belonging, and agency for women, people of color, and other marginalized groups

In the built environment, the profession of architecture, and the state and local chapters of AIA in Minnesota.