About AAO

During a time of unprecedented interest in architecture and the built environment, the Association of Architecture Organizations (AAO) is being established to serve as a member-based service organization for the non-profit architecture and design field.

Though there are other national architecture organizations, none have the mission and vision to foster a strong network of like-minded organizations who engage and educate the public about the built environment, in order to strengthen, professionalize, and further the goals of the field.

The initial focus of AAO will be to promote architecture organizations within the United States and to serve as a resource for those organizations.

The mission of the association is to:

1) Foster the development of an alliance of like-minded organizations who educate the public about architecture and the built environment

2) Serve as a forum for national and international dialogue about the built environment

3) Create a network for sharing best practices, materials and ideas

4) Provide models for creating tour programs, volunteer training, adult and K–12 education, exhibitions, governance, marketing, and development.

AAO will:

• Be at the center of a global discussion about the built environment
• Be a place where knowledge is exchanged
• Be a place to share best practices
• Lead the way with excellent practices so that others can follow
• Help bring together organizations and build strong, effective partnerships
• Be a source for information on the built environment
• Serve as a forum for dialogue about architecture and the built environment

In broad terms AAO will:

• Serve as a program and management resource to member organizations
• Organize conferences, symposia, and workshops
• Provide professional development opportunities
• Increase program sharing and linkages between members
• Serve as a communication network
• Promote architecture organizations
• Support the creation of new architectural foundations and centers

Possible members include:

• Architecture foundations, organizations, and centers
• AIA chapters
• Architecture and design education programs [A+DEN]
• Historical preservation trusts
• Museums with architecture collections
• Urban planning organizations
• Architecture schools and libraries