Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/155979
About the Alabama Council AlA T he Alabama Council AlA was established in 1916 as a non-profit professional trade association for architects residing and practicing in Alabama. Membership includes five chapter components: Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, North Alabama and Northeast Alabama, with one section, Wiregrass. Total membership is more than 680, including architect and associate architect members. The American Institute of Architects is a three-tier organization. Every member of The American Institute of Architects is a member of the local chapter, the state organization and the national organization. Alabama Council members are also members of the Gulf States Region. Each tier offers distinct benefits to its members. The primary goal of the Alabama Council AlA is to promote unity among the architectural profession in the state. From legislation to education, through communication and member services, the Council seeks to provide members representation, information and programs to ensure the progress of architecture in Alabama. Archi PAC, the statewide Political Action Committee for Alabama Architects, is the voice of Alabama architects in state and federal legislative arenas. Through member funding, Archi PAC provides financial contributions to candidates who are supportive of business and the design and construction industry. Governmental representation is achieved through an active executive committee and chapter president network, which makes sure our members' interests in the regulatory and legislative areas are considered by those who make the laws. The Council works continuously to effect changes on both the state and national levels that will protect the interests of the architect as well as the health and safety of the public. The Alabama Council's Continuing Education Program for Architects is administered "for architects - by architects" to provide a variety of educational opportunities for meeting Alabama Registration Board requirements and AlA National membership requirements. The Council, along with its continuing education committee, embraces a partnership with member chapters, continuously evaluating program opportunities for quality and cost-effectiveness for architect members. Design Awards is an annual awards program which recognizes the outstanding work of architect members. Coordinated by a member chair and Council staff, entries are judged by a panel of leading architects based on outlined criteria. The Design Awards Program is a highly visible event. Winners are recognized by certificate and publicized by print media. The Convention continues to be our most popular event providing members the opportunity to take part in the discovery, learning and fellowship of the profession through special events, exhibits and continuing education opportunities. Continuing education has become a vital part of the format for the convention and an excellent service for members. Publications prepared and distributed to members keep them informed of current issues affecting the profession. The Alabama Architect Resource Guide & Member Directory - Published annually, the directory is a listing of Alabama Council individual/firm members, along with advertisers whose products and services are geared toward architecture. Alabama Architect - The Alabama Architect is the Council's quarterly newsletter, which provides a statewide perspective to keep members informed about issues and events important to the profession. With more than 650 architect and associate architect members, The Alabama Council AIA considers its members to be the lifeline of the organization. Without member support and participation, the Council would not be successful. Therefore, we pledge to do whatever it takes to serve members in the most effective and efficient manner possible. Contact Us! For more information on member services or how to become a member, please contact a member chapter or the Alabama Council AIA: Post Office Box 240757, Montgomery, AL 36124 Telephone: (334) 264-3037 • Toll Free: (800) 239-5545 Fax: (334) 272-7128 • Website: www.aiaalabama.org Email: AIA@gmsal.com Alabama Architecture & Design Resource Guide 27