Advocacy

Architects need to get involved in the political process for three reasons:

Architects have a lot to give. Architects impact the lives of everyone in the communities they serve. The architectural profession employees more than 275,000 Americans and it is part of the design/construction industry, which represents 8 percent to 10 percent of the U.S. economy. Architects need a strong voice on a wide range of issues from community planning, housing, sustainability, building codes, project delivery, historic preservation, and a wealth of other issues.

Architects have a lot to lose. It is easy to take for granted what has already been earned – architectural practice acts, qualifications based selection for design services, tax provisions for historic preservation, to name a few – but all of this work can be undone by a legislator who is unaware of the purpose of these important victories of the past.

Through the AIA, Architects have a unified voice on the business and the design issues important to all of us. Members can identify ways to participate in that unified voice for the architectural profession using the tools and resources below: 

Civic Engagement

Join one or more City of San Antonio Boards or Commissions and make a difference in your community!

Put Your Money Where your Mouth Is – Contribute Politically

Make a donation to the Texas Architects Committee (TAC), the political action organization of Texas Architects. Contributions are made without regard to party affiliation to candidates who the TAC Trustees believe are deserving of support. For the specific activities and positions of TAC, click here.

ArchiPAC is the bipartisan political action committee of the American Institute of Architects. Founded in 1980, ArchiPAC serves as the single voice for the architecture profession on the national political scene. Funded by AIA members' voluntary contributions, ArchiPAC is the tool that architects use to voice the AIA's positions to our nationally elected leaders on issues affecting the built environment, our profession, our communities, and our practices.

How Architects Can Become Advocates for Livable Communities

This new advocacy guide offers architects the tools they will need to advocate for livable communities. It includes testimonials from AIA members, talking points on livability issues and other resources architects can use to become leaders in their communities.  Download PDF

More Advocacy Resources
AIA Public Policies PDF
AIA Guidelines for Advocacy PDF
Ten Reasons to Lobby Your Cause PDF
Media and Communications Tools
AIA Center for Communities by Design Resources
AIA Government Advocacy Home

Are you a Citizen Architect?

• Uses her/his insights, talents, training and experience to contribute meaningfully, beyond self, to the improvement of the community and human condition.

• Stays informed on local, state and federal issues, and makes time for service to the community.

• Advocates for higher living standards, the creation of a sustainable environment, quality of life, and the greater good.

• Seeks to advocate for the broader purposes of architecture through civic activism, writing and publishing, by gaining appointment to boards and commissions, and through elective office at all levels of government

AIA Board of Directors Resolution Supporting Citizen Architects 

AIA Citizen Architect Resolution (PDF)

AIA San Antonio Position Statements

The following AIA San Antonio Position Statements are available for download.

Consolidation of Building Code Boards, October 18, 2011

Courthouse Construction Funding, February 8, 2011
Further Investigation into the Economics of Energy Conservation, December 8, 2009
Adoption of the Strategic Historic Preservation Plan, August 20, 2009
Funding for CPS Energy Conservation Program, May 16, 2009
Mayor's Sustainable Building Task Force Recommendations, March 8, 2009
River North District Master Plan, March 10 , 2009
Adoption of the International Plumbing Code and the International Fuel Gas Code, February 12, 2009
HemisFair Park - 2008, December 8, 2008
Consolidation of Planning Department with Development Services Department, September 9, 2008
Regional Transportaton Planning, August 25. 2008
Next Steps for the City of San Antonio's Green Building Resolution, Joint Position with th U.S. Green Building Council  August 1, 2008
Historic Building Demolition, May 27, 2008
Form-Based Development, November 29, 2007
Proposed Amendment of City Code for Off-Premise Digital Signs, September 19, 2007
Green Building for New City-Owned Facilities, April 17, 2007
The Main Plaza Redevelopment Project, May 31, 2006
River North Improvements Master Plan, April 11, 2006
Energy Policy and Green Building Resolutions, September 6, 2006