AIBD Membership Categories

Professional Membership

Professional members are required to obtain 8 continuing education (CE) hours per year.

• Certified professional building designer members must meet requirements of and receive certification from National Council of Building Designer Certification and devote 50% or more work time to the profession of building design.
   
• Professional Building Designer members are required to be engaged in the professional practice of building design for at least five years and devote 50% or more work time to the profession of building design. Up to two years of related education may be substituted for an equal amount of experience.
   
• Retired members are AIBD members who have retired from the practice of building design.

General Membership

General members are not required to obtain CE hours.

• General membership is for those who do not meet the requirements of any other level of membership.
   
• Design Student membership consists of students participating in a course of instruction in architecture, engineering, architectural drafting or design technology at a university, college, vocational or high school, or individuals who are participating in on-the-job training.
   

Allied Membership

• Corporate membership consists of businesses, firms, or corporations whose interests are related to the building design profession and supports the goals of AIBD.
   
• Affiliate membership consists of professional or industry organizations whose interests are related or similar to those of AIBD.
   
• Associate membership consists of an individual or firm whose business interest is related to the building design profession whose interests are local in nature.
   
• Educator membership is for instructors of subjects pertinent to the profession of building design.

Mission Statement

The Louisiana Society of AIBD is dedicated to the integrity of the practice of building design and the professionalism of our members.

We strive to achieve the following:

• Raise the awareness of the public of the importance of excellent design.
   
• Provide education and leadership opportunities.
   
• Establish and hold our members to the highest standards within our profession of building design.
   

Our dedicated members accomplish these goals through a combination of interaction within the overall design community, development and production of seminars, publications and conferences, and participation on our board of directors.

History of the American Institute of Building Design

AIBD Background & History

Since 1950, the American Institute of Building Design has provided members with the resources they need to enhance performance and ensure continued growth and success. The AIBD was initially formed in 1950 by a group of California designers as a means of improving design standards to the highest level and to promote credibility and public awareness. Many of our state societies have had independent organizations dating from the late 1940's and early 1950's. Now the nationally recognized association of professional building designers, the AIBD represents members in 47 states and has 23 chartered state societies as well as a growing membership in Canada and internationally.

Because of interest and expertise, as well as individual state statutes, most AIBD members specialize in custom residential and light commercial projects. Our members are required to comply with states statutes and to follow guidelines established by regional building codes. Our membership is recognized and supported by various state home builder associations by the Farmers Home Administration. Many of our members are also approved to certify plans for Federal Housing Administration and Veteran's Administration on an individual basis. Many AIBD members serve on individual metropolitan area planning commissions and various municipal code review boards.

The national headquarters for AIBD is incorporated as a non-profit professional corporation and maintains its headquarters in Stratford, Connecticut. The AIBD is governed nationally by its board of directors, elected from eligible members of the state societies and members at large. State societies are chartered by the national board of directors after a minimum membership of 12 professional designers is established in one state. After being chartered, state societies may form chapters in compliance with the by laws of the Institute.