A group photo of the attendees at the 2025 AIA National Associates Committee Conference in Nashville, TN.

Barclay Finck of Paul Designs Project is AIA Maine’s representative to the American Institute of Architects’ National Associates Committee.

report by: Barclay Finck

AIA National Associates Committee Conference
9 January 2025— 11 January 2025
Nashville, TN

In January, I had the opportunity to attend the AIA National Associates Committee Conference in Nashville, TN. The National Associates Committee (NAC) is dedicated to representing and advocating for Associate AIA members in our national, state and local chapters. Associate members of the AIA are members who have not yet completed the process of professional licensure, which nationally equals 20% of membership. In the last five years, the committee has transitioned from representation by region to representation by state or territory both to more accurately reflect the AIA operating model and to better represent the Associates.

The conference included an orientation for new Representatives like me, - laying out expectations, reflecting on the goals of the committee, and answering questions. We discussed issues facing Associates at both the national and local levels and further developed possible tactics and solutions through dedicated work groups.

The majority of the work by the committee is done in five work groups, each with a focus topic relevant to the profession and to associates. The groups allow the NAC Representatives to engage with topics that are important to themselves and the individuals they represent. The five workgroup topics are:

Advocacy,
Knowledge,
Climate Action,
Value, and
Strategic Partnerships.

Each work group has a distinct focus but will also overlap with other work group’s topics – allowing for a bigger conversation and collaborative problem-solving.

I joined the Knowledge work group whose goal for the coming year is to identify where information gaps exist between the myriad groups associated with the AIA, AIAS, and recent graduates who are not yet AIA members and then seek ideas for how those gaps can be reduced or closed. It was a wholly engaging experience, and I am excited to represent Maine and to advocate for Associates at the national level.

If you are an Associate, a recent graduate, or an AIAS member who has ideas or concerns regarding the profession, I’d love to hear from you! contact: barclay@pauldesignsproject.com

AIA Maine's National Associates Representative Report