New AIA Resources: Navigating External Forces in the AEC Sector

The AIA National team has developed a new set of resources to help our members navigate the complex external factors affecting the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector. As part of the Board's ongoing commitment to advocacy and member support, we have created the AEC Impact Areas Reference Tool - a comprehensive framework for identifying and evaluating external policies, regulations, and market forces risks.

Resources Now Available

These newly developed resources include:

  1. AEC Impact Areas Reference Tool - A structured guide that helps organizations identify and evaluate potential risks stemming from external influences such as policy changes, regulatory developments, and shifting market dynamics.

  2. Risk Assessment Workbook - A complementary resource that provides practical frameworks for evaluating how external factors may impact your organization or practice.

  3. Navigating External Forces in AEC: A Risk Identification Resource - An overview document that explains these tools' strategic context and purpose.

Why These Resources Matter

Architecture operates in a highly dynamic environment shaped by rapidly evolving federal, state, and local policies. These external forces can significantly impact:

  • Regulatory Compliance - Including building codes, licensing requirements, and land use regulations

  • Economic & Financial Stability - From government contracts to supply chain disruptions

  • Workforce & Immigration - Affecting talent recruitment and labor availability

  • Sustainability & Environmental Regulations - Influencing design requirements and compliance obligations

  • Public Perception & Advocacy - Shaping how our profession engages with policymakers

  • Legal & Liability Concerns - Creating new contractual and professional risks

Part of a Broader Initiative

These resources represent one component of a broader suite of tools we hope to develop as we continue to understand the impact of federal actions on our profession. As non-profit associations navigate challenging advocacy landscapes, we are committed to equipping our members with the resources they need to anticipate change rather than simply react to it.

Resources and Programs from National 3.7.25

Support AIA’s Climate Action Goals: AIA 2030 Commitment and A&D Materials Pledge

As part of AIA’s ongoing commitment to strategic plan goals for climate action, AIA’s pledge programs (AIA 2030 Commitment and A&D Materials Pledge ) offer a call to action for AIA members to directly engage in tracking firm progress towards pledge targets, while improving design practices. This enables AIA to advocate and communicate the impact the architecture profession is making toward achieving a zero carbon, equitable, healthy, and resilient built environment. Deadlines for reporting are March 31 for the 2030 Commitment and May 31 for the Materials Pledge.
 
The AIA 2030 Commitment and Materials Pledge Open Office Hours offers education and technical assistance to firms in their reporting journey. The AIA Climate Action Pledge Program You Tube channel features new video testimonials on the value of pledge participation for firms, and recorded help sessions and webinars on a variety of support and educational topics. 

Questions may go to 2030committment@aia.org or materials@aia.org.

Member Resource: Women’s Leadership Edge

In partnership with the University of California-Hastings' Center for Worklife Law, AIA provides members with access to Women’s Leadership Edge, a resource that will help in advancing tomorrow's leaders to the next level. WLE is a membership program providing practical evidence-based tools to enable organizations to effectively retain, support, and advance women from within. Members receive organization-wide access to training and resources that are useful not only for women, but also for sponsors, mentors, professional development directors, and organizational leaders. Active AIA members can access this resource. If interested in accessing this resource, please fill out this form. Reach out to womeninarch@aia.org with questions.

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FYI

AIA25 Emerging Professionals Grant

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AIA College of Fellows Latrobe Prize submissions are now open

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2025 Small Project Design Knowledge Community Grant Program

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