Associations & Groups

Select a discipline to view relevant associatons and groups for each

Architecture Associations

The Royal Institute of British Architects   http://www.architecture.com
Professional association of architects in the United Kingdom along with international members. News, exhibitions, online shopping, directories of architects, British Architectural Library.

International Union of Architects   http://www.uia-architectes.org/
Organization of 92 professional architectural organizations worldwide. Member list, international calendar, competitions, journals, and museums.

Architects' Council of Europe   http://www.ace-cae.org
Promotes architecture in Europe and fosters education. Includes a list of council members, bulletins and code of ethics. French and English site.

Public Works and Government Service Canada   http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/
Provides essential services, infrastructure and access for Canadians to their government.

Canadian Center for Architecture   http://cca.qc.ca/
A museum and study centre devoted to international architecture.

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)   http://www.ncarb.org
A non-profit federation of architectural licensing boards in the U.S. Features state registration requirements, Intern Development Program (IDP), Architect Registration Examination (ARE), certification, continuing education, and architect database.

The Hong Kong Institute of Architects   http://www.hkia.net
A professional institution committed to promoting architecture and raising the standard of architecture in Hong Kong.

Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture   http://www.acadia.org/
Presents a gallery of winners of its competition, membership information, sign-up instructions for the member listserve and details for ordering publications.

Royal Architectural Institute of Canada   http://www.raic.org/
The RAIC is a voluntary national association representing professional architects, and faculty and graduates of accredited Canadian Schools of Architecture.

Ontario Association of Architects   http://www.oaa.on.ca/client/oaa/oaahome.nsf
Regulatory and professional association for architects.

Architectural League of New York   http://www.archleague.org
This non-profit organization shares its lecture, exhibition and program information.

The Architectural Institute of British Columbia   http://www.aibc.ca/
A self-governing body dedicated to excellence in the profession of architecture for the benefit of its membership, the environment and society.

National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA)   http://www.noma.net
Association of minority architects licensed to practice in the U.S. Includes professional and student chapter links, employment listings, and a referral service.

ArchiwebSA   http://www.saia.org.za/
The official site of the South African Institute of Architects, giving news, membership information and events.

Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland   http://www.riai.ie/
The representative body for professionally qualified architects in Ireland.

Portland Cement Association   http://www.cement.org/
Aims to improve cement and concrete and its uses, and raise the quality of construction.

New Zealand Institute of Architects   http://www.nzia.co.nz/
Provides information on architects, projects, classes, architect selection, philosophies, book store, events, news and awards.

British Institute of Architectural Technologists (BIAT)   http://www.biat.org.uk/
Represents over 6500 professionals working and studying in the field of architectural technology in the UK and overseas. Maintains standards of professional competence.

The Architecture Centre Network   http://www.architecturecentre.net
The independent body that coordinates, supports and advances the work of architecture and related centres in the UK.

Singapore Institute of Architecture   http://www.sia.org.sg/
National organization representing architects in Singapore. Provides information on careers, design reviews, competitions, publications, events and awards.

Royal Institute of British Architects USA   http://www.riba-usa.org/
Represents architects in the USA with professional links to the UK. Information on the California and New York chapters and on hiring an architect in the US.

Society of American Registered Architects   http://www.sara-national.org
A professional organization for registered architects.

Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario   http://www.aato.on.ca/
Represents professionals in architectural design and construction management. Free download of the newsletter, information on events, trade shows and joining.

American College of Healthcare Architects   http://www.healtharchitects.org/
Credentialing body for healthcare architects in the United States.

Rice Design Alliance   http://rda.rice.edu/
Non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of architecture, urban design, and the built environment in the Houston region through educational programs.

Chicago Architecture Club   http://www.chicagoarchitecturalclub.org/
Provides forum for discussion and debate of topical architectural issues.

Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland   http://www.rias.org.uk/
Featuring architect listings, book shop, classes, news, events and competitions.

The Alberta Association of Architects   http://www.aaa.ab.ca/
A professional association responsible for the registration/licensing of Architects and Licensed Interior Designers and for the regulation of the practice of Architecture in the Province of Alberta, Canada.

Architects for Peace   Australia   http://www.architectsforpeace.org/
Forum for architects and related professions seeking urban development based on social justice, solidarity, respect and peace.

New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors   http://nziqs.co.nz/
Professional association for those with careers in cost management of construction projects.

Institute of Destination Architects & Designers   http://www.idad.org/
Professional body for theming, resort/hospitality and coastal space planning.

Newfoundland Association of Architects   http://newfoundlandarchitects.com
Provincial professional governing body. Offers list of members, tips for the public, continuing education.

Center for the Study of Architecture in the Arab Region   http://www.csaar-center.org/
CSAAR is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to promote and encourage the study, understanding, and evaluation of architecture in the Arab region. It gives details of its aims, advisory board, conferences and publications.

American Society of Architectural Illustrators   http://www.asai.org/
A nonprofit professional organization whose goals are to foster communication among architectural illustrators and to raise the standards in the industry.

Saskatchewan Association of Architects   http://www.saskarchitects.com/web/index.shtml
Protects the public interest and regulates and advances the profession of Architecture in the province of Saskatchewan.

Aberdeen Society of Architects   http://www.aberdeenarchitects.org
A chapter of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, representing architects within the city of Aberdeen, across Aberdeenshire and also Morayshire. Includes a directory of architects and diary.

Architects' Association of New Brunswick   http://aanb.org
Professional organization in Canada governed by the New Brunswick Architects Act.

Manitoba Association of Architects   http://www.mbarchitects.org/
MAA is a self-governing professional association, mandated under legislation with regulation of the practice of architecture in the public interest and advancement of the profession.

National Organization of Minority Architects Washington, D.C. Chapter   http://www.dcnoma.org/
Local chapter of NOMA. Includes information about the group, how to join and forthcoming meetings and events.

www.oboa.on.ca   http://www.oboa.on.ca/
Ontario Building Officials Association.

NSAA - Nova Scotia Association of Architects   http://www.nsaa.ns.ca
Administers and directs the practice of architecture in the province of Nova Scotia.

Building Designers Association of Australia Ltd.   http://www.bdaa.com.au/
National coordinating body for the Building Designers Associations in Australia. Includes database of designers.

Architecture Sans Frontieres United Kingdom   http://www.asf-uk.org/
A not-for-profit group formed to broaden the role and responsibility of architecture, by working with and for disadvantaged sectors of society in precarious environments. Activities and projects.

Bristol Society of Architects   http://www.bristolarchitects.com
Bristol and Bath RIBA. Architecture links, local architects, architectural events in the United Kingdom.

Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Architects   http://www.ttia-architects.org
A non-profit organization for the ethical practice, art and science of architecture in Trinidad and Tobago, governed by the local Architecture Profession Act. Includes news, events and jobs online.

The Manitoba Association of Landscape Architects   http://www.mala.net/
One of nine provincial or regional component organizations of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects.

European Architecture Students Assembly   http://easa.antville.org
EASA is a platform for exchange of ideas and knowledge for European students of architecture. Includes mission and web-logs.

British Council for School Environment   http://www.bcse.uk.net
Membership organisation made up of local authorities, schools, construction companies, architects and others involved in, and concerned about, the design and build process in the education sector.

Society of Design Administration Canada   http://www.sdacanada.com
Promotes the exchange of ideas. Members represent Canadian architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, developers, service providers and specialty consulting firms.

Manchester Society of Architects   http://www.the-msa.co.uk
The Manchester branch of RIBA provides architectural news, events and contact details.

Association of Licensed Architects (ALA)   http://www.licensedarchitect.org/
International membership organization for architecture profession. Provides continuing education programs and magazine sent to members and Illinois-licensed architects.

Cast Stone Institute   http://www.caststone.org
The non-profit US trade association representing the architectural cast stone industry: manufacturers, associates, architects, engineers, and concrete technologists.

Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association   http://www.easanet.co.uk
EASA is a non-profit organisation in the UK which promotes good standards of design and repair of ecclesiastical buildings across all denominations.

People in Space   http://www.peopleinspace.com/
UK-based network of young architects, creatives and professionals engaged in architecture and the built environment. Events, groups and resources.

Ottawa Regional Society of Architects (ORSA)   http://www.orsa.ca
A regional organization of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA). Committed to increasing public awareness of the social importance of architectural design.

New Glasgow Society   http://www.freewebs.com/ngs/
This organization encourages interest in the history and new developments in building and architecture in Glasgow, Scotland.

Construction Sciences Research Foundation   http://www.csrf.org
An independent, not-for-profit construction industry research organization, responsible for the development and maintenance of Spectext master guide specifications. Board, research.

The Hecar Foundation   http://www.hecarfoundation.org
Non profit organization in Mumbai, India seeks to educate the public about heritage, education, conservation, architecture, restoration and urban issues.

Council of Latin American Students of Architecture   http://www.geocities.com/~cleausa/
Nonprofit organization which organizes an annual gathering to discuss architectural and social issues. Executive board, program. English and Spanish versions.

Society of Iranian Architects and Planners   http://www.siap.org
A non-profit organization in Los Angeles that unites Iranian professionals in the fields of architecture, planning, interior design, and landscape architecture.

Indiana Architectural Foundation   http://www.indianaarchitecturalfoundation.org
A non-profit organization supporting architectural education, public awareness of architecture, and preservation of Indiana's architectural heritage.

Organization of Women Architects and Design Professionals   http://owa-usa.org
A support network for professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area involved in the environmental design fields. Newsletter and contacts.

Me'marNashr Institute   http://www.memarnashr.com
Iranian body aiming to disseminate thought and practice of architecture, urban design and construction. Activities, publications.

The Building Process Alliance   http://www.buildingprocessalliance.com
An international organization of architects, designers and planners focused on creating spaces that enhance the quality of life, as articulated in the writings of Christopher Alexander.

Stroud Building Design Association   http://www.stroudbda.org
Association of architects, engineers, surveyors and other building industry professionals working in and around Stroud, Gloucestershire, UK.

RIBA Hampshire   http://www.ribahampshire.co.uk
News, events, gallery of buildings, and information on architecture in Hampshire.

Architext   http://architext-online.de/
Union of architects and engineers who render services in the technical language field.

National Organization of Minority Architecture Students UIUC Chapter   http://www.geocities.com/NOMASuiuc/
University of Illinois Chapter of NOMAS

United Architects of the Philippines Commission on Internal Affairs   http://elwinfb.tripod.com/uapcia/main.htm
Describes this branch of UAP, including membership, chapters, committees, programs, awards, and announcements.

The Digital Skyline   http://uapmakati.wordpress.com
The official online newsletter of the United Architects of the Philippines Makati Chapter.

Architectural Association of Ireland   http://www.aai-ireland.com/
Supplies information on current lectures and events in Ireland, documentation of recent awards recipients, quarterly publication Building Material, and links to related sites.

Society for Environmental Graphic Design   http://www.segd.org
For anyone working in 3-D graphics: includes jobs, design awards, project profiles, membership information and Members Area.

The Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia   http://www.iaac.net/web/en/index.php
The IAAC is an international centre of education and research that focuses on architecture understood as a discipline that encompasses different scales, ranging from territorial analysis, urban development, architectural projects and digital fabrications to informational environments.

Interior Design Associations

American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)   http://www.asid.org/
Headquarters for national association for the United States. Includes bulletin boards, members only space, calendar and trade news.

American Society of Interior Designers Referral Service   http://www.interiors.org/
Database for finding an ASID interior designer for either residential or commercial installations.

International Interior Design Association   http://www.iida.org/
A professional networking and educational association of more than 11,000 members.

Interior Design Educators Council   http://www.idec.org/
Fosters exchange of information, improvement of educational standards and development of the body of knowledge relative to the quality of life and human performance in the interior environment.

Center for Health Design   http://www.healthdesign.org/
Includes online newsletter, links, articles of interest and contact information.

International Association of Home Staging Professionals   http://www.iahsp.com/
Information about staging your home for sale and links to Accredited Staging Professionals and StagedHomes.com.

Interior Designers of Alberta   http://www.interiordesignalberta.com/
Information for the general public and professional interior designer in Alberta. Includes designer resources, supplier directories, professional information and education.

IFDA - International Furnishings and Design Association   http://www.ifda.com/
An alliance of leaders from every segment of the furnishings and design industry. Information on membership, calendar of events and industry news is found here.

Society of Gilders   http://www.societyofgilders.org/
Dedicated to the advancement of the use of gold leaf and gilded metals in all forms.

American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Wisconsin Chapter   http://www.asidwi.org/
Information included on membership, programs, calendar of events and an online store.

Foundation for Design Integrity   http://www.ffdi.org
The growing problem of knock-offs in the design industry led to the creation the Foundation as a means to fight this unethical practice. Included is membership information, activities, news and legislation pending.

American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Washington Metro Chapter   http://www.asiddcmetro.org/
Chapter newsletter, events, continuing education calendar, member profiles and finding interior designers for specific markets.

American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Texas Chapter   http://www.asidtx.org/
Promotion of Texas Chapter designers to the public including online portfolios and technology for the public to search for the right interior designer.

American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), California Los Angeles Chapter   http://www.asidla.org/
Includes information on membership, articles of interest to consumers, and a database on local designers.

ASID New Jersey Chapter   http://www.njasid.org/
Membership requirements, education and contact information, membership directory and contact information.

CID International   http://www.cidinternational.org
A professional association exclusively for interior decorators who are educated in interior design and decoration, tested by a CID entrance exam and are in possession of credentials validating same.

ASID New York Metro Chapter   http://www.asidnymetro.org
Official website of the New York Metropolitan Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Includes individual portfolios, membership information, chapter events, design resources, member search, job postings and contacts.

American Society of Interior Designers Michigan Chapter   http://www.asidmi.org/
Included are member login, locate a designer and contact information.

International Interior Design Association -- Florida Chapter   http://www.iidafla.org
IIDA Florida is a non-profit trade association for commercial interior designers, architects, space planners, and business furniture companies. Includes calendar, careers and education.

California Legislative Conference on Interior Design   http://www.clcid.org/
Formed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the public by maintaining the right of the interior designer to practice in a favorable business environment through legislation.

Salt Lake Design Awareness Foundation   http://www.designawareness.org
An organization for interior designers throughout the intermountain region (Utah, Montana, Wyoming or Idaho. Membership information and programs are highlighted.

American Society of Interior Designers - Alabama Chapter   http://www.asidal.com/
Shown are members, requirements for joining, student design information and news.

The Interior Designers Club   http://www.interiordesignersclub.com
For designers, decorators and do-it-yourselfers who want carpets, fabrics, vinyl, wallcoverings all at wholesale prices. Online quotes available.

American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Nebraska   Iowa Chapter   http://asid-neia.org/
Includes calendar, membership, news, fast facts, students and contacts.

Environmental Design

Exhibit Design

Fashion Design Associations

Graphic Design

International Color Consortium (ICC)   http://www.color.org/
Founded 1993, Reston, USA. For international color designers. Membership organization established by industry vendors for the purpose of creating, promoting and encouraging the standardization and evolution of a cross-platform color management system architecture and components. Developed the ICC profile specification.

American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)   http://www.aiga.org/
NY, USA. For American design professionals. A place to exchange ideas and information, participate in critical analysis and research, and advance education and ethical practice.

Design Council   http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/
Helps people and organisations in business, education, public services and government understand design and use it effectively as part of their strategy.

International Council of Graphic Design Associations (icograda)   http://www.icograda.org/
Founded 1963, London, UK. For international graphic designers. The world's non-governmental and non-political representative and advisory body for graphic design and visual communication.

Society for News Design (SND)   http://www.snd.org/
North Kingston, USA. For international designers in the news industry. Publishers of annual "Best of Newspaper Design". Formerly the Society of Newspaper Design.

The Grolier Club   http://www.grolierclub.org/
Membership organization founded in 1884 for aficionados of the graphic arts. Information on research library, public exhibitions and publications.

National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP)   http://www.photoshopuser.com
Trade association serving as a resource for Adobe Photoshop education, training, and news.

Design Management Institute (DMI)   http://www.dmi.org/
Founded 1975, Boston, USA. For design managers. A non-profit organization dedicated to demonstrating the strategic role of design in business and to improving the management and utilization of design.

Society of Publication Designers (SPD)   http://www.spd.org/
Founded 1965, NY, USA. For international trade, corporate, institutional, newspaper and consumer editorial art directors.

Institute of Designers in Ireland   http://www.idi-design.ie/
Professional body representing the interests of Irish designers. Newsletter, annual reports and downloadable forms provided.

Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC)   http://www.gdc.net/
Founded 1976, Ottawa, Canada. For Canadian graphic designers. A member-based graphic design organization of design professionals, educators and students.

Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario)   http://www.rgdontario.com/
Founded 1996, Toronto, Canada. For Ontario graphic designers. A member association of the GDC. Grants qualified graphic designers right to the exclusive use of the designations Registered Graphic Designer and R.G.D. and is the governing and disciplinary body for its members.

Color Marketing Group (CMG)   http://www.colormarketing.org/
Founded 1962, Alexandria, USA. For international color designers. A not-for-profit association of designers involved in the use of color as it applies to the profitable marketing of goods and services.

National Association for Printing Leadership   http://www.napl.org
Providing graphic arts industry members with information on a wide variety of educational services, events, and products related to the printing industry.

International Association of Printing House Craftsmen (IAPHC)   http://www.iaphc.org/
Founded 1919, Philadelphia, USA. For international printers and graphic artists. An organization for the purpose of their self-development, their companies' success, and the enhancement of the printing and graphic arts industry in society.

American Design Awards   http://www.americandesignawards.com
Gives awards to individual graphic and web designers, design professionals and companies. How to get nominated, previous awards, and graphic design news.

British Design Initiative (BDI)   http://www.britishdesign.co.uk/
Founded 1993, UK. For British designers. An agency that owns an accurate database of UK design agencies; design media, design awards and professional design bodies internationally.

Organization of Black Designers   http://www.core77.com/obd
Non-profit national professional association dedicated to addressing the unique needs of African-American design professionals.

The Color Association of the United States (CAUS)   http://www.colorassociation.com
Founded 1915, NY, USA. For all designers who use color. Color forecasting organization holding extensive color archives, trend information, custom color consulting and publications.

Creative Business   http://www.creativebusiness.com/
A business information resource for principals of graphic design and communications companies and freelance graphic designers, copywriters and illustrators.

Graphic Artists Guild   http://www.gag.org/
Founded 1967, Detroit, USA. For American visual creatives (design, web, illustration). A union of professionals who have come together to pursue common goals, share their experience, raise industry standards, and improve their ability to achieve satisfying and rewarding careers. Producers of the book "Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines".

Letter Exchange   http://www.letterexchange.org/
Society for professionals involved in the lettering arts and crafts, from calligraphy and letter-cutting, through design for print, publishing and typography, to signage and architectural lettering.

artyears.com   http://www.artyears.com
Community portal offering tips and resources for graphic designers.

Society of Illustrators, Artists and Designers   http://www.siad.org/
International organisation founded to promote excellence in the art and technique of all visual media and advancement of professional media practice. United Kingdom.

Society for Environmental Graphic Design (SEGD)   http://www.segd.org/
Washington DC, USA. For international graphic designers, fabricators, students and educators involved in the field of environmental graphic design. A non-profit educational organization.

Industrial Design

Information Design

Interior Design

Interface Design (UX)

Instructional Design

Marketing Communications

Project Management

Public Relations

Writing