The Association of Architecture Organizations (AAO) is a member-based network connecting the many organizations around the world dedicated to enhancing public dialogue about architecture and design.
AAO promotes innovation and best practice by facilitating knowledge sharing among its members, partner organizations, and interested individuals. We organize conferences and workshops, provide professional development opportunities, support the creation of new architectural organizations, manage communication networks for our members, and serve as an advocate and media resource. We celebrate our members’ efforts to address critical societal issues, locally and globally, where an understanding of design and engagement with design thinking are essential.
Founded in 2009, AAO is a membership organization currently serving not-for-profit architectural organizations and interested individuals in over 50 cities across the United States and 6 countries. AAO member organizations cover a wide gamut; examples include architecture centers, museums, festival organizations, lecture forums, historic homes, preservation trusts, architecture schools, design education programs, community design centers, and advocacy organizations. Taken collectively, AAO member organizations conduct public programs that reach an estimated annual audience of 3 million learners of all ages.
WHAT WE DO
• Conference
The largest annual event examining the latest issues, trends, and educational programs for enhancing public dialogue about design, urbanism, and culture.
• Members Weekend
Annual study trip and retreat for top leaders of not-for-profit architectural organizations. Past gatherings have brought us to Cranbrook, Taliesin, and even the Arctic Circle.
• AAO Networks (knowledge communities)
Virtual communities for sharing resources to build the capacity of member organizations.
• E-Newsletter
The most widely read publication investigating the programming efforts and impact of architectural organizations (over 3,500 subscribers).
• Online Resources
Central hub for disseminating information about our members, from job listings to programming announcements, along with a private library of resources and reference documents collected from our members and used to promote best practice in the field.
The future of architecture is up to the will of the people, dependent on every person who is on the lookout for new ideas and inspiration to change our society for the better. We believe the better informed a citizenry is about its built environment, the more mindful it will be in demanding the highest standard in architecture and urban design.
Become an AAO member today and start shaping our future.
