The AIA Orange County is pleased to learn of your interest in joining this professional society. AIAOC believes the programs scheduled will be of substantial benefit and interest to you in your profession.

ELIGIBILITY

This level of membership is available to those who have an architectural license or the equivalent from a non-U.S. licensing authority and demonstrate honorable standing in the profession in the locale in which they are licensed. Such persons may reside within or outside the U.S. A copy of license or equivalent from a non-U.S. licensing authority must be submitted with the application for membership.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

1. Can I use AIA after my name? International Associate Members may use the title International Associate AIA, or abbreviated, Int’l Assoc. AIA. The privilege to use only the initials AIA after your name is reserved for U.S. licensed architect Members and Members Emeritus only. The laws of the state of California prohibit a non-licensed individual from using the term “architect” to describe themselves.
   
2. What are my voting rights? International Associate Members have full voting rights in all open elections, as provided for in the national AIA Bylaws (and applicable at all levels of organization), with two restrictions. Associates cannot vote on member dues, and they cannot constitute more than 1/3 of all votes in any election.
   
3. Can I hold elected positions? The answer to this question varies depending on the elected position. Some chapters allow International Associate Members to hold any elected position, but most provide separate positions for International Associate Members on their Boards. International Associate members in good standing are eligible to serve on the AIAOC Board of Directors.
   
4. Can I serve on a committee? International Associate Members may participate on all local committees, and may also be the chair of the committee subject to local restrictions. International Associate members may also serve on many of the committees at National. AIA Regional Directors or the Associate Liaison to Membership Commission may nominate individuals for these positions. AIACC (specifically the President) may appoint International Associate Members to its committees.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
The answer to this question varies from chapter to chapter. Dues are based on a three-tiered structure: National AIA, the State, and Local component.

Dues are directly related to the costs of services components provide to their members. The national AIA bills for all three levels of membership: national, state and local. Member firms are also sometimes charged supplemental dues, but Associate Members are not affected by this separate dues structure. National will maintain a membership database for all chapters.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Complete both sides of the application and return the original.
Please be sure to sign and date the application.

2. Licensed Architects are required to submit a copy of their current registration/license.

3. A check payable to AIA (this covers your National, State, and Local AIA dues from now through December 31st) or MasterCard, VISA, or American Express billing information for the amount. Dues are pro-rated. See application for current amount due.

4. Please return all items to the Chapter Office:
3000 Newport Boulevard
Newport Beach, California 92663

Upon receipt, your application will be presented before the AIA Orange County Board of Directors who usually meet on the third Thursday of every month. Upon the Board's favorable recommendation, your application is forwarded to National AIA in Washington, D.C. for final approval. Processing usually is completed within six weeks. You will receive notification from the Institute regarding your admission date.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact:
Marilee Edgar,
Manager of Membership Services
AIA Orange County
(949) 675-8273 ext. 3