Architect credentials 2

I often see the initial RA or AIA after (U.S.) architects' names on business cards. Can someone please summarize what the difference is?

A short summary of architect licensing requirements would help also. There may be differences from state to state, but there should be enough similarity for a basic intro.

 

[ishvaaag]

AIA American Institute of Architects, an association

RA registered architect, able to legally undertake architectural works in a state or maybe county

(since in Spain others will know better)

 

[JAE]

For US, ishvaag is correct.

 

[Rich2001]

To become a member of AIA you must be a legally licensed Architect. That is to say, all AIA's are RA's, but not all RA's are AIA's.

AIA
Currently licensed to practice architecture in a U.S. State or Territory.

Associate AIA
Not licensed to practice architecture, but meeting one of the following:
[ul][li]Participate in career responsibilities recognized by licensing authorities as constituting credit towarad licensure (i.e., interns) [/li]
[li]Are under the supervision of an architect in a professional or technical capacity [/li]
[li] Are a faculty member in a university program in architecture [/li]
[li] Hold a professional degree in architecture[/li][/ul]

International Associate AIA
Holder of an architecture license or equivalent from a non-U.S. licensing authority, but without license in the U.S.

Emeritus AIA
An AIA member for 15 successive years and 70 years of age, or 60 years of age and fully retired, or incapacitated so as to be unable to work within the profession.

Allied AIA
individual allied membership is open to engineers, planners, landscape architects, sculptors, muralists, artists, and those in government, education, journalism, manufacturing industry, and other fields allied to architecture.

 

[redhead]

In order to be a licensed, or registered architect, each State in the US requires the applicant to pass a set of examinations, and to hold a degree in architecture from a recognized institution - usually a five year degree by the way. Just as with professional engineering licenses, each State has its own requirements and does not recognize the license from another State. There are reciprocity agreements between some States, so that a licensed architect can often become registered in another State without taking a further examination.

The American Institute of Architects is a professional organization similar to ASCE for engineers. Membership does not grant the right to sign and seal drawings.