Resources for navigating economic uncertainty

Find the support you need

You don’t have to face challenges alone. AIA brings together a network of resources and a community of professionals to help you make informed decisions and strengthen your career and business. Explore categorized tools and information to meet your specific needs.

• Economic & industry resources
  Compare architecture industry trends from a number of primary data sources for informed business decision-making.
• AIA Architecture Billings Index (ABI)
  Gain monthly economic indicators & insights that uses proprietary AIA data to predict nonresidential construction activity 9–12 months ahead.
• Economic updates
  Join live quarterly economic updates for free to get ahead of emerging challenges and opportunities and inform your strategic planning with key insights into the industry’s latest economic data and trends.

• AIA Consensus Construction Forecast (next forecast coming in July)
  See what’s ahead for the construction industry with this twice-a-year survey of the nation’s leading construction economists who forecast business conditions over the next 12–18 months.
• AIAU
  AIA's online learning platform that delivers 24/7 access to premium, on-demand architecture and design courses and certificate programs. 
  Business acumen: a catalyst for professional growth & prosperity. The following courses address navigating economic uncertainty:
  
  Business of architecture: finance and risk management for architects
  
  Disruptive small firm practices: innovative models for expanding services
  
  Setting fees
  
  Strategic planning and growth strategies for design firms
  
  Building and scaling a successful design practice (Series)
• AIA Business of Architecture Firm Survey Report (free for members)
  The only report that covers the full complexity of firms that power the architecture and design profession.

• AIA Career Center
  Find and apply for your next job via AIA Career Center. Members are eligible for one complimentary resume review ($75 value) when they create an AIA Career Center Profile, and receive special pricing on resume, LinkedIn, and career coaching services.
• Architectural Experience Program (AXP) 
  Browse AXP resources to help you become a licensed architect and prepare you for a successful career in architecture.
• Volunteer with AIA 
  AIA committee service helps strengthen the Institute, the profession, the committee members themselves, and the broader communities we serve. AIA champions a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession of architecture to create a better environment for all.
• How to be an exemplary mentor 
  Help emerging professionals via several types of mentor roles.
• Getting licensed 
  Obtaining your license is a big step in your career, and the payoff gives you a competitive edge and the power to create your own future.
• Compensation survey salary calculator
  Includes data for full-time architectural staff employees at AIA member firms in the U.S. with three or more architectural staff employees.

• Mental health & wellbeing in architecture: from academia to practice
  Course shares career-spanning perspectives.
• So you want to design for all? Designing for mental health 
  Course outlines design applications.
• Tackling mental health in architectural practice 
  Course from the 2022 Women’s Leadership Summit

• AIA components
  Your AIA chapter is more than just a network—it’s part of your professional home base, a trusted space for guidance, support, and inspiration. With over 200 chapters worldwide, there's always a colleague to lean on, an event to spark new ideas, and a resource to help you navigate economic uncertainties. Find your chapter and plug into a powerful community.
• AIA Knowledge Communities
  AIA’s twenty-one Knowledge Communities are your source for new connections & information. Network and connect with your peers around the world and stay on top of your areas of interest through events (both in-person and virtual) and engage through the discussion forums.

Contact us for support

If you need assistance finding the right resources or have specific questions, we’re here to help. Contact us to get personalized guidance tailored to your situation.

If you’ve recently lost your job, your AIA membership may be more valuable than ever in helping you get back on your feet. Members experiencing financial hardship, unemployment, or other exceptional circumstances may request dues adjustment or waivers by contacting their local AIA component.