AIA Guide to the IgCC

Dive into the world of codes and standards!

Just as construction practices have evolved over time, so have the regulations that govern the design, construction, and occupation of the built environment. With few exceptions, these regulations – our building codes – do not become less stringent over time, and many elements that used to be considered best practices are now codified as minimally acceptable construction practices.

Architects are typically the responsible design professionals, with a corresponding duty to protect the health, safety, and welfare of both building occupants and the public. The AIA represents the profession on these important issues by supporting member architects’ participation in the code development and adoption processes.

As a group, architects may be the most significantly affected by, and the most significant users of, the codes.

The AIA is in the fortunate position of being able to draw upon the expertise of every type of practitioner in the profession. The AIA Codes and Standards Committee produced this document as an introduction to help architects better understand current development processes for the national model codes and encourage their participation in their development and adoption in the future.