ABOUT US

Chapter Overview

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the professional association for architects and those in the architecture field. AIA Tampa Bay is the regional chapter representing approximately 750 members in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco, Hernando, Citrus and Sumter Counties. The AIA provides programs and services including educational programs, design competitions, community service programs and serves as the united voice of the architecture profession.­

AIA members are currently licensed to practice architecture in the United States. ­Associate AIA members are unlicensed, but they do meet one of the following criteria - They are working under the supervision of an architect in a professional or technical capacity; they have earned professional degrees in architecture; they are a faculty member in a university program in architecture or, they are interns earning credit toward licensure.

Allied members are individuals whose professions are related to the building and design industry, such as engineers, landscape architects, planners or senior executive staff from building and design-related companies, including publishers, product manufacturers and research firms. Allied membership is a partnership with the AIA.

AIA Tampa Bay is the voice of architecture, dedicated to its members and the quality of the built environment in Tampa Bay. To unite local architects and the community, AIATB conducts various events and programs, many are held at The Center for Architecture and Design, our headquarters in Ybor City. ­The chapter also arranges building tours, community service events, lectures and educational programs, design competitions and much more. In addition, AIA Tampa Bay is a distributor of the industry standard AIA Contract Documents - standardized contract documents for construction projects. Beyond the chapter’s program offerings, AIA Tampa Bay serves as a resource for information to architects and the public and serves as the united voice of the architecture profession in addressing the media, governmental bodies and the public.­
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For additional information on AIA Tampa Bay, please contact the chapter office at­ 813-229-3411.

 

The Center for Architecture & Design

AIA Tampa Bay Center for Architecture and Design

The opening of the new Center for Architecture and Design by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Tampa Bay Chapter represents a milestone achievement for the AIA Tampa Bay Chapter and the Tampa community. It celebrates the successful preservation and revitalization of a historic building while highlighting the shared commitment to sustainable design, culture, and community engagement. This vibrant space serves as a central hub for professionals in the field and a valuable resource for the community to explore and appreciate the rich history and cultural significance of the built environment.

The historic 3,000 sq ft former warehouse building, located in the West Tampa National Historic District, has been transformed into a vibrant hub for the local design community. The center represents a significant investment in West Tampa's architectural heritage and sustainable design practices.

Preserving Architectural Heritage:

Built in 1904, this registered historic structure has been saved from potential demolition by AIA Tampa Bay. The Center for Architecture and Design stands as a testament to our commitment to preserving architectural heritage while promoting sustainable design practices. With 95% reuse of exterior walls, floors, and ceilings, the space incorporates adaptive reuse principles, minimizing the need for new materials and reducing environmental impact. By repurposing existing furniture and utilizing environmentally friendly materials, we aim to minimize embodied carbon and landfill waste.

Revitalizing West Tampa:

Situated in the heart of historic West Tampa, the Center for Architecture and Design aligns with the significant development growth in the neighborhood and the adjacent North Hyde Park area. These areas have experienced a revitalization over the past few years, attracting new businesses, residents, and visitors. The center's presence further contributes to the community's vibrant character and economic vitality.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency:

At the Center for Architecture and Design, sustainability and energy efficiency are prioritized through various features. The building's roof has been equipped with a reflective cap sheet, effectively rejecting heat and reducing the workload of the roof insulation. LED lighting and occupancy sensors have been installed to optimize operational costs and lower carbon emissions. The choice of environmentally friendly materials includes No VOC paint by Behr and Silver level Cradle to Cradle certified carpeting by Patcraft. Located in a highly walkable neighborhood, the center promotes transit diversity by providing bike racks and easy access to the HART bus line #7.

The AIA Tampa Bay Center for Architecture & Design is located at 1208 N Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33607, and is open by appointment only.

The exterior of a white brick building with the signs for AIA Tampa Bay and the Center for Architecture & Design Tampa Bay, illuminated by overhead lights against a blue sky.
Logo of the Center for Architecture + Design Tampa Bay in purple and red text.

Keystone Sponsors

Envision Lighting Systems logo with a blue stylized lowercase 'e' surrounded by a swoosh, and the company name in black text
Black and white circular logo of the American Institute of Steel Construction with the initials AISC in the center, the words 'American Institute of Steel Construction' along the top curve, and 'Founded 1921' at the bottom, with two stars on either side.
Logo with a mountain peak and a cluster of dots representing grapes, with the text 'McNICHOLS' below.
Logo of Sesco Lighting with an orange hexagon and the words "SESCO LIGHTING" next to it.
Logo of Tampa Bay Lighting with a stylized sunset over water in orange and pink colors.
TLS Engineering Solutions logo with a stylized blue and gray triangular design and the company name in blue and gray text.
Logo of Walter P Moore featuring a geometric globe design with red, gray, and black triangle shapes, and the company name in black text.
A circular logo with black background and white text that reads 'New Age Reprographics, Printing, Construction, Signage'. The central part features the word 'N.A.R' in bold, stylized letters.