Volunteer with AIA Chicago

Join a volunteer community and make a difference together

Current Volunteer Opportunities

AIA Chicago Architecture Awards - Design Excellence Awards

Matt Dumich presenting to AIA Chicago Bridge participants
© AIA Chicago/Ashley Spell

Firm Ambassador Program

The AIA Chicago Firm Ambassador Program connects firms with the local AIA chapter and seeks to build a strong bridge between the two.

Each participating firm selects one staff member to be the AIA Chicago Ambassador, preferably an Associate AIA member, but also open to those working in administrative or marketing roles.

This is a Pilot Program in a testing phase.

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2026 AIA Chicago Board of Directors in attendance at the annual Boards Retreat

Serve on the AIA Chicago Board of Directors

If you would like to help design the future of the profession and the organization, you are encouraged to apply to serve on the AIA Chicago Board of Directors.

Applications Open: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Applications Close:Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 5:00 PM central

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2026 AIA Chicago Foundation Board of Trustees in attendance at the annual Boards Retreat

Serve on the AIA Chicago Foundation Board of Trustees

Work with leaders in the profession to provide grants, scholarships, education, and awards that promote the profession, students, recent graduates, emerging professionals, and the larger architecture and design community.

Applications Open: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Applications Close:Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 5:00 PM central

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K-12 Youth Education

Architects in Schools

Help spark curiosity and creativity in young minds by joining the Architects in Schools (AIS) Initiative—an 8-week program introducing middle school students to architecture and design. The Architects in Schools Co-Chairs are hosting a training session for both new and returning mentors. Come learn about the program, explore the weekly curriculum, and sign up to mentor at one of our partner schools.

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K-12 Youth Education

Youth Education Volunteer

Are you interested in mentoring K-12 students, collaborating with talented architects, and developing your leadership skills? ACE Mentor, AIA Chicago, Chicago Architecture Center, Chicago Mobile Makers, INOMA, and Territory have teamed up to solicit interest and pair you with the right organization.

Submissions: Ongoing

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Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace

Designight

AIA Chicago's biggest event of the year, Designight 2023 brings together hundreds of architects and designers for the premier architectural awards ceremony in the city. Volunteers are needed throughout the night for various positions.

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Become a Delegate for AIA Chicago

AIA (National) Annual Meeting Delegate

Becoming a delegate is an exciting way to shape the ideas and issues that matter most to our profession. Volunteer delegates vote on behalf of our local members on issues including candidates for national officers on the AIA Board of Directors and resolutions and amendments to national bylaws. The total time commitment for being a delegate is less than five hours.

Submissions open: Now available
Submissions close: Thursdsay, May 11, 2023; 11:59pm

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Stay Up-To-Date

Be sure to sign up to receive AIA Chicago’s emails for the latest news calls to volunteers.

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Join a Knowledge Community or Affinity Group

One of the best ways to get involved is through a Knowledge Community or Affinity Group, which are professional-based or identity and mission focused groups for sharing information and networking.

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Check out our Volunteer Fair

Every winter, AIA Chicago hosts a Volunteer Fair, which is a perfect opportunity to virtually jump around and meet with the groups that interest you. Our 2023 volunteer fair occurred on November 9. View the recording below.

General Volunteer Interest

Interested in volunteering with AIA Chicago but not sure where to plug in? Email membervoices@aiachicago.org and we will connect you to the right opportunity.

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