The Public Dialogue

The agreement was signed by Robert Ivy, Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer of the AIA and John Peterson, Founder and President of Public Architecture.

Public Architecture is pleased to announce the launch of a new partnership with the American Institute of Architects that will encourage AIA members to commit a minimum of 1% of their time to pro bono service.

“Architects care deeply about a lot of things and making a positive impact on society is chief among them. Pro bono work is a wonderful way for architects to meet the demand for service and demonstrate the value of design to clients who might not have even considered working with an architect before,” said Robert Ivy, Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer of the AIA.

The AIA and Public Architecture have agreed to build a portal on The 1% website to launch later this year that will support and track AIA members’ service contributions to communities in need. Service contributions pledged through The 1% are valued today at nearly $40 million annually.

“While architecture professionals have traditionally been philanthropic, until now the profession has never institutionalized pro bono service as a fundamental component of practice,” said John Peterson, Founder and President of Public Architecture. “This partnership is a historic leap forward towards a more comprehensive commitment to creating better environments in all communities.”

The partnership is expected to formally launch at the AIA National Convention in Washington, D.C, May 17-19, 2012. Members are encouraged to participate now in The 1% program and can find additional resources regarding pro bono services on the AIA website.

For the official press release, please click here.