Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the voice of the architecture profession. With over 94,000 members and more than 200 chapters worldwide, it is the largest and most influential professional association for architects, emerging professionals in the field of architecture, and those directly involved in the practice of architecture. The American Institute of Architects serve the public’s needs and builds awareness of the role of architects and architecture in American society.

In 1896, the Society of New Jersey Architects was formed, but was disbanded in 1900 when a chapter was granted to New Jersey by The American Institute of Architects. Today AIA New Jersey continues to be a chapter and single-state region of the national AIA organization. The chapter is divided into six local sections: the Architects League of Northern NJ, AIA Central Jersey, AIA Jersey Shore, AIA Newark & Suburban, AIA South Jersey and AIA West Jersey. 

The AIA West Jersey section, formed in 1925, was created to help connect AIA with its local individual architects and the communities in which they are established. AIA West Jersey offers its members a variety of support through AIA recognized programs, continuing education seminars, community outreach, and advocacy, to best serve our communities they exist. AIA-WJ is a growing section which contains over 200 members and encompasses Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem Counties.  For almost 100 years, AIA West Jersey has aspired to meet the constantly changing needs and interests of its members and the public by developing public awareness on the value of architecture and the importance of good design.