The profession of architecture is characterized by the constant expansion of relevant knowledge, the ongoing changes, and the increasing complexity. Advancing technology, globalization of commerce, increasing specialization, proliferating regulations, and the complex nature of business transactions have created a dynamic environment that requires architects to maintain and continuously enhance their professional competence.

Continuing education is crucial to advancing and improving the profession of architecture. For this reason, members of The American Institute of Architects are required to complete a minimum of 18 hours of continuing education annually. Architects need continuing education to maintain competency and to prepare for the future beyond any requirements licensing and registration boards have for protecting the public. AIA’s continuing education requirement is one element of AIA membership that differentiates an AIA member from someone who simply holds a license to practice architecture, and it strengthens the credibility that comes with AIA membership.

Architecture is a learned craft that takes years for its practitioners to become experts. Today’s professional architects must, therefore, commit to a life-long learning philosophy to always be improving and gaining new knowledge. AIA should be your first stop when looking for continuing education. AIA provides numerous educational activities that assist architects in achieving and maintaining quality as an architect.

When I talk to AIA Utah members about continuing education, many say they often reach the end of the year and realize that they are short of the required 18 continuing education requirements. Most will point to the requirement of 12 health, safety, welfare (HSW) credits, as the area they were deficient. So, how did you do last year on your continuing education?

Were you scrambling the last week of December to find a couple more online courses to complete the necessary 18 credit hours? In 2022, AIA Utah offered 49 continuing education credits including 19 HSW credits to Utah architects. The 2022 educational offerings included carbon sequestration, seismic assessments, risk and contracts, research protocols, tours of award-winning projects and presentations by industry visionaries Thomas Wong and Lawrence Scarpa.

Commit now to invest in yourself in 2023 and join AIA Utah for one of the many great continuing education opportunities offered this year. For more information, visit aia.org/utah.