• We ENGAGE recently licensed Architects in leadership to become agents of change within the Institute and the profession overall.

  • We INSPIRE professional growth among recently licensed Architects through fellowship within AIA.

  • We ADVOCATE for issues of particular relevance to recently licensed Architects to the Institute.
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  • We PROMOTE mentorship at all career stages to enhance personal growth, community involvement, and professional development.​

Young Architect Rep.

Young Architect Representatives (YARs) are the primary connection between AIA chapters and the national YAF Advisory Committee.

2024-25 Delaware YAR
​Jack Whalen, AIA
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​Learn more
​YAF Handbook
YAR Position Description

2nd Annual Advocacy Challenge

The 2023-2027 Strategic Initiative for the AIA Young Architects Forum is ‘Architects in Action, Catalyzing for Change’. We all are agents of change by volunteering our time with organizations within and outside the AIA. Last year, our first YAF Volunteer Challenge highlighted member contributions of over 5,525 volunteers hours to their communities!

This year, our member Matthew Foley, AIA is in the spotlight!

Stay Informed ...

YAF Newsletter

Participate ...

Open Mic Nights

Join in these virtual YAF Community Focus Group events that provide opportunities for members to learn from and engage the YAF, learn about best practices, and share about issues occurring in their area.

View YAF Events​ on AIA Community Network

Be Inspired, Learn, Do ...

YAF Publications

Future Forward Grant (opens each spring)

Presented by the Large Firm Roundtable (LFRT) and the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF), the Future Forward Grant supports students, emerging professionals, and early career architects in the testing of new ideas that disrupt the traditional conception of practice, process, and product in the field of architecture.

The primary objective of the grant is to perpetuate innovation in the practice of architecture by empowering students, emerging professionals, and early career architects to do things they would not otherwise have the capital or resources to accomplish.

This grant seeks to fund untested ideas and advance exploration, innovation, and disruption in the architecture profession.

​Applications are typically open each spring. Learn more >

Align Mentor Program (opens each fall)

The Young Architects Forum and College of Fellows Align Mentoring Program is a long-range initiative (think ten years, not one) that connects young architects with AIA Fellows nationally. Through a grouping system referred to as “pods”, the program pairs four to six young architects with two to three fellows, facilitating professional and leadership development.

The program’s objectives are:
  • To support Young Architects in defining their legacy within the profession while navigating one’s career path.
  • Create a vehicle for mentorship and career development that connects Young Architects and Fellows with peers across the country.
  • Accelerating contributions of Young Architects and developing regionally diverse collectives to contribute more in the future. 

Applications are typically open each fall and are open to any young architect member. Learn more > ​