The national organization, The American Institute of Architects (AIA), is the largest and most influential professional association for architects, interns, and those directly involved with the practice of Architecture in the world. Based in Washington, DC. the AIA has almost 300 state and local chapters representing 56,000 members, including a majority of registered architects in the United States.

Two categories of national membership are offered by the AIA. The first, Membership, is for registered architects. The second, Associate Membership, Is for those individuals working under direct supervision of a registered architect and working toward professional registration.

The American Institute of Architects, AIA Queens, a local component organization of AIA, is based in Queens, New York and represents over 120 members. In addition to the membership categories indicated above, AIA Queens also provides Professional Affiliate membership for those individuals who are engaged in a practice or business related to architecture (Allied Members). Examples of such membership include photographers. contractors, building material suppliers, landscape architects, and interior designers.

All Members, Associate Members and Intern Members of the Chapter are also members of AIA New York State, the state component organization of the American Institute of Architects, located in Albany, New York. The American Institute of Architects and its component organizations strive to promote design excellence in the built environment. Founded in 1857, The AIA is significantly influential as a professional organization for architects and related professionals.