The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Public Architecture have embarked on a new partnership to support pro bono design. Through the new relationship, AIA members will be encouraged to pledge to “The 1%,” which is Public Architecture’s nationwide program to challenge architecture and design firms to commit a minimum of one percent of their time to pro bono service. The program also facilitates a matching service to connect firms with nonprofits seeking pro bono design services.
AIA and Public Architecture have agreed to build a portal on The 1% website to launch later in 2012 that will support and track AIA members’ service contributions to communities in need. Service contributions pledged through the program are valued today at nearly $40 million annually.
“Architects care deeply about a lot of things and making a positive impact on society is chief among them,” said Robert Ivy, FAIA, EVP/CEO of AIA. “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.”
“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, AIA, 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.”
