A Future Economy

A Future Economy


Architects lead a $1T building construction industry, and most firms meet the federal definition of a small business. AIA supports policies that drive innovation, ensure equitable access to opportunity, and foster  prosperity.

Economic & Industry data >
ACEC architecture and engineering economic impact report >


Key Policies

Historic Preservation Funding

Rehabilitating historic buildings strengthens neighborhoods and creates opportunities for local businesses to thrive. These policies may include historic preservation tax credits, deductions or rebates, related grants or technical assistance programs, and updates to the definition of a qualified historic building in statute. AIA supports robust funding for historic preservation.

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Equitable Access to Opportunity

A diverse pipeline and workforce strengthens the profession, delivers better projects for everyone, and expands access to economic opportunity. These policies may include STEM programs, student debt relief, contracting goals for minority, women, or disabled veteran businesses, scholarships for students attending accredited architecture programs, and other programs. AIA supports equitable access to business opportunities and the profession.

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Business-friendly Taxes

Tax and business policies that do not place a disproportionate burden on architecture firms encourage innovation and reinvestment. These policies may include taxes on professional services, fee schedules on public projects, protections for intellectual property rights and instruments of service, designer lien laws and other issues. AIA supports fair tax policies that allow architects to prosper.

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Professional Liability

Architects carry substantial liability related to their work as licensed professionals, which can, if out of proportion to their role on a project, place a firm at serious risk. These policies may include prohibiting duty to defend or indemnify clauses in public contracts, right to repair construction defects, certificates of merit, changes to the statute of limitations or statute of repose and other issues. AIA supports limited, proportional liability based on an established standard of care.

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Efficient Permitting and Inspections

Whether new construction or renovation, a consistent review process is critical to protecting public safety in the built environment. Architects and owners alike depend on local governments to review plan submittals and issue building permits in a timely, predictable manner to ensure the cost-effectiveness of projects.  This category will include information and resources on permit streamlining, third-party review and inspections, limits on local agency review times, and efforts to establish statewide standards for review processes.

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Other Policies

AIA is committed to providing resources and assistance to components and members to advocate a robust, equitable future economy at the state and local levels. Select the link below to access additional resources and learn about other business policies related to the built environment.

AIA Resource Library

Overview of resource library


Component Case Studies

Please contact LaTriece Pleasant to submit a campaign case study