Australian Institute of Architects
The Australian Institute of Architects (officially as the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, abbreviated as RAIA) is a professional body for architects in Australia. The post-nominals of FRAIA (Fellow) and RAIA (Members and organisation abbreviation) continue to be used. History. The Australian Institute of Architects was established on 6 September 1929 and continued under this name until 18 August 1930, when the "Royal" title was granted, and it became the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. A number of states formed professional societies for architects, including the Queensland Institute of Architects, and the West Australian Institute  of Architects. The South Australian Institute of Architects (SAIA) was founded in 1886, and in 1904 Walter Hervey Bagot designed its seal. The Australian Institute was formed in 1929, when state architectural institutes combined to form a unified national association, although full federation of the state-based institutes did not come about immediately, with some states maintaining their independence. The South Australian Institute of Architects only joined up in July 1962, becoming the "South Australian Chapter". The Royal Victorian Institute of Architects (RVIA) was the last to join, in 1968. Name change. In August 2008, following an informal poll of  members in 2001, the National Council resolved to continue trading as the "Australian Institute of Architects", while retaining "Royal Australian Institute of Architects" as the legal name. The postnominals of "FRAIA" (Fellow) and "RAIA" (Members and organisation abbreviation) continue to be used with the legal name abbreviated. Purpose, functions, affiliations. As a professional body representing architects, the Institute is represented on many national and state industry and government bodies, and is affiliated with the International Union of Architects (UIA). A chapter is maintained in each state and territory, National awards and prizes. Gold Medal. The AIA Gold Medal is the  highest award of the Australian Institute of Architects awarded annually since 1960. Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize. This award honours architect and gender equity advocate Paula Whitman. National Architecture Awards. The National Architecture Awards have been presented since 1981 and include: State architecture awards and prizes. Each of the state chapters also presents awards, with notable examples including: Presidents. National presidents. National presidents: State and territory chapter presidents. Australian Capital Territory (established 1962). ACT Chapter established in 1962. Northern Territory New South Wales (established 1871, NSW Chapter from 1933). Queensland South Australia Tasmania Victoria Western Australia Australian Institute