The American Institute of Building Design, or AIBD (A-I-B-D), was established in 1950 by a group of building designers to promote credibility and public awareness. Since then, it has developed nationwide design standards and a code of ethics for the building design profession. AIBD is governed nationally by a board of directors who are elected from eligible members of state societies and members at large. State societies are chartered after a minimum of 12 designers and are established in one state. AIBD has achieved national recognition and has professional and associate members in 47 states and throughout Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. More importantly, it provides building designers with educational resources to learn about new building materials and methods of construction and technology that can impact how people live in the future. AIBD members are required to keep current through continuing-education programs and must comply with state statutes and follow regional building-code guidelines. AIBD also enforces the National Council of Building Designer Certification, or NCBDC (N-C-B-D-C) program for its members. For building design professionals, this certification indicates the highest level of competency and commands respect among their peers.
