AIBD gains a vote—and building designers gain a stronger voice


Jack Butler, Chair of AIBD’s Codes & Legislative Affairs Committee, has been appointed to represent the Institute for a term beginning January 1, 2027, and ending December 31, 2029. His appointment builds on AIBD’s ongoing code development work and gives building designers a voice through the Institute’s voting seat on the committee.

It’s an important development—and a good opportunity to talk about why AIBD exists.

We’re here to represent you

Whether or not you’re a dues-paying member, AIBD works to represent building designers and protect the profession.

You may know us through a webinar, a conference, a blog post, or a connection with another designer. Those are valuable parts of what we do, but they serve a larger purpose: helping building designers build a strong future, with a voice in the decisions that affect their ability to practice.

AIBD has a long-standing history of doing that work. When we participate in code development, follow legislative issues, or help decision-makers understand the role of building designers, the benefits extend beyond our membership.

Jack’s appointment is one example of that commitment in action.

Your involvement helps us do more

AIBD is a nonprofit, membership-based, volunteer-powered organization with a staff of four. Our reach depends on the people who contribute their time, expertise, local knowledge, and financial support.

Membership dues help sustain that work. Volunteers expand what we can accomplish. And designers keeping us informed about local issues help us recognize concerns we might otherwise never hear about.

No small national staff can monitor every municipality in every state. If you encounter a proposed ordinance, permitting change, or restriction that could affect building designers, let us know early—ideally with the proposal and any hearing or comment deadlines. We cannot promise to take on every issue, but knowing about it gives us a chance to assess it and determine how we can help.

If you’re already a member, thank you. Your support helps make this representation possible. If you haven’t joined, membership is a practical way to strengthen work that serves both you and the wider profession.

We’re here for you whether or not you pay dues. Your support helps us do more.

​Join AIBD and support the profession.​

American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)

The American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) is a professional association that promotes the highest standards of excellence in residential building design. AIBD offers a variety of resources to its members, including continuing education, networking opportunities, and marketing assistance. AIBD is a valuable resource for anyone interested in a career in residential building design. If you want to improve your skills, network with other professionals, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends, AIBD is the perfect organization for you.

Read more from American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)

We are excited to invite you to join us for an upcoming networking event at the Chicago Build Expo! Please note that there has been a slight change to our event schedule. We will now be gathering at the Networking Hub on October 29 from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow design professionals, share industry insights, and expand your regional network. Registration is Free Chicago Build offers a totally unique experience over the 2 days: 30,000+...

This Week in the AIBD Community Have a question another designer could help answer? Or an experience that might save someone else a headache? Take a few minutes to explore these five conversations and add your perspective. What’s making your work easier lately? Sometimes the most useful discovery starts with a recommendation from another designer. What’s one tool you’d recommend to a colleague, and what makes it worth using? Join the tools conversation. That promising project inquiry might...

Hello Reader, Congrats on surviving Monday and crushing Tuesday. Now, Wednesday beckons you to take a break and step into a pattern of discovery. Welcome to the Midweek Meander. Did someone forward this to you? Please consider subscribing. It was Saturday evening. I had a drink in one hand, a plain white apron in the other, and absolutely no idea what I was about to walk into. As I wandered from artist to artist, each one sketched a little piece of Florida directly onto the cotton. By the end...