Who are the Non-Profit Organizations Supporting the AEC Ecosystem?
- Clementine Kornder
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry thrives not just on firms and projects, but through nonprofit organizations that drive education, equity, professional development, policy, and community engagement. In Atlanta, many of these organizations have local chapters, events, and partnerships that strengthen the city’s design ecosystem.
Below is a breakdown of key nonprofit organizations across AEC disciplines, including links and Atlanta chapter highlights.
This list is not exhaustive and we are adding to it as we continue to learn what is available state-wide and in Atlanta.
Architecture and Architects
Nonprofit organizations supporting architecture focus on education, research, public engagement, and social impact.
Architects Foundation
The philanthropic partner of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Architects Foundation supports scholarships, fellowships, and community-based design initiatives. Programs like Communities by Design help local leaders apply design thinking to real civic challenges.
SOM Foundation
The SOM Foundation is a nonprofit supporting interdisciplinary research in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, and engineering. Its fellowships fund original research exploring the social, environmental, and technological future of the built environment.
Terreform ONE
Terreform ONE is a nonprofit architecture and urban research group focused on ecological design, climate resilience, and equitable cities. The organization combines speculative design with applied research to address global urban challenges.
American Institute of Architects (AIA) — National Organization
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the leading professional organization and nonprofit association for architects in the United States. The organization works to support the profession through education, advocacy, research, standards, and public outreach, while championing goals such as sustainable design, equity, and resilient, healthy built environments.
AIA Atlanta
The Atlanta chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) serves nearly 2,000 local architects and designers with continuing education, networking, advocacy, and leadership opportunities. The chapter hosts events, awards programs, and design competitions that bring insight and community engagement to Metro Atlanta’s built environment.
🔗 https://aiaatl.org/Local chapter of the American Institute of Architects
Construction and Community-Driven Building
Construction-focused nonprofits often center on service, collaboration, and pro bono expertise.
AEC Cares
AEC Cares mobilizes architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to volunteer on community projects. Their annual Day of Service transforms spaces for nonprofits serving vulnerable populations.
ShareBuilt
ShareBuilt connects nonprofit organizations with AEC professionals willing to donate or discount services. Their work helps mission-driven organizations navigate complex construction processes.
National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a long-standing nonprofit professional association dedicated to strengthening and amplifying the success of women in the construction industry.
🔗 Official Website: https://www.nawic.org/
NAWIC Atlanta ( Chapter #49)
The NAWIC Atlanta chapter supports women working in construction through career development, networking, and advocacy for gender equity in the AEC trades.
Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is a well-established national nonprofit association serving professionals in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. CSI’s mission is to advance building information management and education of project teams to improve facility performance.
🔗 Official Website: https://www.csiresources.org/
Atlanta CSI Foundation (Construction Specifications Institute)
The Atlanta CSI Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides scholarships and industry support for students in architecture, engineering, and construction programs — nurturing future leaders in the AEC professions locally.
🔗 https://atlantacsifoundation.org/Supports AEC education and student success
Equity in the AEC Industry
Equity-focused nonprofits address representation, access, and systemic barriers within the design and construction professions.
National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA)
Founded in 1971, NOMA advances racial equity in architecture and the built environment through advocacy, education, and professional development.
NOMAtlanta (National Organization of Minority Architects – Atlanta)
In Atlanta, NOMAtlanta actively advances justice, equity, and professional opportunity for BIPOC designers through mentorship, advocacy, professional development, and civic engagement.
AEC Unites
AEC Unites works to increase Black participation and ownership across architecture, engineering, and construction through mentoring, policy advocacy, and business development.
Equity by Design (EQxD)
Equity by Design conducts research, events, and advocacy focused on closing equity gaps in architecture and allied fields, particularly around career advancement and workplace culture.
Structural Engineering and Civil Infrastructure
Structural engineering nonprofits focus on technical excellence, research, and public safety.
Structural Engineering Institute (SEI)
A division of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), SEI advances structural engineering through publications, conferences, and professional collaboration.
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
ASCE is a global nonprofit supporting civil and structural engineers through standards development, advocacy, and infrastructure research.
Land Use, Urban Planning, and Development
Land-use nonprofits influence policy, sustainability, housing, and community design.
Urban Land Institute (ULI)
ULI is a nonprofit research and education organization that brings together land-use and real-estate professionals to promote sustainable and equitable development.
ULI Atlanta (Urban Land Institute – Atlanta District Council)
ULI Atlanta is the local district council of the Urban Land Institute. It brings together multidisciplinary professionals — from land use, real estate, planning, and design — to advance sustainable development and equitable growth strategies in Metro Atlanta.
American Planning Association (APA)
APA advances urban and regional planning through education, research, and advocacy that supports livable, inclusive communities.
Smart Growth America
Smart Growth America advocates for land-use and transportation policies that support climate resilience, racial equity, and healthy communities.
Land Trust Alliance
The Land Trust Alliance supports land trusts that protect open space, farmland, and community assets, including community land trusts for affordable housing.
Groundwork USA
Groundwork USA partners with local nonprofits to revitalize neighborhoods through environmental stewardship, public space design, and community engagement.
Interior Design
Interior design nonprofits support professional development, research, and inclusive design practices.
International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
IIDA is a global nonprofit that supports interior designers through education, advocacy, and industry research.
IIDA Georgia Chapter (International Interior Design Association)
IIDA’s Georgia Chapter, headquartered in Atlanta, supports interior designers through community events, education, design awards, and advocacy. Signature events include Best of the Best Awards, ZeroLandfill, and Dressed, providing local designers opportunities for mentorship, creativity, and professional recognition.
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
ASID is a professional association that advances the interior design profession through advocacy, education, and research on the impact of design on human health and wellbeing.
ASID Georgia (American Society of Interior Designers – Georgia Chapter)
The Georgia Chapter of ASID is based in Atlanta and serves over 600 design professionals, industry partners, and student members through educational programs, networking, advocacy, and the annual Design Excellence Awards.
Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design
Landscape design nonprofits emphasize stewardship, resilience, and public space.
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
ASLA represents landscape architects and promotes sustainable, equitable outdoor environments through education, advocacy, and public awareness.
ASLA Georgia (Georgia Chapter)
Landscape architects in Atlanta and Georgia connect through the ASLA Georgia Chapter, which promotes sustainable landscape design, advocacy, and stewardship of public spaces.
Georgia Conservancy
Based in Atlanta, the Georgia Conservancy is a nonprofit environmental group advocating for land conservation, sustainable growth, and environmental stewardship — helping align design and planning with ecological preservation in the region.
Why These Nonprofits Matter
Together, these organizations demonstrate how design extends beyond buildings—shaping systems, policies, and lived experiences. By supporting education, equity, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, AEC nonprofits ensure that the built environment serves people more thoughtfully and inclusively.
Local chapters of national nonprofits — like AIA Atlanta, NOMAtlanta, ASID Georgia, and IIDA Georgia — bring the power of professional networks and design advocacy directly into the city’s creative fabric. Through events, continuing education, mentorship, and community programming, they strengthen Atlanta’s design culture and connect local professionals, students, and residents to a wider ecosystem of learning and impact.
Whether you are a practitioner, student, policymaker, or engaged citizen, these organizations offer meaningful ways to connect with design as a force for positive change.
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