AEI: The Architectural Engineering Institute
Q: On July 25, 1998, by unanimous vote, the Board of Direction of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), in concert with the National Society of Architectural Engineers (NSAE), agreed to establish the Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI), effective as of October 1, 1998. AEI is intended to become the preferred professional "home" organization for all parties involved in the building industry. It is being established through the merger of two successful organizations, ASCE's Architectural Engineering Division (AED) and the National Society of Architectural Engineers (NSAE). The membership and ongoing activities of both of these organizations will be maintained and expanded. The Mission of the Architectural Engineering Institute is to provide a multi-disciplinary forum for building industry professionals engaged in the planning, design, construction, and operation of buildings to examine technical and professional issues of common interest. This mission will be achieved through twenty technical and professional committees, most of which are already active. Some current activities include: * Developing and sponsoring the NCEES Building Architectural Engineering Exam, which will first be given in April, 2001. * Developing the first Standard of Practice for Building Serviceability, a Committee Report on Basement Walls, a Manual on Design to Mitigate the Effects of Terrorism, a Manual on Aerodynamic Design of Cladding, and several other documents. * Establishing rules and procedures governing the use of the AEI Trademark by individual and organizational members, in a manner similar to AIA (i.e.; John Smith, AEI). * Maintaining and building the Journal of Architectural Engineering, an acclaimed publication since the first issue in March, 1995. * Planning and hosting the Architectural Engineering Summit in 1999, a meeting of the invited leaders of all professional organizations with members who are involved in the building industry. * Planning and sponsoring the first International Architectural Engineering Conference in 2001. * Establishing an Academic Council comprised of the department chairs of all recognized university AE degree programs. * Maintaining thirteen student chapters, fostering additional student chapters, and sponsoring national student conferences and contests. Membership in AEI is open to all individuals, companies, and professional organizations involved in the building industry. There are several categories of membership: * Fellow, a Member with
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