• ALA Student Merit Award Program

    The ALA Student Merit Award Program recognizes strong student work in a format that is clear, simple, and approachable.

    Deadline: May 22, 2026

ALA Student Merit Award Program

Submit the work that best represents you as a designer, one project, a portfolio, or something new.  This program is built to keep things simple while giving your work real exposure beyond the studio.  Selected students receive scholarship awards, recognition in Licensed Architect Magazine, and a chance to be seen by the architecture community.


📰 Latest News & Architect's Stories

Contracts Your Clients Will Understand
Clear, concise short form contracts developed by architects for architects and provided free as an exclusive ALA member benefit.

ALA Annual Meeting Celebrates Growth, Leadership, and the Strength of Membership
ALA’s 2026 Annual Meeting celebrated leadership, long standing member milestones, and continued growth across the architectural community.

📝 Architrist of Psychitecture
Reflects on the emotional depth of architectural programming and the unexpected parallels between design and therapy.
👉 Read the Story

 

🌟 From Dream to Practice: The Next Chapter Begins
A personal journey from architectural education to launching a career—full of lessons, growth, and inspiration.
👉 Read the Story

 

🤝 Greater Chicago Food Depository
ALA members contribute to a meaningful project supporting food security and community resilience in the Chicago region.
👉 Read the Story

 

💻 From Apple II to AU: An Architect's Journey from Drafting Boards to Digital Workflows
A look back at how technology has transformed architectural practice through one architect’s career.
👉 Read the Story

 

🎶 Dobson Pipe Organ Builders
Celebrating craftsmanship and collaboration in a unique architectural partnership with a renowned organ builder.
👉 Read the Story

 

🏡 Geneva Bay Lakehouse
A stunning residential project that blends lakeside living with thoughtful design and timeless materials.
👉 Read the Story


Passive Ventilation for Masonry and Low-Slope Roofs - WickRight

YALA: Connecting the Architecture Community

Since 1999, ALA has championed architecture and relationships. YALA welcomes all—architects, pros, students—to connect and grow. Stay on the lookout for our next YALA Coffee with an Architect, a quarterly meetup to talk life, work, and design. 



Events

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Jobs

Jobs

Start your job search today!  Are you an employer?  Post jobs and reach top candidates.

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Contracts

ALA's 17 short-form legal documents are clear, concise and free to members.

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Magazine

Licensed Architect features timely articles and a quiz to earn 1 learning unit.

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Events

Events

ALA offers practical continuing education programs to help members stay current.

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Design Awards

The ALA Design Awards Program is our annual showcase of the power of design by our members.

View the submission guidelines and upcoming deadlines, and browse previous winners.

SIGNATURE CONFERENCES

In spring and fall, ALA offers an intensive, one-day professional development program featuring practical education with a real-world focus.

Attend in-person or virtually to gain strategies and best practices you can immediately apply in your business.

View upcoming Conference dates and details.

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