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Promoting Ethics and Professionalism in the Construction Industry
AIC is an organization established to help individual construction practitioners achieve the professional status they deserve. The Institute is the constructor's counterpart of professional organizations found in architecture, engineering, law and other fields. As such, the Institute serves as the national qualifying body of professional constructor. AIC membership identifies the individual as a true professional.

What is the purpose of this Organization?
To promote excellence in construction by:

  • establishing high standards of ethics and competence for the professional;
  • recognizing the professionalism of individual constructors;
  • promoting the study and advancing the practice of construction related fields, and
  • facilitating the exchange of information and ideas within the profession.

What does the Institute do?
The Institute provides qualified constructors with a wide range of services for individual growth and the advancement of their profession. For example, the Institute:

  • provides new channels of communication with in the profession and with important audiences outside the profession.
  • supports construction education programs in colleges and universities throughout the country.
  • provides educational opportunities for Institute members.
  • develops and enforces quality construction standards.
  • works for public understanding and support of the construction profession.
  • establishes ethical codes and rules of professional conduct.
  • honors outstanding contributions to the construction profession.
Why is this organization needed?
Certainly the increasing complexity of construction demands people of professional caliber. People are needed who can accept the total project responsibility---controlling the quality, cost and time of construction while considering the needs of the larger society. But merely doing a complex job and calling yourself a professional does not make you one. To establish professional status for constructors, a strong organization, capable of certifying qualified individuals and setting professional standards, was needed. The Institute was created to meet this need.
Does the Institute compete with other construction organizations?
Not at all. Construction in past years has been represented by several fine organizations such as the Associated General Contractors, the National Association of Homebuilders and the Associated Builders and Contractors. However, these groups represent companies rather than the individual. These organizations establish policy, negotiate agreements and work for the advancement of construction. These important roles must be continued. But the operation of a professional Institute for individuals engaged in all types of construction practice, education and research, is clearly beyond their scope. Thus membership in the American Institute of Constructors complements rather than conflicts with membership in other construction organizations.
How does the Institute benefit construction?
By certifying individuals as qualified constructors, by helping them achieve professional growth, and by developing ethical codes and high standards of performance, the institute generates public trust and confidence in all construction. Any profession's most vital resource is its people. Construction's growing complexity has accelerated the development of construction education programs in the nation's colleges and universities. These programs are turning out people eager to build careers in construction. The institute has opened the doors of the professional community to this new breed of constructors as well as to many qualified construction employees, researchers, teachers, and students ineligible for membership in company-oriented construction organizations. By providing a professional umbrella covering people from all phases of construction at various stages in their careers, the American Institute of Constructors has become a positive force in the advancement of the construction profession.

 
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