WASHINGTON, DC -- The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reached agreement on a five-year integrated media partnership with Hanley Wood, LLC that will increase the value of AIA membership as well as expand the reach and impact of member knowledge and expertise. The AIA/Hanley Wood agreement, unprecedented in its proposed use of digital media, integrates AIA member knowledge and thought leadership through Hanley Wood magazines, Web sites, events, the AIA Annual Convention, joint research initiatives and support for AIA chapters.

The wide-reaching agreement, effective January 1, 2011, creates an integrated media offering that encompasses print, online, the AIA Convention and digital platforms to serve the AIA in achieving its goals to meet the professional development and communication needs of its members. Both parties strongly agreed that the editorial independence of Hanley Wood publications, widely recognized by the industry hallmark of credibility, will be central to the ongoing success of the partnership. The agreement also recognizes the key role that the many AIA Chapters play in serving members and includes support for the dedicated professionals who manage them.

"This is an innovative agreement that was drafted with AIA members foremost in our minds," said AIA President George H. Miller, FAIA. "Our partners at Hanley Wood bring fresh ideas and a collaborative approach to opportunities that can advance our mission that are clearly based on their deep commitment to the profession of architecture. Our partnership fully embraces the needs of members and will create more value for membership in the AIA."

"We are elated to, once again, partner with the AIA," said Hanley Wood CEO Frank Anton. "Hanley Wood had its beginning as the first publishing partner for the AIA in 1976, and working together, we now have opportunities to make the architectural profession more robust and relevant to the design and construction industry and the public."

Under the new partnership agreement, AIA members will receive four Hanley Wood publications as a benefit of membership. Hanley Wood'sArchitect becomes the official magazine of the AIA. It will feature exclusive coverage of all AIA programs and initiatives, including AIA Knowledge Communities, State and Local AIA Chapter activities, and efforts that involve individual members, with an increased focus on three primary areas: design, business and technology. The magazine will showcase design and design excellence wherever it is evident. Members will also receive digital editions of Hanley Wood titlesResidential Architect,EcoHomeandEco-Structure, including full access to their respective Web sites.

Last month, roughly 18,000 people assembled in Miami, FL, for the 142nd AIA 2010 National Convention and Design Exposition -- with more than 200 program offerings and approximately 950 exhibitors. The 2011 AIA Convention -- under the direction of Hanley Wood -- is slated for May 12 to 14 in New Orleans, LA.