AIA forms are legal documents which are maintained by the American Institute of Architecture and are used to define the terms of design and construction projects. There are over 100 AIA Forms currently in circulation covering everything from small to large projects across all sectors. The type of AIA form required is determined by certain criteria such as the type and size of the project. Forms are categorized into document families helping identify the scope of projects which they support. There are conventional and basic design-bid-build forms, a group of construction management contracts, responsibility allocation forms and team agreements which the owner enters into with a designer who then enters into contracts with architects and construction contractors. International forms permit architects not licensed in a foreign country where a project may be located. Additional documents provision for the exchange of digital data and it's integrity, and contract administration forms which capture fees, bonds, requests, change orders, payment applications and qualification statements.http://www.aia.org/contractdocs/AIAS076729

All forms, allocated into their respective families, are available for purchase through the AIA official website. Form publications are reviewed annually, may bear an expiration date and require renewal. Forms may be purchased in kits or groups, including only pertinent documents and omitting superfluous materials from the final charge. Included in the price of the document package is technical support as well as a range of additional member services.http://www.aia.org/contractdocs/purchase/index.htm In addition to facilitating design and construction contracts, the AIA also provides support and resources such as design ideas, insurance information, and access to a professional network to small and mid sized architectural firms.http://www.aia.org/practicing/AKR/AIAS077109