Antitrust Compliance

AIA and its members are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and full compliance with all applicable federal and state antitrust laws. By complying with both the letter and the spirit of these laws, we protect the integrity of the architectural profession and the reputation of AIA.

Responsibility for Compliance

While AIA’s General Counsel provides guidance on antitrust matters, each member is individually responsible for ensuring their own actions—and those of anyone under their direction—comply with all applicable antitrust laws.

Violations of antitrust laws may result in substantial corporate fines and, for individuals, fines or imprisonment.

Antitrust Guidelines

In all AIA activities, members must avoid discussions or behavior that could violate antitrust laws or create the appearance of impropriety. The following guidance is provided to support compliance:

Actions to Take

• Consult legal counsel regarding any documents or activities involving sensitive antitrust subjects such as pricing, market allocations, or refusals to deal.

• Seek legal guidance before participating in any non-routine projects or programs that may raise antitrust concerns, including data submissions or joint member initiatives.

• Prepare an agenda in advance for all meetings, follow it closely, and take accurate minutes. When necessary, have legal counsel review both the agenda and the minutes.

Actions to Avoid

Do not discuss any of the following topics with other AIA members or competitors without prior approval from legal counsel:

• Your pricing or pricing strategies

• Prices charged by competitors

• Costs, discounts, terms of sale, or profit margins

• Allocation of markets, customers, territories, or products

• Limiting or coordinating production

• Decisions on whether or not to do business with another company

• Any competitively sensitive information about your business or a competitor’s business, including exclusivity or reciprocal agreements

Do not remain in any meeting or gathering where these topics are being discussed.

Do not create any documents or records, including emails, that could be interpreted as suggesting that AIA condones or participates in anticompetitive conduct.

To read AIA's anti-trust statement in full detail, please click HERE