Business Details
Your Trusted Architecture Advocates in Corpus Christi
AIA Corpus Christi serves as the leading voice for the architectural profession in the Texas Coastal Bend region. We advocate for our members, promote career development, and champion design excellence while working to enhance public policies that shape our built and natural environment. Our organization connects architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners to foster collaboration and innovation in architecture. Through educational programs, networking opportunities, and community engagement initiatives, we support the growth and recognition of architectural excellence in South Texas.Founded as a local chapter of the American Institute of Architects, we continue to uphold the national organization's mission while addressing the unique needs of our regional design community. With over 100 local members and connections to 95,000 national professionals, we provide valuable resources for both practitioners and the public seeking architectural expertise.
Services
Annual Golf Tournament
Code Academy
Design Awards
B.E. Young Professionals Program
Continuing Education Credits
Allied Membership Network
Career Development Resources
Public Policy Advocacy
Member Project Showcase
Professional Networking Events
Highlights and features
- We advocate for architectural excellence and professional development
- Connect design professionals in the Texas Coastal Bend region
- Offer continuing education programs for licensed architects
- Host annual scholarship-generating golf tournament for architecture students
- Provide networking opportunities through regular industry events
Services
Annual Golf Tournament
Our Fore the Birdies Golf Tournament brings together architecture and design professionals for a day of networking and fundraising. The event supports scholarships for aspiring architecture students while providing a valuable industry networking opportunity. Held annually at Whataburger Field, this event combines professional engagement with community support through a shared passion for golf.
Code Academy
Summer Code Academy provides eight hours of HSW continuing education credits required for architectural licensure maintenance. This program serves architects and built-environment professionals across the region with essential training and professional development opportunities. The academy ensures participants stay current with industry standards and regulatory requirements through expert-led educational sessions.
Design Awards
Our triennial Design Awards program honors excellence in architectural practice through peer recognition. The competition showcases outstanding projects from local architects, culminating in a celebratory event that highlights exceptional work in the Texas Coastal Bend region. This program elevates design standards and promotes public appreciation for quality architecture.
B.E. Young Professionals Program
The Built Environment Young Professionals program nurtures future industry leaders through networking, education, and social engagement opportunities. This initiative connects emerging professionals across multiple built-environment organizations, providing mentorship and career development resources. The program fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration among the next generation of design and construction professionals.
Allied Membership Network
Our Allied Membership program creates connections between architects and professionals in related design and construction fields. This network promotes collaboration across disciplines while supporting the local design community. Members benefit from expanded industry relationships and shared expertise that enhances project outcomes in the Texas Coastal Bend region.
People
Rob Garcia
2025 President
AIA Corpus Christi 2025 President with 20+ years architectural experience. Studio Director at Levy Dykema Architects, teaching at Tulane University, and advocate for community-focused design in Corpus Christi.
Madeline Layland
2025 President-Elect
Licensed architect at Levy Dykema with experience in emerging professionals development. Former Director for Emerging Professionals at AIACC and organizer of architectural education initiatives in Corpus Christi.
Victor Cruz
2025 Secretary & Treasurer
Partner at LaMarr Womack and Associates with 12 years architectural experience. Specializes in BIM processes and production management while contributing to firm leadership and industry development.
Suzan Rozypal
Executive Director
Executive Director since 2021 with background in history and tourism. Former Southwest Airlines flight attendant with passion for architecture and community engagement through Italy With Friends Tours.
Nallely Chavarria
Associate Director for Emerging Professionals
Architectural intern at Richter Architects and 2024 Associate Honor Award recipient. Recent Texas A&M graduate focused on mentoring emerging professionals and advancing architectural licensure in Corpus Christi.
Questions
How can I become a member of AIA Corpus Christi?
Visit our website to explore membership options including architect membership, associate membership, and allied professional membership categories with application processes outlined.
What continuing education opportunities do you offer?
We provide annual Code Academy programs offering HSW continuing education credits, Lunch & Learn presentations, and access to AIAU online learning resources for licensed architects.
Do you offer resources for architecture students?
Yes, our annual Fore the Birdies Golf Tournament raises scholarship funds for architecture students in the Texas Coastal Bend region through our charitable initiatives.
How can I attend AIA Corpus Christi events?
Check our event calendar for details about chapter meetings, design awards, professional development programs, and networking opportunities open to members and industry professionals.
What services do you provide for local architects?
We offer career development resources, continuing education, advocacy support, networking events, and professional recognition programs for architects in the Corpus Christi area.
How do you engage with the local community?
Through public policy advocacy, design excellence promotion, community events like Hooks Night, and partnerships with local organizations shaping the built environment in Corpus Christi.
