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The Young Architects Forum (YAF), a program of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the College of Fellows (COF), is organized to address issues of particular importance to recently licensed architects (within 10 years or fewer after licensure). The YAF is an outgrowth of a 1989 AIA Grassroots program involving 36 young architects from around the nation assembled by then AIA President Ben Brewer Jr., FAIA. The issues raised and potential benefits visualized at that meeting led to the 1991 formation of a national YAF Advisory Committee to encourage the development of national and regional programs of interest to young architects and the creation of YAF groups in local chapters.

To encourage professional growth and leadership development among recently licensed architects through interaction and collaboration within the AIA and allied groups.

To build a national network and serve as a collective voice for young architects by working to ensure that issues of particular relevance to young architects are appropriately addressed by the Institute.

To make AIA membership valuable to young architects and develop the future leadership of the profession.

It is the intent of the YAF, through persistent pursuit of its stated goals, to make AIA membership invaluable to young architects and develop the future leadership of the profession.