The San Francisco chapter of the American Institute of Architects was organized to protect the integrity of the profession and to standardize the conduct and practice of its members. Demand for the services of builders and designers significantly increased as the city's population grew during the later part of the nineteenth century. Professionally trained architects of the time were continually challenged by the unethical practices of untrained "architects," who took advantage of patrons and threatened the work of reputable and qualified architects. Prior to the AIA charter, trained architects in California formed a short-lived professional society in 1869. A second and larger association of well-known and respected San Francisco architects, the Pacific Coast Association of Architects, was founded in May 1881. Augustus Laver, an important founding leader of this group, submitted the AIA charter petition which was signed by John Wright, George Sanders, William Curlett, Seth Babson, T.J. Welsh, and J.E. Wolf. These men were convinced that a unified group of professionals supported by the larger, national organization of the AIA would further protect the practice. In the spring 1882, the AIA granted the organized architects of San Francisco their charter and thereby expanded its membership westward beyond Chicago. In February 1927 the San Francisco Chapter was renamed the Northern California Chapter, which was incorporated on August 4, 1955. In 1980 the chapter became The American Institute of Architects, San Francisco Chapter. The most recent name variation, AIA San Francisco, a Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, was adopted by members in 1992. An exhibit of design drawings created by current members was created at the time of the chapter’s 1982 centennial to support the events planned for the celebration. Historical drawings from archival sources were displayed to provide historical perspective on local development and contemporary work was shown to highlight the design talent in the Bay Area.

Sources: Parman, John. "That Brilliant Year, 1882." American Institute of Architects San Francisco Chapter Centennial Directory, 1982, 20. Thompson, Elisabeth K. "History of the Chapter." American Institute of Architects San Francisco Chapter Centennial Directory, 1982, 21-23.