Young Architects of ALA
YALA: the next generation of architects.
YALA is ALA's community for students, new graduates, and early-career architects. Whether you are studying for the ARE, starting your first job, or building your network, YALA connects you with peers at the same stage and architects a few steps ahead.
What YALA Does
Bringing together the future of the profession.
Every YALA event has the same purpose: relationships between the people entering this profession and the people who have already built careers in it.
Out in the Field
Showroom Crawls & Outings
Walk material showrooms, get hands on products, and meet the reps behind them, alongside architects at every career stage. You leave knowing more people than you arrived with.
All Year
Tours & Conferences
Every ALA tour and conference at the member rate, with learning units that count once you are licensed.
For Students
Student Merit Awards
One project, judged blind by practicing architects, published beside the professional winners.
Open to Everyone
Napkin Sketch Contest
One drawing on a five-inch napkin, judged by architects. Students enter beside licensed professionals.
Watch upcoming events for what is next.
Why Join YALA
Networking
Showroom crawls, tours, and the ALA conferences put you in the same room as peers and working architects.
The path to licensure
What licensure takes, step by step, with links to NCARB and your state board. Student membership is free, New Graduate is $75, and Associate is $115.
Awards
Apply to the Student Merit Awards and put your work in front of a jury of practicing architects.
Community
A network of young architects at the same stage as you, and working architects a few steps ahead.
Three Ways In
In School
Student Member
For currently enrolled students in architecture or related programs. Membership is free.
First Year Out
New Graduate Member
For new graduates in their first year out of school, at a rate built for a first paycheck.
Working, Not Yet Licensed
Associate Member
For early-career professionals working in an architecture firm while completing the path to licensure.
Get Involved
Your career gets easier with people behind it.
Join ALA to take part in YALA, or reach the committee through the office at ALA@licensedarchitect.org or 847.382.0630.