The AIA/SF records primarily consist of Board and Executive Committee minutes for the years 1907 through 1989 and membership files as well as a few photographs and artifacts. The membership files mainly document past members from the 1950s and 1960s and include biographical, professional, and membership information for many architects who worked in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Photographs document various chapter events and individuals.

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.

15 Linear Feet: 5 cartons, 20 document boxes

All requests for permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from materials in the collection should be discussed with the Curator.

Collection is open for research.