Under the leadership of Alan Bell in November 2003, a group of former AIA Austin chapter presidents formed the Fly Foundation. The Fly Foundation’s purpose was the development of sustainable leadership for AIA Austin by identifying, supporting, and promoting the growth of future AIA Austin leaders. The foundation was informally administered by a group of AIA Austin past presidents from 2003 until 2007, during which the Fly Foundation raised money and awarded grants to support leadership development.

Beginning in 2005 and continuing into 2006, AIA Austin’s soon-to-expire office lease, the vision of 2005 AIA Austin President Al York to establish a “center for architecture” for public education and outreach, and the 150th anniversary celebration of the AIA, all led the Fly Foundation’s leadership to consider broadening the role of the Fly Foundation. As a result, the Fly Foundation was reorganized and expanded to become the Austin Foundation for Architecture!

The Austin Foundation for Architecture continues the original Fly Foundation leadership-development purpose, and expands our mission to development of the general public’s education, awareness, and appreciation for architecture, and to promote responsible stewardship of the Central Texas environment.

Since our formal establishment of the AFA, the organization began working diligently to implement our mission, spread the word, and raise funds. Grant awards began almost immediately, and we are pleased to have quickly established on-going, collaborative relationships with AIA Austin Architecture in Schools program and Art Alliance Austin to educate the general public about the value of architectural design. Leadership development scholarships have been awarded to worthy individuals participating in the Leadership Austin program.

2009 has seen the establishment of a new AFA program, Discover Design. Over Dinner, creating a new venue for the public to experience how quality architectural environments enhance one’s quality of life.