The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has created a commitment framework to help architects better serve their communities by building resilience and disaster risk reduction into the design and planning of new construction and renovation projects.

The AIA Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Commitment provides architects with a foundation for action, encourages dialogue, and will be accompanied by implementation guidance, resources, and outcome tracking tools. As professionals responsible for protecting the public’s health, safety and welfare through the built environment, architects develop and apply new approaches to resilient design in a changing world. The AIA is prepared to meet this challenge and support architects who want to lead this effort through this commitment.

The AIA Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Commitment is guided by principles articulated in the United Nations Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.  It is a voluntary, company or organization-wide, commitment to invoke action toward disaster risk reduction and resilience in design of the built environment. 

“As climate-driven hazards and systemic risks continue to intensify, architects are uniquely positioned to help communities anticipate, adapt, and thrive,” said 2026 AIA President Illya Azaroff, FAIA. “This commitment reflects the American Institute of Architects’ dedication to advancing disaster risk reduction through design, planning, advocacy, and collaboration.” 

Signatories to the AIA Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Commitment pledge to advance the following principles:

•    Understanding Hazard Risk
 •    Designing for Resilience
 •    Elevating Safety
 •    Integrating Equity to Strengthen Communities
 •    Promoting Operational Continuity
 •    Advancing a Regenerative Approach

AIA recently signed a memorandum of understanding with ARISE US to collaborate in broadly supporting and advancing the Commitment, in alignment with the U.N. Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

ARISE was established by the U.N. Secretariat for Disaster Risk Reduction, or UNDRR, with the mission of creating risk-resilient societies by mobilizing the private sector in collaboration with the public sector and other stakeholders to achieve the goals of the Sendai Framework in a transparent, inclusive way that delivers measurable local impact. In the coming weeks AIA will be launching additional Risk Reduction and Resilience Commitment resources to encourage architects to join the commitment.  

“By embedding resilience into the built environment, we are not only protecting lives and investments today—we are helping create stronger, safer, and more sustainable communities for generations to come,” said Azaroff. 

Learn more about the AIA Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Commitment.