Our History

The Information Architecture Institute started in 2002 as the Asilomar Institute for Information Architecture.

Twelve amazing individuals came together to figure out how to advance the field of information architecture. We’ve grown, changed our name, and continue to evolve. Today, we are a not-for-profit professional organization, operated by a multi-national group of people who are dedicated to promoting the concept, craft and global community of information architecture.

This is our story

  • 2016

    New website launches! World IA Day 2016 comes to 55 locations in 25 countries.
    See Annual Report

  • 2015

    Over 130 volunteers sign up to help revitalize IAI. World IA Day grows to 38 locations in 24 countries.
    See Annual Report

  • 2014

    Membership growth and renewals at highest since 2007. World IA Day reaches 24 cities.
    See Annual Report

  • 2013

    Launch of Kindred Spirits campaign #iaipledge in support of offering free membership to the community.
    See Annual Report

  • 2012

    First World IA Day in 14 locations around the world, celebrating the practice and education of information architecture.
    See Annual Report

  • 2011

    We reach 1423 members in 55 countries. A new Facebook page and conduct our 8th annual salary survey.
    See Annual Report

  • 2010

    Explain IA contest on Flickr. Won by Nate Bolt’s A Dinosaur Family Explains Information Architecture animation.
    See Annual Report

  • 2009

    Partnerships with 40 organizations representing 79 events throughout the year.
    See Annual Report

  • 2008

    Set up LinkedIn group and join Twitter @iainstitute.
    See Annual Report

  • 2007

    Revamped web site receives standing ovation at IA Summit in Las Vegas.
    See Annual Report

  • 2006

    IDEA (Information, Design, Experience, Access) held at the Seattle Public Library. First event wholly-owned by the Institute.
    See Annual Report

  • 2005

    Name change to The Information Architecture Institute
    See Annual Report

  • 2004

    Launch of the IA Library, and the establishment of a management and volunteer staff.
    See Annual Report

  • 2003

    AIfIA sponsors the Information Architecture Leadership Seminar at IA Summit.
    See Annual Report

  • 2002

    Louis Rosenfeld and Christina Wodtke invite a group to the Asilomar Conference Grounds in Monterey, California. In November, they form the Asilomar Institute for Information Architecture (AIfIA).
    See Annual Report