The Association of Architecture Organizations (AAO) was founded in 2009 by the Chicago Architecture Foundation with significant investment from the American Architectural Foundation and the American Institute of Architects, and with active participation from organizations across the United States and beyond, including the Center for Architecture in New York, the Architectural League of New York, and Open House London (now Open-City). AAO is dedicated to promoting excellence in the architecture center and design education communities. It serves this sector by cultivating a common core of knowledge, ethics, and sense of purpose among its individual and organizational members. Through the use of meetings and conferences, reports and field surveys, online discussion groups, and other resources, AAO seeks to increase and broaden knowledge among members on matters pertaining to the operation and establishment of architecture centers, public engagement of architecture, infrastructure, and planning, and K-12 design education programming.

Founded in 1966, the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) engages diverse public audiences in learning about architecture, infrastructure, and landscape with educational programs that include tours, exhibitions, lectures and symposia, and youth and family programs. CAF public programs challenge and inspire audiences to explore the role of architecture in shaping their lives and creating communities that are economically, culturally, and socially vibrant, and environmentally sustainable.