Architectural Association School of Architecture

The Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, commonly referred to as the AA, is the oldest private school of architecture in the UK. The AA hosts a wide programme of exhibitions, lectures, symposia and publications. History The Architectural Association was founded in 1847 as an alternative to the practice of training (young men) by apprenticeship to established architects. Apprenticeship offered no guarantee for educational quality or professional standards, and there was a belief that the system was "rife with vested interests and open to abuse, dishonesty and incompetence".