Founded in 1887, the Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects serves the Nation's Capital, functioning as both the "local" and "state" component of the AIA for the District of Columbia. The Chapter was intimately involved in the design and planning of Washington, and continues to play an active role in city development today. AIA|DC is housed in the District Architecture Center (DAC), in the heart of DC’s bustling Penn Quarter District. DAC is where architecture meets the city. If you enjoy architecture, DAC is the place for you. DAC houses the Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Washington Architectural Foundation.