Its mission is to advance the science and technology of architecture through mutual collaboration by its members.
It sponsors roughly 600 sub-committees and working groups under 16 standing research committees.
The institute's central office and library is in Tokyo with nine regional chapters (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Tokai, Hokuriku, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu).
It also publishes the results of research committee studies, terminology dictionaries, textbooks, slides, videotapes, and books for the general public.
[1] Prizes awarded by the institute for individual achievement, built work, and research are among the most prestigious in the industry.