ABOUT US

Working as a not-for-profit professional association, the GAI supports, assures and represents architectural ironmongers, wholesalers, and manufacturers around the world.

We promote the highest standards of education, technical excellence and professionalism in our sector, and promote these standards to the wider construction industry and its clients.

To achieve our mission of advancing architectural ironmongery, we collaborate with trade bodies across all areas of construction including: the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA); the Construction Products Association (CPA); Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT); the Finishes and Interiors Sector (FIS); the Society of British & International Interior Design (SPID); the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE); as well as overseas trade bodies like the Door Hardware Institute (DHI).

The Guild’s work is built on three pillars:

Education: we offer a comprehensive programme of courses leading to diploma qualifications and ultimately to GAI Registered or Certificated Professional status (RegAI, RegDS, RegAC and CertSRA) - the benchmark for the demonstration of professional competence in architectural ironmongery.

Technical standards: we help develop the standards that affect the products our members make, specify and use. We also provide support and advice to the sector on applying these standards.

Community activities: the Guild brings people together through our extensive Community Hub network, and our programme of events and awards.

Read more about GAI membership