The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) is a not-for-profit professional and trade association which supports, assures and represents architectural ironmongers, wholesalers and manufacturers around the world. 

GAI members are committed to the highest standards of technical excellence and professionalism, and work with us to promote these standards to the wider construction industry and its clients. 

By joining the Guild, companies and individuals receive a wide range of benefits, including: world-class learning resources and programmes; technical information and advice; business support services; networking opportunities; and enhanced profile and status.

Today more than 300 companies across 27 countries are members of the GAI and more than 2,500 people hold the globally recognised GAI Diploma. Join today and take your company to the next level.  

Join the GAI 

Membership Categories 

There is a range of company and individual membership options for those working in and around the architectural ironmongery industry depending on their role, qualifications and experience. 

Company Membership 


Corporate (Full) – open to architectural ironmongers, hardware manufacturers, distributors and suppliers with at least one DipGAI qualified employee.

Corporate (Affiliate) - for companies establishing themselves in the sector; membership term is fixed at five years, at the end of which time the company must employ at least one DipGAI qualified employee and transfer to Full membership.

Corporate (Enterprise) - available for new companies with less than 12 months trading history.

Associate - for companies providing a product or service to the industry and to members of the GAI.

We also have special member rates for branches and subsidiaries, allowing companies to share the benefits of GAI membership throughout their organisations.

By joining the Guild, companies agree to share our values and commit to the GAI’s Code of Professional Conduct, demonstrating an active pledge to raise the standards of the industry. 

Individual Membership 


Individual (Full) – open to anyone who have completed the DipGAI qualification. 

Individual (CPD) – open to those who have completed DipGAI and are working towards RegAI status and/or wishing to demonstrate professional competence through an ongoing programme of continual professional development. 

GAI Registered Professional (RegAI, RegDS, RegAC, CertSRA) – open to those who have completed the relevant Stage 3 qualification and maintain the CPD requirements. 

Student – all enrolled candidates on GAI CiAH or DipGAI courses become Student members of GAI 

We also offer special member rates for retired and career-break professionals. 

Why join the GAI? 

GAI members enjoy a wide and fast-growing package of business and individual benefits designed to boost business and professional performance, provide important resources, and build a strong community in our sector. 

Boost business and professional performance:  

  • Demonstrate your commitment to professional and technical excellence with GAI membership, use of membership logos, and a GAI directory and website listing. 
  • Build the profile of your business through GAI website and directory listings, editorial and advertising opportunities in Architectural Ironmongery Journal, presenting to members through our CPD programme, and more. 
  • Train and develop yourself and/or employees with significant discounts on the GAI’s internationally renowned education programme. 
  • Arrange bespoke in-house GAI training support for your employees. 
  • Find the right candidates for job vacancies with reduced rates on the GAI website Job Shop 
  • Access specialist business support with advice lines and online resources covering HR, legal matters, health & safety and taxation. 

Expand resources: 

  • Be the first to hear new developments on standards, regulatory developments and industry news with regular email bulletins. 
  • Access the huge library of member-only technical guidance on the GAI website. 
  • Access statutory documentation support, including easy-to-use DOP and BIM templates. 
  • Benefit from affiliated membership of the Construction Products Association (CPA) with access to regular economic, technical and sustainability publications. 
  • Source free technical advice via the GAI technical helpline. 
  • Receive a free copy of quarterly Architectural Ironmongery Journal (AIJ). 

Be part of your industry: 

  • Be part of your regional GAI Community Hub 
  • Attend local, national and international events, providing outstanding networking opportunities. 
  • Make your voice heard on the issues which affect you and your company; be properly represented in the standard-making process (BSI and CEN). 
  • Support and benefit from promotional campaigns raising awareness of the importance of the architectural ironmonger to the built environment. 

Explore GAI Member Benefits 

Click here to read more about GAI membership benefits, here to join online today or here to download a copy of our corporate membership leaflet. And to speak to speak to someone about membership options, please contact our membership team on +44 (0)207 033 2480 or [email protected].