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About the GAI

The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) is the only trade body in the UK that represents the interests of the whole architectural ironmongery industry - architectural ironmongers, wholesalers and manufacturers.  

Our mission is to:
  • Promote the highest standards of education and professionalism in the UK and internationally.
  • Support architectural ironmongers in key regions around the world.
  • Exist to promote specialist expertise of members and provide their customers with relevant advice and technical support.
We collaborate with trade bodies across all areas of construction including the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Construction Products Association (CPA), Charted Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT), and the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), as well as overseas trade bodies like the Door Hardware Institute (DHI). 

The GAI focuses on three key areas:
  • Education
  • Technical support
  • Community activities

Promoting quality in door hardware

We are committed to promoting the highest possible standards of education and professionalism in the architectural ironmongery industry.

To ensure this is embodied by all of our members, we encourage member companies to enrol staff on the GAI Education Programme, with the long term goal of staff becoming Registered Architectural Ironmongers (RegAI).

RegAI status is the benchmark standard for architectural ironmongery. This status requires that every architectural ironmonger is a qualified GAI Diploma holder and is evidence that the architectural ironmonger has proved they are fully up-to-date with industry standards, regulations and legislation through CPD.

Become a RegAI

Internationally recognised

Did you know…
  • More than 300 companies across 27 countries are members of the GAI.
  • More than 2,500 people hold the globally recognised GAI Diploma.
  • The GAI education programme is the only recognised programme in the world that leads to a qualification in architectural ironmongery to British and European standards, and offers CPD for international members.
  • Nearly 50% of the current students of the GAI Education Programme are from outside of the UK.
  • There are a particularly high number of learners in the UAE, China, India, Hong Kong and South Africa.  
  • There are also 60+ international RegAIs.

Find an IAI branch near you

Run by the architectural ironmongery industry for the architectural ironmongery industry

Within the Guild and the Institute, there are several sub committees made up of volunteer members from large and small architectural ironmongery organisations. They work to continue to improve the service we provide our members.

Executive Committee: manages the overall business of the GAI and IAI, finances, marketing and strategic direction.
Education Committee: reviews content and delivery mechanisms of the GAI's education programme, including the IAI CPD programme and RegAI development.
Technical Committee: clarifies and communicates changes to standards and regulations.
IAI Executive Committee: reviews and plans activities and development opportunities for IAI members.

Get involved