September will mark the state of Iowa’s fourth annual Architecture Month.

Architecture Month celebrates the profession of architecture and its commitment to continuous improvement of the built environment, according to a press release.

The month attempts to “encourage groups such as libraries and city councils to take a moment and think about architecture and what it does to improve our lives,” said Suzanne Schwengels, executive vice president of the Iowa chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

She said Ames architecture groups and those across the state are encouraged to conduct exhibits exploring what architecture does for the lives of Americans.

Architecture Month began as Architecture Week, but was expanded three years ago so that more activities could be included.

The week traditionally ended with a statewide annual convention.

This year’s State Annual Convention, to be held in Des Moines on October 5-6, will recognize outstanding achievements in the field and display new products in an exhibit hall. Nationally recognized speakers and continuing education workshops are also being planned.

Many Iowa State students and professors of architecture attend the event annually.

“A quarter of the faculty and anywhere between 50-75 students attend the convention each year depending on the popularity of the speaker,” said Robert Segrest, chairman of the Department of Architecture .