The IAWA was established in 1985 as a collaborative project between the College of Architecture and Urban Studies and the University Libraries at Virginia Tech. It is overseen by a board of advisors that includes architects, city planners, industrial and interior designers, librarians, and archivists from the US and abroad. Faculty members, librarians, and administrators from Virginia Tech serve as the Executive Committee of the Board. The head of Special Collections or their designee serves as the Archivist for the IAWA and sits on the Board of Advisors and the Executive Board. The IAWA Archivist prepares a report for presentation to the Board of Advisors at each annual meeting.