Thus FASAE was born in 1976 with a simple credo-"self-help and community service".

The FASAE story began in 1976 in San Francisco, California when a small group of Filipino-American architects and engineers inspired by Lou Raymundo and Bert Llamas Rosario got together to explore the idea of forming an organization that addresses the concerns critical to minority professionals. This was the time when significant number of Filipino professionals were migrating to the U.S. under the 3rd preference quota of the 1965 Immigration Act. It was also during a period when the U.S. was just recovering from

an economic recession brought about by the oil embargo a few years earlier.

The impetus for the group came from the need to be competitive in the workplace; to hone professional and personal skills and to create a network necessary to enhance employment and career advancement opportunities. It was also recognized that the professionals have an important role in promoting cultural and civic activities in the Filipino-American community. Thus FASAE was born in 1976 with a simple credo - "self-help and community service." The concept is rooted in the Filipino cultural idea of "sariling batak" and "bayanihan".

FASAE grew rapidly in the San Francisco Bay Area. It formed four administrative chapters headed by area vice presidents. In 1980 the Guam chapter was formed followed by the Sacramento-Reno Chapter in 1991. There are also student chapters in UC Berkeley, UC Davis and San Francisco State University.

Recognizing a need for a change in FASAE’s organizational structure, the membership approved during its 1993 national convention in Reno, Nevada an amendment to its constitution and by-laws to facilitate chapter formation at the national level. Following this, the administrative area chapters became Silicon Valley, San Francisco/Peninsula and Golden Vision chapters. New chapters like Southern California, Ibajay-Aklan, British Columbia, CALTRANS & Combat Engineers were admitted. Additional chapter applications are in progress.

During its early years FASAE focused heavily on programs that assist members in enhancing critical skills including licensing seminars, career enhancement skills, communication skill development & job placement.

In the area of community affairs, FASAE is active through its support of the Fil-Am council of San Francisco, STAC, Books for the Barrios, Fil-Am Veterans, San Francisco Library Filipiniana Section fund raising campaign and other numerous civic activities.

FASAE has maintained a scholarship program for deserving Fil-Am youth entering the architecture and engineering fields. This program has now flourished as the Ed Marin Scholarship Foundation in honor of the late Ed Marin, a former FASAE president whose personal vision is to extend these awards to poor and deserving students in the Philippines. The Silicon Valley chapter, under the leadership of Joe Aliling , has taken the lead in promoting this program with dedication and compassion.

In 2006 under Ernie Florendo's term as President, FASAE finally received its tax exemption from the Internal Revenue Service and Franchise Tax Board. It is now officially recognized as a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)6.

One cannot tell this story without noting the logo that represents FASAE’s image. The design depicts harmony and synergy between architecture and engineering, It was designed by Manuel Elnar, an architect and the 7th FASAE president.

One unique feature of FASAE is the strong and enthusiastic participation of members’ spouses as auxiliary members. They provide support for many social functions and fund raising activities of the organization.

The FASAE story is on-going, as its members add interesting excerpts to this continuing saga.

FASAE lives the vision of its founders into the 21st century......