An association to foster Computer Aided Architectural Design and research in Asia (CAADRIA) was founded in 1996 with a conference at The University of Hong Kong. The association took root and has flourished with annual conferences in different countries all around Australasia.

The conference is held by and for people involved with computer aided design in architecture in the region and world-wide. CAADRIA yearly's conferences are attended by over one hundred researchers, educators, students and practitioners who are interested in advancing knowledge and understanding in instruments and applications of digital design methods in architecture. CAADRIA seeks to mentor interest and capacity to undertake research throughout Australasia. In the past decade, such research has grown from only a few universities participating to now dozens of universities and schools of architecture, design and digital media demonstrating active commitment to education, learning and research in the field. New degree programmes in digital design have been started at several universities in the region and graduates are contributing to design practice with advanced skills and the development of new tools and techniques.

The Association has been created with the following objectives.

• To facilitate dissemination of information about CAAD amongst Australasian Schools of Architecture, Planning, Engineering, Building Sciences, & Digital Media.
• To encourage the exchange of software, courseware, experiences and staff/students amongst schools
• To identify research and development needs specific to CAAD education and initiate collaboration to satisfy them
• To promote research and teaching in CAAD which enhances creativity rather than simply production technologies