The American Institute of Architects

Meet your new leaders elected to the AIA Board of Directors.

Join us in congratulating them! Their terms will begin in December 2026. Learn more about them & their careers: https://sbrew.link/2czhGTYD

Were you inspired at ? Take that energy and submit your proposal for an session right now!

AIA27 is coming to Philadelphia next May, and our Call for Proposals is your opportunity to share your knowledge with the industry.

📆 July 21: Call for Proposals close July 21 at 11:59 ET
➡️ Submit your proposal here: https://conferenceonarchitecture.com/call-for-proposals/

"The question is, 'As architects, will we lead or will we follow?'"

That's how 2026 AIA President Illya Azaroff, FAIA, set the mood for the third day of .

As we start to think about what happens after this energizing time together, we should consider questions on economic conditions, disaster preparedness, regenerative design, AI, firm workplace culture and norms, and more.

Because, as architects and design professionals, you all help shape the world we inhabit and the spaces where we thrive.

Like Illya said, we must commit to this moment because we we aren't the ones who will be living with the consequences of our choices, but the next generation will. We must commit to their future.

That energizing speech from Illya complimented the excellence set forth by Michael Ford, FAIA, NOMA, NCARB, and firm Duvall Decker, who were honored on the mainstage for receiving the 2026 Whitney Young Jr.Award and 2026 Architecture Firm Award respectively.

Afterwards, Charlene Li took the stage to help equip attendees with tools they can use to lead with innovation and disrupt the status quo.

Following the keynote, the afternoon was filled with opportunities for community and knowledge building, like the Women's Leadership Luncheon and the PACKED workshop "2 + 2: Achieving Design Excellence" where two AIA Young Architects Award recipients and two fellows shared their unique perspectives on what makes design excellent.

Our final Architalk, featuring Anne Marie Duvall Decker, FAIA, & Roy Decker, FAIA, spoke about design as an act of service.

Tonight, attendees flocked to Open Studios across San Diego and are now ending the night at The Party! event at Parq Nightclub. We hope you all are making memories to last until . 😉

Expo, expo, walk all around it!

day two is here, which means the AIA26 Expo is open. 🥳

But first, the day started with a great keynote, award recognitions, and speeches after some early morning sessions.

AIA EVP/CEO Carole Wedge, FAIA, NOMA, took the conference stage for the first time since her start as AIA's EVP/CEO. She spoke about our new strategic plan, the renovated AIA Global Campus for Architecture & Design, and a brand new firm survey titled, "Architects and the Economy." More to come on that!

Our first keynote, Padma Lakshmi, then joined 2026 AIA President-elect Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA, for a Q&A where she connected the not-so-distinct worlds of food and architecture. One memorable quote ⤵️

"If we think about how we harness the natural flow of life in our work, it's not only more enjoyable but more meaningful for us and for our planet."

Then the flood gates (expo doors) opened, and the attendees flowed in!

The afternoon was full of expo activities, seminars, sessions, and more. We were especially honored to have the AIA College of Fellows Investiture Ceremony this afternoon, where we honored 78 architects elevated to fellowship.

Tonight is full of Open Studios, alumni meet-ups, and more. Connect with your community, and share those memories on social using !

See you tomorrow 👋🏽👋🏾👋🏻

Congratulations to the 100+ AIA Award 2026 recipients announced this evening at the third annual AIA Awards Gala!

"Great architecture is not just about buildings; it is about creating spaces that uplift, connect, and inspire. These winners exemplify how thoughtful design can improve lives and shape a better future for all." —2026 AIA President Illya Azaroff, FAIA

Here are the 10 award categories announced during the gala:

🏆 Architecture Award
🏆 COTE Top Ten Award
🏆 Education Facility Design Award
🏆 Healthcare Design Award
🏆 Housing Award
🏆 Interior Architecture Award
🏆 Justice Facility Award
🏆 Regional & Urban Design Award
🏆 Small Project Award
🏆 Twenty-Five Year Award

Learn more about the award recipients here: https://www.aia.org/about-aia/press/aia-awards-2026-winners-announced-10-project-categories

Day 1 of is a wrap, and we're loving the SoCal weather. ☀️

Today’s schedule was packed with credit-earning seminars, workshops, and symposia! Some of the most popular topics included artificial intelligence, risk and resilience, economic conditions, and construction and development.

Plus, we had tours on tours, including one of the building every architect knows and loves: the Salk Institute! 🎉

🔖 AIA members, make sure to check your inboxes for Thursday's special conference edition of AIA Architect, where you can learn what happened at this year's Annual Business Meeting.

Tonight, we also honored more than 100 AIA Award recipients during the third annual AIA Awards Gala. 🥂 Right now, they are celebrating with other attendees at the AIA26 Opening Night Party!

Early tomorrow morning, be ready to wake up with Padma Lakshmi, our first AIA26 keynote speaker! Afterwards, make sure to follow the crowd right into the AIA26 Expo. 🚶🏽

These sessions will strengthen your advocacy efforts at home. Find them all in AIA Architect: https://www.aia.org/aia-architect/article/10-aia26-sessions-will-strengthen-your-advocacy-efforts-home