Join our team at AIA26 in San Diego, a purpose-built conference for design professionals and enthusiasts. Our leaders and design experts will share various topics, including environmental design research, sustainability in culture and careers, and firm succession planning.

AIA & EDRA: Advancing Environmental Design Research for Practice

• Wednesday, June 10 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

  Global Design Leader Tim Ganey, AIA, DBIA,
  and Designer Haley Wilson 

  Research fuels innovation in architecture, but its complexity can be daunting. In this session, Tim Ganey, global design leader, and Haley Wilson, designer and researcher, share practical strategies for integrating research into the design process. Learn how collaboration between the American Institute of Architects and the Environmental Design Research Association empowers architects to apply evidence-based insights. Through interactive polling, discussion, and case studies, discover how research-driven design advances health, safety, and welfare while strengthening firm culture and growth.

Organizing for Impact: Embedding Sustainability in Structure, Culture & Careers

• Wednesday, June 10 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM 
  Chief Climate Officer Premnath Sundharam, AIA, CEM

  Sustainability is essential in integrated design, yet many firms struggle with effective structures and accountability. Join Prem, our leader of Climate + Environment initiatives, for a focused session on advancing a sustainable design culture. Explore case studies, proven frameworks, and strategies for building strong sustainability teams, followed by interactive breakout discussions with industry leaders.

The Nuts & Bolts of Succession Planning

• Wednesday, June 10 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  Chief Development Officer Ignacio Reyes, FAIA, LEED AP

  Ignacio, leader of our mergers and acquisitions program, will share insights from four successful acquisitions completed in just two years. This session covers common challenges in ownership transition and offers practical guidance on succession planning, as well as managing the emotional aspects of leadership change. Participants will gain strategies to prepare for succession at any career stage.

The American Institute of Architects stands as the largest design organization in the world, working to transform the day-to-day practice of architecture to achieve a zero-carbon, resilient, healthy, just, equitable build environment, for everyone. AIA26 is a four-day conference for those who believe design can and must do more. In one place, people can engage in new ideas, connections, products, and experiences defining the next era of practice.