06/13/2026
"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 . 😉
