The American Institute of Architects

10/27/2026

A coalition of leading cultural heritage organizations, including AIA, is asking a federal court to halt construction of the proposed Triumphal Arch at Memorial Circle just outside Washington, D.C.

The brief filed with the court states that the project advanced without the congressional authorization and review required by the Commemorative Works Act. It also argues that the federal review did not adequately evaluate environmental and historic impacts under the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act.

10/26/2026

This development advances the nation’s largest restorative justice redevelopment effort—the Albina Vision Community Investment Plan.

The project, with 94 affordable homes, centers belonging, cultural identity, and community life to reimagine what restorative redevelopment looks like.

Architect: LEVER Architecture
Project: Albina One
📍 Portland, Oregon, U.S.
🏆 Housing Award 2026
📸 by Lara Swimmer

10/22/2026

From specialized consideration ➡️ to baseline expectation.

According to new research from AIA, architects are taking a more integrated approach to safety and security in project planning, design, and product specification.

AIA's new report, Safety & Security in Design, was developed with support from AIA Strategic Partner Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope. According to architects across firm types, safety and security measures are being incorporated beyond minimum code requirements and are increasingly viewed as essential components of good design.

To learn more, check out the full report linked below. 🔗

Explore new AIA research on how architects are integrating safety and security into building design while balancing prot

10/21/2026

The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score fell to 44.7, down from August’s score of 47.2.

“Weakening billings are being compounded by a soft economy, challenging project financing, and growing caution among clients. With fewer projects moving forward, there is little reason to expect a meaningful improvement in business conditions in the near term.”
—AIA Chief Economist Richard Branch

🔗 More news here: https://www.aia.org/about-aia/press/architecture-billings-decline-further-amid-weak-market-conditions?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic-social

10/19/2026

Can architects achieve the warmth of wood with less maintenance?

At the Maine Savings Amphitheater, architect Robert Ervin, AIA, used TimberTech Cladding to reflect Bangor’s timber heritage while addressing weather exposure, maintenance, and long-term performance.

Explore how TimberTech Cladding brings warmth, texture, and architectural character to the building envelope. 🔗 https://spec.azek.com/products/cladding/?utm_medium=paid_social&utm_source=fb&utm_campaign=cb_ar_aiaoctober_awa

10/16/2026

What role can architects play before, during, and after a disaster?

That's the question that disaster resilience experts Bob Jensen and Victoria Salinas explore in the latest episode of Between the Planes, an AIA podcast.

Both podcast guests are 2026 Public Directors of the AIA Board of Directors. Salinas is a Climate Leader in Residence at Duke University, and Jensen brings more than 38 years of experience across a broad spectrum of assignments inside and outside the U.S. government.

Between the Planes explores the people, ideas, and innovations shaping the built environment. Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧

10/15/2026

For more than a century, AIA has advocated for historic preservation. That work helped shape landmark federal legislation in 1966, and it continues today as AIA challenges changes to preservation protections and advocates for accountability in decisions affecting nationally significant buildings.

Learn more: https://www.aia.org/aias-longstanding-commitment-historic-preservation?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic-social

10/12/2026

Ricardo is paying it forward to the next generation of young architects & leaders.

We're celebrating Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month by uplifting the people who are shaping the future of architecture—like Ricardo J. Maga Rojas, AIA, NOMA!

In our latest Future Focused video, Ricardo shares his experience getting licensed, being involved with AIA and AIA Austin, and representing the Afro-Latino mixed community in his local government.

10/09/2026

Putting people first can create a stronger, more sustainable architecture business.

Will Rowland, AIA, co-founder of Rowland Architecture, shares how he and his father built a boutique healthcare design firm around servant leadership, employee well-being, and intentional growth in this episode of AIA's podcast, Built for Business.

Built for Business delivers practical insights on the business of architecture. 🔗 Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.aia.org/podcasts?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic-social

10/07/2026

What gives an exterior depth and architectural distinction?

Often, it starts with shadow lines.

Deeper profiles create contrast, add dimension, and define a facade’s proportions. As light changes, these details create visual interest without added complexity.

Hardie Artisan siding helps architects apply this principle through:
✔️ Dimensional profiles and deep shadow lines
✔️ Horizontal, vertical, and soffit applications
✔️ Clean details and mitered corners

See how depth, proportion, and light can shape a distinctive exterior: https://www.jameshardie.com/design-with-artisan/?utm_medium=paid_social&utm_source=fb&utm_campaign=jh_ar_aiaoctober_awa