Upcoming live courses
A Regenerative Approach to Design Excellence
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 12:00-12:30pm ET
This mini-webinar introduces regenerative design as a transformative approach that integrates buildings within their natural and social environments to actively restore and strengthen communities and create a net-positive impact to human and ecological health. More than a mindset, it’s a strategic opportunity. It positions architects to lead systemic renewal and create lasting environmental, social, and economic value. Participants will explore how whole-systems thinking, place-based design, and long-term adaptability can position architects as leaders in creating net-positive impact. Using a practical framework that applies to everyday design, the webinar highlights how regenerative strategies integrate environmental performance, community equity, and economic vitality—reframing design as a catalyst for resilience, renewal, and collective wellbeing.
Resilience by Design: Lessons from Climate-Impacted Communities
Thursday, April 23, 2026 | 12-1pm ET
Communities across the country are experiencing the impacts of a changing climate—from stronger storms to flooding, heat, and other climate-intensified hazards. Architects and landscape architects have an important role to play in helping communities prepare for these challenges and better recover after disasters.
This session will highlight the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration and community-driven design in building climate resilience. Last year, the Communities by Design (CxD) program hosted a project in Bakersville, North Carolina, after the small community was hit by Hurricane Helene. Architect Cheryl Morgan, based in Birmingham, Alabama, and landscape architect Aida Curtis, from Miami, Florida, will share lessons from their work on that project and other resilience-focused initiatives developed through the CxD program. Drawing from their experiences both within and beyond CxD, they will discuss how design professionals can work alongside local leaders, residents, and other experts to identify risks, strengthen community capacity, and implement strategies that help communities adapt to changing conditions.
Participants will gain practical insights into how collaborative design processes can support preparedness, recovery, and long-term resilience in communities facing increasing climate pressures.
What’s Next for Architecture: Economy, Climate, and the Future of Practice
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 12:00-12:30pm ET
Architects face rapidly evolving economic and climate challenges, requiring new approaches to practice, leadership, and design. In this 30-minute session, AIA leadership and economic experts will discuss trends shaping the future of architecture, including regenerative design, climate action, and the evolving role of architects. This session highlights key themes shaping the profession and provides a foundation for further exploration within the broader industry context.
Fashion & Interiors: Trends of the 20th and 21st Centuries
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 3-4pm ET
Whether through patterns, materials, or color, the influence of fashion has always played a role in how we dress our surroundings. Similarities and connections drawn between fashion and interior design create a compelling narrative that serves as a point of inspiration for Color Trends 2026. Through an analysis of three major design movements of the 20th century – Arts & Crafts, Art Deco, and Mid-Century Modern, correlations between decorative styles and fashion are illustrated, alongside their iconic color palettes. Throughout the course, a renewed interest in classics refreshed for today’s interiors is demonstrated through a reverence for craft and attention to detail. Inspired by cues from fashion, the Color Trends 2026 palette invites an approachable sensibility with exceptional use of color.
New on demand courses
Fundamentals of Construction Contract Administration
This course provides an overview of construction contract administration and introduces relevant topics encountered during the construction phase, including effective communication and preparation, submittals, requests for information, modifications, site visits, and more. This course establishes a foundation of fundamental knowledge to launch or refresh one's CCA career.
Participants will leave this course with best practices and insight into how they can successfully lead a project through construction contract administration. They will be equipped with a skill set that includes knowledge of fundamentals, contract language, and pitfalls to be aware of during construction. Participants will be better prepared for their career progression, client conversations, and construction growth.
This is the first of several courses in a series developed by the Construction Contract Administration Knowledge Committee (CCA) focused on demystifying CCA. Later courses in this series will dive deeper into various aspects of risk identification and mitigation.
This session was recorded live on March 18, 2026.
Beyond the Chatbot: What AI Actually Does for Healthcare Design
Artificial intelligence is transforming the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, yet many professionals remain uncertain about its practical applications. This panel discussion brings together healthcare owners and project delivery professionals to separate the hype from reality. The session will begin by clarifying what AI means for AEC beyond generative chat tools, followed by a data-driven snapshot of current adoption based on a pre-webinar survey of Academy members. Panelists will demonstrate the potential for AI applications in healthcare design and planning, and in particular, discuss how proper AI-assisted code compliance validation and space programming can ensure facilities meet regulatory requirements and support optimal clinical workflows. As AI tools can help identify design deficiencies earlier in the project lifecycle, firms may see a reduction in the number of costly changes thereby improving the overall quality of healthcare environments. The discussion will conclude with practical guidance on how owners and design teams can organize their historical project data today to unlock AI capabilities tomorrow while avoiding siloed point solutions. A live Q&A will ground the discussion in real project experience.
This session was recorded live on March 17, 2026.
The Ghost and the Machine: Defining Human & Computer Roles in Sustainable Design
The AIA Framework for Design Excellence now defines good design as that which meaningfully addresses human health, ecological thriving, and social equity. At the same time, new technology, such as AI and advanced situation tools, has entered the forefront of architectural discourse, bringing with it unique challenges and opportunities. To navigate the current era, and to reach the potential of high-performance design, we’ll need a clear vision for how we can most effectively leverage technology to serve human needs. Drawing on a decade of sustainable design leadership, Corey will discuss the unique roles of human purpose and computational prowess within an effective sustainable design process.
This session was recorded live on March 12, 2026.
Allyship Strategies for Equitable Practice
Architects collaborate with colleagues, consultants, clients, and community stakeholders whose perspectives shape project decisions and outcomes. Yet not all voices are equally heard—professionals from marginalized identity groups, including women, BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities, often face barriers to recognition, advancement, or meaningful engagement.
This course introduces allyship in architectural practice, showing how architects can use their influence to foster equitable participation in project teams and stakeholder engagement processes. You’ll explore actionable strategies such as expanding opportunities for underrepresented colleagues, addressing biased or dismissive behavior, and amplifying diverse perspectives during project discussions.
Inclusive collaboration brings broader ideas, lived experiences, and innovative approaches, strengthening design outcomes and better aligning projects with client and community goals. You’ll reflect on current practices and leave with strategies to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in architectural workflows.