Upholding ethical obligations to clients is the cornerstone of a successful architecture practice. This essential course will reinforce your ethics knowledge and skills, helping you effectively navigate ethical dilemmas and prioritize client interests.  Dive into the foundations of client-professional relationships with a focus on the importance of ethical standards and legal requirements and steering clear of conflicts of personal gain. Gain valuable insights into identifying, disclosing, and managing conflicts of interest, ensuring decisions are made professionally and without bias. Build strategies to apply with confidence in your daily practice, including communicating effectively, building trust, ensuring project success, and maintaining the integrity of the architect-client relationship. With a focus on the AIA Code of Ethics, you’ll learn how to align your communication strategies with ethical guidelines—from project initiation to completion—while maintaining transparency and confidentiality. Through analysis of a real-life scenario, you’ll develop the tools to uphold your ethical obligations—making decisions that protect client interests and reinforce the trust and integrity of the profession. This course was developed in close collaboration with members of the National Ethics Council. Course expires 06/30/2027

Take a deep dive into architectural ethics—focusing on professionalism, integrity, and competence—in this interactive course examining the AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. Gain greater awareness and understanding of how AIA members are committed to the highest standards of practice and how the code guides their conduct in fulfilling those obligations. Plus, learn how the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct can assist in attaining individual and organizational objectives while safeguarding the public's health, safety, and welfare. Course expires: 01/16/2027

You cannot control what curve-balls are thrown your way (yes, including a global pandemic), but you can control how you respond. When faced with adversity, feeling lost or even paralyzed, is completely normal, but within life's setback lies a silver lining: an opportunity to lean into the most incredible comeback - and growth - you could have ever imagined. Learn how to work through the five stages of a setback, increase your productivity levels, nurture meaningful business relationships in a virtual world, and build a powerful professional brand based on a strong foundation, mission, and creative, empathetic leadership. Course expires 10/31/2026.

Women face a variety of challenges - and opportunities - as they navigate the waters of a career in the field of architecture. From work-life balance and gender-based assumptions to glass ceilings and even go-it-alone entrepreneurship, women often encounter obstacles to finding right-fit roles, upward mobility, and workplace fair-play. This is an unprecedented year with new challenges that are still being overcome and solutions still to be discovered. Join us for this candid and mindful discussion on the challenges and opportunities that women face working in the architecture industry today, as leaders share stories and identify solutions to the obstacles they have encountered this year. Course expires: 10/31/2026

Does that little voice inside you say - Be happy with what you have - don't get pushy! - Times are tough right now - I can't ask now... But why not? The fact is that WOMEN DON'T ASK and most bosses are not mind-readers. But they also don't want to lose you - particularly in these tought times. However, if you are not happy, you won't produce your best, so let's come clean and learn how to negotiate for everyone's benefit. Did you know 20% of adult women admit having never negotiated? Of course, that means that 80% have, but maybe you didn't get what you wanted. Women are known as strong collaborators, multi-taskers and relationship builders, which happen to be three essential skills needed to negotiate successfully. Multiple studies attribute this lack of negotiating to a lack of confidence and some would add risk-taking. Don't let fear of negotiating get you stuck! Join Elizabeth Suárez as she leads participants through her exclusive and effective Negotiation Unleashed System. This process will have you feeling prepared, confident, and excited to negotiate for everything you want - in business and in life. By the end of the session, you will feel more confident and embraced three essential tips that you can immediately implement to accomplish your goals! Course expires: 10/09/2026

Understanding financial fundamentals is essential for architects looking to build resilient, profitable firms. This course provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to the core financial statements and ratios that shape a firm’s financial health. Designed specifically for architects and design professionals, it demystifies complex financial concepts through practical examples, engaging multimedia content, and interactive exercises.  You’ll explore the structure and function of income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements while gaining hands-on experience analyzing financial ratios. By connecting financial fundamentals directly to architectural practice, the course empowers professionals to make informed business decisions that drive sustainable growth and long-term success.  This is a new, interactive on-demand version of the course, adapted from the live session held on April 22, 2025.  

Architects face a unique blend of creativity, precision, and pressure. Between challenging clients, tight deadlines, and high expectations, stress can build quickly and, if left unmanaged, can impact both professional performance and personal well-being. How to Manage Stress and Burnout in Architecture is a practical, engaging, and self-paced course designed specifically for architecture professionals. It explores the nature of stress and how the body responds to it, and how to identify and manage stress and burnout. Through real-world scenarios from architectural practice, the course empowers learners with effective strategies to maintain balance, foster resilience, and reduce the harmful effects of stress and burnout—both on the job and in daily life.

This session delves into the unique challenges faced by Black women and women of color (WOC) in the AEC industry. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into their experiences, exploring topics such as work-life balance, power dynamics, and pay scales. The session critically examines the path to leadership for WOC, highlighting systemic obstacles and bias. It emphasizes the importance of removing subjectivity from processes, supporting mentorship, and fostering leadership roles for Black women and WOC. Executives' role in supporting diversity is discussed, with actionable steps provided to drive positive change and promote inclusion. The session highlights the detrimental impact of excluding these voices and inspires attendees to create a more inclusive environment. Course expires 10/22/2026

For decades, women have been significantly underrepresented in leadership, with only 16% of AEC firms employing women in c-suite level positions. For women of color, leadership opportunities are even more elusive. To advance more women into leadership roles we need to think differently about ways to create more opportunity for ourselves and for women to succeed. We must take the lead in building our own careers and dare to launch programs and initiatives that drive impactful change in society.    This session brings together women who are making an impact in their companies and communities. From founding programs that radically rethink partnerships with minority and women-owned businesses to connecting the design community to improve maternal health outcomes for Black mothers to initiatives that have the possibility to transform how leaders in cities collaborate, they are mobilizing, learning from one another and building on each other's ideas in new ways. This session will reveal strategies and a framework to help shape (and reshape) your leadership journey to gain exposure, advance your career through connections, and inspire new ideas for your future.

This course provides architects with a comprehensive understanding of the AIA College of Fellows application process. It is critical to educate AIA members on who should be thinking about applying for Fellowship and what it means to be a Fellow. Hear from the Chancellor of the AIA College of Fellows and a recent Jury of Fellows chair on how to craft a successful application. Discover the key dos and don'ts of the process, along with valuable insider tips to help navigate it more effectively. Architects who have made significant contributions to the profession and society and who exemplify architectural excellence can apply for Fellowship. Less than 3% of AIA members hold the prestigious FAIA designation. The course will cover eligibility requirements, nomination objects, the importance of demonstrating a "ripple effect," and how to present your achievements effectively.

Tailored for architects and design professionals, this six-course series provides you with the skills needed to make better business decisions for your practice and thrive in the AEC industry.  Get ready to dive into key topics beyond the technical aspects of architecture, including effective leadership, team dynamics, strategic growth, and targeted marketing. Through interactive lessons and practical exercises, you’ll develop the expertise to make informed decisions, manage projects effectively, attract new clients, and drive profit and growth within your firm.  Business acumen in architecture & design is the essential series for architects, design professionals, small firm owners, emerging professionals, and beyond looking to learn and develop the critical knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the business side of architecture. 

Women have historically been at the forefront of healthcare innovation, driving advancements in patient health, safety, and welfare. From Clara Barton improving healthcare processes to Marie Curie pioneering healthcare technology, Florence Nightingale championing infection control, and countless women advancing evidence-based design, women’s leadership has been transformative.   Join us for a dynamic panel discussion featuring influential women in healthcare design and construction. These trailblazing professionals will share their career journeys, leadership insights, and strategies for overcoming challenges. They will reveal their leadership philosophies, the key lessons they've learned throughout their careers, and their empowering approaches to uplifting others. Whether you’re an established professional or just starting out, this event offers inspiration and practical advice to help you navigate your path to leadership in healthcare design and construction.  This session was recorded live on May 13, 2025.

Managing project scope is essential to balancing time, cost, and quality. This course provides practical tools for defining, controlling, and adjusting project scope while preventing scope creep. You’ll analyze how scope changes affect project delivery and explore strategies to stay alignment with client expectations. By applying structured change-control processes, you’ll gain the confidence to manage evolving requirements while protecting project integrity and profitability.

Resource planning is the foundation of successful project management. This course walks you through identifying, quantifying, and scheduling the people, materials, and tools needed to deliver projects efficiently. You’ll explore methods for assessing resource availability, forecasting needs, and creating realistic schedules that align with project goals. Through hands-on exercises, you’ll develop a resource plan that supports productivity, reduces bottlenecks, and keeps projects on time and within budget.

A well-structured agenda is the backbone of every successful meeting. This course shows how clear, purposeful agendas enhance focus, efficiency, and participation. You’ll learn the key components of an effective agenda and how to tailor it to specific projects or team needs. The course also covers best practices for sharing agendas in advance, setting realistic timeframes, and using them as tools for accountability and follow-through. You’ll leave with the confidence to design agendas that keep meetings productive, on schedule, and outcome-driven.

Meetings are where ideas turn into action—but only when they’re run effectively. This course equips professionals with practical tools to plan, lead, and manage productive meetings that drive real results. You’ll learn how to prepare strategically, set clear objectives, and design focused agendas that keep discussions on track. Through real-world examples and role-based exercises, you’ll practice techniques for facilitating engaging discussions, managing time efficiently, and ensuring every voice is heard. By mastering these skills, you can transform your meetings from time-consuming obligations into opportunities for alignment, decision-making, and forward momentum.

Strong communication is the cornerstone of success in architecture and design. This course examines how effective communication enhances collaboration, builds client trust, and drives better project outcomes. You’ll explore the key characteristics of professional communication and practice techniques for speaking, writing, and listening with clarity and purpose. By understanding how communication influences trust, teamwork, and client satisfaction, you’ll gain the confidence to express ideas clearly, navigate complex discussions, and contribute meaningfully to your firm’s success.

Clear, effective communication is the foundation of successful projects, strong client relationships, and cohesive teams. This course explores the five most common barriers that hinder understanding and collaboration in architectural and design settings: Informational, language, emotional, physical, and perceptual. Through real-world scenarios and interactive exercises, you’ll learn to recognize these barriers in everyday interactions and understand their impact on outcomes. You’ll practice strategies to clarify messages, provide timely feedback, and improve empathy and awareness. By applying these tools, you’ll enhance collaboration, strengthen professional relationships, and foster a culture of open, respectful, and constructive communication.

This program will feature a panel discussion with authors of Prospering in the US - A Handbook for Immigrant Architects, a comprehensive guide published by the Immigrant Architect Coalition in 2024. This session will offer invaluable insights into navigating the architectural profession in the United States for immigrant architects. Panelists, who are themselves successful immigrant architects and designers, will share their experiences and practical advice on topics ranging from cultural acclimation to career development. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn directly from the contributors of this essential resource, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities unique to immigrant architects seeking to build thriving and inclusive careers in the US. This program builds upon the mission of the Immigrant Architects Coalition to support their fellow immigrant architects through shared knowledge and mentorship. This session was recorded live on July 10, 2025.

Join AIA's Chief Economist for a quarterly conversation about the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI). The ABI is a leading monthly economic indicator that uses proprietary AIA data to predict nonresidential construction activity 9–12 months ahead. Get ahead of emerging challenges and opportunities and inform your strategic planning with key insights into the industry’s latest economic data and trends.  Tune in each quarter to stay up-to-date with the latest economic conditions and what they mean for architectural practice. All sessions are held from 2-3pm ET and will be recorded. Live Session ScheduleThursday, February 19, 2026Friday, May 22, 2026Friday, July 24, 2026Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Becoming an architecture mentor is one of the most meaningful ways to support the next generation of design professionals. This interactive course prepares you to become the best mentor possible by building the skills needed for effective, inclusive, and sustainable mentoring relationships.  Drawing on the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice, proven research, and national models, you’ll explore the purpose and impact of mentorship, distinguish between mentoring, coaching, and sponsoring, and learn how to set clear goals and boundaries. Emphasizing inclusive practices, this course helps mentors recognize bias, build trust across differences, and foster equitable growth for mentees.  Through real-world scenarios and guided reflection, you’ll develop strategies for navigating common mentoring challenges and assess your readiness to mentor with confidence, empathy, and intentionality. 

Becoming a mentee is one of the most powerful ways to shape your professional growth in architecture. This course equips you with the knowledge and skills to engage effectively and confidently in mentorship programs. Drawing on the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice, proven research, and national models, you’ll explore the purpose and benefits of mentorship, distinguish mentoring from coaching and sponsorship, and learn how to set clear goals, communicate effectively, and build a professional network. Emphasizing inclusive practices, this course helps mentees recognize bias, build trust across differences, and take ownership of their professional development. Through real-world scenarios and guided reflection, you’ll develop strategies for active engagement, self-assessment, and problem-solving strategies—ensuring your readiness to maximize the value of mentorship relationships.

Learn how to refine your delivery, manage presentation anxiety, and effectively engage with your audience. From mastering rehearsal techniques to confidently addressing audience questions, you’ll build the tools and confidence to deliver presentations that leave a lasting impression. This course is a free resource that does not offer credit for completion. Feel free to engage with the lessons that align with your needs and in the order that best suits your requirements. Each lesson is packed with engaging video lectures, enlightening readings, interactive quizzes, and hands-on assignments designed to facilitate the practical application of the concepts covered.

In today’s competitive and turbulent marketplace, it can be a challenge for design firms to reach and maintain sustained growth. That’s why developing your firm’s strategic planning and learning new growth strategies is vital to your firm’s success. In this course, you will learn about the strategic planning process and explore growth strategies such as market development, diversification, and strategic alliances. You’ll also understand how to incorporate the components of the business model canvas into your decision-making to develop and implement effective strategic plans that drive firm growth.  

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.