In April 2007, two graduate architects founded The Urban Charrette as a response to what they saw as disappointing city leadership around the built environment in Tampa. The organization convened emerging professionals across the city to discuss its future. The Urban Charrette was described as “a guerrilla movement in its approach to influencing urban development,” because it utilized innovative tactical urbanism, social networking and unconventional formats and interventions to push change. Its impact on the city over time was undeniable. The volunteerism and public service work also helped launch careers and gave voice and then influence to its core members, who have become civic leaders across the city and points beyond. The Urban Charrette provides a quintessential example of grassroots design leadership and creative problem-solving where new civic mechanisms can provide breakthrough ideas for positive change. This session was recorded live on February 12, 2026.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies are rapidly transforming the architecture and engineering landscape, offering new opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage. Join Bret Tushaus, VP of Product Management at Deltek, for a discussion on how architecture firms can successfully navigate technology and AI integration. Drawing on industry trends and real-world examples, Bret will share practical strategies to identify, implement, and scale technology solutions that align with firm goals, drive efficiency, and improve outcomes. Join this session for the best practices on how to adopt and optimize new technologies with confidence. This session was recorded live on July 29, 2025.

Join AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, and AIA Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Carole Wedge, FAIA,  for our 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. This session was recorded live on February 19, 2026.

Friday, May 22, 2026  |  2-3pm ET Join AIA Chief Economist Richard Branch 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.

Friday, July 24, 2026  |  2-3pm ET Join AIA Chief Economist Richard Branch 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.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026  |  2-3pm ET Join AIA Chief Economist Richard Branch 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.

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.

One of Seattle's newest buildings, the University of Washington’s Interdisciplinary Engineering Building (IEB), first opened for the fall 2025 academic semester and was designed with a particular emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this session, members of the design team at KieranTimberlake will discuss how they approached the project through the lens of equity in design, the depth and rigor of research involved, and how they applied DEI principles to specific architectural decisions. The panel will also address challenges and solutions from the first phase of delivery, including compromises and adjustments that were made in response to client feedback. This session was recorded live on March 19, 2026.

This program examines the design and performance characteristics of metal backing systems that mechanically support thin masonry veneers. Comparisons between various systems and traditionally laid face brick masonry are made and critical design and installation factors are reviewed. Performance tests that establish code compliance of proprietary thin veneer support systems are identified. Strategies for water penetration, structural performance, thermal efficiency and NFPA 285 approval are presented.  This session was recorded live on April 27, 2023.

Join us for a thought-provoking session about improving equitable outcomes through disaster mitigation and preparedness. During this session, we will shine a light on the systemic inequities that hinder equitable preparedness and contribute to disparities in response and recovery outcomes.  Architects play a pivotal role in addressing the needs of communities through community engagement and thoughtful design. We will explore how architects can contribute to enhancing equitable outcomes by actively involving community members, considering their unique perspectives and needs, and designing resilient and inclusive spaces. Additionally, architects can serve as advocates for better policies that prioritize equity in disaster mitigation and preparedness efforts.  To inspire and inform, we will showcase compelling case studies of places that are making strides in providing better outcomes through community preparedness. Don't miss this opportunity to engage in a dynamic discussion on inequities in disaster preparedness and how we can work towards more equitable outcomes.  To explore more resources on how to helping communities before and after disasters, visit aia.org/disaster.

Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in urban planning requires a holistic approach that considers the roles of downtowns, suburbs, and neighborhoods. Comprehensive land use plans, 10-minute neighborhoods, plus transit- and trails-oriented development are valuable tools in creating inclusive and sustainable communities. Discover how to address historical harms, engage communities, and prioritize civic investments to ensure that the benefits of development are shared equitably with leading proponents of integrating DEI with design: Vanessa Morrison, MRCP and Dana McKinney White.   This course was recorded live on April 30, 2024.

Designing healthcare facilities requires a deep understanding of life safety systems that protect patients, staff, and visitors. This presentation is tailored to expand designers’ knowledge of life safety requirements and gain practical tools for integrating these critical elements into hospital and ambulatory care design. Through an exploration of passive fire protection strategies, attendees will gain clarity on the often complex and overlapping requirements found in the International Building Code (IBC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. We will look at egress requirements tailored to healthcare occupancies and explore how to approach egress planning that meets code, supports operations, and prioritizes life safety.  In addition to passive strategies, the session will address active systems, offering an overview of basic design requirements for fire alarm and sprinkler systems. Designed to be both informative and actionable, this session will equip attendees with tools to better collaborate with engineers, code consultants, and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) to create projects are both compliant and safe.  This session was recorded live on July 8, 2025.

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

Upholding ethical obligations to clients and fellow professionals is the cornerstone of a successful architecture practice. These essential courses will reinforce your ethics knowledge and skills, helping you effectively navigate ethical dilemmas. Explore 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.  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. Review anti-discrimination laws and specific sections within the AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct that underscore the critical need to prevent harassment and discrimination, especially concerning protected characteristics Learn strategies for preventing and addressing harassment and discrimination, such as cultivating a respectful workplace culture, establishing clear policies, and providing education on diversity and inclusion Save up to 15% when you purchase the bundle.

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.

Thursday, January 8, 2026  |  2-3pm ET Federal student loan policy plays a significant role in shaping access to architectural education, early-career financial stability, and long-term workforce sustainability within the profession. As federal policies evolve, architects, firm leaders, and educators must understand how changes to borrowing limits, degree classifications, and repayment programs affect students, employees, and hiring pipelines. This course provides a comprehensive overview of current federal student loan structures and recent policy changes, with specific focus on their relevance to architectural education and practice. Participants will examine how these changes influence affordability of professional degrees, repayment strategies for existing borrowers, and firm-level considerations related to recruitment, retention, and career advancement. While individual loan counseling is outside the scope of this session, attendees will leave with a clear framework for evaluating impacts and identifying reliable resources for further guidance.

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.  

This five-part series, produced in partnership with Owens Corning, gives architects and building professionals a comprehensive look at fire safety. It covers the fundamentals of fire behavior and code intent, explores occupancy-specific design considerations, and highlights advanced engineering applications. Learners will gain insight into the science behind fire protection, the reasoning that shapes today’s codes and standards, and the ways thoughtful design decisions can strengthen building performance and safety.  The series concludes with lessons drawn from real-world fire events that reinforce the importance of designing for performance, resilience, and life safety. 

This course is designed to help emerging and current leaders build a strong foundation in nonprofit leadership within the unique context of AIA service. Whether you're stepping into a leadership position for the first time or deepening your understanding of AIA's nonprofit framework, this course will provide you with a solid foundation for decision-making, collaboration, and strategic stewardship. The AIA is more than a professional association; it is a mission-driven nonprofit organization with a unique structure, purpose, and set of responsibilities. Understanding how nonprofit principles shape the way the AIA operates is essential to leading with integrity, purpose, and accountability. Over the course of four concise lessons, you’ll explore the fundamentals that underpin nonprofit leadership at the AIA.

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.