A major transformation is underway at the American Institute of Architects’ national headquarters in Washington, DC. Scheduled to open in late 2024, the new headquarters will be a physical manifestation of the Institute’s values, demonstrating the power of design to advocate for a zero-carbon, equitable, resilient, and healthy built environment. This session will explore the major renovation of a 1973 Brutalist building into a place of high performance and high impact—an engaging and inclusive new campus that reflects the diversity of the profession and a reimagined workplace landscape that enhances collaboration, ideation, belonging, and wellness.

Course expires 06/05/2026

Architects are challenged to create inclusive teams, but often, client requirements for schedule and a team’s history together, portfolio, and longevity cause architects to select teams based on the “safe bet.” And both architects and clients look to educators to generate a pipeline of diverse young designers. What are the responsibilities of each party (client, architect, and educator) to create high-performing and representative teams? Join this panel for an insightful discussion on addressing the challenge of meaningful inclusion in the design/construction industry.

Course expires 6/4/2026

This session will center around the events that occurred before and after the catastrophic collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, in 2021. Discussion will include the ongoing intensive analysis by forensic investigators to determine a root cause, or causes, of the structural failure. Examine how this tragedy will affect our current and future legal and business operations for years to come. Understand how failure analysis is a part of our ongoing learning experience as architects. Course expires 06/25/2026

Accessibility, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, often appears to be an unsightly afterthought to fulfill the letter of the law. However, when access is intentionally built in the plans, the design can be functional, accessible, and beautiful! Through this presentation, attendees will learn how the principles of accessible design can be attractive and at the same time beneficial in all design contexts. Creating beautiful design that everyone can enjoy changes lives, as it opens vast opportunities that were once closed to many.

Course expires 06/05/2026

Hear from mass timber experts with first-hand experience and learn the benefits of mass timber, including its unique design and performance attributes, environmental and social benefits, and local sourcing from certified sustainably managed forests. Focusing on the 619 Ponce building, learn how the project team leveraged their #SeedlingsToSolutions tagline with multiple stakeholders, in turn contributing to sustainability and their environmental, social, and governance goals. Whether mass timber is new to you or you’re working on your 10th project, this session offers innovative, fresh, and tangible content certain to inspire your next project.This session will center around the events that occurred before and after the catastrophic collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, in 2021. Discussion will include the ongoing intensive analysis by forensic investigators to determine a root cause, or causes, of the structural failure. Examine how this tragedy will affect our current and future legal and business operations for years to come. Understand how failure analysis is a part of our ongoing learning experience as architects.

Course expires 06/05/2026

How are building materials affected by increasing temperatures, extreme water events, increasing humidity levels, and wildland-urban interface fires? Scientists from the Chemical Insights Research Institute will discuss the effects of changing environmental conditions on the release of chemicals, unexpected chemical transformations, microbiological growth, and fire emissions and residues. Presenters will discuss how this research may translate into tools for the building community, offering a glimpse into future design of healthy and durable materials and buildings.

Course expires 06/05/2026

The Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL) opened in December 2012. It remains the only building to achieve seven of the highest green building certifications: the Living Building Challenge, WELL Platinum (first), SITES Platinum (first), LEED Platinum, BREAAM Outstanding In-Use (first in the United States), Fitwel 3 Star, and Zero Energy certifications. After 10 years of occupying, operating, and refining this unique facility, Phipps and the design team have developed a wealth of knowledge to share with designers, builders, and owners. This presentation will explore what was learned about design process, biophilic design, performance, occupant engagement, and ongoing evaluation.

Course expires 06/05/2026