October 27–28, 2026 | MLK Library Conference Center + Around Washington, DC

Architecture is shaped by change and has the power to shape our city in return.

On October 27 and 28, AIA|DC’s annual conference, DesignDC 2026, brings together architects, designers, developers, policymakers, and the broader AEC community to explore this year’s theme: Architecture as a Tool for Change.

Across two days of inspiring education, provocative conversations, and behind-the-scenes tours, DesignDC will examine how architecture and design can respond to, and help drive positive change in Washington, DC and beyond.

Tuesday, October 27 | Learn + Connect

Join us at the MLK Library Conference Center from 10:00 a.m.– 5:30 p.m. for a full day of education focused on the challenges and opportunities reshaping architecture and the built environment.

Explore:

• AI and the future of architectural practice in an ever-changing profession
• Innovative approaches to DC’s housing crisis
• Designing for the needs of an aging population
• Community-centered design and best practices for meaningful engagement
• How architects and designers can become effective advocates for the built environment

The day features a keynote, plenary sessions, and specialized breakout programs offering perspectives across different areas of practice, all designed to spark new ideas and give you tools you can put to work.

Wednesday, October 28 | Get Out + Explore

Take the conversation into the city with four architect and cultural leader-led tours showcasing Washington’s evolving built environment. Explore civic spaces, multifamily and co-living developments, and other projects that demonstrate how design can respond to changing communities and create new possibilities for the city.

Earn CEUs. Find Inspiration. Shape What’s Next.

Earn up to 10 CEUs while connecting with colleagues, discovering innovative projects, and exploring the role architecture can play in creating a more resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking Washington.

Early Bird Registration is open from September 1-18, 2026 

Don’t wait to register. Early Bird rates are available for a limited time. Join your colleagues at DesignDC 2026 and be part of the conversation about how architecture can be a tool for meaningful change.

This course examines the growing use of mass timber in K-12 school design, with a focus on the key drivers influencing its adoption, including speed of construction, sustainability, cost-efficiency, and code compliance. Attendees will gain insight into the national school construction market, understand how International Building Code (IBC) provisions support the use of mass timber in Types III, IV, and V construction, and compare costs and building configurations across material systems. Additional topics include fire performance and code allowances, acoustic and durability considerations, structural design strategies for long spans in gymnasiums and cafeterias, as well as practical tips for space planning and integration. The session concludes with case studies illustrating the successful implementation of mass timber in school projects across the country.

Learning Objective 1

Describe how current IBC code provisions allow for mass timber use in K-12 schools, including allowable building heights, areas, and stories for Types III, IV, and V construction.

Learning Objective 2

Identify key market drivers—such as speed of construction, sustainability, and aesthetics—that make mass timber an appealing choice for school design.

Learning Objective 3

Compare mass timber to steel and concrete systems in terms of cost, construction schedule, and performance, using real-world case studies and structural strategies.

Learning Objective 4

Understand best practices for acoustics, durability, fire resistance, and long-span structural solutions to meet the unique needs of K-12 learning environments.

Presenter Name

John O'Donald II

Presenter Bio

Regional Director for Washington DC, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and West Virginia. John worked as a structural engineer for 10 years in the Mid-Atlantic before joining WoodWorks. For the last 5 years, john has assisted on numerous projects providing education and project support to architects, engineers, contractors and developers.

The Fellows Public Program Committee and the Emerging Architects Committee welcome Fellows, 2027 Nominated Fellows, Emerging Architects, and the AIA/DC community to gather for drinks and snacks at the rooftop terrace at Corgan Associates' new DC offices. A great opportunity to meet other architects in different phases of their careers and enjoy drinks, some games, and snacks.
 

As AI-assisted plan review tools move from pilot programs to everyday practice, architects and design professionals are left wondering: what do code officials actually think? This candid panel brings together building department officials and AI representatives from jurisdictions actively using AI in their plan review processes to share what's working, what isn't, and what design teams can do to submit better, faster-approved applications. From automating completeness checks to flagging code conflicts before a set ever reaches a reviewer's desk, the conversation goes beyond the promises of AI technology to get real-world insight from the people on the other side of the counter.

Janet Heit is Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Austin's Development Services Department, where she leads the customer experience team, permitting intake, and the finance division, managing a $100 million annual budget. Under her leadership, the department cut permitting intake turnaround from 5–7 days to just one day through process redesign, digital forms, and data-driven staffing strategy. She also led the first U.S. implementation of Archistar, an AI-assisted plan review compliance tool, realizing a 50% reduction in zoning review time while improving consistency and accuracy. She brings a rare mix of operational discipline and design thinking to modernizing government services through technology.

Learning objectives:

Learning objective 1: Identify the AI-assisted plan review tools currently in active use across participating jurisdictions and describe how they integrate into existing permitting workflows.

Learning objective 2: Evaluate how AI adoption in plan review affects project timelines, reviewer workload, and approval predictability and set realistic expectations when advising clients on permitting schedules.

Learning objective 3: Articulate the policy, equity, and accountability considerations that code officials weigh when implementing AI tools, informing architects' engagement in local advocacy and permitting reform efforts.

Learning objective 4: Discuss the advocacy and engagement strategies that drove each agency to begin implementing AI tools

This interactive session explores the art and practice of architectural stone masonry and its application in historic buildings throughout the DMV region. Project managers and skilled stone masons from Lorton Stone will introduce participants to the role of architectural stone in the built environment and discuss common repair techniques, including crack repairs, dutchman repairs, mortar repairs, and full stone replacement. Through examples of recent restoration projects, attendees will gain insight into the craftsmanship and expertise required to preserve historic masonry.

The program will then transition to a case study of the ongoing restoration of Baltimore City Hall, where architects, preservation professionals, and stone masons have collaborated for nearly a decade to restore the building's historic marble façade. The session concludes with a live stone carving demonstration, followed by an opportunity for attendees to try carving stone themselves using a pneumatic chisel under the guidance of experienced artisans.

Presented by: Christine Djuric (christine.djuric@baltimorecity.gov); Carmen Bouzas (carmen@lortonstone.com); Ivan Sierio (ivan@lortonstone.com)

Learning Objectives:

Learning objective 1: Describe common architectural stone repair techniques, including crack repairs, mortar repairs, dutchman repairs, and full stone replacement, and identify appropriate applications for each.

Learning objective 2: Evaluate how stone deterioration impacts façade performance, public safety, and preservation of historic structures.

Learning objective 3: Compare the advantages and limitations of various stone repair strategies and their effect on long-term building durability and maintenance.

Learning objective 4: Analyze the Baltimore City Hall restoration project to understand how preservation and repair decisions support building envelope performance, historical integrity, and occupant/public welfare.
 

Promotional flyer and graphics were designed and created by Barika Akdogan and the AIA|DC Women in Architecture & Design (WIA) Committee.

Professionals of all experience levels will engage in short, speed mentoring sessions with small groups of seasoned professionals and industry peers. Don't miss this unique opportunity to accelerate your career, gain fresh perspectives, and build lasting connections within the architecture and design community. Reserve your spot today!
 

Learning objective 1: Gain insights, advice, and industry knowledge in rapid, engaging sessions designed to maximize learning in a short amount of time.

Learning objective 2: Embrace fresh ideas, innovative approaches, and the latest trends shaping the future of architecture and design.

Learning objective 3: Expand your professional network by connecting with mentors and mentees from diverse backgrounds.

Learning objective 4: Summarize the best ways to engage with a mentor and develop a symbiotic relationship.

Special Instructions for Attendees/FAQs (if applicable):
Parking Garage will stay open until 9PM. Closest Metro Stations: Farragut West (Silver, Orange, Blue) and Farragut North (Red).

 

What makes a firm truly supportive of emerging professionals? Inspired by the Young Architects Forum’s Emerging Professional Friendly Firm Award program and toolkit, this panel discussion will explore how firms can create environments that support mentorship, professional growth, licensure progress, leadership development, workplace flexibility, and employee well-being, to name a few.

Bringing together firm leaders, hiring staff, and emerging professionals, the session will highlight real-world strategies and regional perspectives on fostering firm cultures that value transparency, inclusion, engagement, and long-term career development.

Attendees will leave with practical ideas and actionable takeaways tailored to their role, whether that means identifying ways to improve existing firm systems and culture, or understanding what to advocate for and negotiate when evaluating prospective employers and career opportunities.
 

Proposed Format:

90-minute session
60-minute moderated Storytelling + Panel discussion
30-minute audience Q&A
 

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the key elements of an emerging professional-friendly workplace.
2. Explain how supporting emerging professionals improves employee engagement, retention, and long-term firm success.
3. Compare approaches firms use to foster mentorship, professional growth, and inclusive workplace cultures.
4. Apply actionable strategies to strengthen workplace culture or make informed career decisions.

Presenters: Joe Taylor, Bonike Akinsanya, Aurora Smith, and Danielle McCormick

During this facility tour, participants will be introduced to the critical role that construction materials testing and inspection play in ensuring the quality, safety, durability, and long-term performance of building projects. Attendees will gain insight into the sampling procedures, laboratory testing methods, and field inspection services used to evaluate construction materials such as concrete, steel, masonry, roofing, soils, aggregates, and asphalt.
Intertek-PSI's experts will demonstrate how both destructive and non-destructive testing methods are used to verify material properties and compliance with project specifications, building codes, and industry standards. Participants will learn how testing and construction monitoring programs help identify potential defects and installation issues early in the construction process, reducing the risk of costly rework, project delays, premature material failures, and long-term maintenance concerns.

The tour will also highlight the importance of independent testing and inspection services in supporting quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and successful project outcomes from design through construction completion.

Agenda

10:00 – 10:30am:  Safety Video and Presentation of what Intertek offers

10:30am – 12:00pm:  Lab Tour

12:00 – 1:00pm:  Lunch

1:00 – 2:00pm:  Open discussion/Q&A

Learning objective 1:
Understand how construction materials testing contributes to the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants.

Learning objective 2:
Evaluate testing and inspection protocols used to verify compliance with building codes and project specifications.

Learning objective 3:
Identify material performance issues that can affect structural integrity, durability, and long-term building resilience.

Learning objective 4:
Apply lessons learned from laboratory and field testing to improve specification writing and construction administration practices.

Douglas Hanna has been with Intertek for 2 years and holds a FGIA - Fenestration Associate Professional Certificate as well.