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Design Excellence Conference

SEE 2024 KEYNOTES SEE 2024 PICTURES

WHEN/WHERE

August 21-22, 2025
Austin Central Library
710 W Cesar Chavez St
Austin, TX 78701

CE CREDIT

AIA Architect Members must complete 18 LUs each calendar year. 12 must be in Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) topics.
TBAE To maintain Texas licensure, all registered architects (includes AIA Emeritus) must complete 12 CE hours per calendar year. MORE>>

Call for Courses is open now through May 19th
Submit your course for consideration at this link: Submittable

AIA Austin 2025 Design Excellence Conference
August 21-22
at the Austin Central Library
Two full days of in-person courses, keynotes, and the Design Expo. At least three hours of On-Demand Courses accessible online during the conference through the end of the year. 

Intangible Value – Design for People and Place

In an era defined by rapid urbanization, digital transformation, and shifting societal needs, contemporary architecture must transcend mere aesthetics and efficiency.
It must foster meaningful experiences, celebrate cultural narratives, and promote well-being.
This year’s AIA Austin Conference delves into the true value of contemporary architectural practice—the intangible yet profound impact that design has on people, places, and communities.
Through dynamic discussions and expert-led sessions, we will explore the significance of craftsmanship and materiality in creating sensory connections, enhancing well-being, and establishing a sense of place.
We will examine how contemporary architecture can reinforce local culture and history, evoke wonder and nostalgia, and elevate everyday life by shaping spaces that both serve and inspire.
The conference will also explore storytelling in architecture, the integration of digital interfaces with physical spaces, and how invisible forces of technology are reshaping our cities for a more resilient and connected future.
Through these conversations, attendees will gain new insights into the intangible yet essential elements that allow architecture to resonate deeply with those who experience it.

The AIA Austin Design Excellence Conference delivers dynamic content through renowned keynote speakers and inspiring breakout sessions focused on sustainability, resiliency, and inclusive design through the lens of AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence. Conference attendees can earn 18 LUs over the two-day conference, fulfilling HSW and ADA annual requirements for TBAE licensure and AIA membership.

On-demand courses Of the 18+ LUs offered at the conference, up to 15 will be offered in person, with 3+ LUs offered online in AIA Austin’s on-demand course library.

Students Attend Free! If you are a student interested in attending the conference, please email (from your school email address if possible) with your first and last name, school name, student ID, and a brief statement describing your interest in attending.

Call for volunteers Volunteer at the conference and receive discounted registration! Learn more and sign up

Discounted pricing Email julia@aiaaustin.org if you are an AIA Emeritus member to inquire about volunteering or financial hardship pricing.

Sponsors

Learn about sponsorship opportunities and contact us to sign up or with questions.

EXHIBITORS

Learn about being an exhibitor, contact us to sign up or with questions.