AIA Houston

Texas Medical Center Walking Tour
2026-04-18 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | John P. McGovern Commons Building, 6550 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX, 77030
The Texas Medical Center is the largest medical center in the world. Equivalent to the 8th largest business district in the United States, TMC has over 50 million square feet of patient care, education, and research space. 160,000+ individuals visit the Texas Medical Center each day with more than 6 million patients treated annually. The 1000+ acres is approximately the size of Chicago inside the “Loop” with over 160 buildings on the main campus alone. Join our ArCH docents on this introductory architectural tour of Houston’s own modern marvel of medicine. Sites on our tour will include Baylor College of Medicine, the new Texas Children’s Hospital Maternity Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center and Methodist Research Center.
Meet in the ground floor lobby of the John P McGovern Commons Building, 6550 Bertner Ave, 77030. Texas Medical Center Entrance 4 and $13 parking available in the TMC Commons parking garage.
AIA Credit: 2.0 LU
Course Number: TMCWT1
AIA MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE:
Per AIA National CE Standards, any learning program approved for AIA Learning Units may award CE credit for the approved program for up to (3) years from the date of approval so long as the CES Provider is in good standing. AIA Members may repeat the same course, but no additional credit will be granted or recorded.

The Haven: Designing for Community and Disaster
2026-04-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Alief Neighborhood Center, 11903 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX, 77072, United States
Join us for a day of imagination and creation with the National Organization of Minority Architects, Houston’s Project Pipeline, and Architecture Center Houston’s Kids+ Architecture Committee.
Living in the Bayou City, we are used to experiencing flooding, hurricanes, strong winds, and freezes that can cause our homes to lose power or damage them. During these events, many families are in need of an emergency shelter that can provide a warm bed, healthy meals and activities for kids.
Aspiring student architects will be challenged with designing their own “Haven”: a community center, which can act as an emergency shelter in times of need.
Community centers can be designed around a hobby or favorite activity. Imagine an indoor skateboard park, a musical instrument playground, or suspended gaming stations. And, on the flipside, when disaster strikes and the lights go out, the community needs a place that keeps everyone safe and comfortable.
Students will be led through a series of design exercises, be able to identify storm-resistant building features, take a tour of their site, and design their own Haven, a community center that could function as an emergency shelter. The Haven will be based on a theme of their choosing.
The workshop will be held at the Alief Neighborhood Center, a civic hub that brings together city services and community activities under one roof. Raised above the floodplain, it serves as both a dynamic community anchor and a safe refuge during high-water events.
Additional information about the class:

Students will work in teams.
Students will come away with an understanding of basic architectural concepts.
Students will tour the Alief Neighborhood Center and understand how it supports the community daily and during times of disaster.
Teams will present their designs to the group, explaining features and design decisions.
Architects & designers will be on hand to guide participants, answer questions, and share experiences.
Lunch will be provided.

This interactive event is perfect for students who are currently in 4th-6th grade who are excited to explore the world of architecture and unleash their creativity. Through fun activities and teamwork, participants will learn how to design while developing essential skills in problem-solving and collaboration. Join us for a morning of excitement & inspiration as we build dreams and foster the next generation of architects!
This workshop is generously sponsored by AIA National and the National Organization of Minority Architects, Houston.
All parents/guardians must complete the student registration form for their student to participate in the workshop. The student registration form can be found here

Columbia Tap Trail Bicycle Tour
2026-04-18 10:30 - 12:30 | Eado Bike Company, 912 St Charles St, Houston, Texas, 77003
Houston’s Third Ward is a culturally rich, historically African-American neighborhood, that includes Texas Southern University (HBCU), The University of Houston (Tier 1), Emancipation Park, and numerous other cultural gems. One of those is the Columbia Tap Trail, completed in 2009, which sits atop the abandoned Columbia Tap railroad route – originally built by enslaved people to transport cotton and sugar from Plantation to Port. The trail connects adjacent neighborhoods and serves as a vital link in the growing Houston trail system.
Join us to bike along the Columbia Tap Trail, to learn more about the trail history and identity, safety prioritizations, culture of the neighborhoods adjacent to the trail, and local artists.
Bike Rental, Meeting Location and Times
Individuals can rent bikes through the Eado Bike Company at 912 Saint Charles St., Houston TX 77003. Please arrive at 10am to pick up your bike. The tour will start at 10:30am.
For those bringing their personal bikes, please join us at Eado. We will be ready to roll at exactly 10:30 am – so don’t be late!
AIA Credit: 1.5 HSW

The Road to Licensure in Texas… (and avoiding bumps in the road)
2026-04-22 18:00 - 19:30 | TX
Guest presentation by TBAE and NCARB focusing on licensure.
April 22 at 6:00PM at Architecture Center Houston – 902 Commerce
Overview of the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, Steps toward Architect licensure, Regulations, and Enforcement.
This session covers:

Why TBAE exists
The AXP – NCARB’s Intern Experience Program
The ARE – the mandatory Architectural Registration Examination facilitated by NCARB
Regulation of the Title and Practice of Architecture in Texas – Staying out of trouble
Get answers to your questions from an NCARB staff expert
Learn more information about NCARB’s resources designed to support you.

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About the presenters:

Mike Alvarado, NCARB State Licensing Advisor
Registration Manager – Licensing, Renewals, Continuing Education, Outreach
Mike has been the Registration Manager for the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE) for 10 years and has been with the Board for a total of 14 years. He has comprehensive knowledge of the requirements to obtain and maintain an active registration (renewals, status changes, CE requirements, exam requirements). Mike worked for 25 years with the City of Austin Water Department, Engineering Division. He is been an active NCARB Licensing Advisor for over 10 years.

Nancy Rodriguez, TBAE Enforcement
Investigator
Nancy joined the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners in August of 2009 as a License & Permit Specialist with the Registration Department then transitioned to Enforcement in 2011 as an Investigator and has held that position since. Nancy is also known as the Business Registration Coordinator as she oversees all business registration matters for the Board including investigating and assisting businesses with their registration and renewal procedures.

Sharon Briceño, TBAE Registration
Continuing Education Coordinator
Sharon has been with Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE) and the State of Texas for 8 years. She is a retired public school teacher with 33 years of service. Sharon joined TBAE as a Reciprocal License Specialist and currently serves as the Continuing Education Coordinator, where she manages audits, responds to inquiry about the Board’s CE rules and assists with renewal-related questions.

AIA/ AGC Joint Committee April 2026 Lunch and Learn
2026-04-23 11:00 - 15:00 | AGC Houston, 3825 Dacoma Street, Houston, TX, 77092, United States
Documentation Best Practices and Pre-Construction Collaboration
Clear documentation and early collaboration are the foundation of successful projects. Join us for an engaging Lunch & Learn on Documentation Best Practices and Pre-Construction Collaboration, where architects and contractors come together to align expectations, reduce risk, and improve project outcomes.
This interactive roundtable session will explore practical strategies for creating clear construction documents, strengthening communication during pre-construction, and minimizing costly misunderstandings once work begins. By bringing both architects and contractors to the table, we’ll encourage open dialogue, shared perspectives, and real-world solutions that benefit the entire project team.
Enjoy lunch while connecting with peers, exchanging insights, and building relationships that lead to smoother projects from design through construction.
Who should attend: Architects, contractors, project managers, and pre-construction professionals interested in improving coordination and documentation across the project lifecycle.
Seats are limited—register today and come ready to ask questions, share insights, and sharpen your skills.

Event schedule:
11:00 – 11:30 Registration, networking & lunch
11:30 – 1:00 Program
Register here
https://members.agchouston.org/calendar/Details/aia-agc-joint-committee-april-2026-lunch-and-learn-1678020?sourceTypeId=WebsiteAIA/ AGC Joint Committee April 2026 Lunch and Learn | AGC Houston

Gulf Coast Green
2026-04-24 07:30 - 19:00 | The Ismaili Center | Houston, 2323 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77019, United States
CYCLE: Where Ends Become Beginnings
CYCLE is an invitation to explore the dynamic processes that shape our built and natural environments along the Gulf Coast through patterns of renewal, transformation, and continuity. From the material life cycles of construction to the seasonal rhythms of ecological systems, this conference seeks to foreground design approaches that embrace stewardship, circularity, resilience, and adaptation. CYCLE challenges practitioners to reconsider linear modes of development and instead implement practical strategies of stewardship, reuse, regeneration, and resilience—approaches that call for ownership, responsibility, and long-term commitment in responding to climate change, cultural memory, and the evolving needs of communities.
How can design and planning transform waste into resources, extend the life of materials, and support ecosystems and communities that thrive in balance? How might circular thinking also honor cultural memory while addressing climate change and the evolving needs of our region?
Click here for more information including featured speakers and schedule
AIA & ASLA Credit: Earn up to 6.5 HSW CEUs

Location: The Ismaili Center | Houston, 2323 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX

*Photos courtesy of The Ismaili Center | Houston. Photographer: Iwan Baan*
Date: April 24, 2026

7:30am-5:30pm Conference
5:30pm-7:00pm Final Toast: Zero Proof Hour

Advanced Registration Pricing:
Ticket Includes Conference + Final Toast: Zero Proof Hour
Interns/Students – $40.00 | AIA Member|AIAH Affiliate Member – $245.00 | Non Member – $305.00

Discounted Online registration closes Sunday, April 19
On-site registration will be available, higher registration rates apply (see pricing below)
Interns/Students – $45.00 | AIA Member|AIAH Affiliate Member – $275.00 | Non Member – $340.00
Cancel registration by April 16th to receive a full refund
Registration is transferable

LEGACY SPONSOR

Want to Sponsor?
Click here for more information

Montrose Walking Tour
2026-04-25 09:00 - 11:00 | Menil Collection Bookstore, 1520 Sul Ross, Houston, TX, 77006, United States
Montrose is one of the most diverse and interesting neighborhoods in Houston with some of the city’s best architecture including spectacular mansions, charming bungalows, the campus of the University of St. Thomas, Rothko Chapel, and the Menil Collection. ArCH tour guides will present an overview of the architectural and social history of the area and offer guests a look inside of the Fondren Mansion (now La Colombe d’Or), Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Chapel of St. Basil, Rothko Chapel, Cy Twombly Gallery, and the Menil Collection. On this 2-hour walking tour you will get a flavor of this special district and be encouraged to widen your path after the tour is over.
Meet outside the Menil Collection Bookstore, 1520 Sul Ross, 77006. Street and lot parking available.
AIA Credit: 2.0 LU
AIA MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE:
Per AIA National CE Standards, any learning program approved for AIA Learning Units may award CE credit for the approved program for up to (3) years from the date of approval so long as the CES Provider is in good standing. AIA Members may repeat the same course, but no additional credit will be granted or recorded.

Heights Bicycle Tour
2026-05-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Milroy Park, 1205 Yale St, Houston, 77008, United States
This tour explores the original footprint of the Heights, Texas’ and Houston’s first mixed-use community and home to 121 of the 279 National Register of Historic Places listed in Houston. We will look at a wide variety of building types that are historic and original to the area as well as more recent contemporary architecture and discuss how these fit into the context of the neighborhood.
Attendees need to bring their own bicycle. We encourage everyone to wear a helmet.
Tour will meet at Milroy Park, 1205 Yale St, 77008. If you drive, we ask that you park in the street.
AIA Credit: 2 LUs

Tee Up for Success
2026-05-07 17:30 - 20:30 | East River 9, 65 Hirsch Rd, Houston, TX, 77020, United States
Join us for a co-ed summer evening of all-levels golf clinic and networking benefitting the Women in Architecture Professional Development Fund. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a complete novice, this event promises to advance your swing, your network and support women in AEC.
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your game, your network, and women in architecture. Whether you’re making a hole-in-one or meaningful connections, your participation will make a difference.

Registration Options:
Early Birdie Standard admission $95:

30 minutes golf clinic session working with pro golfers
unlimited balls on the driving range and putting green; club provided
networking
2 drink tickets, heavy apps, and 1 raffle ticket

Early Birdie Networking Admission $75

Includes 2 drink tickets, heavy apps, and 1 raffle ticket
Excludes clinics and putting green

Advanced registration required. Onsite registration is not available.
Registration closes Thursday, April 30th
Cancellation Policy: A minimum of 7 days’ notice is required to receive a full refund

Sponsorship Opportunities:
Please consider becoming a sponsor of the Tee Up for Success: WiA’s Professional Development Fundraiser. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to Architecture Center Houston’s Women in Architecture Professional Development Fund. This newly established fund supports WiA’s grant and scholarship initiatives, championing the advancement of women in the architecture, design and construction industries of Southeast Texas. Click here for more information.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Gold

Silver

MGMC 2026 Awards Ceremony & Reception
2026-05-07 18:00 - 19:30 | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us for the 2026 MGMC Award Ceremony!
Architecture Center Houston and AIA Houston will announce the winners of the 2026 Michael G. Meyers Design and Ideas Scholarship Competition.
This year’s MGMC award ceremony will be hosted at Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St, Houston, TX 77002 on May 7 at 6pm.
Please register if you plan to attend the ceremony. The reception is open to the public, and families are encouraged to attend. RSVPs are encouraged but not required.

Demystifying Fellowship
2026-05-08 12:00 - 13:30 | 902 Commerce, Houston, TX 77002, 902 Commerce, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Canan Yetmen, author and expert on the AIA fellowship process, will present an overview of the fellowship submittal process and offer tips and strategies for telling your professional story in a way that maximizes focus and impact. This program is a must for those nominated and/or interested in fellowship, but also valuable for those seeking a more powerful portfolio. Program is free. You’re welcome to bring your lunch.
When: May 8 at Noon
Where: Architecture Center Houston
For questions, please contact Aleks Savitski at aleks@aiahouston.org.

Museum District Walking Tour
2026-05-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Cullen Sculpture Garden, Montrose Boulevard at Bissonnet Street Houston, Houston, 77006
The Houston Museum District is one of the few areas in the country with such a dense population of museums, public art, contemporary architecture, and landscape design. On this 2-hour walking tour you will experience the quintessential Modernism of Mies van der Rohe, the structuralist view point of Gunnar Birkerts, the simplicity and craft of Isamu Noguchi, and the first free standing American structure designed by Yoshio Taniguchi. Come explore these and other world class examples of design with ArCH tour guides and trace the chronology of significant cultural shifts from the early twentieth century through today.
Tour meets at the entrance of the Cullen Sculpture Garden, which faces Bissonnet St. and is directly across from the MFAH. Street, lot, and garage parking available.
AIA Credit: 2.0 LU
AIA MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE:
Per AIA National CE Standards, any learning program approved for AIA Learning Units may award CE credit for the approved program for up to (3) years from the date of approval so long as the CES Provider is in good standing. AIA Members may repeat the same course, but no additional credit will be granted or recorded.

2026 Houston's Design Gala
2026-05-16 19:00 - 23:30 | TX
Benefitting the Architecture Center Houston

Proceeds from the gala benefit the programs of the Architecture Center Houston (ArCH).
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026 | 7PM-Midnight
Where: The Shop Club Houston
Chairs: Catherine and Clayton Callaway
To Reserve Your Table: Complete the RESPONSE FORM and email it to Aleks Savitski at aleks@aiahouston.org
Program includes:

Award Presentation and Recognition of the winners of the Ben Brewer Young Architects Award, the AIA Houston Firm Award, and recognition of new firms designated as Emerging Professionals Friendly Firms.
Seated Dinner
Silent Auction
Networking and Live Music

ABOUT ArCH:
ArCH: Architecture Center Houston is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that cultivates public appreciation for architecture and its effect on the human experience through design-focused programming.
ArCH offers architectural tours, K-12 educational programs, community events, lectures, and exhibitions. The programs address a wide range of audiences and celebrate Houston’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. Each year, ArCH programs benefit over 4,500 individuals and continue to grow in size, diversity and reach.
Over the years, the Architecture Center Houston Foundation has given over $400,000 for community assistance, publications, educational projects, exhibitions, and public service.
Grantees have included:
Blueprint Houston, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Central Houston, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Greater Houston Preservation Alliance, Houston Arts Alliance, Houston Public Library, Michael G. Meyers High School Design Competition, Project Row Houses, Rice University School of Architecture, Stella Link Redevelopment Association, and UH Gerald D Hines College of Architecture.
Expected Outreach: 800-1000 attendees. The event is publicized widely across the architecture, construction, and engineering community.
Sponsorships for this event are tax deductible as charitable contributions, less fair market value of the dinner.

Masonry Workshop
2026-05-20 16:00 - 18:00 | Restoration Services, Inc., 9810 Fairbanks North Houston Rd, Houston, 77064, United States
Masonry walls are not all the same! What repair methods are appropriate for the masonry wall system on your building?

Join AIA Houston’s Historic Resource Committee (HRC) for a masonry repair workshop to learn more about masonry wall systems, and appropriate repair methods. Nick Floyd and Glynnis Flaum from SGH will provide a short presentation to discuss the fundamentals of masonry systems (including differences between mass masonry, transitional masonry, and veneer/cavity wall systems common today), performance expectations and repair guidance for each, and some repair example case studies. Following the presentation, Restoration Services, Inc. (RSI) will lead hands-on workshop stations for some common masonry repairs like repointing, patching repairs, and remedial structural anchors.

Get ready to have fun and get your hands dirty!
AIA Credit: Pending review
Presentation Sponsors:
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Additional Information:

Workshop stations will include some cutting/grinding and cementitious materials. Please dress in “construction appropriate” clothes – you may get dirty!
If you can, please bring your own safety glasses, gloves, and dust masks. RSI will supply PPE for those who do not have their own.
Parking is available in RSI surface lot – come though gate (look for RSI sign) and park along north fence.
A minimum of 5 days’ notice is required to receive a full refund if you need to cancel your reservation.
