Nuestro Ambiente
2025-10-24 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Architecture Center Houston is proud to announce their upcoming exhibition Nuestro Ambiente: Latinos Shaping Houston presented by the Latinos in Architecture Committee opening Friday, October 24, 5:30-7:30pm, and continuing through January 30, 2026.
Ambiente is where place becomes feeling. Here, belonging takes shape—in the buildings and places where we bring our spirit. It’s where community gathers, celebrates, remembers, and creates. This is where culture is lived, not just observed.
At a time when Latino identity and communities are under increasing pressure, Nuestro Ambiente honors the legacy of Latino contributions to Houston’s cultural and built environment—while raising the urgent question about the future of ambiente without a stable, legally-protected, Latino workforce.
The story of Nuestro Ambiente begins in Los Barrios, Houston’s historic neighborhoods: Second Ward (Segundo Barrio), Magnolia Park (Little Mexico), Gulfton (Houston’s Ellis Island), and Near Northside. Through graphics, displays, and sound, experience these communities’ food, music, and art that create Houston’s most authentic ambiente.
The exhibit identifies Gente de Ambiente, community leaders, architects, engineers, builders and their contributions to Houston’s cultural and built environment. Through stories of resilience and creativity, we learn how generations of Latinos have forged lasting paths to success.
The exhibition is a celebration of the individual, our communities, spaces, and passion that define Nuestro Ambiente. It is Nuestro Ambiente that enriches and influences Houston’s ambiente!
Event is free and open to the community.

Nuestro Ambiente is sponsored and supported by Ayala Vargas Photography, infraTECH, Martinez Architects, MAREK, Page now Stantec, RDLR, DBR, Wilson and Catherine Maxey and Daniel Ortiz, AIA.
Programming Partners
The Houston Public Library

Ambiente es donde el lugar se convierte en sentimiento. Aquí, el sentido de pertenencia toma forma—en los edificios y espacios a los que llevamos nuestra esencia. Es en donde la comunidad se reúne, celebra, recuerda y crea. Aquí la cultura se vive, no solo se contempla.
Nuestro Ambiente honra el legado latino presente en el entorno cultural y físico de Houston, en un momento en que la comunidad e identidad latinas enfrentan una creciente presión. Esta presión plantea interrogantes sobre el futuro del ambiente, sin una fuerza laboral latina estable y legalmente protegida.
La historia de Nuestro Ambiente comienza en Los Barrios, los vecindarios históricos de Houston: Second Ward (Segundo Barrio), Magnolia Park (Little Mexico), Gulfton (la “Ellis Island” de Houston) y Near Northside. A través de gráficas, exposiciones y sonidos, se vive la comida, la música y el arte de estas comunidades que dan forma al ambiente más auténtico de Houston.
La exhibición reconoce a la Gente de Ambiente: líderes comunitarios, arquitectos, ingenieros, constructores y sus contribuciones al entorno cultural y al entorno de desarrollo de Houston. A través de historias de superación y creatividad, aprendemos como generaciones de latinos han forjado caminos perdurables hacia el éxito.
Esta exposición es una celebración de los individuos, de nuestras comunidades, de los espacios y de la pasión que definen Nuestro Ambiente. Es Nuestro Ambiente el que enriquece e influye el ambiente de Houston.

Texas Medical Center Walking Tour
2025-10-25 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.

ARE Study Group - All Sections
2025-10-27 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | dlr group, 1000 Louisiana St Suite 1100, Houston, TX, 77002
Time: 6PM
Location: DLR Group, 1000 Louisiana St Suite 1100, Houston, TX 77002
Join us for this year’s final ARE Study Group session to build your momentum in studying for the ARE. Bring your questions, your notes, your laptops, and your favorite personal study materials to compare with colleagues!
We will go over all sections of the exam. Additionally, we will discuss study materials and subscriptions available on the market, answer attendee questions, and offer a strategy for approaching and scheduling your exams.
This session will be held at DLR Group. Light bites and drinks will be provided.
See you there soon!

UH Art & Architecture Walking Tour
2025-11-01 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | University of Houston – Moores School of Music Building, 333 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX, 77004, United States
An exploration of art, architecture and campus design on the University of Houston’s main campus. Works by Frank Stella, Jim Love, William King and The Art Guys are found within the context of a campus and buildings designed by notable architects such as Philip Johnson, Alfred C. Finn, Gensler, Lake|Flato, BNIM and Cesar Pelli.
Tour will meet in the courtyard in front of the Moores School of Music by the Winged Woman sculpture. Parking available in adjacent campus visitor’s lot or parking garage. Parking fees not included in tour registration.
AIA Credit: 2.0 LU
Course Number: UHWT2022
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.

Annual Meeting
2025-11-04 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
The AIA Houston Annual Meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce, Houston, TX 77002 from 6 PM to 8 PM. This special evening brings our community together to celebrate the members, committees, and partners who make our chapter thrive. It is also a time to reflect on the successes of the past year while looking ahead to the future of AIA Houston.
This year, 4 Presidential Citations will be presented in recognition of individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to AIA Houston and the architectural profession. These awards highlight the exemplary leadership, service, and commitment that strengthen our chapter and advance the mission of AIA Houston.

2026 AIA Houston Board of Directors:
The AIA Houston Board of Directors is made up of members like you—dedicated professionals who strive to ensure that AIA Houston continues to be a powerful resource for architects in our region. Join us for an important evening as we elect AIA Houston’s 2026 Board of Directors and celebrate the members who make our chapter strong.
President: Bayardo Selva, AIA
President-elect: Chudi Abajue, AIA
Treasurer: Laura Carrera, AIA
Secretary: Marissa Yu, AIA
TxA Director: Caveh Masum, AIA
Director: Nicholas Banks, AIA
Director: Kristin Schuster, AIA
Public Director: Stephanie Foster
City of Houston Director: Fallon Barrett, Assoc. AIA

We hope you will join us for this important chapter tradition as we honor the contributions of our members and look forward to another impactful year.
This event is free and open to all.
TxA President-elect Krystyn Haecker, AIA, will also join us to talk about what TxA has in store for 2026.

It Takes A Village Commons
2025-11-07 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Doshi House, 3419 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX, 77004, United States
Building a village starts with connection. Join the AIA Houston Women in Architecture and Houston NOMA for It Takes a Village Commons; a meet up for parents, caregivers, and community members to gather, share and support one another.
Inspired by the idea of “the Commons”, the shared cultural and natural spaces where stories are exchanged, challenges are voiced, and relationships are built, this gathering offers space to connect over life, work, and caregiving.
Come meet fellow caregivers, talk honestly about the juggle of career and care, and help build our Village.

Heights Bicycle Tour
2025-11-08 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | 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

Nuestro Ambiente at a Crossroad
2025-11-11 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join award-winning journalist Linda Lorelle and a panel of experts, Cesar Espinosa (FIEL), Charles Foster (Foster LLP), Stan Marek (MAREK), and Emiliano Valencia (ABIC), for an insightful conversation about the vital role undocumented laborers have played in America’s construction workforce, the real human and economic costs of the current immigration system, and proposed policy solutions to provide legal status for foreign workers to meet nation’s growing workforce needs.
Panlists:
Cesar Espinosa
Cesar Espinosa is co-founder and current Executive Director of the largest immigrant-led civil rights organization in Texas named FIEL (Familias Inmigrantes y Estudiantes en la Lucha – Immigrant Families and Students in the Fight).
FIEL is immigrant-led organization that seeks to empower the immigrant community in Houston, the State of Texas and The United States. Mr. Espinosa has served and is currently serving on a variety of boards at the local, state and national level.
He has also always worked on a variety of issues including, race relations, police reform and a variety of issues uplifting many communities. Mr. Espinosa is an advocate for immigrants’ rights, students’ rights and human rights.
Charles Foster
Charles C. Foster is the Chairman of Foster LLP and is based in the Houston office.
Charles has dedicated much of his career to the improvement of his community. He served as senior immigration policy advisor to President George W. Bush in the 2000 and 2004 Presidential campaigns and as an immigration policy advisor to Barack Obama in the 2008 campaign. He is the founding Chairman of the Immigration & Nationality Law Section of the State Bar of Texas and has previously served as Chairman of the Governor’s Task Force on Immigration, the Greater Houston Partnership’s Economic Development Advisory Committee and World Trade Division, the American Bar Association’s Coordinating Committee on Immigration Law, and the State Bar of Texas Committee on Laws Relating to Immigration and Nationality and is past National President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the Houston Forum and the Houston Club and Board member of Ripley / Baker.
Stan Marek
Stan Marek, CEO of MAREK, one of the largest interior contractors in the Southwest. Stan has been focused on workforce development, sustainability and Comprehensive Immigration Reform. He is the co-founder of Texans For Sensible Immigration Policy and a member of the Greater Houston Partnership’s task force, Americans For Immigration Reform.
Emiliano Valencia
Emiliano Valencia is the Texas deputy director for the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC). ABIC is a bipartisan coalition of over 1,800 employers and CEOs from across the country to provide a strong and unified voice seeking lasting immigration solutions. ABIC employers include agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, technology, and construction.

Image: Yo Creo by Real 333 (Eliud Zavala). Located in the Second Ward on the former Talento Bilingue de Houston building. Courtesy of Luis Ayala.

Nuestro Ambiente at a Crossroads is in conjunction with our current exhibition, Nuestro Ambiente: Latinos Shaping Houston, on view through January 30 at Architecture Center Houston.
Exhibition and Programming Sponsors
Marek; Martinez Architects; Gage Architecture; RDLR Architects; Regional Hispanic Contractors Association InfraTECH; DBR; Kirksey Architecture; Daniel Ortiz, AIA; Wilson and Catherine Maxey.

CTBUH Texas Presents: Houston Industry Networking Event
2025-11-12 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago)
Join the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) Texas chapter for an evening of networking, insight and conversation exploring the intersection of urban density and sustainable placemaking. This in-person gathering brings together professionals from architecture, engineering, development, planning and related industries.
Attendees may request AIA/CEU credit for this event.
Attendance is free with RSVP. Register here.

Speakers
Brandon Hendricks
Development Manager, Skanska USA Commercial Development
Brandon Hendricks serves as a Development Manager for the Skanska USA Commercial Development’s Houston office. Brandon oversees the development and operations of 1550 on the Green, a 380,000 SF Class A office building in downtown Houston, which delivered in early 2024. Brandon is responsible for the day-to-day management of the building and plays a key role in the project lease-up and ongoing management. He began his professional career working as an architect focused on complex mixed-use projects. He worked for over a decade as an architect and manager on award-winning architectural projects prior to transitioning to commercial development.
Jenna Dezinski
Associate and Senior Architect, Bjarke Ingels Group – New York
Jenna Dezinski is an Associate and Senior Architect at Bjarke Ingels Group in New York City where she has overseen the design and delivery of projects at varying scales across North America including the Norton Rose Fulbright Tower in Houston, the King Toronto Residences, Beatty Street Pavilion in Vancouver, NASA Olympus, CODEX Residential Collection by ICON, and the Claremont McKenna College Roberts Campus Sports Bowl. She has been a collaborator with John Paul Rysavy in the architectural design practice Letter J (formerly And-Either-Or), is founder of the jewelry studio Janika, and worked previously with Christof Finio, Will Bruder, Studio Ma, DeBartolo Architects, and alterstudio, where she oversaw the design of distinctive residential projects.
What to expect:

Welcome remarks by CTBUH Global Development Director Jen Hall and an introduction of the CTBUH Texas chapter.

Industry networking opportunity — connect with peers, share ideas, build relationships.

A panel discussion on Urban Density and Sustainable Placemaking — hear expert perspectives on how cities are evolving, what it means for tall buildings, and how sustainable strategies can shape vibrant, dense urban environments.

Refreshments and light bites will be served.

Why attend:
This is the ideal chance to meet fellow professionals and thought-leaders in Houston’s built environment. Engage in meaningful dialogue about how vertical urbanism contributes to sustainable, livable cities.
We look forward to seeing you there — come ready to connect, converse and be inspired by new ideas for the future of our urban landscapes. RSVP required. Secure your spot via event registration.

Lincoln Technical Institute - Houston Campus Building Tour
2025-11-12 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Lincoln Technical Institute – Houston Campus, 2000 S. Lockwood Drive, Houston, TX, 77023
AIA Houston Emerging Professionals Committee invites you to an exclusive tour of Lincoln Technical Institute’s new Houston campus at in East Downtown. This nearly 100,000 SF adaptive reuse project transforms a 1970s-era building into a vibrant center for hands-on training in automotive, welding, HVAC, and electrical trades—addressing the growing need for skilled labor. Designed by Herbst-Musciano, the project breathes new life into a historic structure while strengthening the surrounding community. The tour will be led by Herbst-Musciano and Lincoln Tech representatives, with lite bites provided.
Parking Available at South Parking (Enter through Munger or Ernestine Street)
CE Credit: 1LU
Project Team:
Lincoln Technical Institute – Client

Herbst-Musciano – Architect

Cushman & Wakefield – Project Developer

O’Donnell Snider- Contractor

Architectural Photography Workshop
2025-11-14 17:30 - 2025-11-16 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Join architecture photographers Mariella and Luis Ayala, AIA for this weekend workshop exploring the art and craft of capturing the built environment. Mariella and Luis are sought out by architects across the state for their gift at showing a building in its best possible light. Their work is praised for bringing projects to life in a brilliant way, and for capturing the emotional qualities — the story, spirit, and soul — of the spaces they help to document. Their work has been published in numerous magazines and books and recently bestowed with the Texas Society of Architects Honors Award for photography. Visit their website at ayalavargas.com
They are offering a weekend photographic workshop starting Friday, November 14 extending through Sunday, November 16. The workshop will be a hands-on experience of photographing buildings and processing images digitally. This will be achieved with the use of “consumer” cameras and computers commonly owned by the non-professional photographer. A basic understanding of how to manually operate a camera is expected. Mariella and Luis will work one-on-one with participants photographing buildings and processing these images later.

Itinerary

This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.

Friday, November 14: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (ArCH Center)
Saturday, November 15: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Location includes residential restoration project Old Sixth Ward & MFAH (Interior & Exterior at dusk)

Sunday, November 16: 8:00 AM – noon (ArCH Center)

AIA Credit: 12 AIA LU

Get individualized attention in this small group format; workshop is limited to 14 participants.
Learn post-processing techniques for architecture
Gear needed: SLR Camera, interchangeable lens and tripod
Included: entry fee to MFAH, Saturday lunch and Sunday pastries/fruit/coffee
Advanced registration required. Onsite registration is not available.
Cancellation Policy: A minimum of 7 days’ (Nov. 7) notice is required to receive a full refund

Rice University Walking Tour
2025-11-15 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Lovett Hall, 6100 Main, Houston, TX, 77005, United States
A treasure trove of great architecture, the timeless campus features designs by Cram, Goodhue, & Ferguson; John Staub; William Ward Watkin; Michael Graves; Kieran Timberlake; Ricardo Bofill; Cesar Pelli; Lake/Flato Architects; and many other local and internationally renowned architects. Also on the tour are large scale art works by James Turrell and Michael Heizer. From Lovett Hall to Brochstein Pavilion, this tour will look at some of the more unique, hidden, important and historical features of Rice University’s Campus. In addition to the architecture we will explore the context surrounding each building, the quads, courts and axes, how these elements work together to shape collegiate space.
Tour meets on the front lawn of Lovett Hall, building 1 on the Rice University map, 6100 Main. Recommended parking in Rice University Visitor Lovett Parking Lovett Lot (LS or LN) or Founder’s Court (FC) Visitor’s Lot. Credit card is required to access parking.
AIA Credit: 2.0 LU
Course Number: RUWT122022
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.

This event is sold out. Please visit our events calendar for upcoming tours.

Full Day Continuing Education
2025-11-19 08:30 - 15:15 (America/Chicago) | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
We invite you to attend a full day of Continuing Education (CE) Series sponsored by the Historic Resources Committee (HRC).

8:30-9:00am Breakfast and Registration
9:00-10:00am
Historic Tax Credit Projects: Working with the Buildings <1.0 AIA HSW >
Presented by Anna Mod, Amanda Coleman, & Adrienne Dickerson, Historic Tax Credits; Ryan
10:15-11:15am
Preservation Pedagogy for a Changing World <1.0 AIA LU >
Presented by Priya Jain, AIA LEED, Associate Professor, Texas A&M University
11:30am-12:30pm
Preservation and Sustainability <1.0 AIA HSW >
Presented by David C. Bucek, FAIA, Stern and Bucek Architects
12:30-1:00pm Lunch
1:00-2:00pm
Preserving with Purpose: Adaptive Reuse of the 1919 Charles W. Luckie School <1.o AIA HSW >
Presented by Laura Carrera, AIA, Urbano Architects
2:15-3:15pm
Historic Designations 101 < 1.0 AIA LU >
Presented by Emily Ardoin, Preservation Services Director, Preservation Houston
Continuing Education Credits:

AIA Credits= 5.0 Total (3 HSW & 2 LU)

Individual classes are not available for the event.
Pre-registered pricing includes breakfast and lunch.
Parking is not included.
A minimum of 3 business days’ notice is required to receive a full refund if you need to cancel your reservation.
Online registration will close Thursday, November 13, 5pm.
Onsite registration is available for day of (breakfast and lunch is NOT included)

The Houston Permitting Center Annual Workshop
2025-11-19 12:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | united way, 50 Waugh Drive, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Join the Houston Permitting Center’s second annual workshop! Meet leadership, learn about the process, and get answers to FAQs.

Welcome to the 2025 Houston Permitting Center Workshop! Join us for an informative and interactive workshop where you can learn all about the permitting process in Houston. This in-person event will take place at the United Way Center on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, starting at 12:00 PM. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights. See you there! Limited seating is available.
Registration is required.

REGISTER HERE: 2025 Houston Permitting Center Workshop Tickets, Wed, Nov 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite
AGENDA

12:00 – 12:30
Registration

12:30 – 13:00
Meet the Leaders: Network with Top City Officials

13:00 – 13:55
1st Breakout Session

13:00 – 13:55
2nd Breakout Session

15:00 – 15:55
3rd Breakout Session

16:00 – 16:55
4th Breakout Session

Museum District Walking Tour
2025-11-22 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | 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
THIS TOUR IS SOLD OUT.
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.

Sketch the Change at POST HTX
2025-11-22 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | POST HTX, 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX, 77201
Join Kids+Architecture for a fun filled sketching workshop at the POST HTX , one of Houston’s award-winning entertainment center.
Post HTX is an adaptive reuse project that transformed the historic Barbara Jordan United States Post (USPS) Office in downtown Houston into a cultural and commercial complex. The solid fortress-like structure of the USPS office, originally designed by Wilson, Morris, Crain & Anderson, the architects of Astrodome, had immense potential, but its industrial character posed challenges for repurposing. OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture) and Powers Brown Architecture designed the redevelopment with sensitive modifications. The new design introduced atriums with three unique monumental staircases, massive skylights which uses materials that once originated in a NASA lab, and the largest rooftop park in the United States. POST HTX also includes a food hall, restaurants, coworking spaces and offices.
The workshop will begin with an architect-led tour by Jeanette Shaw, AIA, Powers Brown Architect, before breaking up into small groups with architects to hone your sketching skills using watercolor pencils.
Additional information about the class:

This is an indoor and outdoor workshop, please dress appropriately for the weather.
Students will work in small groups with architects to learn and develop their sketching techniques.
A sketch book, watercolor pencils, bottle of water and a snack will be provided for registered students. Adults are welcome to participate and parents are welcome to stay to pick up when the workshop concludes.
Geared towards ages 7-12.
Parking options at POST are $5 per hour after the first 20 minutes, which are free.

Please plan to arrive early to allow time to park and check in. Class will conclude at noon..
Sketch the Change at POST HTX is sponsored by

Post HTX Design Team
Client: Lovett Commercial
Lead Designer: OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture)
Executive Architect: Power Brown Architect
Structural Engineer: IMEG Corp
Contractor: Harvey Builders
Executive Architect – Food Hall: LUCID
MEP: DBR Engineering Consultants
Landscape Architect: Hoerr Schaudt
Lighting: DotDash
Historic Advisor: MacRostie
Identity and Signage: MTWTF with Formation
Architecture Renderings: Luxigon

Innovators in Discussion
2025-12-02 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us for an open and insightful forum celebrating the voices of Latino and Latina architects who have shaped—and continue to shape—Houston’s built environment. This session, part of the TertuLiAs series, brings together more than ten distinguished professionals whose work spans decades of influence, innovation, and cultural expression in architecture and design.
Innovators in Discussion looks to the past to pave the way for Houston’s future. Through compelling stories and meaningful dialogue, panelists will reflect on their personal journeys, the cultural heritage that informs their work, and the evolving role of Latino professionals in the architectural landscape.
Panelists:
Fernando Brave, FAIA
Art Chavez, AIA
Romulo Tim Cisneros, AIA
Benito Guerrier, AIA
Carlos Jiménez
Rafael Longoria, AIA
Camilo Parra, AIA
Roger Soto, AIA
Lorie Westrick, AIA
moderated by
Stephen Fox
This session is organized by the LiA Exhibition Committee and the LiA Outreach Committee of the AIA Houston Chapter’s Latinos in Architecture (LiA). It is part of the 2025 Nuestro Ambiente exhibition, which honors trailblazers in our community and fosters a shared sense of belonging through architecture.

CityCentre 6 - New Building Tour
2025-12-03 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
Emerging Professional Committee invites you to tour the new, 19-story, 320,000-sf, Class-A office tower in CityCentre, part of the mixed-use complex by Midway in West Houston -retail and dining on the ground floor and a 370,000-sf garage.
This is a hard hat tour and PPE is required. Please bring your own if available. We will have some PPE available for those that don’t have access to PPE.
Registration is required. Free to AIA members.
Designer – Munoz+Albin
Executive Architect – Kirksey Architecture

Full Day Continuing Education
2025-12-04 10:00 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
We invite you to attend a full day of Continuing Education (CE) Series sponsored by the Committee on the Environment (COTE).
9:45am Check-in and Coffee
10:00-11:00am
Designing for Excellence: The Credit Human Headquarters – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by Catherine Callaway, AIA, Kirksey Architects
11:15-12:30pm
Glass Production, Processing & Performance – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by Michelle Estes, Vitro Architectural Glass
12:30-1:00pm
Break for Lunch
1:00-2:00pm
From Cradle to Certification: Mastering Embodied Carbon in LEEDv5 – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by Tim Murray, AIA LEED Fellow w/Page, now Stantec & Jenni Huynh, LEED AP BD+C w/JLL
2:15-3:15pm
Data not Dogma – Residential ERVs and Balanced Ventilation in Hot Humid Climates – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by Ken Nelson, Ventilation, Panasonic Eco Systems, North America

Total AIA Learning Units: 4.0 AIA HSW

Individual classes are not available for the event.
Pre-registered pricing includes lunch only.
Parking is not included.
A minimum of 3 business days’ notice is required to receive a full refund if you need to cancel your reservation.

Mission of the COTE Committee:
The Committee on the Environment (COTE) works to advance, disseminate, and advocate—to the profession, the building industry, the academy, and the public—design practices that integrate built and natural systems and enhance both the design quality and environmental performance of the built environment.
The committee reflects the profession’s commitment to providing healthy and safe environments for people and is dedicated to preserving the earth’s capability of sustaining a shared high quality of life. The committee’s mission is to lead and coordinate the profession’s involvement in environmental and energy-related issues and to promote the role of the architect as a leader in preserving and protecting the planet and its living systems.

Online registration will close Sunday, November 30
Onsite registration is available (lunch is NOT included)

WiA End of Year Celebration + Scholarship Reception
2025-12-04 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us for the WiA End of Year Celebration + Scholarship Reception on December 4, at 5:30pm.
Free & Open to Everyone

AIA Houston Women in Architecture is excited to announce the second year of our annual scholarship opportunities! These awards are funded through the generous support of our Education and Outreach programs as well as our tax-deductible WiA 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 IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUND

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
GOLD Sponsor

SILVER Sponsor

Third Ward Bicycle Tour
2025-12-06 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | HCC’s San Jacinto Memorial Green, 1300 Holman, Houston, Texas, 77004, United States
This bicycle tour explores the Historic Third Ward and surrounding areas including Houston Community College, Emancipation Park, Project Row Houses, Dowling Street, the Negro Hospital, later Riverside General Hospital, the Buffalo Soldiers Museum, and Texas Southern University. The tour is a dynamic discussion of the neighborhood’s character, history and future in the center of Houston featuring notable local architects such as John Chase and Caudill Rowlett Scott (CRS).
Reservations are required for this tour as attendance is limited.
Attendees need to bring their own bicycle. We encourage everyone to wear a helmet.
Tour meets in the Houston Community College’s San Jacinto Memorial Green courtyard right across from the intersection of Caroline St. and Holman St.

2025 AIA Houston Holiday Party
2025-12-09 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Museum Fine Arts Houston – Cullinan Hall, 1001 Bissonnet, Houston, TX, 77005, United States
Honoring Laurence C. “Larry” Burns Jr., FAIA,
We are proud to announce that Laurence C. “Larry” Burns, Jr. FAIA will be honored with the AIA Houston Award for Career Distinction at our Holiday Party on December 9 at the Museum of Fine Arts. We are currently raising funds to purchase in Larry’s honor an architect designed object for the museum’s permanent design collection.
Gifts can be made online by completing and submitting a donation form by following this LINK to MFAH.
Please make your donation on or before November 15 so that we will have time to purchase the item for display at the party.
The American Institute of Architects, Houston Design Collection
Museum purchase funded by friends of Larry Burns, FAIA, in his honor
About the Honoree
Larry Burns, FAIA, grew up in Illinois in a suburb north of Chicago and graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in 1974 and a Master of Architecture Degree in 1976. His fourth year was a memorable experience studying at the U of I program in Versailles, France and traveling to 18 countries as part of his 10 months in Europe. Larry moved to Houston in June 1976 immediately after graduation due to a job offer from S. I. Morris Associates. After two years he was asked to join KWA which became Kendall/Heaton Associates in August 1978 less than three months after the firm was started. Larry has been one of the Principal Owners of Kendall/Heaton Associates since 1992.
Larry has spent the majority of his career collaborating as Architect of Record with some of the best-known architects from around the world on projects in Houston and across the United States. The first two projects of the seven projects for Hines over the course of his career were 101 California and 580 California in San Francisco with Philip Johnson/John Burgee followed by Norwest Center in Minneapolis, Society Bank in Cleveland and Owens-Corning World Headquarters in Toledo with Cesar Pelli and Associates and 191 North Wacker in Chicago with KPF. Larry began working on projects for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston in 1993 with the Central Administration Building and Junior School with Carlos Jimenez followed by the Audrey Jones Beck Building with Rafael Moneo which was completed in 2000. Renovations to MFAH spaces include the first Hirsch Library expansion and Brown Auditorium, the Islamic Galleries and the recent relocation of the Hirsch Library into the former café space in the Beck Building. Larry collaborated with Leslie Elkins Architecture on the Lora Jean Kilroy Visitor Center at Bayou Bend, with Lake|Flato on the Blaffer Center for Conservation and most recently on the Glassell School of Art and Nancy and Rich Kinder Building with Steven Holl Architects.
Similar notable collaborations followed with Tadao Ando Architect and Associates on the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion with SANAA, Asia Society Texas Center with Yoshio Taniguichi and Associates, Milstein Hall at Cornell University with Rem Koolhaas/Office for Metropolitan Architecture, the Kimbell Art Museum Piano Pavilion with Renzo Piano Building Workshop, the planned Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth Expansion with Tado Ando and William T. Cannady Hall for the Rice School of Architecture with Karamuk Kuo.
Larry also worked on projects in Houston including Poe Elementary School renovation and expansion, 717 Texas with HOK and 811 Main with Pickard Chilton high rise office buildings, St. John’s School Flores Hall and Campus Center with Curtis & Windham and Champions Forest Baptist Church and Faithbridge Church.
Larry is active in his church, several cultural organizations and in historic preservation, He and his wife Cindy live in a 97-year-old house designated as a City of Houston Protected Landmark. Larry enjoys reading, traveling, visiting art museums and collecting art in his free time.

Montrose Walking Tour
2025-12-13 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.
This tour is sold out. Please visit our events calendar for upcoming tours.

The 16th Annual Gingerbread Build-Off
2025-12-13 09:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Levy Park, 3801 Eastside St, Houston, TX, 77098, United States
Architecture Center Houston will host the 16th Annual Gingerbread Build-Off at Levy Park on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Competing teams will create 100% edible, architectural masterpieces using gingerbread, candy, and all sorts of other sweet treats (of which leftovers will be composted)! More than 4,000 spectators are expected to attend and cheer on the teams, play in the kids’ construction zone, and see Santa! All of that entertainment is free and open to the public!
Who can participate?
Team registration is open to local architects, designers, engineers, high school and college students, and holiday enthusiasts of all kinds, seeking fame and fortune with their sugary structures.
Competition Categories
The 2025 Competition Category – Bring your favorite movie moments to life—one gumdrop at a time! This category celebrates iconic films reaching milestone anniversaries in 2025, transformed into edible cinematic masterpieces. Send a gingerbread DeLorean racing Back to the Future, stack candy boulders in the Goonies’ treasure caves, or fill Andy’s room from Toy Story with marzipan toys and frosted building blocks. Think big, build bold, and let your favorite flick inspire the sweetest creation yet. Lights, camera… confection!
Teams may also compete in one of the other categories: Architectural Icons, Tallest Standing Structure, Best Holiday Themed, Best Non-Holiday themed, and Best Houston-centric.
Team registration for the 2025 event is open to local architecture firms, design professionals, students, and enthusiasts seeking the coveted B.A. Riesner Grand Prize for their edible structure.
EVENT DAY SCHEDULE:
8:00am–9:00am Gingerbread Team Check-in
9:00am–2:00pm Gingerbread Team Competition Building
9:00am–4:00pm Kids’ Construction Zone, Scavenger Hunt and Lawn Games
1:00pm Dance and Move with Young Audiences of Houston
3:30pm–4:30pm Gingerbread Team Award Winners Announced
TEAM REGISTRATION IS OPEN:
Team registrations and additional materials must be completed by Friday, November 21, 5pm.
Register your team here.
Additional materials can be purchased here.
Team registration details and rules can be found here.
Additional materials and tents will open soon.
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteer to help with the Gingerbread Build-Off! ArCH needs help with the Kids Construction Zone, as well as setup/teardown of the event. Email jennifer@aiahouston.org. Educational and civic groups welcome!

SPONSORS

Icing on the Roof

Candy Cane

Environmental Partner

ADA Lunch & Learn
2025-12-17 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
LU/LA Elevators – A Smart Solution Between a VPL and a Full Commercial Elevator
Presented by 101 Mobility
1.0 AIA HSW/LU (Barrier Free)
This presentation explores the proper use of LULA elevators in both new builds and renovations, including ADA and ASME A17.1 considerations, TAS compliance, and common pitfalls during design and specification. You’ll also see real-world examples of how LULA elevators can be integrated beautifully
Location: Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce
Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm
Additional Information:

Pre-registered pricing includes lunch
Parking is not included.
A minimum of 3 business days’ notice is required to receive a full refund if you need to cancel your reservation.

Online registration will close Thursday, December 11@ 5pm
Onsite registration will be available (lunch is NOT included)

UH Art & Architecture Bilingual Walking Tour (English and Spanish)
2025-12-20 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture & Design, 4200 Elgin St, Houston, TX, 77204
Una exploración de arte, arquitectura y diseño de plantel en el plantel principal de la Universidad de Houston. Obras de Frank Stella, Jim Love, William King y “The Art Guys” vistos en el contexto de un plantel universitario y edificios diseñados por arquitectos de renombre como Philip Johnson, Alfred C. Finn, Gensler, Lake|Flato, BNIM y Cesar Pelli.
El recorrido empieza en el patio en frente la escuela de música (Moores School of Music) en la escultura “Winged Woman”. El estacionamiento para visitantes esta al cruzar la calle. El costo del estacionamiento no esta incluido en el registro del recorrido.
AIA Credit: 2.0 LU
Curso Numero: UHWT2022
NOTA PARA MIEMBROS DE LA AIA:
Según los estándares nacionales de la AIA, todo curso aprobado como Unidades Educativas de la AIA pueden generar créditos de educación continua para el programa aprobado hasta un plazo de 3 años a partir de la fecha de aprobación siempre y cuando el proveedor de educación continua permanezca de alta. Miembros de la AIA pueden repetir el mismo curso, pero no recibirán credito adicional por su participación.

An exploration of art, architecture and campus design on the University of Houston’s main campus. Works by Frank Stella, Jim Love, William King and The Art Guys are found within the context of a campus and buildings designed by notable architects such as Philip Johnson, Alfred C. Finn, Gensler, Lake|Flato, BNIM and Cesar Pelli.
Tour will meet in front of the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design. Parking available in adjacent campus visitor’s lot. Parking fees not included in tour registration.
AIA Credit: 2.0 LU
Course Number: UHWT2022
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.

Rice University Walking Tour
2026-01-10 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Lovett Hall, 6100 Main, Houston, TX, 77005, United States
A treasure trove of great architecture, the timeless campus features designs by Cram, Goodhue, & Ferguson; John Staub; William Ward Watkin; Michael Graves; Kieran Timberlake; Ricardo Bofill; Cesar Pelli; Lake/Flato Architects; and many other local and internationally renowned architects. Also on the tour are large scale art works by James Turrell and Michael Heizer. From Lovett Hall to Brochstein Pavilion, this tour will look at some of the more unique, hidden, important and historical features of Rice University’s Campus. In addition to the architecture we will explore the context surrounding each building, the quads, courts and axes, how these elements work together to shape collegiate space.
Tour meets on the front lawn of Lovett Hall, building 1 on the Rice University map, 6100 Main. Recommended parking in Rice University Visitor Lovett Parking Lovett Lot (LS or LN) or Founder’s Court (FC) Visitor’s Lot. Credit card is required to access parking.
AIA Credit: 2.0 LU
Course Number: RUWT122022
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.
This tour is sold out. Please visit our events calendar for upcoming tours.

Towers & Trees Walking Tour
2026-01-17 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | One Shell Plaza, 910 Smith Street, Houston, 77027, United States
Towers and Trees explores the magnificent architecture between Hermann Square and Discovery Green as well as the changing dynamics of our downtown. We’ll look at the partially realized civic center plan surrounding Hermann Square, the historic backbone of Main Street, the ambitious 1970 proposal that would become Houston Center, the internationally recognized icons from the skyscraper boom of the 70’s and 80’s, and Discovery Green, the newest catalyst for downtown development in Houston.
Meet outside One Shell Plaza at 910 Smith Street on the corner of Walker and Smith Street across the street from City Hall and the reflecting pool in Hermann Square. Garage and street parking available in the area.
AIA Credit: 2.0 LU
This tour is sold out. Please visit our events calendar for upcoming tours.

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.

Full Day Continuing Education
2026-01-22 08:30 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
We cordially invite you to attend a full day of Continuing Education (CE) Seminars.
HAPPY NEW YEAR AIA & AIA Assoc Members!
This event is complimentary for all AIA or AIA Assoc. Members whose membership is current by January 15, 2026

8:30-9:00am Breakfast and Registration
9:00-10:00am
Sustainable by Design – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by Roger Tysor, Behr Paint
10:00-11:00am
179D Today and Tomorrow: The Future of Green Building Tax Incentives – 1.0 AIA LU
Presented by Jesse Stanley, KBKG
11:00-Noon
Grading Design for Architects – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by Gregory Patch, P.E.
12:00-12:30pm
Break for Lunch
12:30-1:30pm
Automated Window Coverings Influence on Well v2 and LEED v4.1 BD+C Equivalents, Alignments & Tradeoffs- 1.0 AIA HSW & 1 GBCI (Specialty credit – LEED, WELL, AP)
Presented by Andy Rittenhouse, Somfy
1:30-3:00pm
Risk Management with Reality Capture – 1.5 AIA HSW
Presented by Boon Bowling, GPRS

Total AIA Learning Units: 5.5 LU (4.5 HSW & 1.0 LU)

Individual classes are not available for the event.
Pre-registered pricing includes breakfast and lunch.
Parking is not included.
A minimum of 3 business days’ notice is required to receive a full refund if you need to cancel your reservation. Please cancel your reservation no later than Friday, January 16th.
A charge of $60 will be accessed for each no show or late cancellation. (AIA or AIA Assoc. Members Only)
Online registration will close Friday, January 16 @ 5pm
Onsite registration is available (breakfast and lunch is NOT included)

Celebrating Licensure
2026-01-22 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Ciudad_Juarez) | bungalow heights, 1919 Beall St, Houston, TX, 77008
Join us in celebrating our community of friends who were licensed in 2025. The first 20 people to register will receive 2 complimentary beverage tickets.
If you were licensed in 2025, we’d love to recognize you! Contact Aleks Savitski aleks@aiahouston.org so we may reserve two complimentary beverages in your name to toast your success!
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Time 5:30 PM – 7:30 PMa
Venue: Bungalow Heights, 1919 Beall St, Houston, TX 77008
Special thanks to the Anonymous Architecture Studio for sponsoring this event!
