The Road to Licensure in Texas… (and avoiding bumps in the road)
2026-02-24 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago)
Guest presentation by TBAE and NCARB focusing on licensure.
Feb 24 at 5:30PM 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 Board for over 9 years and has been with TBAE for a total of 13 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 9 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.

ABCBirds101
2026-02-26 12:00 - 13:00
AIA CES Credit: 1 LU/HSW
Green Building Council: 1 credit
Register here.

Texas Medical Center Walking Tour
2026-02-28 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-04-18 09:00 - 11:00 | 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.

Equity Series Workshop
2026-03-05 17:30 - 20:00 | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
The AIA Houston Women in Architecture Committee is pleased to announce the ninth annual Equity Series, What We Carry: Unspoken Paths to Workplace Well-being.
Women’s health challenges are often treated as private issues, limiting transparency, empathy, and meaningful support. The 2026 Equity Series brings these experiences to the forefront to highlight how individuals and leaders can reshape workplaces to better reflect the realities of women’s lives.
Speaker:

Carrie Hirdes, Chaplain, Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Equity Panel Discussion & Workshop

Interested in Sponsorship?
Please consider becoming a sponsor of the Equity Series Panel Discussion & Workshop. 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.

Equity Series Panel Discussion
2026-03-06 17:30 - 20:30 | DeLUXE Theater, 3303 Lyons Ave, Houston, 77020, United States
The AIA Houston Women in Architecture Committee is pleased to announce the ninth annual Equity Series, What We Carry: Unspoken Paths to Workplace Well-being.
Women’s health challenges are often treated as private issues, limiting transparency, empathy, and meaningful support. The 2026 Equity Series brings these experiences to the forefront to highlight how individuals and leaders can reshape workplaces to better reflect the realities of women’s lives.
This panel will explore how open dialogue and equity-driven support systems can foster environments where women feel valued and supported at every stage of their careers. Through personal agency as well as intentional leadership, we aim to identify actionable changes in pursuit of a more equitable practice.
Panelists

Kristin Schuster, AIA LEED AP, Founder and Principal Architect of Inflection Architecture
Mahe Hameed, AIA, Senior Associate at Huitt-Zollars
Nicola Springer, AIA, LEED AP, Partner & Managing Director, Pk-12 Practice at Kirksey Architecture
Samantha Holy, SPHR, Chief Human Resources Officer at LEO A DALY

Moderator

Carrie Hirdes, Chaplain, Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center

Panel Discussion: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Social: 7:30pm-8:30pm

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Equity Panel Discussion & Workshop

Parity Sponsor

Inclusivity Sponsor

Interested in Sponsorship?
Please consider becoming a sponsor of the Equity Series Panel Discussion & Workshop. 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.

2026 Trivia Night
2026-03-19 18:00 - 20:00
Test your wits and knowledge against your colleagues while making a meaningful contribution to the architectural profession. Join us as an individual or come as a team! Over the course of the event an experienced trivia hosts will orchestrate trivia teams through 6 rounds of Trivia. Trivia rounds will include random themed rounds. Prizes and the coveted trophy will be awarded to the top team. Additional prizes will be awarded to participants throughout the event.

Register by March 12
Additionally, please submit your TEAM REGISTRATION FORM to Aleks Savitski at aleks@aiahouston.org and copy Genesis Morales gmorales@pagethink.com.
EVENT SCHEDULE
5:45 – 6:15 PM – Event arrival and team/individual sign-in
6:15 – 6:30 PM – Introductions and rules
6:30 – 8:00 PM – Trivia + Prizes.
RULES
1. Rules for trivia scoring will be explained at the event.
2. The winning team must have at least one AIA member on it to receive the coveted trophy. Or the trophy will be given to the next team in line.
3. Teams should consist of 4-6 members. Each Team shall have a team captain fill out the Team registration form and submit it before the registration deadline.
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE HERE
ABOUT TAC
The Texas Society of Architects maintains an active government relations program to promote the interests of its membership. Through the Texas Society of Architects Committee (TAC), an unincorporated political action organization allowed under Section 527 of the IRS Code, TAC raises funds for contributions to candidates running for public office. The profession’s only state PAC supports those who demonstrate leadership, responsiveness, good judgment and a willingness to work with architects advocating for safe, beautiful, sustainable environments.

Towers & Trees Walking Tour
2026-03-21 09:00 - 11:00 | 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
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
2026-03-28 09:00 - 11:00 | 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.

Clays for College
2026-03-30 11:30 - 17:00 | Greater Houston Sports Club, 6700 McHard Rd, Houston, TX, 77053, United States
Join us for the 5th Annual Clays for College shooting event, a fundraiser supporting the MGMC Scholarship Fund, on Monday, March 30. What a fun way to help raise scholarship money for high school students as they prepare to become future Architects. This will be a day of support, competition, recreation, and fun. Participation is open to all.

EVENT SCHEDULE 11:30am Event Registration & Lunch 12:45pm Safety Briefing 1:00pm Course tournament and Four Man Flurry 3:30pm Award Ceremony and Reception

TEAM OR INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION Register as a team or individual below. Deadline to register is Monday, March 23, 2026

Clays for College Team – $900 Team of four (4), lunch, golf cart, and ammo. Individual Ticket – $300 Placed on a team of four (4), lunch, golf cart, and ammo. SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES Sponsor registration can be found here Sponsorship purchases are tax-deductible as charitable contributions

Title Sponsor – $7,000 Sponsorship recognition as “Title Sponsor” at Clays for College and the MGMC Award Ceremony. Scholarship named in recognition of Title Sponsor for 2026. Two teams of four (4) and benefits. Two four-man flurry tickets. Gold Sponsor – $3,500 Sponsorship recognition at Clays for College and MGMC Award Ceremony. Scholarship named in recognition of Gold Sponsor for 2026. One team of four (4) and benefits. Golf Cart Sponsor – $5,000 Sponsorship recognition at Clays for College and MGMC Award Ceremony. Company-branded signage on team golf carts. One team of four (4) and benefits. Lunch Sponsor – $3,000 – limited to two sponsors Sponsorship recognition at the lunch station and MGMC Award Ceremony. One team of four (4) and benefits. Beverage Sponsor – $3,000 Sponsorship recognition at the beverage station, golf carts, and MGMC Award Ceremony. One team of four (4) and benefits. ABOUT MGMC Michael G. Meyers Design & Scholarship Competition (MGMC) is an annual event sponsored by Architecture Center Houston Foundation and AIA Houston. This is an ideas competition for high school students, that emphasizes creative problem-solving. Students participate in a series of events, led by architects, such as learning basic architectural drawing skills, and how to understand clients’ needs. Winning students receive scholarships to a university or college of their choice.The program has awarded over $250,000.00 in scholarships over the years. And, many of the past participants have returned to support the program after graduating from college with architecture degrees.Contact Jennifer Ward, jennifer@aiahouston.org, with any questions.

Third Ward Bicycle Tour
2026-04-11 09:00 - 11:00 | 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.

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

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?

Location: The Ismaili Center | Houston, 2323 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX
Date: April 24, 2026

7:30am-5:30pm Conference
5:30pm-7:00pm Closing Happy Hour

Advanced Registration Pricing Conference + Closing Happy 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

Want to Sponsor?
Sponsorship opportunities coming soon

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

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.
