AIA Houston

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) | TX
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!

Texas Medical Center Walking Tour
2026-01-24 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.

2026 MGMC Student Workshop & Competition Kick-Off
2026-01-24 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
The 2026 competition program will be announced at the workshop.
An annual ideas competition with an emphasis on creative problem solving and graphic presentation, the Michael G. Meyers Design & Scholarship Competition is sponsored by the Architecture Center Houston Foundation, the Houston Chapter of AIA and local architectural firms and affiliates.
The Competition Committee hosts a workshop to help the students learn basic architectural design skills, understand the competition requirements and meet the client. While students attend the workshop, teachers and parents are welcome to attend an informational session about the program.
Projects are due May 1, 2026 and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony.
All Houston area high school students are eligible to participate regardless of class affiliation or age. Students are requested to enter only once per year as either a member of a team or as an individual. Teachers and Counselors are encouraged to promote this scholarship competition.
Upcoming Events:
2026 Competition Project Site Tour
Saturday, February 7
10:00 am
Location TBA
Interim Project Review
Saturday, March 28
10am-Noon
Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St, Houston, 77002
Projects Due
Friday, May 1. Drop off at the Architecture Center Houston by 5:30pm
Awards Ceremony
Thursday, May 7
6:00 pm
Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St, Houston, 77002

BEC Houston Lunch & Learn
2026-01-29 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Bee Street Lofts – A Case Study in Building Envelope Restoration

Hear about a building envelope restoration project in an urban setting. This presentation will offer insights and solutions to complex construction issues while overcoming challenges including, COVID, full occupancy, and many site constraints.
Learning Objectives:

Dealing with Existing Site Constraints.

Navigating Logistical Constraints

Creating a Mockup Panel

Peeling Back the Onion – Existing Building Envelope Problems and Remediation.

Presenter – Paul Kennedy CEO, Kennedy Richter Construction
AIA Credit: 1.0 LU

Schedule:

11:30am – Check-in and lunch
Noon-1:00pm – Presentations

Additional Information:

Pre registration includes box 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.

Buffalo Bayou Walking Tour
2026-01-31 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Explore the city from a vantage point most people don’t see: the waterway that gave Houston life and has been its backbone for 182 years. Architecture Center Houston (ArCH), with the cooperation of Buffalo Bayou Partnership, invite you to a stroll along Buffalo Bayou Parkway for an overview of downtown Houston’s history and architecture from its beginnings in 1836 to the efforts to revitalize the central city today. The tour showcases the innovative bayou reclamation efforts of the City of Houston, Harris County, and Buffalo Bayou Partnership, while topically discussing history and preservation, contemporary architecture, the bayou, and adjacent parkland.
Meets outside of Architecture Center Houston at 902 Commerce Street.
Street and parking are available in the area. Parking fees are not included in registration.
AIA Credit: 2 LUs
+

Get to Know an Architect: Patrick Lopez
2026-01-31 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | Julia Ideson Building, 550 McKinney St, Houston, TX, 77002
Patrick Lopez (1937-2018) studied architecture at the University of Texas and the University of Houston and opened his own design firm in 1964. Yet it was his childhood fascination with images in comic books and cartoons that inspired his career as an illustrator. His talents were recognized and sought after by major firms across the country. Lopez spent years working with some of the best architects, including Helmut Jahn, Philip Johnson, John Burgee, S. I. Morris, and Eugene Aubry.
In collaboration with the Houston History Research Center (HHRC), join us on Saturday, January 31, at the Julian Ideson Library for a conversation and a look at the library’s collection of Lopez’s architectural renderings with HHRC Architecture Archivist Ginger Berni.
The event is free and open to the community. RSVP here.

This event is part of our current exhibition, Nuestro Ambiente, on view through January 30, 2026.
Exhibition and Programming Sponsors:
InfraTECH; Luis Ayala Studio; Marek; Martinez Architects; Page now Stantec; Spaw Glass; RDLR; McCoy Rockford; and Art Chavez, AIA.
Additional support provided by
DBR, Wilson and Catherine Maxey, and Daniel Ortiz, AIA

Gail Peter Borden's Shallow Spaces Happy Hour Meet & Greet
2026-02-03 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Hooks-Epstein Galleries, 2631 Colquitt, Houston, TX, 77098, United States
Join AIA Houston for a Happy Hour Meet & Greet with artist, architect, and educator Gail Peter Borden, FAIA, celebrating his gallery exhibition, Shallow Spaces, on Tuesday, February 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Hooks-Epstein Galleries.
Presented in partnership with Hooks-Epstein Galleries, Shallow Spaces examines how art is experienced through material, space, perception, and presence. Through pared-down geometry, prismatic form, and deliberate color relationships, Borden’s work explores how parts cohere into a whole and how form is perceived across place and time. Reduction operates as a strategy for clarity, inviting close attention to proportion, subtle movement, and the shifting effects of light reflected across each surface. The works engage the viewer through quiet interaction, creating a dialogue between the visual, spatial, and experiential.
Guests are invited to meet Gail Peter Borden, learn more about his multidisciplinary practice, and experience the exhibition in conversation with fellow architects, designers, and members of Houston’s creative community.
Light bites and drinks will be provided.
Gail Peter Borden, FAIA, is Director of Graduate Programs and a tenured Professor at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design at the University of Houston and principal of Borden Partnership. His work has received numerous national honors, including the Architectural League Prize, the AIA Young Architect Award, BD+C’s 40 Under 40, and multiple AIA, ASA, and RADA awards. He has also been awarded artist-in-residence fellowships from the Chinati Foundation, Atlantic Center for the Arts, the Borchard Fellowship, and the MacDowell Colony, and is the author of several influential books on materiality.
This event is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with the ideas and work behind Shallow Spaces in an informal, social setting.

Health SES 2026
2026-02-05 17:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | TMC3 Collaborative Building / Helix Park, 7255 Helix Park Avenue, Houston, TX, 77030, United States
Health Symposium Exhibition & Social (SES) annually provides an opportunity for education and networking to members of the architectural and healthcare communities. The event includes happy hour, a seminar, and a panel discussion.
Theme: Transforming Cancer Care: Insights, Ideas, and Design

Panelists:

Liz Schmitz, AIA – Director, Planning & Design @MD Anderson Cancer Center
Lisa Charrin, AIA, ACHA – National Director of Medical Equipment Planning @The Beck Group
Fernando Rodrigues, AIA – VP | Senior Principal Health Planning @HDR Inc.
Hyde Griffith, PE, PMP, MBA – VP Healthcare Project Executive @JE Dunn Construction

Moderator:

Debbie Gregory DNP, RN, FAAN – Principal, Healthcare Innovation Consulting @Smith, Seckman, Reid, Inc.

Schedule:
5:00 – 8:30 PM Social/Vendor Exhibition
6:30 – 8:00 PM Introduction, Keynote, & Panel Discussion
Advanced Registration Pricing –
Interns/Students – $25.00 | AIA Member|AIAH Affiliate Member – $80.00 | Non Member – $125.00

Online registration closes Friday, January 30
On-site registration will be available, higher registration rates apply
A minimum of 7 days’ notice is required to receive a full refund if you need to cancel your reservation
On-site registration available, higher registration rates apply < Interns/Students – $25.00 | AIA Member|AIAH Affiliate Member – $100.00 | Non Member – $145.00 >

Parking Map Click Here

Interested in sponsoring? Click here for more details

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Health SES Student Design Presentation
2026-02-07 08:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
The Houston AIA’s Committee on Architecture for Health, hosts an annual professional health and wellness event in Houston focused event in mid-February. The event is known as the Seminar, Exhibit, and Social (SES). It is an opportunity for those in the building design and construction industry (focused on health) to get together and discuss trends and the future of design in health architecture. To expand the event and open it to an emergent audience, we are sponsoring a student design charrette.
Please join the student’s for their juried presentations.
No RSVP required. The event is free and open to all.

Click here to learn more about Health SES sponsorship opportunities.

Museum District Walking Tour
2026-02-07 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
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
2026-02-14 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

Montrose Walking Tour
2026-02-21 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.
