AIA Houston

Towers & Trees Walking Tour
2025-02-22 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 has been canceled due to miserable weather.
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.

Ben Brewer Award Mixer
2025-02-20 18:00 - 20:00
Please join AIA Houston at the remarkable Delz Residence on Thursday, February 20, 6:00-8:00 PM for our annual Ben Brewer Award Mixer in honor of Heather Rowell, AIA, the recipient of the 2024 Ben Brewer Young Architect Award.
The Delz Residence is the home of Karin Broker and Mark Witte. Occupying a metal warehouse that was once an auto mechanic’s shop, the home includes Karin’s art studio, the couple’s primary residence, and a guest casita. A 2016 AIA Houston Design Award recipient, the home showcases the unique, artful result of two architectural collaborations between Heather, her design teams, and the owners.
This mixer is hosted by the Emerging Professionals Committee and is open to all members. Don’t miss this opportunity to have some fun and make new acquaintances. Light bites and drinks are complimentary!
Every year our chapter recognizes a local young architect for significant contribution to the profession in honor of Ben Brewer.
RSVP is required as space is limited!

Ismaili Center Houston Tour
2025-02-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Ismaili Center Houston, 2323 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77019, United States
The Ismaili Center will be the seventh in a series of iconic cultural buildings, His Highness the Aga Khan, has commissioned over the past four decades in the United Kingdom, Canada, Portugal, United Arab Emirates, and Tajikistan. As ambassadorial buildings around the world, they are symbolic of the Ismaili community’s presence, pluralistic outlook, and ethos of volunteering.
Situated on Allen Parkway and Montrose Boulevard, the Ismaili Center will be a venue for educational, cultural, and social events, to encourage understanding and facilitate the sharing of perspectives across peoples of diverse backgrounds, faiths, and traditions. The Center’s design includes an education wing, a black box theater,a cafe, flexible exhibition spaces, conference rooms, and space for quiet contemplation and prayer, as well as serving as the administrative headquarters of the Ismaili community in the USA.
The Center is designed with a compact footprint, leaving roughly 10 acres of the site to be used as gardens.
The Ismaili Council for the USA awarded DLR Group|WRL the role of executive architect and architect of record through an international design competition that included design architect, London-based Farshid Moussavi, and landscape architect Nelson Bird Woltz.
Join us for one of the Wednesday, March 19 tours. Each tour will be approximately one hour long. This tour requires attendees to wear a hard hat, glasses, and gloves. Please indicate, when registering, if you can provide your own or if you need a set.
AIA Credit: 1.0 HSW

Buffalo Bayou Walking Tour
2025-02-15 09:00 - 11:00 | 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

Third Ward Bicycle Tour
2025-02-15 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.

A Doodle Diary
2025-02-13 17:30 - 19:30 | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Architecture Center Houston is proud to announce their upcoming exhibition A Doodle Diary by John Kirksey opening Thursday, February 13, 5:30-7:30pm, and continuing through April 25.
Doodling is more than idle scribbles—it’s a universal form of creative expression and a window into the mind. Science reveals that doodling enhances memory, sharpens focus, and stimulates problem-solving. It bridges the gap between conscious thought and subconscious creativity, fostering connections that fuel innovation. Doodling engages the logical left and creative right hemispheres, facilitating a “whole-brain” approach to thinking. When a low-stakes task like doodling occupies the conscious mind, the subconscious can process complex problems, often leading to creative insights.
John Kirksey, architect and business owner, doodled his way through 50+ years of phone calls and meetings. Exotic animals, technical-organic hybrids, caricature portraits, and purely comedic themes—the doodles are an intricate blend of John’s vivid imagination and subconscious mind. Karin Broker, Professor Emerita, Printmaking and Drawing at Rice University, says of John, “If you sat in a meeting with him and he doodled away, that meant he was paying attention. No staring out the window, no shifting in his seat, no thinking about something else. John simultaneously focused the two sides of his brain to problem-solve and strategize. These small and funky gems are literally recorded moments of a distinct time.”
We invite you into John Kirksey’s whimsical doodle diary.
Event is free and open to the community.
In-kind fabrication & installation by Innovative Environments.
Additional support provided by Signature Aspen and Teal Construction.

About
John Kirksey grew up in Harlingen, Texas, and attended The University of Texas, graduating in 1970 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. John, his wife, Kyle, and daughter, Shawn, moved to Houston after graduation, where he accepted a position with the architectural firm of Neuhaus and Taylor (3DI). In June of 1971, one year out of college, John started his own firm, John Kirksey and Associates, today known as Kirksey Architecture—celebrating 54 years in business.

2025 MGMC Site Visit
2025-02-08 09:30 - 11:30 | 1550 on the Green, 1550 Lamar St, Houston, TX, 77010, United States
Join members of the Michael G. Meyers Competition Committee for a walking tour of the 2025 project site and surrounding neighborhood. This is a great opportunity for students to understand and see the selected site and earn about the neighborhood’s history and architecture.
The tour will start with a tour of 1550 on the Green, part of a three-block master plan by Skanska, designed by world-renowned architect Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). The 28-story, 375,00-sf tower is BIG’s first office project in Texas to achieve LEED Platinum certification. The tour will continue through downtown and to the project site.
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 series of events to help the students learn basic architectural design skills and understand the competition requirements. Projects are due in April and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at Architecture Center Houston. 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:
2025 Competition Project Site Tour
Saturday, February 8
9:30 am
Location: 1550 on the Green, 1550 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010
Interim Project Review
Saturday, April 5
10am-Noon
Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St, Houston, 77002
Projects Due
Friday, May 9. Drop off at Architecture Center Houston by 5:30pm
Awards Ceremony
Thursday, May 15
6:00 pm
Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St, Houston, 77002

Health SES 2025 Student Design Presentation
2025-02-08 08:00 - 13:00 | 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.

Health SES 2025
2025-02-06 17:00 - 20:30 | TMC3 Collaborative Building / Helix Park, 7255 Helix Park Avenue, Houston, TX, 77030, United States
Save the date for Health SES 2025!
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: The Foundations & Applications of AI in Healthcare (1.5 AIA HSW/LU)
Keynote: Jim Colson, MSME, MSCS, Texas A&M Health, Associate Vice President, Digital Health
Biography

Panelists:

Sunita Ganjoo, MBA, PMP, CLSSYB, Senior Project Manager, Facilities Planning , Harris Health System / President AMFP Houston Chapter
Ginny Torno, IT Adminstrative Director, Innovation and Clinical, Ancillary and Research Systems, Houston Methodist
Zac Hillyard, RSM, Principal, SSR
Christopher Cortes, Manager, Facilities Planning & Design, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Moderator:

Amy Lopez, CHID, IIDA, Executive VP, McCoy-Rockford Commercial Interiors

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 end of day Friday, 31, @ 5pm
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.

Parking Map Click Here

PRESENTING SPONSOR

On-site registration available, higher registration rates apply
Interns/Students – $25.00 | AIA Member|AIAH Affiliate Member – $100.00 | Non Member – $145.00

Montrose Walking Tour
2025-02-01 09:00 - 11:00 | Menil Collection Bookstore, 1520 Sul Ross, Houston, TX, 77006, United States
Montrose is one of the most diverse and interesting neighborhoods in Houston with some of the city’s best architecture including spectacular mansions, charming bungalows, the campus of the University of St. Thomas, Rothko Chapel, and the Menil Collection. ArCH tour guides will present an overview of the architectural and social history of the area and offer guests a look inside of the Fondren Mansion (now La Colombe d’Or), Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Chapel of St. Basil, Rothko Chapel, Cy Twombly Gallery, and the Menil Collection. On this 2-hour walking tour you will get a flavor of this special district and be encouraged to widen your path after the tour is over.
Meet outside the Menil Collection Bookstore across from Bistro Menil, 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 alternative tours.

Texas Medical Center Walking Tour
2025-01-25 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 $10 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.

CANCELLED Building your Green Investment: Financing Sustainable Development in Texas
2025-01-23 13:00 - 19:00 | Norton Rose Fullbright Tower, 1550 Lamar Street, Suite 2000, Houston, TX, 77010, United States
Building your Green Investment: Financing Sustainable Development in Texas

Recent legislation and the growing climate economy have created new opportunities to secure capital funds and magnify the financial benefits of building green. As the effects of climate change continue to impact the real estate market across the U.S., projects that fail to incorporate strategies to increase resilience and reduce carbon emissions risk becoming stranded assets.
LEED is a critical factor in ESG reporting; by supporting certified buildings, companies can save money, improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions and create healthier places for people. LEED buildings are vital to addressing climate change and meeting ESG goals, enhancing resilience and supporting more equitable communities.
Join USGBC and USGBC Texas to learn about sustainable finance options and valuable USGBC tools available to help you achieve your climate goals, improve your ESG standing, grow the market value of your assets and ultimately increase revenue. Get the financial knowledge and tools to not only protect your project or portfolio in the future, but to enable your investment to thrive!
This event will also include a special awards ceremony and reception in honor of USGBC’s 2024 Local Market Leadership Award recipients in Texas.
USGBC’s Building Transformation Forums convene industry leaders, practitioners, and sustainability professionals to learn and engage around specific, locally relevant topics. Built around growing connections and green building education, forum models adapt to meet audience needs and inspire action. Check out our calendar on usgbc.org to see our upcoming forums nationwide.

GBCI Continuing education hours: 3
LEED-Specific Rating System: LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP O+M, LEED Green Associate
AIA Hours: 3 LU

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO REGISTER

2025 MGMC Student Workshop & Competition Kick-Off
2025-01-18 09:00 - 13:00 | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
The 2025 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 9, 2025 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:
2025 Competition Project Site Tour
Saturday, February TBD
10:00 am
Location TBA
Interim Project Review
Saturday, April 5
10am-Noon
Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St, Houston, 77002
Projects Due
Friday, May 9. Drop off at Architecture Center Houston by 5:30pm
Awards Ceremony
Thursday, May 15
6:00 pm
Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St, Houston, 77002

Urban Art Walking Tour
2025-01-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Market Square Park, 301 Milam St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
This tour will look at public art, murals, architecture, place making and urban planning in Houston. Tour stops include Market Square Park, Buffalo Bayou and areas west of Main Street. Artists featured on this tour include Mel Chin, Paul Kittelson, Louise Nevelson, Claes Oldenburg and Dean Ruck.
Meets in the NE Corner of Market Square Park. Street, lot and garage parking are available in the area.
Image: Geometric Mouse X by Claes Oldenburg

Celebrating Licensure (New Date)
2025-01-16 17:30 - 20:00
Join the Emerging Professionals Committee in celebrating our community of friends who were recently licensed in 2024. The first 20 people to register will receive 2 complimentary beverage tickets.
For recently licensed architects in 2024, 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!
RESCHEDULED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER!
NEW Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
Time 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Venue: Nickel City, 2910 McKinney Ste 500, Houston, TX 77003.
Special thanks to the Open Architect Project for sponsoring this event!

Full Day Continuing Education - January 2025
2025-01-15 08:30 - 14:30 | 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 10, 2025

8:30-9:00am Breakfast and Registration
9:00-10:00am
Fiberglass Fenestration in Commercial Buildings – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by Pella Corporation
10:00-11:00am
Designing Visually Dynamic Facades with Coil and Extrusion Coatings – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by Sherwin Williams
11:00-Noon
Daylight Management: Benefits for Building Occupants and Owner – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by Andy Rittenhouse, Somfy Systems, Inc.
12:00-12:30pm
Break for Lunch
12:30-1:30pm
Geoforensic Evaluation of Permeable Paving in Houston- 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by David Eastwood, Geotech Engineering
1:30-2:30pm
Architectural Concrete Finishes – 1.0 AIA LU
Presented by David Miller, Dungan Miller Design | Concrete Finishes

Total AIA Learning Units: 4 HSW, 1 LU = 5.0 Total LUs

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.
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 10 @ noon
Onsite registration is available (breakfast and lunch is NOT included)

Heights Bicycle Tour
2025-01-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Milroy Park, 1205 Yale St, Houston, 77008, United States
This tour explores the original foot print 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.
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
2024-12-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Market Square Park, 301 Milam St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
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.

WiA End of Year Celebration + Scholarship Reception
2024-12-18 17:30 - 19:30 | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us for the WiA End of Year Celebration + Scholarship Reception on December 18, at 5:30pm.
Free & Open to Everyone

AIA Houston Women in Architecture is proud to announce two new 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 SPONSOR!

Gingerbread Build-Off
2024-12-14 09:00 - 16:30 | Levy Park, 3801 Eastside St, Houston, TX, 77098, United States
Architecture Center Houston will host the 15th Annual Gingerbread Build-Off at Levy Park on Saturday, December 14, 2024.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
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 2024 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
10:00am–3:00pm Kids’ Construction Zone, Scavenger Hunt and Lawn Games
3:30pm–4:30pm Gingerbread Team Award Winners Announced
TEAM REGISTRATION IS OPEN:
Team registrations and additional materials must be completed by Friday, November 22, 5pm.
Register your team here.
Team registration details can be found here.
Additional materials and tents can be order here.
Team registration and competition rules can be found here.
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!
Gingerbread Build-Off is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.

SPONSORS

Icing on the Roof

Candy Cane

Gumdrop

Holiday Helper

Environmental Partner

Rice University Walking Tour
2024-12-14 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.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration
2024-12-12 12:00 - 13:00 | https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqdOmgrDwjHd3rRj7Px5785FSf8k5xFL1I#/registration
Join Texas Society of Architects’ Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee for an engaging webinar addressing the role of the architect outside of the traditional firm setting and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration for positive societal change. Attendees will gather insight on partnering with allied disciplines and community leaders in areas such as affordable housing, urban planning, and sustainability to design a more equitable world.
The panel, moderated by EDI Chair Alex Morales, AIA, will feature Maya Bird-Murphy, founder of design nonprofit Mobile Makers; Joy Horak-Brown, president and CEO of New Hope Housing; and Jorge Loya, AIA, vice president of Broaddus & Associates. Attend the free webinar on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 12:00–1:00 PM CT and earn 1 LU.

Full Day Continuing Education - December 2024
2024-12-12 08:30 - 16:00 | 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).
8:30-9:00am Breakfast and Registration
9:00-10:30am
Advancing Circular Economy and Sustainable Design in San Antonio: Deconstruction, Material Reuse, and Environmental Impact – 1.5 AIA HSW
Presented by Dan Stine, AIA, Director of Design Technology, Lake|Flato Architects | National AIA COTE Leadership
10:45-11:45am
The Future of LEED: An Introduction to LEEDv5 2nd Draft – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by Tim Murray, AIA, LEED Fellow, Page
12:00-12:30pm
Break for Lunch
12:30-1:30pm
Design for Health & Well-being – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by Denise Bates, SmithGroup
1:45-2:45pm
Indoor Air Quality – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by Travis West, President, Building Air Quality, Inc.
3:00-4:00pm
Moving Towards Circularity: A Playbook for Sustainable Furniture Planning and Specifications – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by Caryn Ogier, AIA, LEED AP, PMP, kimiko designs

Total AIA Learning Units: 5.5 AIA HSW

Individual classes are not available for the event.
Pre-registered pricing includes breakfast and lunch.
Parking is not included.
Online registration will close Friday, December 6 @ 3pm
Onsite registration is available (breakfast and lunch 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.

Onsite registration is available (breakfast and lunch is NOT included)

2024 AIA Houston Holiday Party
2024-12-10 17:30 - 19:00 | Museum Fine Arts Houston – Cullinan Hall, 1001 Bissonnet, Houston, TX, 77005, United States
Honoring Lauren Rottet, FAIA, FIIDA
We are proud to announce that Lauren Rottet, FAIA, FIIDA, will be honored with the AIA Houston Award for Career Distinction at our Holiday Party on December 10 at the Museum of Fine Arts. We are currently raising funds to purchase in Lauren’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 Lauren Rottet, FAIA, FIIDA, in her honor

Towers & Trees Walking Tour
2024-12-07 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.

ADA Lunch & Learn
2024-12-04 11:30 - 13:00 | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Commercial Accessibility Requirements for Renovations and New Builds – Detailing Requirements & Luxury Options
Presented by 101 Mobility
1.0 AIA HSW/LU
There are a wide range of accessibility options out there! Which ones are going to be acceptable for your situation? Which is going to be the best? In this course, we will explore the applicable accessibility solutions for both renovations and new builds. Furthermore, we will present the top suppliers and their reputable ranges of accessibility products. We will also highlight the luxury options available for these pieces of equipment for those high value projects.
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 Friday, November 29 @ noon
Onsite registration will be available (lunch is NOT included)

Montrose Walking Tour
2024-11-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Menil Collection Bookstore, 1520 Sul Ross, Houston, TX, 77006, United States
Montrose is one of the most diverse and interesting neighborhoods in Houston with some of the city’s best architecture including spectacular mansions, charming bungalows, the campus of the University of St. Thomas, Rothko Chapel, and the Menil Collection. ArCH tour guides will present an overview of the architectural and social history of the area and offer guests a look inside of the Fondren Mansion (now La Colombe d’Or), Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Chapel of St. Basil, Rothko Chapel, Cy Twombly Gallery, and the Menil Collection. On this 2-hour walking tour you will get a flavor of this special district and be encouraged to widen your path after the tour is over.
Meet outside the Menil Collection Bookstore across from Bistro Menil, 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 EVENT IS SOLD OUT

Houston Reimagined: A night of Vision, Voices, and Victory
2024-11-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Architecture Center Houston, 902 Commerce St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Experience the power of design to reshape our city and address historical inequities. Join us on Friday, November 22, 2024, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at ArCH Houston for an inspiring evening featuring the unveiling of the winning designs from the Houston Reimagined Charrette! Celebrate with the winners, hear from the judges, and dive into discussions about the innovative solutions created to build a more inclusive Houston. We will also feature a panel of community leaders and stakeholders, including Ricky Cardenas, Danielle Getsinger, Sasha Marshall-Smith and Ed Pettitt, to share their voices, vision, and victories in their community.
Join us at this transformative event and don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to help reimagine our city!
This event is free and open to the community.
Supported by Rice School of Architecture and the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance.

Panelists include
Ricky Cardenas volunteers much of his time as President of the Second Ward Super Neighborhood and Secretary for the Harrisburg Redevelopment Authority. After 17 years working as a Graphic Artist, Ricky has switched professions, and now serves as Director of External Affairs at the East End District where he relies on his extensive experience and passion for community advocacy to develop, and implement The District’s communications strategy. An avid cycling advocate, Ricky is passionate about transportation equity, active mobility options, and reducing car dependency in favor of a greener, more vibrant community. “Car-light”, Ricky commutes to work and to most of his destinations by bike, helping him to remain closer to the community he serves.
Danielle Getsinger, CEO of Adaapta and founder of Community Lattice, which merged with Adaapta in 2024. Danielle leads a diverse and innovative team committed to accelerating community-driven revitalization, brownfields redevelopment, and resiliency. Danielle is nationally recognized for her brownfields redevelopment expertise, working closely with government, private entities, and grassroots nonprofits on complex environmental projects, revitalization plans, and environmental justice initiatives in communities across the U.S. Danielle is also a fierce advocate for bridging the “data divide” through intentional and responsible community engagement strategies that facilitate access to data and elevate the lived experiences of community members as part of data collection and analysis. Danielle is a licensed Professional Geologist and holds an MBA from the University of Rhode Island.
Sasha Marshall-Smith is the Co-Creator/Program Director of the Fair Housing Defenders program. She manages new initiatives to support the strategic direction of the FHD program. Sasha oversees funding opportunities for the program to ensure the continuous delivery of services and comic book production. She also creates the content for the Fair Housing Defenders comic books, workshops, and speaking events. Sasha is a national public speaker and has educated over two million people about affordable home development, housing discrimination, and fair housing rights. Her expertise includes affordable housing, community development, economic revitalization, public outreach, public awareness campaigns, public speaking, content development, grant writing, communications, and management.
Ed Pettitt is the founder and president of Friends of Columbia Tap and vice president of the Third Ward Super Neighborhood. As a graduate research assistant at the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University, Ed is committed to advancing sustainable urban development and equitable policies. Currently a Ph.D. candidate in urban planning and environmental policy, Ed has contributed his expertise as a juror for numerous architecture student projects at the University of Houston. His efforts have earned him recognition as a Scenic Citizen by Scenic Houston, and a proud Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International.

Full Day Continuing Education - November 2024
2024-11-20 08:30 - 14:30 | 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: Technical Case Studies – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by Anna Mod, Director, Historic Tax Credits, Ryan
10:00-11:00am
Historic Houses of Worship and Disaster Resilience, a Toolkit for the Texas Gulf Coast Region – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by William A. Dupont, FAIA
11:00-Noon
Historic Paint Analysis & its Crucial Role in Restoration – 1.0 AIA LU
Presented by Jhonny Langer, Paint Conservator/Analysis, Source
12:00-12:30pm
Break for Lunch
12:30-1:30pm
Restoring and Living in an Historic House – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by Jan Rynda Greer
1:30-2:30pm
Historic Preservation: How Texas Laws Affect Preservation Planning – 1.0 AIA HSW
Presented by Kimberley Mickelson, JD, FAICP

Total AIA Learning Units: 5.0 LUs (4 HSW + 1 LU)

Individual classes are not available for the event.
Pre-registered pricing includes breakfast and lunch.
Parking is not included.
Online registration will close Friday, November 15 @ Noon
Onsite registration is available (breakfast and lunch 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 HRC Committee:
The objective of the AIA Houston Historic Resources Committee (HRC) is to identify, understand, and assist in the preservation of the architectural heritage of the greater Houston area. The committee is engaged in promoting the role of historic architecture within the profession through the development of information and knowledge among members, allied professional organizations, and the public. Contact the chair or staff liaison to learn more about the committee and how to get involved.

Registration is now closed.
Onsite registration is available day of (breakfast and lunch is NOT included)

Columbia Tap Trail Bicycle Tour
2024-11-16 10:00 - 12:00 | 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.
Meeting Location and Times
For those individuals renting bikes, we will meet at Eado Bike Company at 912 Saint Charles St., Houston TX 77003 at 10am.
For those bringing their personal bikes, please join us at Eado. We will be ready to roll at exactly 10:15 am – so don’t be late!
AIA Credit: 1.5 HSW
