AIA26 Conference in San Diego

AIA KY members descended on San Diego last month to join more than 12,000 colleagues from around the world for the AIA National Conference on Architecture & Design. Attendees left inspired, informed, and equipped with fresh tools and new perspectives to design a better world.

Over four dynamic days, attendees experienced immersive learning, inspiring keynotes, architect-led tours, high-impact networking, and the industry’s largest expo - all designed to spark real-time innovation and engagement. We also honored AIA KY Member, Jeffrey Stivers, FAIA, as he was elevated to Fellowship! Save the date for AIA27 in Philadelphia on May 19-22, 2027!

AIA Kentucky Partners with UK CoD

As stated in our mission, "advancing and strengthening the profession of architecture" is a core goal. Beginning Fall 2026, every incoming UK School of Architecture student will receive an AIA Kentucky Sponsored Toolkit filled with essential supplies, helping reduce financial barriers and strengthen connections to Kentucky’s architectural community from day one. Together, we’re investing in a more accessible and equitable future for the profession!

2026 AIA Kentucky Board Nominations

AIA Kentucky is seeking members interested in leadership positions on our board of directors. The position of Secretary for 2027 will be open, with preference given to a Northern Kentucky section member to maintain geographic balance on the Executive Committee. This is a one-year term that traditionally leads to ongoing service in subsequent years as Treasurer, President-Elect, and then President of AIA Kentucky.

We are also seeking an Associate Director to serve a two-year term on the board, and represent AIA KEntucky on the National Associates Committee. Members interested should submit a letter of interest to Nominating Committee Chair, Melinda Joseph-Dezarn, AIA no later than 7/25/26

KAF Annual Scholarship Luncheon

Join the Kentucky Architectural Foundation for their first Scholarship Luncheon on 7/15/26 from 11am - 1:30pm at the Shelbyville Convention Center!

Register here.

KAF (501(c)3 organization) will award their 2026 $1,000 Scholarships to deserving students for the Fall Semester. Your generous support will allow us to build a sustainable future for Kentucky architects. Click here to Sponsor, Donate to the Silent Auction or Buy a Table or Ticket.

AIA KY Convention + Awards Celebration

2026 AIA KY Convention - "Bluegrass Built", presented by JQOL, and Design & Service Awards Celebration will be held on 9/22/26 at the AIA KY Award-Winning Speed Art Museum in Louisville.

Reserve your spot today and see the all day schedule - including up to 8 AIA LU (5.5 HSW) in keynotes, sessions, sketch and building tours!

Keynote

Samuel Brissette

Snøhetta

Snøhetta is a global transdisciplinary practice, working on projects of all scales and values human interaction. 

Keynote

Brandon Pace, FAIA

Sanders Pace Architects

SPA is a full service architecture, planning + design firm, with their work informed by surrounding ecological context. 

Design Awards Emcee

Mike Chapman

America ByDesign

Over 35 years of creating television content - international design commentator with storytelling enjoyed by millions.

Call for Sponsors: we have remaining "Support Sponsor" availibility here

KSA PAC | New Logo & Website

Giving Kentucky architects a seat at the table. The KSA-PAC unites the architectural community to support state legislators who champion the built environment, professional licensure, and design excellence across Kentucky, and allows for Kentucky architects to combine resources and speak with a unified voice in Frankfort.

Learn more about the KSA-PAC and consider donating.

New AIA, AGC Collaboration Framework

AIA and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) have released a new joint framework, Toward Collaboration’s Future: Strengthening the Architect-Contractor Relationship, which outlines strategies to help architects and contractors strengthen collaboration and improve project outcomes. The guide can be used by architects, contractors, and owners and highlights strategies for clear communication, risk management, and stronger team coordination and highlights the value of utilizing performance metrics and fostering transparency. Read more about this report here.

Opportunities:

• Free LEE Building Products is offering a free Masonry Boot Camp in Louisville on 9/17/26
• Free 1.0 AIA LU|HSW Course on AIAU - POLYVANTIS "Sustainable Polycarbonate"

Exciting News? TAG US in Your Social Media Posts

Please help increase awareness of our profession by tagging AIA Kentucky in your firm's posts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Let's collaborate!

Individual & Firm News:

• Champlin Studios recently announced the acquisition of 510 Architects, complementing their growing presence in Virginia and expanding the firm's ability to serve clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. 
• We also congratulate Champlin Studios (Champlin | EOP) on winning the recently announced 2025 International CANstruction Best Meal Award for their "Surf's Up, Hunger's Down" build inspired by Disney's Lilo & Stitch. See all the winning projects here.
• Congratulations to Hub + Weber and their partner Esperanza Latino Center of Northern Kentucky on receiving an AIA Small Project Design Grant for a study to help them organize facility needs, establish priorities, and create a clearer path for future fundraising and improvements. 
• K. Norman Berry Associates Architects, PLLC (KNBA) is proud to announce that Christopher Fuller, AIA, has been named Managing Principal.
• Congratulations to WorK Architecture for their recognition by Louisville Business First as one of the top 20 companies with 10-24 employees to work for in the Greater Louisville Area.
• Congratulations to Katie Butsch, AIA, Principal at WorK Architecture, for being featured as "20 People to Know in Construction"
• TowerPinkster, a multi-disciplinary architecture, engineering, and design firm, is proud to announce the appointment of Chris Hurst, AIA, as Principal of Design and Planning.
• Joseph & Joseph Architects welcomes Matthew Nett, AIA, as Senior Project Architect.

Newly Licensed

We are pleased to congratulate the following members, who recently completed the A.R.E. and received their license in the state of Kentucky:

• Chelsea Sellers, ABEL Construction Company, Louisville

Welcome New and Returning Members

(Joined or Reinstated since June 2026)

• Eva Baghdan, AIA, Omni Architects, Lexington
• Alexander Bosse, Assoc. AIA, Bosse Construction, Louisville
• Justin Jones, Assoc. AIA, Hebron
• Casey Key, Assoc. AIA, Villa Hills
• Evelyn Lane, Assoc. AIA, Lexington
• Spencer McNulty, Assoc. AIA, LHI Lighting & Controls, Louisville
• Brayden Nichols, Assoc. AIA, Richmond
• Shae Stephens, Assoc. AIA, Denham Blythe Co., Inc., Lexington
• Cory Woods, AIA, US Africa Command, Paducah



Send your news for inclusion in the next e-newsletter!

Allied Benefactor of the Month Spotlight:

The Underwriters Group

https://www.higginbotham.com/locations/louisville/

The Underwriters Group, a Higginbotham Insurance Partner, is proud to serve as an insurance broker for over 75% of the Architects and Engineers in Kentucky. Operating as a separate and distinct A&E division within our company, we are focused on and committed to providing AIA members with strong, individually crafted insurance programs, backed by sound and responsive consultative services and decades of experience. Read more..

For additional information on AIA Central Kentucky Chapter events and other regional architecture-related activities, Follow CKC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

UK College of Design News

AIA Kentucky to provide toolkits for all incoming UK architecture students: read more here.

Adam Feld named chair of UK Department of Product Design: read more here.

Spring 2026 Dean's List: Congratulations to the College of Design students that made the Dean's List for the Spring 2026.

NCARB and Early Professionals News

NCARB’s Board of Directors recently moved to adopt updates to the Competency Standard for Architects. The updated document includes detailed criteria to provide greater clarity around the expected level of competency necessary for initially licensed architects. As NCARB volunteers explore potential new methods of assessing competency through the Pathways to Practice initiative, this level of detail will ensure that candidates’ competency is evaluated consistently across all pathways to initial licensure. 

Feedback requested on ICOR Practice Overlap Guidance

The Interorganizational Council on Regulation (ICOR) released its Practice Overlap Guidance, a collaborative effort among regulatory organizations representing architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, and surveying. The guidance identifies 53 areas of overlapping practice and is intended to help regulatory boards evaluate complaints, inform updates to statutes and policies, and educate stakeholders on the distinctions and commonalities among the design professions. AIA has completed an initial review of the guidance and is now seeking feedback from members and component leaders. Your input will help inform AIA's perspective as implementation discussions move forward. 

Review the guidance and share your feedback. 

AIA National News

Planned System Maintenance to AIA.org July 9 - 12: AIA's digital platforms will be temporarily unavailable from July 9, 2026, at 9pm ET through approximately July 12 for a planned system upgrade. During this time, the following will be unavailable: aia.org login, membership join and renewal, events registration, community hub, and transcripts.

AIA Awards 2027 Season Now Open: submissions are now being accepted for the 2027 AIA Awards season. Awards submissions are due by 8/6/26. Learn more here.

AIA Calls for Cabinet Level FEMA: Reformed with New and Expanded Responsibilities:

AIA is calling on lawmakers to elevate Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to an independent Cabinet level agency outside of the Department of Homeland Security. 

New 2025 AIA Demographics Report: this report is a benchmark to measure changes in AIA’s member demographics. It includes member-reported data for all AIA membership categories plus demographics for the AIA Board of Directors, AIA Strategic Council, and AIA headquarters staff.

Out Now: America ByDesign Season 6: America ByDesign is a magazine-style half-hour television program exclusively showcasing some of the best of architecture from AIA members.

AIA Podcasts: Between the Planes and Built for Business bring together the built environment's most influential voices to explore the ideas, strategies, and stories driving architecture forward. New episodes every month. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, or wherever you get podcasts.

More AIA Products & Resources:

• AIA Career Center - Search open jobs, post your resume and set up job alerts.
• AIA Contract Documents - Choose from 180+ industry standard contracts and forms
• Business Intelligence - Navigate current business conditions, make smarter decisions, and prep for the future with AIA's business intelligence.
• The AIA Trust - Resources to protect your practice and plan for your future.
• AIAU - 300+ instructors bring the industry's best learning to you.
• Knowledge Communities - CE opportunities, discussion forums and research libraries on specific areas of practice that interest you. See all KC events.

Allied Membership is recognized by all three local components, with a portion of dues supporting local programs. Learn More

AIA Kentucky | aiaky.org