|
MAY 2026
Hello and May the 4th be with you! (See what we did there?)
As Kentuckians, our eyes were on the Twin Spires this past weekend, with over 17 million people witnessing the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby. What an honor it is for our great Commonwealth to showcase the best in horse racing and beauty of historic Churchill Downs.
Looking ahead to the rest of May, our calendar is packed with the many upcoming events and opportunities outlined below. Read on to see what's happening and take note of this month's submission deadlines for our Design and Service Awards and the ARE Grant Program!
| | | | | |
AIA KY A.R.E. Grant Program
Deadline this Wednesday, May 6th
AIA Kentucky is excited to be accepting applicants for round one of our 2026 A.R.E. Grant Program. This program is intended to encourage eligible candidates to pursue professional licensure. All Kentucky residents--both AIA Members and non-members--actively taking the A.R.E. are eligible. The selection committee will issue up to eight (8) grants in the amount of up to $250 each!
| | | | |
AIA KY Board Meeting Social Event
The AIA KY Board of Directors will hold its next quarterly meeting in Louisville on Tuesday, May 19th. Members fom AIA CKY and local Allied Members are invited to join afterward for a social event at Mussel & Burger Bar Downtown Louisville from 5:15 - 6:45pm. A reserved social gathering area, beverages and appetizers will be provided! Be sure to join us for this free and fun event and get to know your AIA KY Board of Directors!
| | | | |
2026 AIAKY/CAAK/HBC Code Webinars
June 17th & 18th | 9:00am - 12:00pm
AIA Kentucky, Code Administrators Association of Kentucky (CAAK) & KY Dept of Housing Buildings & Construction (HBC) once again join forces to present our annual summer code webinars for architects, code officials, related design professionals and others seeking understanding of the Kentucky Building Code.
| | |
This year's series will be delivered in the form of two, half-day webinars. Participants may register for a single session (3 AIA LU | HSW) or both courses (6 AIA LU | HSW).
-
Wednesday, June 17th: Significant IBC Updates from 2015 to 2024, Parts 1-3
-
Thursday, June 18th: Significant IBC Updates from 2015 to 2024, Parts 4-9
Click here for additional details and registration.
| | | | |
Architecture Week 2026 Recap
Over 508 K-12 Students in Kentucky Impacted!
AIA KY Architecture Week 2026 was a resounding success, introducing students to the world of architecture through presentations, hands-on activities, and meaningful conversations about career pathways!
At each school, AIA KY also donated numerous books on architecture to the school libraries and a sketch coloring book for the students to take home.
| | | | |
Nationwide, over 1,300+ AIA Members in 109 chapters across all 50 states engaged with almost 30,000 students!
As a comparison to 2025, 20,000 students were engaged and there were approximately 500 members involved in 42 chapters! ArchWeek is catching fire and we love seeing the direct connection to students learning about architecture!
Check out the AIA National recap video fo ArchWeek26! Be sure to check out the AIA KY team at the 0:12 mark!
| | | | |
AIA Small Firm Exchange Insider
The AIA Small Fims Exchange (SFx)* has released their latest insider report, Starting and Sustaining a Local Smaill Firm Exchage Group. The report offers ideas and guidance for members looking to strengthen connections and support small firm practitioners in their area. Download the full report here.
*The mission of the SFx is to advance the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms. AIA Kentucky is represented on the SFx by Craig Chamberlain, AIA. You can learn more about the SFx community here.
| | | | |
2026 AIA KY Honor Design Awards
Submission Deadline of Wednesday, May 27th
The Honor Awards Program of AIA KY seeks to honor and bring to public attention distinctive works of architecture created in Kentucky and by Kentucky architects. Projects completed in the past 10 years are eligible, with past winners ranging from single family homes to small commercial buildings to major public projects. Entries may be submitted only by AIA members. Learn more & register.
| | | | |
2026 AIA KY Service Awards
Submission Deadline of Friday, May 29th
All members of AIA KY are also encouraged to consider individuals and firms, both within the profession and without, who merit recognition for their accomplishments on behalf of Kentucky's architects.
Awards may be given in ten (10) categories and nominations for each category must be made, in writing, to one of the chapter presidents View the program information and nomination form.
| | | | |
AIA KY Convention | Call for Sponsors
SAVE THE DATE: The 2026 AIA KY Convention -"Bluegrass Built", presented by JQOL, and Design & Service Awards Banquet will be held on 9/22/26 at the AIA KY Award-Winning Speed Art Museum in Louisville.
Call for Sponsors: interested convention sponsors should review the brochure here and contact us with questions. The Convention registration website will open by July 1!
| | | | |
AIA26 Conference on Architecture
The AIA Conference on Architecture & Design is coming to San Diego, June 10–13. Get registered today
AIA26 brings the most comprehensive continuing education in the industry - taught by renowned speakers, leading architects, designers, and building product experts. With seminars, workshops, tours, expo and curated CE.
| | | | |
AIA KY/UK CoD Alumni Reception
AIA KY + UK College of Design invites all AIA KY Members and UK CoD Alum to join us for happy hour to reconnect with friends and colleagues at the AIA ‘26 Conference. Drinks and appetizers will be served at Stone Brewing.
Wednesday, June 10th from 5:30-8:30pm - RSVP here
| | | | |
Membership Updates
Getting Licensed? Check out AIA ArchiPrep: it's a one-stop shop for support and opportunities like free membership, scholarships, and study groups.
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:
-
K. Norman Berry Associates Architects, PLLC (KNBA) is proud to announce that Christopher Fuller, AIA, KYCID, has been named Managing Principal. Read the news release here.
-
K. Norman Berry Associates Architects, PLLC (KNBA) is elevating Carter Scott, AIA to Senior Associate, reflecting his contributions and position within the firm.
-
JRA Architects celebrates 80 years with Open House Offices in May (Lex) & Sept (Lou)
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:
-
Gregory Willett, Brandstetter Carroll Inc (BCI), Lexington
Welcome New and Returning Members
(Joined or Reinstated since April 2026)
- Evan Hanna, Assoc. AIA
- Noah Knuckles, Assoc. AIA
- James MacMillan, AIAc. AIA
- Hans Siswanto, Assoc. AIA
| | | | |
Allied Benefactor of the Month Spotlight:
Sierra Pacific Windows
https://www.sierrapacificwindows.com
Strikingly innovative windows and doors crafted with time-tested attention to detail; industry-leading energy efficiency; sustainable building practices that put the environment first, and service that puts you first. Welcome to windows and doors that never compromise, made by people who don’t either. Read more..
| | | | |
Calendar of Events:
AIA Kentucky and local chapter events are consolidated on a single calendar accessible via the AIA Kentucky Website. We'll post information about conferences, chapter events and other "happenings" of interest to the architectural community.
A sampling of upcoming items on the calendar:
| | | |
View the last edition of the AIA CKC E-news for more information about the following:
- AIA CKC Pickleball League
- Annual AIA CKY Retreat in Maysville
- VA Medical Hospital Building Tour
| | For additional information on AIA Central Kentucky Chapter events and other regional architecture-related activities, Follow CKC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. | | |
View the latest edition of the AIA EKY E-news for more information about the following:
- Coloring Book
- CAR-Chitecture Show & Legends Game
For information on AIA East Kentucky events and other regional architecture-related activities, Follow EKC on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
| | | | | |
UK College of Design News
Architecture Students building exhibit offering space for grief at Chandler Hospital: learn more here.
Associate Professor in Architecture, Heinrichs, selected for 2026 WELD Cohort: learn more here.
2026 Spring Lectures, Workshops & Exhibitions: learn more here.
| | | | |
NCARB and Early Professionals News
The latest NCARB Update provides information about their Licensure Process Research & Development (R&D) Task Force Pathways to Practice initiative, highlights from their Regional Summit for Member Board Executives (MBE), and other recent updates.
Read here.
| | | | |
National Architecture Billings Index
March 2026 ABI: Architecture firm billings held steady in March, indicating market stability despite global economic concerns.
Join the next AIAU live webinar FREE to hear Economic Update: Q2 2026 ABI Insights on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 2pm ET. Register here.
| | | |
AIA National News
AIA National Call for Volunteers:
The 2027 AIA National Call for Volunteers is now open, with applications accepted through June 15. Members can express interest in 80+ opportunities, including roles on the AIA Board of Directors, Strategic Council, board-level advisory committees, national award juries, knowledge communities, peer reviewers, and micro-volunteering opportunities
AIA National Knowledge Communities:
Review the (32) available AIA Knowledge Communities availabe to all members ranging in topics, with discussions, meetings and resources to assist you. Review the KC's here.
AIA National Strategic Plan 2026-2030
The new Strategic Plan is a bold, member-informed roadmap for a profession ready to lead, focusing on what architects and firms need to thrive.
AIAU: Post-Disaster Building Evaluation Training | 6.5 LU/HSW
Be ready to support community recovery. This training equips architects and building professionals to evaluate damaged structures, earn nationally recognized credentials, and gain hands-on assessment experience. Learn more here.
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.
| | |
One of the most exciting things about the Kentucky Derby is how people from all over the world visit our state to take part in the festivities. There is an amazing energy that surrounds Churchill Downs and the city of Louisville as people come together and celebrate the rich culture and history of the Commonwealth. This underlying theme will set the stage for our 2026 AIA Kentucky Convention, "Bluegrass Built."
For that same reason, it’s an exciting season for AIA Kentucky! This time of year offers multiple opportunities for our members and industry partners to come together for fellowship with one another and recognize our members’ many great achievements.
For starters, I can’t wait to see all the smiling faces at our Golf Outing on May 15th, followed by our AIA KY Board Social Networking Event in Louisville on May 19th. I am equally anxious to see the submissions and nominations roll in for our annual AIA KY 2026 Design Awards and Service Awards, as it is one of our highest priorities to elevate awareness of our members' impact on their communities. Please also be mindful of 5/6 deadline this week for the AIA KY ARE Grant Program!
Finally, I can't wait to see who will become the next cohort of the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program! Applications will be open on May 11 and this will become a tightknit group of young professionals who are equipped to become the future of our organization. It's an incredibly exciting opportunity, so we hope you will stay tuned!
Cheers,
| | |
Kelly E. Ives, AIA, CAE, LEED AP
Executive Vice President
859.223.8201
| | | Thank You to the Allied Members of AIA Kentucky! | | | Allied Membership is recognized by all three local components, with a portion of dues supporting local programs. Learn More | | | | |
