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OCTOBER 2026
FALL is finally upon us, along with HALLOWEEN! The entertainment industry has long associated Halloween with very particular styles and eras in architecture. Gothic inspiration, twin spires, haunted stories, and old castles highlight the list of some of the eeriest-feeling buildings in the world. Although some of these can be frightening just to look at, that doesn't stop millions of people from visiting these architect-designed landmark locations each year. Further showcasing how architects lead the charge in shaping our built environments!
While we are coming off of a busy September, October will be full of important events as well.
Scheduled for Friday, October 23, AIA KY will virtually host the Annual Meeting so be sure to get registered to attend. Shortly after on Friday, November 6, the AIA KY Board will spend a full day at our Strategic Planning Retreat in Frankfort setting goals for the coming year, in hopes that it will be as eventful and successful as 2026 has been. We can't wait to see what the next few months, and the upcoming year have in store!
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2026 AIA KY Officers & Annual Meeting
The ballot containing AIA Kentucky's slate of officers for 2027 closed on Monday, September 28. The election results will be ratified at AIA Kentucky Annual Meeting, held virtually on Friday, October 23. You will also hear reports on the state of the chapter and discussion about key initiatives for the year ahead. Register to attend.
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2026 AIA KY Convention + Awards Recap
That's a wrap! Nearly 200 attendees had a wonderful time last week at the 2026 AIA Kentucky "Bluegrass Built" Convention + Design & Service Awards Banquet at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville
Members enjoyed a day full of insightful sessions, keynotes, tours and comradery that culminated in an
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atrium reception and Awards Banquet. Review our full lists of winners here, and check out some photos from the event, along with photos from our AIA KY Allied Benefactor, Ben Norton, for the Convention and Awards.
*Be on the lookout for exciting information about next year's 2027 AIA Kentucky + AIA Indiana Convention to be held in Indiana in the fall!
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2026 Holiday Party - Save the Date
We hope to see everyone at our 2026 AIA KY Holiday Party on Thursday, December 10th at Jeptha Creed Distillery in Shelbyville. Be sure to mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details regarding the party and our host sponsor, Louvered Outdoor!
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2026-27 CKLDP Scholars Start Year 4
Congratulations to the 16 scholars below, who were selected as the newest class of our Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program!
The new cohort launched this year’s program with an exciting Bootcamp Session in September (see photos here) and will meet again for Session 1 on October 16.
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- Nicholas Abend, Assoc. AIA - Omni Architects
- Robert Barnhart, AIA - Gray AES
- Alex Bosse, Assoc. AIA - Bosse Construction
- Sommer Cade, Assoc. AIA - JRA Architects
- Emily Clawson, Assoc. AIA - Integrity Architecture
- Samia Eid, Assoc. AIA - JRA Architects
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Dominic Elpers, AIA - K. Norman Berry Associates Architects
- Jane Foote, AIA - Stengel Hill Architecture
- Zahra Hajibabaei, Assoc. AIA
- Ye Jin, AIA - Champlin Studios
- Ryan Littman, AIA - Quinn Evans
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Jonathan Ruiz, AIA - RossTarrant Architects
- Nathan Thomas, Assoc. AIA - Luckett & Farley
- Morgan Wesley, Assoc. AIA - Tate Hill Jacobs Architects
- Christopher Wilson, AIA - Gray AES
- Emily Wolfe, AIA - Ross Tarrant Architects
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Membership Benefits
Member Benefit Spotlight
As an AIA member, you have access to numerous insurance coverages and retirement options designed to fit your needs and budget. Check Your Options at AIA Trust.
Getting Licensed? Check out AIA ArchiPrep: it's a one-stop shop for support and opportunities like free membership, scholarships, and study groups.
LegaLine: This service provides affordable access to A/E attorneys for contracts, liability, and practice questions for AIA members
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Membership News
Exciting News? TAG US in Your Social Media Posts or Email Us!
Please help increase awareness of our profession by tagging AIA Kentucky in your firm's posts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn or send an email. Let's collaborate!
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New Members
Newly Licensed
We are pleased to congratulate the following member, who recently completed the A.R.E. and received their license in the state of Kentucky:
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Jennifer Nix, Bayus Design Works, Louisville
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Jack Seibert, Champlin Studios, Louisville
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Alexander Bosse, Bosse Construction, Louisville
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John Butler, Joseph & Joseph, Louisville
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Joanna Martin, JRA Architects, Lexington
Welcome New and Returning Members
(Joined or Reinstated since September 2026)
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Alexander Bosse, AIA, Bosse Construction, Louisville
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Allied Benefactor of the Month Spotlight:
Paladin Engineers
Founded in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1986, we are a woman-owned business that harnessed our engineering roots to provide strategic commissioning, sustainability, and direct-to-owner engineering services. We chose our slogan, Game changer in building systems because it represents our solid commitment to unlocking your building's full potential. Read more..
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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.
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NCARB & Early Professional News
The 2026 edition of NCARB by the Numbers highlights new demographic insights in the architecture profession. Overall, NCARB has seen sustained growth in gender equity and racial diversity across licensure candidate stages. Explore the Demographic Data
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.
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National Architecture Billings Index
August 2026 ABI: The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index ® (ABI) score for the month was 47.2. While slightly fewer firms reported a decline in billings in August than in July, the majority of firms continued to see weak business conditions. In addition, inquiries into new projects showed only modest growth this month, while the value of newly signed design contracts continued to decline.
Coming up: Q4 Economic Update is October 21 at 2pm ET | Register >
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AIA National News
Joine the PrepARE Advisor Network
Office Hours is PrepARE’s live, drop-in “open door” for all things ARE, a place candidates can ask questions, get guidance, and talk with knowledgeable Advisors at any point in their licensure journey. PrepARE is looking for people who enjoy helping emerging professionals, have recently passed the ARE's, or have particular ARE or licensure expertise. The minimum commitment is about one hour per month, and you’ll be provided orientation, training, and opportunities to co-host before anyone hosts independently. Click here to view the role, commitment, and application details.
Final Guides in Action discussion: Mentorship & Sponsorship
The final monthly Guides in Action discussion will explore mentorship and sponsorship and their role in creating equitable, inclusive, and sustainable career pathways in architecture. The interactive discussion highlights Chapter 6 of the Guides for Equitable Practice and will explore strategies for engaging as mentees, mentors, sponsors, and allies. Space is limited and registration is required.
October 22 | 4pm ET | Register
New Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Pledge
AIA's new Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Pledge is now open for firms to join. The pledge encourages firms to work with clients, consultants, stakeholders, and communities to consider current and future risks and make informed decisions that can meaningfully enhance the resilience of projects and communities. Learn more
COTE Top Ten metrics in DDx: Open office hours
Learn how the COTE Top Ten metrics tool, integrated with AIA’s Design Data Exchange (DDx), helps architects calculate performance metrics across the AIA Framework for Design Excellence principles.
October 6 | 3pm ET | Register
More AIA Products & Resources:
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AIA Career Center - Search open jobs, post your resume and set up job alerts.
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AIA Contract Documents - Choose from 180+ industry standard contracts and forms
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Business Intelligence - Navigate current business conditions, make smarter decisions, and prep for the future with AIA's business intelligence.
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The AIA Trust - Resources to protect your practice and plan for your future.
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AIAU - 300+ instructors bring the industry's best learning to you.
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Knowledge Communities - CE opportunities, discussion forums and research libraries on specific areas of practice that interest you. See all KC events.
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We had such a great time at our AIA KY "Bluegrass Built" Convention + Design & Service Awards Banquet at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville last week! The inspiring content of our sessions was greatly enhanced by the lively atmosphere, and it was great to connect with Kentucky members and Allied Members. Coming off of the event has us energized for future planning efforts for 2027 and ways to strengthen our chapter.
A HUGE congratulations to all of our 2026 AIA KY Service Award and Design Award winners that were announced at the Awards Banquet immediately following the Convention! The Membership Directory + Awards Publication Magazine will be mailed out to all members this month and we will be showcasing all the award winners in the weeks ahead. As we did last year, we intend to set up our (6) AIA KY Design Award Pop-up Banners across public libraries throughout Kentucky for the public and our communities to learn more about the AIA and value of architects.
It may seem crazy to be thinking that far ahead but, when it comes to your AIA Kentucky board and staff, the preparation for a new year has already begun! We’ll start by confirming the election and appointment of new officers and directors at our annual membership meeting on October 23, then gather for our Annual Planning Retreat in Frankfort on November 6. I hope you will log in to join the 10/23 meeting for a report of the many successes we’ve seen in 2026 and a preview of priorities for the 2027 membership year.
There is still so much to look forward to in what has already been a wonderful year. We are blessed to serve the best members in the AIA and are very excited about all that we will be offering in the months ahead. We look forward to seeing you all soon!
Cheers,
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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 | | | | |
