January 12, 2026 | AIA Austin Newsletter

2025 In Review: Impact Report Available Now

2025 was another remarkable year for AIA Austin - new event records, even more advocacy wins, and committee events galore!

We're proud of what we've done, and look forward to an even better, brighter 2026!

READ THE REPORT

Advocacy Roundtable: Protecting the Profession Amid Political Unpredictability

January 26, 12:00-1:00pm; AIA Austin, 801 West 12th Street, 78701; $5 AIA Members, $20 non-Members; 1.5 LU (pending)

The first AIA Austin Advocacy Roundtable of the year will explore recent regulatory decisions and government actions that significantly impair the ability of architects to fully serve their clients and communities and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants.In light of the ongoing uncertainty, this Roundtable brings together professionals directly impacted by local, state, and federal actions who will share the background of one issue and the professional and personal impact it has had. Participants will discuss strategies individual professionals, practices, and AIA can take to proactively protect the profession in light of the new modus operandi of the current forces in government.

LEARN MORE AND RSVP>>

Honor Awards Nominations Are Open!

Nominations for the 2026 AIA Austin Honor Awards are now open through February 13!

The AIA Austin Honor Awards Committee is proud to announce an amendment to the existing AIA Austin Emerging Professional Achievement Award,now to be presented in honor of Heather H. McKinney, FAIA, recognizing her extraordinary and sustained impact on the profession, her leadership within AIA Austin, and her lifelong mentorship of emerging architects. The award is now the "Heather H. McKinney, FAIA, Emerging Professional Achievement Award."

Learn more here>>

Welcome to the 2026 AIA Austin Board

This weekend, the board met at Shield Ranch for the kickoff Leadership Retreat. We're ready for 2026!

SEE THE 2026 BOARD>>

In the Community

Women Changing Cities Book Talk and Bike Ride

January 17, Book Talk 2:30pm, Community Bike Ride 3:30pm; Mueller Residential Group, 4646 Mueller Blvd. #1052, 78726

Authors Melissa & Chris Bruntlett are coming to Austin for an inspiring afternoon centered on their new book, Women Changing Cities. This is a special opportunity to hear directly from the authors about how women leaders—mayors, planners, advocates, and policymakers—are reshaping cities to be more equitable, sustainable, and people-centered. Women Changing Cities shows that when cities are designed with women in mind, they become more livable for everyone—across gender, age, and ability. Join us for the talk, the ride, or both. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bike); no RSVP needed - just show up!

Ethics Live hosted by University of Texas at Austin Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE)

February 5, 12:30pm; William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center, 2201 Speedway, 78712; Early Bird $35 through 1/14; $50 GA

UT Austin TSPE is hosting an upcoming professional development seminar which will provide the required ethics PDH for engineers and architects over lunch on the UT campus. Learn more and register here>>

Committee and Programs Calendar

AIA Austin has an online calendar! Please note that meetings may be in-person, on Zoom, or hybrid. See individual notices for information.

THANK YOU TO OUR 1938 CIRCLE MEMBERS

Want to learn more about our 1938 Circle Program? Reach out to Erika Wendel at erika@aiaaustin.org.

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