The latest news for you - AIA Indiana E-Newsletter

2025 AIA Kentucky/AIA Indiana Convention - The 2025 AIA Kentucky/AIA Indiana Convention is scheduled for September 18 and 19 and will be held in downtown Lexington. KY. More information will be forthcoming.

Newly Licensed Architect Ceremony - AIA Indiana, in partnership with ASLA Indiana, will be recognizing Architects and Landscape Architects who received licensure in 2024. This annual event will take place on Saturday, February 15, at the Indiana War Memorial & Museum, 55 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis. Those receiving licensure will be receiving an invitation to attend in early 2025. Each ceremony participant who is a member of AIA Indiana will receive a certificate of the formal style, compliments of AIA Indiana. Non-AIA architects can make arrangements to receive the same certificate at a cost of $50. Newly licensed landscape architects will receive certificates compliments of ASLA Indiana. If you have questions, please contact AIA Indiana Membership Development Coordinator Kim Shelley, kshelley@aiaindiana.org, 317-370-8479.

2025 AIA Indiana Healthcare Design Symposium - Join us for the 2025 AIA Indiana Healthcare Design Symposium, which is scheduled for Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Indiana Landmarks, 1201 Central Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46202! This exciting event brings together healthcare design professionals from across the region for a day of engaging presentations, thought-provoking panel discussions, and a prestigious design awards program, all aimed at advancing best practices in the field. Stay tuned for the full event agenda, coming soon. Sponsors and exhibitors will have a unique opportunity to showcase their products and services throughout the day in a dynamic yet relaxed setting. The trade show, held in Cook Theater, features tabletop exhibit spaces designed to foster meaningful interactions with attendees. CLICK HERE to learn more, register, or secure your sponsorship or exhibitor space today!

AIA Indiana Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) - The next session of the AIA Indiana CKLDP will take place on Friday, January 10, focusing on The Power of Network. This session will be facilitated by Reva Derhammer, AIA, DELV Design, and Heather Lezon, Assoc. AIA, DCCM (formerly RQAW) at the AIA Indiana offices. To conclude the day, all CKLDP Scholars from previous cohorts are invited to participate in a special tour of the Indiana Statehouse, offering a unique networking and learning opportunity. If you are interested in attending the session or becoming a CKLDP sponsor, please reach out to Kim Shelley, AIA Indiana Membership Services Coordinator, kshelley@aiaindiana.org, 317-370-8479.

AIA Indianapolis January Program - The program will be held Thursday, January 9, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. AIA Indianapolis members are certainly aware of the annual Circle of Lights festival on Monument Circle in Indianapolis, but do you know the origin of this time-honored holiday tradition? Lisa Hendrickson, the granddaughter of Indianapolis architect Edward D. Pierre, FAIA (1890-1971), will share how he originated this annual holiday event, along with highlights of his countless contributions to Indiana architecture, including the Indiana State Library and Bush Stadium. This program has been submitted for 1.0 AIA LUs. CLICK HERE to learn more and to register!

YAF Indy Upcoming Events

YAF Indy January Event – Professional Development Fair

Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025

Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. (EST)

Location: BSU CAP Indy, 25 N Pine St, Indianapolis, IN 46202

RSVP to yafindy@gmail.com

Interested in signing up for event updates from YAF Indianapolis? – Sign up here

Interested in joining the YAF Indianapolis Executive Committee or know someone who might be a good candidate? Fill out this form and we will reach out – YAF Indianapolis – Call for Candidates

ARE and AXP Resources:

ARE Study Group

Date: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday

Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Location: Lancer Associates, 145 N East St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

CA with Chris Harrison, AIA - Join Chris Harrison, AIA, for a casual, open invitation to earn about an hour of AXP CE credit each week through Setting O. Each session will involve observing the Convention Center Expansion project, where Chris Harrison, an Architect with RATIO Design, is working. We’ll meet on the 7th floor of the parking garage north of the site. Feel free to bring your lunch! For more information or to participate, contact Chris Harrison at ckharrison@ckharrison.com.

Contact yafindy@gmail.com for any questions or concerns regarding YAF Indy.

AIA Fort Wayne January Program - AIA Indiana sponsor, Zachery Rider, Royce 3D Scanning, will present Evolve or Fall Behind on Thursday, January 23. This presentation will demonstrate how 3D scanning technologies, including Scan-to-BIM and drone scanning, enhance building accessibility, safety, and sustainability by ensuring compliance with standards like ADA, improving emergency preparedness, and supporting sustainable building practices. This program has been approved for 1 AIA HSW LU. Program time and venue details will be forthcoming soon!

YAF Fort Wayne "Firsty Thursday" - Join YAF Fort Wayne for their recurring “Firsty Thursdays” every first Thursday of the month at Utopian Coffee, 118 W Columbia St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802, at 7:30 a.m. Contact AIA Fort Wayne YAF Chair Jacob Chavez, Assoc. AIA, jacobchavez@grinsfelderarchitects.com if they have questions or would like to get plugged in!

AIA Northern Indiana January Program - Join AIA Northern Indiana members and friends for the January Program on Wednesday, January 15, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. EST at the Chicory Event Center, 114 West 1st Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544. This event features a presentation titled “What Architects Should Know About Structural Engineering,” presented by Kevin Walsh and Molly Diveley of Frost Engineering. The speakers will explore the evolution of architecture and structural engineering from the master builders of antiquity to today’s specialized professions. They will also discuss the differences in educational and professional preparation between these fields and share strategies for fostering more effective collaboration in the rapidly evolving AEC industry. Insights will include research, personal experiences, and testimonials from industry colleagues. Attendees will earn 1.0 AIA Learning Unit (LU), and a complimentary lunch will be provided. CLICK HERE to learn more and register!

YAF Northern Indiana - Plans are being made for ARE exam presentations. For more information please contact YAF Northern Indiana Co-Chairs Taylor Mathewson, Assoc. AIA, tmathewson@dlz.com, or Kelsey Clady, Assoc. AIA, kclady@dlz.com.

AIA Southern Indiana is scheduling monthly CE luncheons throughout the year that will be held at 12 p.m. CDT, at the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library, on the third Wednesday of each month. To learn more, please contact 2025 AIA Southern Indiana President Dempson Haney, AIA, aiasouthernindiana@gmail.com.

Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2025 - All AIA Indiana members, sponsors, and friends are invited to Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2025, ULI Indiana’s signature event on January 30, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. As a cross-disciplinary organization, ULI brings together professionals from architecture, planning, real estate, and more to tackle the most pressing challenges and opportunities in land use and development. This event is an incredible opportunity to engage in critical conversations that will shape the future of Indiana’s real estate industry. Event highlights include: keynote presentations by Spencer Levy (CBRE) and Lou DeFalco (PwC) sharing global and national insights; a TRENDS Talk with Indiana experts - including Hannah Ott (CBRE), Latha Ramchand (IU Indianapolis), Patrick Talty (Indiana Sports Corp), and Vince Wong (BioCrossroads); and a networking reception that will include live music, cocktails, and connections with industry leaders. Attendees can earn up to 2 AIA LU’s! CLICK HERE to learn more and to register.

Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) Announces New Program to Accelerate the Review and Release of Building Plans - Effective December 2, 2024, the IDHS will be immediately issuing a design release for plans without the need for a plan review for specific types of projects filed on or after this date. Qualifying plans include: Duplicate plans approved by IDHS or another governmental jurisdiction for another project; Plans for structures that are not traditionally occupied or are classified as storage buildings; Plans for open-air pavilions; Plans for remodels, renovations or repairs of a structure that is not undergoing a change of use and is located in Indianapolis. CLICK HERE to learn more.

2025 AIA Membership Renewal - 2025 will be another important year for the architectural profession and AIA will continue working harder than ever to support you in that process. Therefore, we encourage you to renew your membership and invite others to join as well. Together, we'll make 2025 a great year! CLICK HERE to renew your membership. Contact Jason Shelley, Hon. AIA, jshelley@aiaindiana.org, if you need a copy of your renewal invoice.

Fellowship Application Assistance - Fellows in AIA Indiana and AIA Kentucky are committed to assisting and supporting interested candidates in our region through the Fellowship submission process. Interested applicants may register to be paired with a coach and participate in monthly committee meetings reviewing best practices, strategies, and recommendations for navigating the FAIA application process. AIA Indiana members who would like to participate in this process should complete this application and submit it to committee co-chairs by Friday, January 17, 2025. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Young Architects Forum December Newsletter - CLICK HERE to view the December issue of the 'Now YA Know' newsletter published by the Young Architect's Forum.

Architectural Licensure Interest at Record High - According to the latest data from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), over 125,000 individuals now hold an NCARB Record, an all-time high. This blend of licensure candidates and licensed practitioners has reached an important milestone, signaling increased interest in acquiring and utilizing architectural licensure. CLICK HERE to learn more.

2025 Architectural Material Technology Commons Conference (AMT2025) - The AMT2025 will take place March 27-29, 2025, at the Republic Building in Columbus, IN. AMT2025 seeks to broadcast material responsibility in architecture and design by fostering the use of sustainable, regenerative, resilient, and traditional materials. The conference will bring together a diverse community of designers, researchers, innovators, and students to explore how collaborative approaches can shape a more responsible built environment. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Become a Certified Passive House Designer - It takes 3 months to transform your climate impact forever. Billions of dollars are being invested in creating energy-efficient buildings. Will you be able to build them? The industry is moving forward, and the best way to keep up is by becoming a Certified Passive House Designer. Our flexible hybrid training will ensure that you’re prepared for the exam and help you on your way to building a better world. Courses begin January 16. Register now for immediate access to materials. CLICK HERE to learn more.

In Memoriam - Kevin L. Runion, AIA, age 75, of Terre Haute, IN, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024, at his home. Mr. Runion joined the staff of Indiana State University in 1984 serving as University Architect-Landscape Architect and Associate Vice President for Facilities Management. During Kevin’s 34+ year career at ISU, he was involved in over $900 million worth of construction on campus. He was also the designer on community projects such as the Veterans Memorial Plaza on the grounds of the Vigo County Courthouse, Wabash riverfront Development, and the Terre Haute South Rotary Club’s Centennial Park located on the Heritage Trail at 25th and Locust Street. Kevin was a consulting architect and landscape architect for over 400 major designs in Indiana and Florida, including over 70 churches in Indiana and throughout the Midwest. Professionally, he became the first professional in the State to hold both architectural and landscape architectural certifications. CLICK HERE to learn more.

AIA National News & Misc.

ABI November 2024 - Architecture firm billings remained flat in November. Although it would be better to see the majority of firms reporting growth, the fact that billings have returned to flat after declining for nearly two full years is an encouraging sign that conditions are improving for more firms. Inquiries into new work continued to grow steadily, and while the value of newly signed design contracts declined for the eighth consecutive month, the pace of that decline slowed this month. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Economic Update Q1 2025 ABI Insights - Join AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA and AIA President Evelyn Lee, FAIA, NOMA, on January 23 at 2 p.m. EST, for their 1st Quarter conversation about the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI). Attendees will earn 1 AIA LU. CLICK HERE to learn more and to register.

Evelyn Lee, FAIA, NOMA Inaugurated as AIA's 101st President - Evelyn Lee, FAIA, NOMA, was inaugurated as the 2025 AIA President on Friday, December 13, in Washington, D.C. She is the 101st person to hold the office and the second Asian American woman to do so. CLICK HHERE to learn more.

AIA Board of Directors Announces Appointment of Interim EVP/CEO - Lakisha Woods, CAE, EVP/CEO of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), has announced her departure effective February 2025. To maintain continuity, the AIA Board of Directors has appointed an interim EVP/CEO. CLICK HERE to learn more.

AIA National Open Call for Candidates - The American Institute of Architects (AIA) annually solicits an open call for candidates for the AIA Board of Directors and other leadership positions. The role of each member of the AIA Board of Directors varies significantly based on the responsibilities assigned in AIA's governing documents. Positions open for 2025 call for candidates: 2026 President-elect; Treasurer; At-Large Director. AIA members interested in serving as candidates for the 2026 AIA Board of Directors should direct their questions to AIA Secretary Joshua Flowers, FAIA, c/o Caitlin Couture, CAE, senior director, governance & awards at caitlincouture@aia.org. CLICK HERE to download the candidates packet. Also, CLICK HERE for more information, including eligibility and campaigning.

AIA Firm Survey Report - The 2024 AIA Firm Survey Report, backed by data from 1,200+ firms, is the only report that covers the full complexity of firms that power the architecture and design profession. It includes valuable insights on firm performance, trends, and business strategies to keep you competitive and it’s FREE for AIA members—a $269 value. CLICK HERE to get your free copy.

2025 AIA Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS) - The next Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS) is happening in Atlanta November 3-5, 2025. WLS isn’t just a conference—it's a movement driving leadership, equity, and opportunity for women and allies in the AEC industry. It’s powered by the AIA community—the AEC industry’s largest network of women—who support gender equity and truly want to help women succeed. Registration opens summer 2025, but don’t wait—save the date now for this transformative experience where you’ll connect with a vibrant, diverse community of accomplished women leaders. CLICK HERE to see the highlights of the 2024 WLS.

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