AIA International Conference 2026 Cairo: Layers of Civilization

American University Cairo Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt

Wednesday 11 - Saturday 14 November 2026 (optional extensions Sunday 15 November onwards).

Full programme and speakers announced.

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AIA International Distinguished Service Award - Call for Entries

AIA International has established the annual Distinguished Service Award to recognise members whose sustained volunteer service, leadership and expertise have made a significant contribution to AIA International and its Chapters and Sections.

Open to members at all career stages with at least five years of AIA service, the award welcomes self-nominations and nominations from fellow members.

Submissions close on 26 October 2026 at 5:00 pm US Eastern Time, with the award announcement scheduled for November 2026.  

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In Memoriam: Abimbola Abena Ajayi - A Legacy of Leadership, Service and Sisterhood

In heartfelt tributes, AIA International’s 2025 President Yew Kee Cheong, and AIA Sub-Saharan Africa President Lanre Olusola remember Abimbola Abena Ajayi as an accomplished architect, pioneering leader and devoted member of the AIA community. Her more than a decade of service, commitment to mentorship and selfless support for fellow professionals leave a lasting legacy across Nigeria and the wider architectural community.

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2026 Taipei – The Evolution from Section to Chapter

The approval of AIA Taipei as an official AIA Chapter in September 2026 marks an important milestone in AIA International’s development of a pathway from Country Representatives to Sections and, ultimately, Chapters.

Since the Country Representative programme launched in 2019 and grew to 35 countries, AIA International has used the Section model to help local teams build leadership, programmes, partnerships and member engagement before taking on the legal and financial responsibilities of a Chapter.

AIA Taipei’s successful transition demonstrates how this model can support the growth of strong international AIA communities.

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AIA International Emerging Professionals Committee

The AIA International Emerging Professionals Committee, led by Amanda Bryant, Assoc. AIA, is building stronger connections and leadership pathways for emerging professionals navigating careers across countries and cultures.

Its 2026 Global Mentorship Program, “Design by Discovery,” connects participants with mentors through one-to-one mentoring and open online sessions, while career and licensure resources, cross-chapter collaboration, and the AIA International Emerging Architect Award support professional growth and recognition.

Looking ahead, the committee is expanding its network of volunteers and regional representation, creating more opportunities for emerging professionals to contribute, connect and lead across the AIA International community.

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Strategic Council Update - October 2026

The AIA Strategic Council presented its prioritised 2026 recommendations and began preparing its 2026 Year in Review Journal and 2027 study groups.

August discussions highlighted communicating the value of architects as the leading priority for future study, alongside new Council appointments and membership representation insights. The update also notes the publication of amendments to the AIA Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct.

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AIA International Member Contribution - Designing Across Borders: Modular Resort Development

Drawing on more than 47 years of international practice, the founder of Innovation Architecture is leading the design and construction of a 550,000-square-foot resort development in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

The 48-month project combines an 88-key luxury hotel, a 120-slip marina, 154 residences, employee and affordable housing, and independent utility infrastructure across 190 acres. In response to limited local labour and material resources, the project brings together ...

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Roca - Avant: Rethinking the Everyday Essential

Avant is Roca’s latest innovation in toilet design, rethinking an everyday essential through integrated technology, spatial efficiency and simplicity. Building on Roca’s In-Tank concept, its patented flushing system uses the Venturi effect to operate without an electrical connection when water pressure and flow conditions allow. Available in wall-hung and floorstanding versions, Avant also integrates Roca Rimless® Vortex, Supraglaze® and dual-flush technology. The result is an understated approach to innovation in which advanced engineering works quietly behind the scenes to create a simpler, more comfortable bathroom experience. 

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AIA Taipei’s transition to an official AIA Chapter marks a significant milestone for the American architectural community in Taiwan, following years of programming and collaboration with municipal, academic and professional institutions.

Now led by President Liren Hsiao, the Chapter is supported by nearly 40 local American architects and is building on this momentum with its First AIA Taipei Chapter Design Awards, celebrating innovative architectural work from local and international participants.

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AIA Sub-Saharan Africa is advancing African architectural voices through participation in the Pan-African Biennale in Nairobi, Rwanda’s climate-resilient urban initiatives and international recognition for Rwandan projects.

In South Africa, the SAIA Spatial Reset Convention and emerging collaboration between SAIA, RIBA Africa and AIA International aim to expand opportunities for African architects.

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AIA Oceania strengthened its international connections through Louise Cox’s attendance at the UIA Conference in Barcelona, a site celebration recognising Sydney Central Station’s Concourse with two AIA International awards, and its first New Zealand gathering alongside the In Situ Conference in Auckland. The Auckland dinner brought together local AIA International Associate Architects and leaders from AIA International and the architectural profession to discuss global collaboration and architects’ role in disaster risk reduction.

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AIA Middle East strengthened its engagement with the regional design community through a museum design conversation with VIÑOLY at NYU Abu Dhabi, exploring how architecture transforms institutional vision into meaningful public experiences.

The section also partnered on Regenerate Cities in Doha, served as the official Architecture Partner for RISE Summit 2026 in Dubai, and continued preparations for the AIA International Conference Cairo 2026, with registration open for Layers of Civilization.

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On 29 August, AIA International India partnered with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) to host Beyond Buildings: Reclaiming Architects’ Place in Built Environment Space.

Keynote speaker C.N. Raghavendran, Padma Shri awardee and Managing Director of C.R. Narayana Rao Consultants, drew on more than five decades of practice across India and beyond, sharing insights from projects including the Anna Centenary Library, Tidel Park and Amazon Campus in Hyderabad. His presentation highlighted...

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AIA local area members where invited to participate in an event hosted by Yale Center Beijing.

The event explored how public spaces can shape the future of AI innovation hubs. Speakers Yan Wang of Beijing Urban Planning Association, Wanpeng Zu of Tom Leader Studio, and Jane Huang of Insight Design Studio shared perspectives on talent development in the AI era, the need for more human-centred design, and the continued importance of physical spaces in shaping people’s experiences.

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AIA Continental Europe reflects on its May 2026 Berlin conference, announces its next conference in Rotterdam and Delft for 22–25 April 2027, celebrates scholarship winner Gabrielle Brooking’s research into biomaterials and digital fabrication, and invites members to share their priorities through the LET’S TALK survey series.

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