Your Ultimate Guide to the Upcoming National Conference in San Diego

Your Ultimate Guide to the Upcoming National Conference in San Diego & Key Events

Save the Date for our Design Awards Celebration!

Join us for an unforgettable evening on August 20 to celebrate design excellence in San Diego! We’re excited to recognize the people, places and projects shaping our region’s built environment. This celebration brings together the architecture, design, development, and creative communities for an evening of recognition, networking and inspiration. More details coming soon!

Your Ultimate Guides for AIA26:

Maximize your Networking at AIA26 with this Curated List!
CHECK IT OUT HERE ►

The Ultimate Guide to AIA26 for Students & Emerging Professionals
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Visit San Diego's Top Design firms at Open Studios
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Networking and Keynotes not your thing?
Check out over 600 Exhibits for just $99! LEARN MORE ►

Visit our one-of-a-kind AIA San Diego Pavilion by StructureCraft at the AIA26 Conference!
READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE ►

Links or images not showing up correctly? Click the link to view our newsletter in a separate browser! VIEW HERE ►

May 29, 2026 | WE-A Conversation - Shaping the Space: The Balboa Botanical Garden

Join The We in Architecture Committee (WE-A) for a conversation with the teams and visionaries that helped build the iconic balboa park botanical building to life!
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June 13, 2026 | Urban Studio: Leveraging the Power of Design for San Diego’s Civic Center Redevelopment*

AIA San Diego and the Architects Foundation are leading a workshop focused on the redevelopment of San Diego’s six-block Civic Center. The site represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create lasting public value.

*Registration to the AIA26 Conference is required to attend. You will be able to add the program to your cart in the checkout process.
For more information, contact director@aiasandiego.org

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THANK YOU TO OUR GOLD SPONSORS!

June 04, 2026 | BIM Pulse Free Interactive Session

Chaos, the leader in visualization technology used across architecture, construction, and media & entertainment, presents an interactive session with Phil Read of Read | Thomas on integrating AI into visualization without losing design intent. Topics include predictable iteration and editing, moving from analog sketches and 2D references into rendered visuals, un-rendering for as-built conditions, intentionally "imperfect" conceptual renderings, optimized iteration across lighting, materials, and assets, and using AI for ideation versus final presentation.

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June 9, 2026 | AIA LGBTQ+ Pride Social at Gensler

Join us for an American Institute of Architects LGBTQ+ Mixer with music, light bites, and refreshments! Tuesday, June 9, from 5:00-8:00PM at the Gensler San Diego Office Downtown. All ticket donations will benefit The San Diego LGBT Community Center.

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June 11, 2026 | NOMA Reception @ AIA’26

If you’re heading to the AIA Conference in San Diego, join NOMA for an evening of connection with fellow members. The gathering will be held at the Harbor & Sky Rooftop Bar & Lounge to spend time with partners and colleagues from across the community.

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June 11, 2026 | Building Federal Connections: AIA x SAME Happy Hour

Join the AIA Public Architects Knowledge Community (PAKC) and the Society of American Military Engineers Architectural Practice Community of Interest (SAME AP COI) for a relaxed, come‑as‑you‑are reception bringing together architects engaged in federal work—and those curious about breaking into it. This casual networking event is a chance to connect, share insights on the role of architecture within military and federal facilities, and build relationships across public‑sector practice in an informal setting.

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June 11, 2026 | La Fiesta by Arquitectos Coalition

Join Arquitectos Coalition at Mujeres Brew House during AIA26 to celebrate Latino architecture, community, and design. All are welcome! Each ticket includes 1 taco + 2 drinks

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June 12, 2026 | AIA California Celebration at East Village Brewing Co.

Join the celebration to honor the newly elevated Fellows and celebrate the incredible achievements of our California members.

Step outside the conference and into the community—join us as we celebrate California’s AIA members at this afterparty.

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THANK YOU TO OUR SILVER SPONSORS!

June 17, 2026 | USGBC California Decarbonization & ESG Fundamentals Workshop (Hybrid)

Join us at Metro Talent Hub or online for this training on carbon accounting and ESG reporting for local businesses and earn 2 CEU credits!
**Virtual attendees must register on our Learning Center to access the meeting link.
This workshop will enable local businesses, including commercial, industrial, and contractors, to compete for contracts in a marketplace that is increasingly demanding in terms of emissions reporting. By raising awareness of their emissions and the need to compete in reducing them, businesses will be encouraged to reduce energy and material use over time, contributing to a more sustainable region.

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Gear up on the Mechanical Requirements of the 2025 California Energy Code

Mechanical systems can be complex, but complying with California’s 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards doesn’t have to be! Check out this resource, “Fact Sheet: Nonresidential Mechanical Systems 2025” which covers mechanical requirements for nonresidential, hotel, and motel building projects that are classified as New Construction, Additions, or Alterations. This includes HVAC and water heating systems. We also have the following resources for residential HVAC and water heating requirements “Fact Sheet: Residential Domestic Water Heating 2025” and “Fact Sheet: Single-family HVAC Systems 2025.” These resources are free to download so check them out today!

If your firm seeks residential clients, the AIAs in California have a new resource to help prospective clients discover you. Architect Connect links the public to architects via a simple, searchable database. Find out more about the benefits and how easy it is to list your firm.

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San Diego’s Approach to State-mandated Housing Policy is Thoughtful

Check out the latest SD Transcript article. The city council’s action this month was a holistic one and we applaud that. Their measured decision to delay implementation of SB 79 in potentially impacted neighborhoods reinforces the point that it is about building neighborhoods, and that services and facilities must go hand in hand with new housing.

READ HERE ►

THANK YOU TO OUR BRONZE SPONSORS!

Learn How You Can Become a Sponsor HERE

Celebrating Design Excellence since 1928.

The mission of AIA San Diego is to promote the profession of architecture in the region and to support architects and designers in professional excellence.

AIA San Diego’s regular eNewsletter keeps you in the loop with the latest events, news, and opportunities from our local design community. If you have updates you’d like to share with our community, please email us at director@aiasandiego.org.