AIA Charlotte

08/18/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our AAH’s 2026 Chautauqua!

Please join us in congratulating Emma Edmondson and Jacklynn Earles, this year’s selected scholarship recipients!

Each recipient will receive registration to the 16th Annual AIA AAH SAR Chautauqua, taking place August 20–21 in Charlotte, NC. This year’s conference, Integrating Health, Learning, and Innovation: Advancing Design for the Next Generation of Care, brings together architects, designers, and healthcare professionals to explore the future of healthcare design.

We’re excited to support these emerging leaders and provide an opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired by the incredible work happening across the Architecture + Health community.

Congratulations, Emma Edmondson and Jacklynn Earles!👏 We can’t wait to see you at Chautauqua!

08/14/2026

🌈 Charlotte prepares to celebrate Pride, we're looking ahead to what's next.

Pride reminds us why visibility, connection, and community matter. But what if those feelings of belonging weren't limited to one weekend each year?

This fall, we're bringing together designers, students, artists, neighbors, advocates, and community members to imagine the kinds of welcoming third spaces Charlotte needs—places where LGBTQIA+ community members and anyone seeking connection can gather, create, connect, and simply be.

This is the first of two collaborative design charrettes that will culminate in a public exhibition later this fall, showcasing a shared vision for more inclusive, community-centered spaces in Charlotte.

As Charlotte celebrates Pride this weekend, we invite you to start imagining what comes next. More details, including registration and additional event dates, are coming soon.

💬 What makes a space feel like you truly belong?

08/11/2026

Registration is now open for the 16th Annual South Atlantic Regional Architecture + Health Chautauqua!

Join healthcare architects, engineers, designers, health system representatives, and industry partners from across the Southeast for a day of learning, collaboration, and meaningful conversation around the latest trends shaping healthcare design.

Aligned with the Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH), this unique conference brings nationally recognized speakers and relevant educational content to our region in an engaging, intimate setting designed to foster discussion and connection.

Don't miss this opportunity to earn valuable insights, expand your professional network, and be part of the conversation advancing the future of healthcare environments.

📅 Register today: https://ow.ly/vlen50ZxGT9

08/10/2026

Discover how the building envelope can play a critical role in creating healthier, more resilient, and lower-carbon buildings.

Join AIA Charlotte COTE on Wednesday, August 19 for The AIA Materials Pledge: Low-Carbon, Resilient, and Health-Focused Building Envelopes, an engaging discussion featuring industry leaders from Eastern Exterior Wall Systems (EEWS) and Advanced Exterior Systems (AES).

Learn how prefabricated façade systems, innovative material selection, and integrated design-assist strategies are helping project teams reduce embodied carbon, improve building performance, and deliver more sustainable outcomes.

📅 Wednesday, August 19
🕣 8:30–10:00 AM
📍 Clark Nexsen | Charlotte, NC

Whether you're an architect, designer, engineer, or construction professional, this program offers valuable insights into designing building envelopes that support the goals of the AIA Materials Pledge while advancing resilience, occupant health, and long-term performance.

Register today and join the conversation!

AIA Charlotte events

08/07/2026

Help us inspire the next generation of women in architecture and the AEC industry.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for the 8th Annual AIA Charlotte Women in Architecture Rise & Design Breakfast this October 2026! 🌟

The Rise & Design Breakfast brings together architects, engineers, designers, contractors, students, and industry leaders for a morning dedicated to connection, mentorship, leadership, and professional growth. This signature event celebrates the achievements of women in the profession while fostering meaningful conversations that strengthen our industry and our community.

By becoming a sponsor, you'll help support the Women in Architecture Committee's mission to advance mentorship, networking, advocacy, community engagement, and career development for women across the AEC industry.

Learn more about sponsorship opportunities and join us in shaping a stronger future for our profession.

https://ow.ly/EpX250ZxHoj

08/07/2026

Call for Board Nominations 📢

AIA Charlotte is now accepting nominations for candidates to serve on our 2027 Board of Directors. Serving on the Board is a rewarding opportunity to help shape the future of our organization, guide our mission, and represent the interests of our community.

We invite you to nominate yourself or someone you believe would be an excellent leader and advocate for AIA Charlotte.

The following board positions are open:
• Secretary
• Programs Director
• Workforce Director
• Associate Director

If you are interested in serving on the AIA Charlotte Board beginning in January 2027, please download a description of the Roles & Responsibilities and complete this online application by August 7, 2026. Interviews will begin August 24.

Your participation helps ensure strong and diverse leadership for AIA Charlotte. Thank you for your engagement and support!

Apply Here: https://ow.ly/O8wT50ZxCWy

07/17/2026

📸 Recap from our recent Discover Charlotte walking tour! 👟🌿

AIA Charlotte COTE was proud to partner with Sustain Charlotte to explore Commonwealth, Plaza Midwood's vibrant mixed-use development, and see firsthand how thoughtful design can create more sustainable, connected communities.

With more than 50 attendees, participants heard from neighborhood advocates, community planners, and project team members—including Ryan Day of BB+M—who shared valuable insights into the vision and design decisions behind Commonwealth. From walkability and mixed-use planning to street design and parking strategies, the tour highlighted the many elements that make this development a model for sustainable urban growth.

The tour concluded just as the Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas kicked off in the heart of Plaza Midwood, making for an inspiring day celebrating both community and place.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our partners at Sustain Charlotte for making this event possible. This program was partially funded through the AIA NC ACTIVATE Grant.

07/13/2026

SAVE THE DATE! 🌟 2026 Women in Architecture Rise & Design Breakfast. More details coming soon.

07/06/2026

AIA Charlotte stands in firm opposition to the proposed demolition of the historic façade of the Court Arcade building at 725 Trade Street.

Designed in the 1920s by architect William H. Peeps, the Court Arcade façade is more than a historic landmark—it is a vital piece of Charlotte's architectural identity and an important connection to our city's history. As Charlotte continues to grow, we believe progress and preservation can, and should, coexist.

We urge the project team and city leaders to pause demolition plans and pursue thoughtful alternatives such as adaptive reuse, façade integration, and context-sensitive design that honor our past while embracing our future.

Now is the time to make your voice heard.

📢 Take action: Contact your Charlotte City Council representative and encourage them to support the preservation of the Court Arcade façade. You can also contact Mayor Rob Harrington at [email protected] or 704-336-2241.

As architects and advocates for the built environment, AIA Charlotte remains committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to find solutions that strengthen our city while preserving the places that tell its story.

Read our full position statement and join us in advocating for thoughtful, responsible development.

📸 Provided by the Charlotte Observer

06/29/2026

📚 Ready to take the next step toward licensure?

Join the AIA Charlotte ARE Study Group this Tuesday, June 30, from 6:00–8:00 PM as we tackle Programming & Analysis: Codes & Regulations.

Whether you're just getting started or preparing for your next exam, our weekly study sessions provide the support, accountability, and resources to help you succeed. Connect with fellow associates, learn from experienced mentors, and stay motivated throughout your ARE 5.0 journey.

✨ AIA Charlotte members who are scheduled to take an ARE exam also have access to our Black Spectacles group subscription, featuring study guides, practice exams, video lectures, flashcards, and more.

📍 615 S. College St., 16th Floor
💻 Virtual attendance is also available.

Join our growing community of aspiring architects and let's conquer the AREs together!