AIA North Carolina

This is not your average keynote. 🎥 Aspire 2026 is proud to announce our second keynote experience — and it’s one you’ve never seen before. SITTING STILL is an original documentary by filmmaker Gina Angelone exploring the life and work of Laurie Olin — one of the world’s most influential urban designers and a modern-day Olmsted. Screened at the Diana Wortham Theatre, followed by a fireside conversation with Gina Angelone and Aspire host Nick Neptune at The Orange Peel. This is design through a completely different lens. And we cannot wait to experience it with you in Asheville. 🙌 ➡️ Early bird registration CLOSES MAY 31. Register now at aspirexp.com Asheville, NC | September 13–15, 2026 #Aspire2026 #AIAAspire #Architecture #BuiltEnvironment #Asheville

This could be you in September. 👀 Swipe through for a little reminder of what Aspire feels like — the energy, the connections, the moments that make you remember why you love this industry. The good news? You have 20 days left to lock in early bird pricing and make it happen. The not-so-good news? 20 days go fast. Don’t be the person who waits too long. 😅 ➡️ Early bird registration closes May 31st. Grab your spot at aspirexp.com Asheville, NC | September 13–15, 2026 #Aspire2026 #AIAAspire #Architecture #BuiltEnvironment #Asheville

Who builds your design? 👀 We are so excited to announce our first Aspire 2026 keynote, and it will challenge how you think about your work. Phillip Bernstein, FAIA of Yale University, and Luis C. deBaca of the University of Michigan are coming to Asheville to explore the relationship between design decisions and the workforce that brings architecture to life, including the hard conversations around forced labor in today’s construction industry. This is exactly the kind of dialogue Aspire was made for. We can’t wait to be in the room for this one. ➡️ Early bird registration is open now at aspirexp.com Asheville, NC | September 13–15, 2026 #Aspire2026 #AIAAspire #Architecture #BuiltEnvironment #Asheville

IT’S GIVING ASHEVILLE. IT’S GIVING INSPIRATION. IT’S GIVING EARLY BIRD PRICING. 🔥 Aspire 2026 Early Bird registration is officially OPEN, and we need you to go grab your spot RIGHT NOW. Three days. 600+ of your people. The best deal you’ll get all year. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. 🙌 ➡️ aspirexp.com Asheville, NC | September 13–15, 2026 #Aspire2026 #AIAAspire #Architecture #BuiltEnvironment #Asheville

Ready to build a stronger, more resilient practice? Designing Forward: Series 2 — Design for Organizational Growth & Resilience is for you. On May 6th from 12:00–1:30 PM, join us for a 90-minute virtual Context Framing session (1.5 LU) featuring firm leaders and business experts from across the country. Together, we’ll explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the profession — including leading a dynamic practice, designing for innovation, and financial planning strategies for firm growth. We are honored to feature: • Megan Bowles, COO & Senior Consultant at Apostrophe Consulting • Je’Nen Chastain, MBA, Assoc. AIA, CEO & Founder at Apostrophe Consulting This session is part of the broader Designing Forward leadership program, with additional virtual sessions available to AIANC members later this year. Don’t miss your chance to invest in your practice and your leadership. Links in Bio to Register #AIANC #NCArchitecture #DesigningForward #ArchitectureLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment

The Aspire 2026 schedule is here, and it’s three days of education, connection, and experiences you won’t find at any other conference. Early bird registration opens April 30th. Take a look at what we have in store using the link in our bio and start making your case to attend.

The "What Is Architecture?" event was held last Saturday at the Greensboro Public Library, where story time and interactive activities were used to share the world of architecture with children. In addition to the in-person programming, each child received a "Color My Carolina" coloring book, illustrated by Emily Fiedler, which features buildings from across our state. Furthermore, the architecture and design books read during the event were donated to the Greensboro Public Library to inspire the next generation of creators. Thank you to our event partners: Prism Design Lab, [Diversify Architecture], AIA Triangle, and AIA North Carolina.

AIA WS April Section Lunch: Designing the Designer. What does it mean to build a healthy culture of practice—when the profession itself often asks so much of us? Join us for a conversation on burnout, retention, and the pressures of practice—reconsidering productivity through a more human lens to support healthier, more resilient design cultures. Because how we work shapes what we create. #mentalhealthandarchitecture April 22 | 12–1pm RSVP via email

Hello Triangle Designers! All year long, we’ve been preparing to celebrate design excellence being done by our local firms throughout the Triangle, and the time is nearing to recognize the projects, firms, and incredible design solutions that are continuing to raise the bar across our community. . Our upcoming 2026 AIAT Design Awards event next week will highlight exceptional creativity and thoughtful problem-solving design ideas, as well as recognizing the design talent and firms behind these projects that positively impact the built environment. . Join us next week as we kick off Architecture Week with building tour of an award-winning project by @obrienatkinsassociates & @perkinswill_nc as well as a lecture by this year's Jury Chair, Andrew Thompson. We will end the week celebrating this year’s Design Award winners showcasing their inspiring work and the talent that continues to shape the Triangle’s design community. . Be sure to check out all the details and registration information on the AIA Triangle website so you don’t miss this celebration of design excellence. We can’t wait to see you there! . . . #aiatriangle #aiatriangledesignawards #architecturedesignawards #aiatrianglenorthcarolina #designawards

Design starts with imagination—and sometimes, a pile of LEGOs. 🧱 We’re excited to host our 5th Annual Girls LEGO Day with Bricks & Minifigs, inviting young girls into the world of architecture through making, creativity, and play. If you have an elementary school girl that would like to participate or if you’d like to be a sponsor or volunteer day of, shoot an email to [email protected] - we’d love to have you! 📍 Kaleideum 🗓 May 2 | 9–12 🎟 Free with registration The morning is about more than building—it’s about exposure, confidence, and showing what’s possible. Let’s build something bigger than LEGOs. #girlslegoday

We have some exciting news. 🚨 Due to popular demand, Aspire 2026 will be held in Morristown, North Carolina. We know, we know — you’ve always wanted to go. And honestly? It has a rich history. Established in 1793, it sat on a plateau where two trails crossed—a true destination. The only catch? Morristown was renamed Asheville in 1797 — and we’ll be there either way. 😄 Happy April Fools’ Day! See you in Asheville, September 13–15, 2026. Registration opens April 30th! #Aspire2026 #AIAAspire #Architecture #Asheville #BuiltEnvironment

🚨 BREAKING NEWS: In response to the annual North Carolina Pollening, AIANC has officially rebranded. Effective immediately, our iconic red logo is now Pollen Gold™ — because if you can’t beat it, rebrand to match it. 💛 We feel this change truly reflects the current state of our cars, our porches, and our souls. Our design team worked tirelessly for the last 24 hours on this historic update, and we couldn’t be prouder. Will you be updating your firm’s branding to match? Let us know below. 👇 Happy April Fools from your very sneezy AIANC Staff! 😂 #Thepollening #PollenGold #NCArchitecture #AprilFools #YellowIsTheNewRed AIANC