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American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)

30 Best Architecture Tools & Websites [Monday Minute]

Published 1 day ago • 3 min read

October 20, 2025, Edition

Ignite your mind and improve the way you are #CreatingWherePeopleLive

This weekly newsletter

is created by and for those designing homes in North America.

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Its editorial staff is the American Institute of Building Design, Inc., the premier association of residential design professionals.

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Here's what you get:

  • Field Notes
  • Nuts & Bolts
  • Highlights
  • Workshops & Gatherings
  • What We're Up To
  • Amazing sponsors who help keep this newsletter free for the industry.

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Let's dive in.

Email servers may truncate this newsletter because it is too long. Read the complete Monday Minute at AIBD.org/mondayminute.

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If you received this as a forward, become one of our many delighted subscribers. Get insider access by signing up!

Field Notes

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Construction costs for a wildfire-resistant home

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The report recommends that wildfire-resistant construction become a standard practice in high-risk zones, deeming it both achievable and financially sensible for homeowners and builders alike. For a deeper dive, a complete report is provided on the page.

Source: Headwaters Economics

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How The Studio's production team created a convincing Frank Lloyd Wright building

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Apple TV+'s The Studio production team created a highly convincing set, designed to look like it was built by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. After an Emmy win for production design, art director Brian Grego and production designer Julie Berghoff led the team to construct a realistic 1920s-30s Wright-designed Hollywood studio.

Source: DeZeen

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Can Homebuilding Ever Become Efficient and Affordable?

Brian Potter's Book Has Disturbing Answers

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Potter began believing that factory-built homes could solve the affordability crisis in American homebuilding. After deep investigation, including his work with Katerra (a failed multi-billion-dollar construction technology company), he realized this solution is far more complex and challenging to achieve.

Source: Webb Analytics

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This is interesting:

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In 1969, architect and urban planner Ulrich Franzen articulated, through a film, a bold vision to reclaim Manhattan’s congested streets as open space free from cars and trucks.

Source: Urban Omnibus

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Nuts & Bolts

30 Best Architecture Tools & Websites in 2025

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Description of image

The guide curates key digital resources for design professionals, organized by workflow area to streamline practice. It suggests incorporating these tools into daily work to boost efficiency and design quality across all project phases, highlighting the evolving role of digital resources in modern architecture.

Source: ArchEyes

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Highlights

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Welcome New Members

And those returning

Gabriel J. Rivera (OH) - Professional

Justin Peet (OK) Student

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Workshops & Gatherings

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AIBD Chapters, Boards, and Councils

Click the links to view the topics and add to your calendar.

CANCELED: October 21 - National Council of Building Designer Certification (Virtual) 11:00 am ET.

November 5 - Board of Directors (Virtual) 4:00 pm ET

November 16 - National Council of Building Designer Certification (Virtual) 11:00 am ET.

AIBD Webinars

October 21 - High-Performance Homes Team - 2:00 p.m. ET (1.0 P4 CE)

October 28 - CE Watch Party - 2:00 p.m. ET - Navigating Historic Renovations (1.0 P3 CE)

November 14 - Coffee with Bernie - 10:00 a.m. ET - Are stepped ceilings still a thing?

Training Events

Hosted By AIBD CE Providers

AEC Daily - ​Look for in-person and virtual events.

Chief Architect's Kitchens & Baths Boot Camp - October 17, 2025.

Green Home Institute - ​Look for in-person and virtual events.

SoftPlan - Virtual training dates​

SBCA - Components Craft - February 24-25, 2026 - Austin, TX. - Information

Traditional Building Conference - The three 2026 dates and locations have been announced - Info​rmation

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What We're Up to

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ICC Committee Action Hearings

The International Code Council (ICC) is set to host its Annual Conference, Expo, and Hearings from October 19-30, 2025, in Cleveland, OH. AIBD will be in attendance to champion our proposed code amendments. Out of the seven we initially submitted, three remain under consideration, with one slated to be the central focus of this hearing.

Questions or comments?

Have a triumphant week.

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Contact us at info@aibd.org, 800.366.2423, or 110 Front Street, Suite #300, Jupiter, FL 33477.

One more thing—we want to lead with transparency. AI was most likely used to complete this post in one way or another. Don't blame the technology if you find a mistake; in most cases, our emails are written by humans and AI-supported. Now and then, they are AI-generated and human-edited. Both humans and AI still make mistakes.

American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)

The American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) is a professional association that promotes the highest standards of excellence in residential building design. AIBD offers a variety of resources to its members, including continuing education, networking opportunities, and marketing assistance. AIBD is a valuable resource for anyone interested in a career in residential building design. If you want to improve your skills, network with other professionals, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends, AIBD is the perfect organization for you.

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