Creating the Perfect Braai [Monday Minute]


April 14, 2025, Edition

Ignite your mind and improve the way you are #CreatingWherePeopleLive

The Monday Minute Weekly Newsletter

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

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

Here's what you get:

  • The Monday Minute Video
  • Industry News
  • Announcements
  • Events & Training
  • Recent Committee Activities
  • Amazing sponsors who help keep this newsletter free for the industry.

Let's dive in.

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Creating the Perfect Braai: A Journey into South African Cooking Culture

Never heard of a braai? Steve’s here to explain what it is and how he’s adding it to a one-bedroom accessory dwelling unit.


Industry News

ARDA Call for Entries is Open!

Photos and plans are due June 9, 2025

"ARDA" is the AIBD’s premier award program exhibiting design excellence in the residential building industry.

It spotlights the nation’s most creative and innovative residential designers, builders, remodelers, architects, developers, land planners, and interior designers.

Source: AIBD

Residential Construction Costs

Residential construction costs are not complicated unless you want to make them that way. There are some general, broad-stroke pieces of information that, if you know, you will not be surprised when it comes time to plan your budget.

Source: Life of an Architect

The New Rules of Fire-Resilient Home Design

Architect Doug Burdge knows from experience: He’s lost homes to fires in Malibu and has helped numerous clients rebuild after losing theirs. Here’s his blueprint for building better.

Source: Sunset

The Nonresidential Construction Sector Is Nearing an Inflection Point

US Private Nonresidential Construction is at a record high, but various downside pressures will lead to an imminent decline in the sector.

Source: ITR Economics

Announcements

Welcome New Members

And those returning

Brian Harris, Guaranteed Comfort Systems (FL) Associate

Put your best foot forward and help your profile look more professional!

Add your headshot or company logo. We can now include a bio about you or your company. Contact us to learn how.

CPBD Anniversaries

Congratulations to...

  • Larry Garnett CPBD (TX) for reaching 45 years!
  • James Cox CPBD (TX) and
    Pamella Patterson Parker CPBD (TX) for reaching 40 years!
  • Lane Trawick CPBD (CO) has reached 30 years!
  • Heather Baldwin CPBD (OH) and Angel Issac Silva CPBD (TX) have reached 10 years!

Thank you for your expertise, commitment, and passion for enriching our field and setting a high standard for those who follow in your footsteps.

Elevate Your Outdoors with NewTechWood Decking

Transform your outdoor space with NewTechWood decking—innovative, durable, and eco-friendly composite decking designed to withstand the elements. With natural wood aesthetics and low maintenance, NewTechWood offers beauty and longevity for your deck.

Events & Training

AIBD Chapters, Boards, and Councils

Click the links to add to your calendar.

April 15 - National Council of Building Designer Certification (Virtual) 11:00 am ET.

April 16 - AIBD, Eastern Shore Chapter (Virtual) 3:30 p.m. ET

April 17 - AIBD, North East Ohio Chapter (Virtual) 11:30 a.m. ET

April 18 - AIBD, Denver Chapter (In Person) 11:30 am - Alpen, 335 Centennial Pkwy Ste A, Louisville, CO 80027

May 7 - Board of Directors (Virtual) 4:00 pm ET

Register Now!

The American Residential Design Awards Call for Entries is open through June 9, 2025.

SAVE THE DATES!

May 28 - Residential Design Connect Colorado (In Person) 9:00 am to 4:00 pm MT - Douglas County Library, 100 S Wilcox St, Castle Rock, CO 80104.

July 31, 2025 - Board, Council, & College Annual Meetings and the AIBD Annual Leadership Luncheon - Asheville, NC

August 1, 2025 - AIBD's Annual Membership Meeting - Asheville, NC

August 1 & 2, 2025 - Design & Build Asheville (AIBD's Diamond Jubilee)

AIBD Webinars

April 15 - High-Performance Homes Team - Designing Fre-Resistant Overhangs (Virtual) - 2:00 p.m. ET - (1.0 P4 CE)

April 17 - Thursday at 3:00 - How To Create A Winning ARDA Entry And How It Can Benefit You!

April 24 - Thursday at 3:00 - Revolutionizing Building Design with kAI-Enabled Smart Doors (1.0 P4-CE)

April 29 - Tuesday at 2:00 Watch Party - Designing Safe Rooms - 2:00 p.m. ET (1.0 P1 CE)

May 6 - Tuesday at 2:00 - Preparing Details from your Chief Architect Model - 2:00 p.m. ET (1.0 P3 CE)

May 8 - Thursday at 3:00 - Discover the Game: AEC Edition - 3:00 pm ET (1.0 P1 CE)

May 9 - Coffee With Bernie - How to Manage Multiple Projects at Once - 10 a.m. ET (1.0 P3 CE)

June 3 - Tuesday at 2:00 - Chief Architect Template Creation - 2:00 p.m. ET (1.0 P3 CE)

Training Events

Hosted By AIBD CE Providers

American Training Solutions - Look for other live in-person and virtual events.

AEC Daily - Look for other live in-person and virtual events.

CEAcademy - Look for other live in-person and virtual events.

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

SoftPlan - Virtual training dates

Traditional Building Conference - Williamsburg, VA - June 10-11 - Register

Design & Build Asheville - Asheville, NC - August 1-2, 2025 (Registration opens Soon). Celebrate AIBD's 75th Anniversary!

Recent Committee Activities

Nominations Committee Seeks Officer and Director Nominations

The Nominating Committee is opening the 2025/26 Board of Directors nominations on April 1. You are invited to step forward or nominate a fellow member who embodies the spirit of leadership and commitment to our community. Visit AIBD.org/boardform to submit your nomination. Following your submission, kindly encourage an AIBD Professional Member to "second" your nomination by forwarding this email to them.

Have a triumphant week.


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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.

Read more from American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)

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