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American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)

Design the Future: Join Us in Cleveland for the 2026 Annual Conference

Published about 13 hours ago • 2 min read

We are currently in the Design Development phase for the 2026 AIBD Annual Conference.

The site work is complete, though.

We’ll be convening at The Metropolitan at the 9 in Cleveland, OH, from July 29 to August 1, 2026.

This year’s schedule is being built to balance the "business of design" with the inspiration that fuels your next project, your team, and your career.

The current specifications:

  • Governance & Growth: We kick things off on Wednesday with the essential annual meetings of the Board, the College of Fellows, the Certification Body (NCBDC), and on Thursday morning, our General Membership meeting. Your voice helps steer the ship.
  • D+B Education: Thursday and Friday, we transition into the Design+Build Conference—our premier educational series designed to sharpen your technical skills and business acumen.
    • Sit in on "The Future of AIBD – The Rising Stars," a dynamic panel where the industry’s brightest young professionals reveal the shifts, obstacles, and opportunities shaping the future of our profession.
    • From Harry Boody’s 40 years of expertise in Energy Innovations and indoor air quality to Sarah Dresher’s deep dive into Integrated Technology and smart home ecosystems, you’ll gain the technical "know-how" to design homes that are as intelligent as they are beautiful.
    • Participate in our high-energy "6 in 60" Membership Roundtable. This isn't just a lecture—it’s your chance to directly influence the AIBD Board of Directors' strategic priorities for the coming year.
    • Much more is in development.
  • Saturday Fun-Day: Start the day with an Architectural Tour of one of Cleveland’s hidden gems, Frank Lloyd Wright's Louis Penfield House (1955). Then cap off the week at the prestigious American Residential Design Awards (ARDA) Gala Dinner.

The Evening Social Circuit

  • Wednesday: Compass Club Party at Progressive Field, home of the Guardians.
  • Thursday: Expo Happy Hour (Trade Show Reception) in the beautiful 85-foot-high domed rotunda, formerly the Cleveland Trust Company Building,
  • Friday: "Dine Around" Cleveland—hook up with old friends, invite some new ones, and explore the local eateries.

The next phase?

Registration isn't open just yet—we’re still polishing the numbers to ensure you get the best value possible.

In the meantime:

  1. Mark Your Calendar: July 29 – August 1, 2026. (Add to your calendar)
  2. Bookmark the Website: AIBD.org/AnnualConference​
  3. Secure Your Stay: Our room block at The Metropolitan at the 9 is live.
  4. Submit Your Work: The American Residential Design Awards call for entries is open through June 8.

We’ll send a "Permit Ready" notification the moment tickets go on sale.

Cheers,

The AIBD Conference Committee
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Important Reminders

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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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