Do you really need artificial lighting for stunning architectural photography? [Monday Minute]


April 28, 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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Do you really need artificial lighting for stunning architectural photography?

Improve your architectural photography without breaking the bank! Learn how to use Photoshop tools like layering and highlight dodge to replace artificial lighting, emphasize key details, and boost your portfolio. (00:03:08)


Industry News

JLC: 2024 Cost vs Value Report

This site compares average costs for 23 remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale in 150 U.S. markets.

Source: Journal of Light Construction

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

Prices are still at record levels amid sluggish existing-home sales

March 2025 home sales slowed to an annual pace of just 4.02 million, the slowest number for the month since the dark days of March 2009. However, the median home sale price for March was $403,700, the highest March median on record.

Source: Bankrate.com

An entire Roman city is hidden beneath London

A video walking tour (00:10:01)

AD joins architect Nick Potts in London to uncover the city’s ancient Roman origins. Before London, there was Londinium, the capital of Roman Britain, and although it was abandoned by AD 450, the influence and some remnants of the ancient city still remain. Join Pott’s as he explores how modern London rose up from Roman ruins.

Source: Architectural Digest

Announcements

Welcome New Members

And those returning

Scott Harris, Chief Architect Software (ID) -Corporate Member

Chuck Harrison, Harrison Design Studio (PA) - Professional Member

Thanks for Referring AIBD

This week's movers and shakers!

Thank you! Bronze CC Member, Joey Martin, for your efforts in recruiting Chief Architect Software as an AIBD Corporate Partner, you have earned the Bill Ding Membership Award. 🎊🥳

The Compass Club is AIBD's recruitment rewards program. Compass Club members earn status rewards, logo products, and complimentary renewals.

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.

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

May 13 - Down East Chapter (In Person) 6:30 pm ET, Native Fine Diner, 907 Dickinson Ave, Greenville, NC 27834

May 20 - National Council of Building Designer Certification (Virtual) 11:00 am ET.

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.

Register Now!

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

SAVE THE DATES!

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 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)

May 13 - Tuesday at 2:00 - Professional Liability Insurance for Building Designers - 2:00 p.m. ET (1.0 P1 CE)

May 14 & 15 - Play to Win: AEC Business Bootcamp - 1:00 to 5:00 pm ET, both days.

May 20 - High-Performance Homes Team - (Virtual) - 2:00 p.m. ET - (1.0 P4 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 live in-person and virtual events.

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

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

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

SoftPlan - Virtual training dates

TIBD Annual Convention - Download the Registration Form. ​

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

Officer and Director Nominations Close April 30th

Our Nominating Committee seeks nominations, and any Professional member may be nominated for any position. If you, or anyone you know, would like to be considered or would like to throw your hat into the ring for a board position, you may begin your campaign by filling out the short form. You may nominate yourself, but nominations require a second nomination from another Professional member.

Committee Contacts

Do you have any questions, ideas, or suggestions?

Your AIBD committee chairpeople welcome your input.

AIBD President: Ted Hake, FAIBD

NCBDC President: John Fought, FAIBD

ARDA: Brandon Clokey

Codes & Standards: Jack Butler

College of Fellows: Lyle Breeze, FAIBD

Conference: Nick Smith

Chapters: Bernie Kern, FAIBD

Education: Dennis Fletcher

Finance: Larry Walker

Membership: Joey Martin

SkillsUSA: Steve Mickley

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.

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