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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Custom Home Building – A Bright Spot for Construction [Monday MINUTE]
Published about 6 hours ago • 5 min read
June 1, 2026, Edition
#CreatingWherePeopleLive
This 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:
Field Notes
Nuts & Bolts
Highlights
Workshops & Gatherings
What We're Up To
Amazing sponsors who help keep this newsletter free for the industry.
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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Field Notes
Custom Home Building – A Bright Spot for Construction
According to NAHB’s analysis of Census data from the Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design survey, total custom building starts during the first quarter of 2026 are up 3% relative to the first quarter of 2025.
Custom building now commands a 20% market share of total single-family starts, proving that the high-end, client-driven market is resilient even when the broader housing sector cools.
The American Institute of Building Design's central gathering for building designers, industry professionals, and partners, offering a platform for advocacy, certification, education, networking, and recognition within the field.
The future of residential design isn't just coming—it’s competing right now. This week, the AIBD is on the ground at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, hosting the national architectural drafting competition.
Help ensure the next generation of professionals understands the precision, passion, and skill required for success in residential design. Keeping our industry's talent pipeline flowing takes more than just volunteer time.
The Institute invests approximately $6,000 to host and manage this vital event and to provide small scholarships to the winners.
If we want top-tier talent entering the workforce, we have to invest in them. Every dollar you donate funds the infrastructure, coordination, and materials needed to make this competition a success.
All residential industry professionals are eligible to enter individual or collaborative projects. Entries previously submitted to ARDA are still eligible, provided they haven’t yet won recognition in the same category. Entries may be entered in multiple categories (e.g., Custom Homes and Green Design), and all completed projects are eligible regardless of completion date.
Unveiling the Secrets of Classical Architectural Elements
It isn't just about sticking a column on a porch. True classical harmony relies on tectonics and strict proportional relationships (such as the Golden Ratio)—ensuring that every element, from the architrave to the cornice, actually expresses how a structure holds itself up.
If you want to sharpen your eye for balance, symmetry, and the distinct personalities of the five columnar orders, you’ll want to check this out.
Our smooth, quiet, and dependable door and window automation systems are preferred by leading architects, designers, builders, and installers globally.
Traditional Building Conference - June 16-17, 2026 - Cape May, NJ - Register now
What We're Up to
The Backbone of Excellence: Join the Certification Council
July 29, 2026 Annual Meeting
Operating an industry-wide certification program is a massive undertaking. To align with international standards, it requires more than just an exam—it demands significant financial investment and specialized man-hours to manage, audit, and promote the integrity of our credentials.
The American Institute of Building Design relies on volunteers to power the committees that keep our certification engine running. We are now seeking leaders to step into the role of Council Members.
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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