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.

The latest government data provides a critical snapshot of the housing market that every residential design professional should have on their radar.

With sales rates holding steady well above 2024 levels, the demand for design services remains strong. However, the rising average sales price ($498,000, up 3.0% from September) contrasts with the falling median price, suggesting a widening gap between entry-level and luxury markets.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau and HUD

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This annual “bookazine” showcases new houses that combine the architectural integrity of past traditions with modern convenience and innovation.

Editorial weaves together past and present with coverage of design, plans, new building, interiors, and appropriate products.

Source: Old House Journal

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The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index fell two points to 37 in January 2026, its weakest level in three months.

Builders are facing a market that is slightly cooler than analysts anticipated. This is a prime opportunity to emphasize cost-efficient design and high-performance building enclosures that provide long-term value to wary buyers.

Source: NAHB

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The ArchDaily 2026 “Building of the Year” nominations opening underscores the visibility stakes for projects; it indirectly pushes offices to maintain high-quality visualizations, drawings, and narrative packages for global audiences.

Source: ArchDaily

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As a residential building design professional, you know that the technical integrity of a home is often found in the details that most homeowners overlook.

This article, "House Talk," is a great resource to share with your clients to help them understand the sensory experience of a well-built (or poorly maintained) home.

Source: Echo Fine Properties

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In production housing, every square foot impacts both the builder’s bottom line and the buyer’s connection to the home.

KGA Studio Architects shares their "Considered Design" process. From maximizing "Core" spaces to mastering "Behind the Scenes" zones, learn 10 essential principles that transform standard layouts into market-leading homes.

Source: KGA Studio Architects

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Marcus Neundorf, Neundorf Group (TX), Professional Member

Damon Roby, True Design Studios (FL), Professional Member

Jared Christopher Barcia, CPBD, DEUX Maisons Design Group, LLC (LA), Professional Member

Lindsey Smith, CPBD, Hindsite Design LLC (LA), Professional Member

Jenny Miller, Jenny Miller Home Design (TX), Professional Member

Cristhian Diaz, Blue Contracts LLC (TX), Professional Member

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A special congratulations to...

• Bruce Ashworth Sommers CPBD - Retired, Retired Professional (TX), for celebrating 30 years!
• Eric Spurlock, Professional (NM), Jason R. Ruthig, Professional (MI), Randy Hatchard Registered Architect - Michigan, CPBD, Professional (MI), Stephen A. Smith CPBD, Professional (TX), and Mark D. Garagiola AIA, LEED AP, CPBDProfessional (MI), for celebrating 10 years.
• Dinesh D. Shah, MBA, P.E., RAS, CPBD, NCBDC, AIBD, Sr. PTCProfessional (TX), Ryan Bruneel, Professional (FL), Sarah E. Marcoulides, CPBDProfessional (CO), and Brad Kline, Professional (PA), for reaching the five-year mark! 🎉🎊

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Steven Alheim, CPBD #33-110, Nolan Engineering (NY) (1/26)

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Certification demonstrates a professional's mastery of industry-specific experience and knowledge.

February 4 - Board of Directors (Virtual) 4:00 pm ET - Members First - Connect with your board members and share your insights.

February 11 - Tristate OKI Chapter (Virtual) - 10:00 am ET

February 17 - National Council of Building Designer Certification (Virtual) 11:00 am ET.

February 17 - AIBD Pizza Party (In Person) - 5:30 pm ET - Orlando, Florida - Please RSVP

February 18 - Eastern Shore Chapter (Virtual) - 3:30 pm ET

May 1 - AIBD Connect - Colorado - Castle Rock, CO.

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February 13 - Coffee with Bernie - 10:00 a.m. ET - Cost-Effective Build and Design Ideas (1.0 P3 -CE)

February 17 - High-Performance Homes Team - Cost, trade‑offs, and “how far to go” - 2:00 p.m. ET (1.0 P4 CE)

NEW February 24 - CE Watch Party - 2:00 p.m. ET - Chief Architect Overview: Design Faster with Smart Tools | Part 1s (1.0 P3 CE)

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

AirVent Attic Ventilation: Ask the Expert™ Seminar Schedule - In-person events - Schedule & Registration​

Chief Architect 2-Day Classroom Training — Orlando - February 20 & 21, 2026

AIBD Annual Conference - July 29-August 1, 2026 - Reserve your hotel room​

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

SoftPlan - Virtual training dates​

Traditional Building Conference - March 24-25, 2026 - Salem, MA - Registration Is Open​

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Join us for the AIBD Board of Directors meeting this Wednesday, February 4, at 4:00 p.m. ET. The Board operates on a "members first" agenda, giving you the opportunity to address the directors before any other business is handled. Your voice is important, and we encourage you to attend.

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