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American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)

Modernism Week 2026 [Monday Minute]

Published about 22 hours ago • 3 min read

February 16, 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
  • Workshops & Gatherings
  • Training Events
  • Amazing sponsors who help keep this newsletter free for the industry.

Let's dive in.

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Field Notes

Design Spotlight: The Evolution of California Modernism

Modernism Week 2026 in Palm Springs shifts focus from midcentury nostalgia to reimagining iconic design principles, such as climate responsiveness and material experimentation, for modern homes. Discover how California's design legacy, from legends like Richard Neutra to pioneers like Helen Liu Fong, continues to shape global luxury.

Source: ARCHITECT

Employment Situation News Release

In our latest breakdown of the January 2026 Employment Report, we dive into:

  • The Talent War: Why finding your next hire is getting more expensive.
  • The Pivot: How a boost in nonresidential trade is affecting labor availability for residential designers.
  • Client Caution: What a slight uptick in unemployment means for your upcoming project pipeline.

Source: AIBD

The McMansion era is over: How American homes have changed in 20 years

When Zillow® launched 20 years ago, the ultimate American home was big, beige, and built to impress. In 2026, for-sale listings show that buyers want something very different: homes that feel personal, flexible, and designed for real life.

Source: Zillow

What is America's preferred style for federal buildings? And the least...

A National Civic Art Society survey conducted by The Harris Poll reveals which architectural styles Americans prefer for federal buildings and courthouses. Conversely, the survey found the least favored, often being perceived as "cold" or "sterile."

Source: The National Civic Art Society

New Pattern Book Series is Now Live!

We are excited to announce that the complete Andersen pattern book series has been fully integrated into the AIBD Document Library.

These Pattern Books are your go-to resource for mastering 14 distinct architectural styles with authentic proportions and details. Streamline planning with visual tools to guide style discussions with clients, and access pro-level insights on window scaling, trim profiles, and structural groupings.

Source: AIBD

Nuts & Bolts

Thinking of Adding Rendering to Your Services?

In the fast-paced world of residential design, high-quality visualization is no longer just a "nice-to-have"—it’s a powerful tool for closing clients and streamlining approvals. But if you’ve considered branching into freelance rendering or bringing those services in-house, where do you start?

Source: US Dept. of Energy

Please support our sponsor:

Murus high-performance building enclosures simplify designing sustainable, energy-efficient, and net-zero residential and light commercial buildings. For more information, call 570-549-2100 or visit www.murus.com.

Workshops & Gatherings

AIBD Chapters, Boards, and Councils

Click the links to view the topics and add to your calendar.

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 - Western NC Chapter (Virtual) - 10:30 am ET

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

March 4 - Tri-State OKI Chapter (Virtual) 10:00 am ET.

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

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

AIBD Webinars

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

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

NEW March 13 - Coffee with Bernie - 10:00 a.m. ET - Creative Burnout: How to stay inspired when projects feel repetitive.
(1.0 P3 -CE)

Training Events

Hosted By AIBD CE Providers

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

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

Chief Architect Virtual Training - March 11–20, 2026 - Sign Up for $995 $497.50

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 - February 24 – 27: SoftList​

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

Have a triumphant week.

Thank you to our AIBD Corporate Partners. Their generous support champions our profession, and we encourage you to support them in return. Atlas Roofing, Chief Architect, Cogram, GreenHome Institute, JDS Consulting, National Association of Home Builders, RL Mace Universal Design Institute, Shelter, and SoftPlan Systems,

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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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