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.

Stop building a deck you'll never use. We spoke to 4 pros about the three essential planning steps that turn an outdoor space into a true extension of your home.

Source: The Journal of Light Construction

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If modern, sleek designs feel too cold, it's time to borrow from the '90s. We asked two top designers what they love about the trend, including the return of bold tile patterns and postmodern architectural elements. Plus, one expert shares a simple trick for a '90s vibe using peel-and-stick tiles!

Source: The Spruce

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This week's Legislative Watch covers changes to accessory dwelling units (ADUs), residential building codes, and interior designer licensing.

Source: AIBD

The Pantheon's dome is unreinforced and still standing. Scientists just uncovered the simple, self-healing technique the Ancient Romans used. (Hint: It involves hot-mixing.)

Source: Science Alert

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Have you ever considered designing a curved beam? This article will equip you with the insights to reassure your client's builder that incorporating a curved beam is far simpler than it might appear.

Source: The Journal of Light Construction

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Ky Baney, Blue House Designs, LLC (PA)

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This week's movers and shakers:

Congrats! Lori Williams (WA) for recruiting a Professional member and joining the Compass Club! 🎉🥳

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December 17 - Eastern Shore Chapter (Virtual) 3:30 pm ET - Discussion: Best practices for taking architectural photos and video

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

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

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December 12 - Coffee with Bernie - 10:00 a.m. ET - Navigating Retirement: Planning for Your Future in Residential Design (1.0 P2-CE)

December 16 - High-Performance Homes Team - Are appraisers recognizing the value of sustainable features? - 2:00 p.m. ET (1.0 P4 CE)

December 18 - 2:00 pm ET - Building Resilient Residences: The Art and Science of Rain Screens and Continuous Insulation (1.0 P4-CE)

Sponsored by:

December 30 - CE Watch Party - 2:00 p.m. ET - A Guide to Client Onboarding: Crafting Winning Proposals and Contracts (1.0 P1 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​

AIBD Connect - Florida - January 16, Sanford, Florida. Schedule & Registration.

Chief Architect Virtual Training- January 7-16, 2025

Design+Build Cleveland - July 29-August 1, 2026

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

SoftPlan - Virtual training dates​

SBCA - Components Craft - February 24-25, 2026 - Austin, TX. - Information​

Traditional Building Conference - March 24-25, 2026 - Salem, MA - Registration opens January 6​

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The Florida Building Commission has accepted the Code Administration TAC’s recommendation and approved AIBD's proposed code modification for the 2026 edition of the Florida Building Code. The next step is to publish the new (draft) edition of the Code for public comment and final adoption by May 2026 for a December 31, 2026, effective date.

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