Today, October 27, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, we're hosting a prerecorded webinar that features three main speakers who discuss different facets of ADU development. Today · CE Watch Party An ADU for U: Accessory Dwelling Unit Design Competition October 27 · 2:00 p.m. Eastern1.0 P3 CE Register at AIBD.org/webinars → Todd Stubendick (AARP Nebraska): Discusses national and local demographics, highlighting the growing population of older adults and the lack of accessible, affordable housing options....
about 9 hours ago • 2 min read
We are excited to invite you to join us for an upcoming networking event at the Chicago Build Expo! Please note that there has been a slight change to our event schedule. We will now be gathering at the Networking Hub on October 29 from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow design professionals, share industry insights, and expand your regional network. Registration is Free Chicago Build offers a totally unique experience over the 2 days: 30,000+...
4 days ago • 1 min read
This Week in the AIBD Community Have a question another designer could help answer? Or an experience that might save someone else a headache? Take a few minutes to explore these five conversations and add your perspective. What’s making your work easier lately? Sometimes the most useful discovery starts with a recommendation from another designer. What’s one tool you’d recommend to a colleague, and what makes it worth using? Join the tools conversation. That promising project inquiry might...
5 days ago • 1 min read
Jack Butler, Chair of AIBD’s Codes & Legislative Affairs Committee, has been appointed to represent the Institute for a term beginning January 1, 2027, and ending December 31, 2029. His appointment builds on AIBD’s ongoing code development work and gives building designers a voice through the Institute’s voting seat on the committee. It’s an important development—and a good opportunity to talk about why AIBD exists. We’re here to represent you Whether or not you’re a dues-paying member, AIBD...
6 days ago • 1 min read
Hello Reader, Congrats on surviving Monday and crushing Tuesday. Now, Wednesday beckons you to take a break and step into a pattern of discovery. Welcome to the Midweek Meander. Did someone forward this to you? Please consider subscribing. It was Saturday evening. I had a drink in one hand, a plain white apron in the other, and absolutely no idea what I was about to walk into. As I wandered from artist to artist, each one sketched a little piece of Florida directly onto the cotton. By the end...
6 days ago • 5 min read
Have you had a client ask about a natural swimming pool—or wondered whether one could work in your designs? Today, October 20, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, the High-Performance Homes Team is getting together to talk about natural swimming ponds and pools, and we’d like you to join us. Today · High-Performance Homes Team Natural Swimming Pools October 20 · 2:00 p.m. Eastern1.0 P4 CE Register at AIBD.org/webinars → These systems use biological filtration rather than conventional chlorine disinfection....
8 days ago • 2 min read
October 19, 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...
9 days ago • 4 min read
Thank you to everyone who participated in AIBD’s 2026 Architectural Software Survey. This year, 165 designers told us which software they use primarily in their day-to-day work, along with the supporting tools that round out their workflow. While participation was lower than in our 2023 survey, the results still offer a useful snapshot of the software used across our community. The 2026 Results Chief Architect was the most frequently selected primary platform, followed by SoftPlan, Revit, and...
12 days ago • 1 min read
Need CAD, 3D or Rendering Support? Building designers often need additional production support—whether it’s CAD drafting, 3D modeling, rendering, or documentation—but finding someone with the right technical skills, software experience, and availability can take time. That’s why I created interiAssist, a specialized platform connecting building and design professionals with Design Support Professionals offering CAD drafting, 3D modeling, rendering, documentation, and related production...
13 days ago • 2 min read