Whether you have been part of AIBD for years, are considering membership, or simply share our commitment to better residential design, professional community matters. AIBD Professional Member, ARDA Winner, and Membership Committee Volunteer Michael Grant of Modern Rustic Homes (Ellijay, GA) recently shared this reflection with our volunteer team. We thought it captured something important about the value of connecting with people who understand the work we do: Membership is actually a VALUE...
1 day ago • 1 min read
We came across a software bundle on Humble Bundle called "Complete Design Studio" and thought it was worth flagging for members — particularly those building out a secondary workstation, training junior staff, or looking for low-cost tools for early-stage concept work. To be clear upfront: AIBD has no affiliation with Humble Bundle, the American Cancer Society, or the software publisher (Richdale Ventures, formerly Ashampoo). We're simply sharing information we think could be useful. WHAT'S...
2 days ago • 2 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. Today, August 19th, is World Photography Day. Indian photography teacher O.P. Sharma first proposed the day in 1988. It commemorates August 19, 1839, when the French government announced the daguerreotype process as a gift to the world. It also celebrates...
3 days ago • 5 min read
Time is tight—our exclusive High-Performance Homes Team roundtable on Passive Survivability begins in just one hour. This isn't your standard webinar. Coined by Alex Wilson after Hurricane Katrina, "passive survivability" asks the fundamental question: When the grid goes down, how long can this home keep its occupants alive and comfortable? Join us for a fast-paced, working roundtable where we move beyond utility bill savings to tackle life safety during extreme events. We’ll be diving deep...
4 days ago • 1 min read
You may have never sat in a Florida Building Commission hearing or testified before the International Code Council. Most designers haven’t. But that work is happening on your behalf right now — whether or not you’re a dues-paying member. We got code language changed — twice, after being told no. AIBD proposed modifications to the Florida Building Code clarifying definitions designers rely on. The Florida Building Commission rejected most of it on the first pass. We revised the proposal, went...
8 days ago • 1 min read
AIBD was built by designers who chose to work together to strengthen the residential design profession. As we enter a new chapter, we are looking for volunteers to help shape what comes next. Beginning September 2, AIBD will welcome a new Board of Directors. In November, a new Council will also begin its term. These transitions create an important opportunity for members and industry supporters to step forward, share their expertise, and contribute to the work of the Institute. Whether your...
9 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. On August 12, 1898, the Hawaiian flag was lowered at ʻIolani Palace and replaced with the U.S. flag, formalizing U.S. sovereignty over Hawaii. Before Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state in 1959, it was an internationally recognized constitutional monarchy—the...
10 days ago • 5 min read
Expand your knowledge, earn continuing education credit, and connect with fellow residential design professionals through four upcoming live AIBD webinars. AIBD Members receive complimentary access to these live webinars. To get your member discount code, log in at AIBD.org/webinars. All attendees can view details and register at AIBD.org/webinars. UPCOMING LIVE WEBINARS Coffee With Bernie: Collaborating with Interior Designers Friday, August 14, 202610:00 a.m. EDT | 1 hour | 1.0 P3 CE Join...
11 days ago • 1 min read
August 10, 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...
12 days ago • 5 min read