Global Choice voting for the American Residential Design Awards is still open—and this year, it’s closer than ever. In past years, Global Choice has tended to feel like a popularity contest. This time, the top entries are separated by the slimmest margin we’ve ever seen. If our design community turns out to vote, the result can truly reflect a Designer’s Choice. Here’s why your vote matters right now: The race is extremely tight, so every single vote can make a real difference. Only a limited...
1 day ago • 1 min read
05_Full width Elevate Your Expectations of a Fiberglass Entry Door Inspired by the timeless beauty of White Oak hardwood, Ascent™ fiberglass doors combine authentic woodgrain texture, rich color depth, and exceptional durability for a refined, high-end appearance. Ascent delivers the craftsmanship and design flexibility building pros and their customers demand. Custom sized for remodels or new builds and engineered for lasting performance, Ascent features solid wood stiles, glued and...
2 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. Some designers have an unfair advantage. There's a very old joke in the industry. "The quickest way to make a small fortune in architecture is to start with a large fortune!" From my perspective, the joke fits Philip Johnson's life perfectly—though with a...
3 days ago • 6 min read
We're excited that Members Helping Members is back TODAY, and Joey Martin is joining us again to walk through the design‑build remodeling process. If you’ve ever wondered how successful renovation projects move from first contact to final inspection, this session will be a good one to catch. Joey will break down each phase—from initial consultation and design development to budgeting, selections, construction, and project completion—so you can see how the design‑build approach actually works...
4 days ago • 1 min read
On behalf of the American Institute of Building Design, the A‑Team wishes you a safe, joyful, and inspiring Independence Day weekend as you celebrate with family and friends. To observe the holiday, our team is out of the office today, Friday, July 3, and we will not be holding AIBD Office Hours. While you’re enjoying the holiday, we invite you to take a few minutes to participate in ARDA Global Choice voting. Cast your vote for your favorite residential design and help recognize excellence...
8 days ago • 1 min read
If you’re on the fence about attending AIBD Design + Build Cleveland because you’re worried your family will be bored while you’re in sessions, we’ve got good news. Lauren Givens of the AIBD, Tri‑State O.K.I. Chapter has put together a mapped‑out local guide that shows you exactly how much there is to do in and around Cleveland—for spouses, kids, and architecture fans. From museums and parks to food, coffee, and evening options, it’s all laid out in one place so you don’t have to scramble to...
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. You’ve probably had a client like this. They arrive with a print‑out from a website or a brochure from a builder—the “perfect” three‑bedroom plan. You can see it in their eyes: they’re half in love with it already. But as you talk, little cracks start to...
10 days ago • 5 min read
As building design and residential work keep evolving, one thing that doesn’t change is how much ongoing learning matters. New materials, changing codes, shifting client expectations, and emerging technologies all show up faster than ever—and it’s easy to feel like you’re supposed to just “keep up” on your own. That’s exactly why AIBD puts so much energy into continuing education. We want you to have a place to go for focused, practical learning that’s built around what residential design...
11 days ago • 1 min read
June 29, 2026, Edition #CreatingWherePeopleLive Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July! 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....
12 days ago • 5 min read
