AIA25 Pro Series: Award-winning architects, real-world impact
A second stage you can’t miss
Hear from some of architecture’s most respected voices—on a stage built for deep, candid conversations that reconnect you with why you became an architect.
A second stage to the mainstage keynotes, the Pro Series brings award-winning architects from today’s most forward-thinking firms to share how great design shows up everywhere—urban and rural, large firms and small practices, from housing equity to rural resilience.
We’re even closing the expo for these sessions, so you don’t miss a moment—and with a larger room and expanded seating, there’s more space than ever to join in. Register today, add all three sessions to your agenda, and remember to arrive early to claim your seat!
Architect-to-architect talks from the best in design
Each Pro Series speaker is an award-winning principal—and AIA Fellow—sharing real-world case studies and proven strategies. These aren’t superficial conversations—they’re deep dives into the challenges and innovations facing everyday architects: Designing without compromise amid limited resources, scaling with resilience, leading with equity, and building community in uncertain times.
Presented in a candid, talk-show format hosted by Joshua Rene of The Spill Team, each 75-minute session includes:
- A 25–30-minute case study presentation
- A live, unscripted discussion with the facilitator
- An open audience Q&A woven into the conversation
Why you need to attend all three
Each session builds on the next, creating a connected experience on topics you can’t find anywhere else at conference. Whether you’re in a team of 2 or 200, you’ll walk away with:
- Actionable tools for more impactful design
- Ideas to replicate in your own community
- Case studies that show what works—and how
- A renewed sense of inspiration
- 3.75 HSW, RIBA, and AIA LU credits
Why the Pro Series matters
75% of firms have 10 people or fewer—yet small practices, rural voices, and underrepresented communities are too often left out of the spotlight. At the same time, large firms (50+ employees) make up only a small share of firms but employ two-thirds of the profession.
The Pro Series is designed for both.
It’s a space for honest, relevant conversations—led by architects, for architects. With a focus on designing with people, not for people, it brings human-centered design into real-world practice. These sessions are meant to inspire your work, no matter the size of your firm or the community you serve.
Ready to reconnect with your purpose? Register now and attend all three for the full impact!
Your award-winning speakers
Anne Torney, FAIA
Partner at Mithun
2023 AIA Architecture Firm Award winner
Tackling the Housing Crisis through Innovative and Inclusive Design
PRO100 | June 5, 4–5:15pm | Ballroom West
Mithun has long led the way in community-centered design. Anne Torney, FAIA, will share case studies from their affordable housing work—showing how thoughtful design drives equity, resilience, and long-term impact.
More AIA25 sessions with Mithun:
Bryan C. Lee Jr., FAIA
NOMA President & Founder of Colloqate Design
2025 AIA Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award winner
Equity in Design: Challenges, Successes, and the Future
PRO200 | June 6, 4–5:15pm | Ballroom West
Colloqate Design is reshaping how architects approach design justice. Bryan C. Lee Jr., FAIA, will challenge you to embed equity in everyday practice—with real tools to make your work more inclusive, just, and impactful.
More AIA25 sessions with Colloqate Design:
Roy Decker, FAIA
Principal at Duvall Decker
2024 AIA Housing Award & 2023 AIA Design for Aging Review Award winner
Designing Resilience in Rural Communities
PRO300 | June 7, 10:30–11:45am | Ballroom West
Duvall Decker is redefining how design can uplift rural communities. Roy Decker, FAIA, will share how architecture can strengthen identity, resilience, and economic vitality through sustainable design.
Bonus: Stick around after the session for a book signing of Foundations with co-author Roy Decker, FAIA.
Don’t miss the Pro Series
Get ready for real-world insight, candid conversation, and award-winning inspiration you can take straight back to your work. Register now to attend all three sessions and make the most of AIA25!