The AIA Ohio Conference is happening Nov. 12-13, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown.  We are continuing some of AIA Ohio’s most treasured traditions, while adding some new components to the mix to make this an event that has something for everyone. Registration is open – Register Today!

Design Keynotes

Hear from the nationally recognized firm Brooks Scarpa & Huber.  A distinguished architect and landscape architect, Jeffrey Huber, FAIA, specializes in public realm projects that seamlessly integrate ecological, landscape, urban, and architectural design. His research, teaching, and professional work have earned over 85 national design awards.

T.E.A.M – T+E+A+M is an architecture practice in Ann Arbor, MI, led by Thom Moran + Ellie Abrons + Adam Fure + Mededith Miller. Known for their thoughtful, interdisciplinary approach to architecture, landscape, and urbanism, T+E+A+M will share insights on design that connects people, place, and purpose

Thoughtfully Curated Sessions

The Conference Planning Committee has focused on quality over quantity for the AIA Ohio Conference sessions this year. There are four sessions taking place over the two days (in addition to the Design Keynotes).

November 12th

Session I: Designing Pathways: Community Benefits Agreements in Architectural Mentorship

How can the profession create greater awareness of architecture and provide meaningful mentorship and early exposure for those who may be interested in the field? Join AIA Ohio members with experience in mentorship and community engagement as we explore how Community Benefit Agreements can be used in collaboration with local governments, project owners, and communities to create opportunities for mentoring, career exposure, internships, and other pipeline initiatives. Learn how these agreements can connect architectural projects with broader community goals while introducing more students and emerging professionals to careers in architecture.

Session II: Advocacy in the Built Environment and Civic Leadership

How can architects and community leaders advocate for stronger communities and a better built environment? Join elected officials, candidates, architects, and civic leaders as AIA Ohio explores the many ways individuals can advance the goals of the profession through public service and community involvement. From serving as a citizen architect or elected official to participating on boards, commissions, and local initiatives, panelists will discuss why they choose to lead, how the built environment influences the decisions they make, and how architects and community members can use their experience, perspective, and voices to shape the future of their communities.

November 13th

Session III: Municipal Sustainability in Action: How Ohio Architects Can Drive Local Climate Policy

How can architects help communities turn ambitious sustainability goals into meaningful change in the built environment? Join municipal leaders, design professionals, and AIA Committee on the Environment advocates as AIA Ohio explores how local climate policies are shaping building standards, project opportunities, and design decisions across the state. Panelists will discuss how architects can respond to evolving municipal priorities, align sustainable strategies with client and community goals, and serve as trusted partners in advancing resilience, reducing carbon impacts, and strengthening communities through thoughtful design and civic engagement.

Session IV: Pathways to Practice: Exploring the Future of Architectural Licensure

How might new pathways to licensure expand opportunity while maintaining rigorous professional standards? Join representatives from NCARB, Ohio’s licensing board, education, and architectural practice for a panel discussion on competency-based licensure. Explore how candidates could demonstrate readiness for practice through different combinations of education and experience, what these changes could mean for aspiring architects and firms, and the questions our profession must address as this work moves forward. 

TableTalks

TableTalks is an informal lunchtime gathering during the AIA Ohio Conference.  The event is intended to provide a space for AIA Committees, Knowledge Communities, and partner organizations to convene with architects and associates across the state.  AIA Ohio is providing the venue, tables, chairs, and lunch; the table participants bring the Knowledge!  Whether its recruiting volunteers, sharing resources, highlighting recent accomplishments or simply having meaningful conversations, TableTalks offers a relaxed setting to connect with colleagues and learn about opportunities happening throughout our industry. Participants to date include:

AIA Ohio Honor Award Recipients

AIA Ohio Valley College of Fellows

Cincinnati & Columbus COTE

AIA Ohio Advocacy Table

AIA Ohio Early Professional Friendly Firms Program

Ohio Small Firm Exchange (SFx)

NOMAColumbus

AIA Ohio State Disaster Assistance

NCARB/Ohio Architects Board

 

LUs & Brews

A fan-favorite is back again!  More engaging than a typical educational session…more structured than a sponsored happy hour. It’s LUs & Brews! Attendees visit with a limited number of vendors in an informal setting, learning about new products and services while enjoying camaraderie and refreshments.

AIA Ohio Awards Celebration

The most widely attended event of the year, by far, is the AIA Ohio Awards Celebration.  Taking place as part of the Conference on Nov. 12, the Awards Celebration will include dinner and recognition of four honor award recipients and 13 projects with design awards. 

AIA Ohio Annual Business Meeting

We’re turning back the clock to the days before everything went virtual, and hosting the AIA Ohio Business Meeting in person at the conference on Friday, Nov. 13. Over breakfast, members will receive an update on the state of the association and will vote on the Slate of Electors for 2027, proposed bylaws amendments, and the 2027-28 budget. Attend to make your voice heard!

Tours/Tours/Tours

They’re back!  This year’s Conference includes five options for off-site tours on Friday, Nov. 12.

Tour 1: Walking Sketch Tour

On this tour, participants will explore the downtown area and work alongside seasoned Ohio sketch artists, developing sketches of area buildings and sites.  Taking advantage of the urban setting, participants will receive tips and feedback on sketching techniques and how quick and simple sketches can be used to convey ideas and concepts as part of the design process.  Revisiting this long-valued design tool, participants will gain a new respect for this traditional skillset.

Tour 2: Tower at North Market

Visit The Merchant Building, a new mixed-use high-rise that expands and reimagines Columbus’s historic North Market district. Rising adjacent to the existing market, the project integrates residential, hospitality, retail, and expanded market uses within a dense urban site. The tour will explore the architectural and construction challenges of building a 32-story tower next to an active historic marketplace while creating a strong connection between new development, public space, and the existing North Market.

Tour 3: AEP Riverside Plaza Renovation

The AEP 1 Riverside Plaza Renovation effort celebrates 40 years of innovation and history in downtown Columbus and re-imagines the employee experience as we look towards the next 40 years. Catalyzed by the organization’s return to office, key stakeholders at AEP partnered with BHDP, Korda, and Ruscilli to modernize the infrastructure of the building and to update the existing office design. The new floorplates will situate offices on the interior of the plan, filling the workspace with natural light, collaboration zones, and residential inspired lounge spaces. On the ground level, Employees and guests will be welcomed by a bright lobby and invited to explore the newly activated space.  A new café, world class conferencing center, and countless meeting spaces are among the amenities that will energize team members and get them excited to come into work!

Tour 4: Kroger Bakery Redevelopment

Explore the transformation of the former Kroger Bakery and Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant into a new mixed-use neighborhood. The project combines historic preservation and adaptive reuse with new residential construction, wellness uses, structured parking, and public open space. The tour will focus on the challenges of rehabilitating large industrial buildings, addressing existing conditions and environmental issues, integrating modern building systems, and preserving the character of historically significant structures.

Tour 5: Continental Tower

The Continental Tower redevelopment transformed an approximately 550,000 SF historic office tower in downtown Columbus into a 409-unit mixed-use residential community. As construction manager, HGC Construction brought its solutions-oriented approach and experience in historic preservation and adaptive reuse to help navigate preservation requirements, modern building systems, structural improvements, and complex high-rise construction logistics. The tour will explore how the project team approached the technical and collaborative challenges of adapting an existing historic structure for a new use while contributing to the continued revitalization of the surrounding downtown.

NOTE: There will be about a 15-minute walk to get to the tour

Tour 6: Riverside Methodist Hospital

Tour the newest chapter in the ongoing evolution of Riverside Methodist Hospital, a major regional medical campus with more than 1,000 beds. The Teal Tower project provides an opportunity to examine the complex intersection of healthcare design, clinical functionality, construction logistics, and phased implementation within an active hospital environment. Attendees will explore how the project addresses demanding technical requirements while maintaining uninterrupted operations and supporting the future of one of Columbus’s largest and most sophisticated healthcare campuses.

There’s something for everyone at the AIA Ohio Conference.  Registration is open – Register Today!  Coming from out of town?  We have a block of rooms at the Hilton Columbus Downtown for the night of Nov. 12.  Make your reservation by Oct. 21, to secure the group rate of $219 plus tax.