AIA Dallas

Discover the Arts District Walking Tour
2025-04-05 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-03 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-17 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-05 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | TX

Build Your City!
2025-04-05 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-05-03 12:00 - 14:00 | TX

Designing My Future: AD EX K-12 Camp for Ages 10 - 13
2025-04-12 09:00 - 15:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Join the Architecture and Design Exchange and AIA Dallas Education Outreach Committee for this spring day camp developed by practicing architects, in partnership with K-12 and nonprofit educators. Students not only learn about career paths in architecture, design, and engineering, but also explore how to use design to become better stewards of their neighborhoods and champions for a more functional, beautiful, and equitable city. Join us for hands-on activities, architectural firm tours, inspirational guest speakers, prize giveaways, and much more!
Cost:
$60 per student – Materials, breakfast, lunch, and snacks included
Have a financial need? Scholarships available upon request. Please email info@dallasadex.org for more information.

Designing My Future: AD EX Spring Camp for Ages 14 - 18
2025-04-12 09:00 - 15:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States

Main Street Architecture Walking Tour
2025-04-12 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-04-26 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-05-10 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-05-24 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-06-14 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-06-28 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-12 10:00 - 11:30 | TX

Fair Park Tram Tour
2025-04-16 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-05-14 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-06-18 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-07-16 12:00 - 14:00 | Fair Park, 3600 Parry Avenue, Dallas, TX, 75210
Fair Park, a celebration of art, architecture, and industry, is a cultural and historic gem in the heart of Dallas. Join us for a motorized tour of the park while we fill you in on its amazing past and talk about its exciting future.
Architecturally, Fair Park is one of the world’s largest collections of Art Deco buildings with a unique design approach that Chief Architect George Dahl described as “Texanic.” Integral to the buildings and the grounds are numerous works by renowned artists that celebrate the history and achievements of Texas during the first 100 years of independence. First established for the Dallas State Fair in 1886, Fair Park was transformed in 1936 for the Texas Centennial Exposition. It is one of Dallas’ greatest cultural assets, hosting events year-round and exhibitions and serving as home to numerous cultural institutions. In 1986, it was recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
In partnership with Fair Park First, the Dallas Architecture and Design Exchange presents hour-long lunchtime tram tours on the third Wednesday of the month at several times throughout the year. Tickets are $10 for general admission, and $5 for students and seniors.
The tour begins at noon at the Parry Street entrance gate adjacent to the DART stop. Seats are limited – reserve your seat in advance.
NOTE: The duration of the tour ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours. There is some walking (1/4 of a mile or less) to allow participants to get up close to some of the artwork. Please note any mobility challenges at the time of registration so that the tour route can be adjusted to accommodate all guests.

Sketch to Success: Watercolor Session 1
2025-04-29 17:30 - 19:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Join the AD EX for one or all sessions in this four-part instructional series and learn to sketch and watercolor, architect-style!
Join us for session 1 of our watercolor workshop series! The workshops build on each other, but you do not need to have attended the previous session(s) to participate.
About the 4-Part Instructional Sketching and Watercolor Series
Discover the art of architectural illustration with Michael Lungren at the AD EX! This hands-on series is tailored for individuals of all skill levels and backgrounds. You’ll learn freehand drawing and watercolor techniques in a supportive and encouraging environment. The series starts with two sessions focusing on pen and ink napkin sketches, followed by two workshops exploring watercolor on pen and ink.
Supplies are provided and no prior training is necessary.
About the Instructor
Michael Lungren is partner at Nunzio Marc DeSantis Architects. He has the gift to visualize his clients’ architectural intent and transform it into a mood-provoking artistic representation.
Upcoming session
May 27 (Watercolor)
5:30 – 7:00 PM at the AD EX
Join us for one session or all four! While the workshops build upon each other, previous attendance is not required. Unleash your creativity and refine your sketching skills with us!
Pricing
$20 per session // $35 for 2 sessions
Admission includes workshop materials and self-parking at the AD EX.

Scholarship & Donor Breakfast
2025-05-09 08:00 - 10:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States

Preserving Tomorrow Gallery Lecture & Reception
2025-05-13 17:30 - 19:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Preserving Tomorrow: Rediscovering Dallas’ Mediterranean Gardens Neighborhood
Presented by The Architecture and Design Foundation
Exhibit Reception, Tuesday, May 13 at 5:30 PM
On Display at the AD EX May 6 – July 6

Preserving Tomorrow invites you to explore the story of Mediterranean Gardens, a pioneering mid-century neighborhood in East Dallas. Through original models, plans, photos, and archival materials, the exhibition highlights the vision and innovation that shaped this unique community.
Learn about the influential work of J.P. Travis II and the bioclimatic research of Olgyay + Olgyay, whose ideas helped define the post-war architectural landscape.
Join us for a special Gallery Lecture & Reception on Monday, May 13, for a deeper look into the people, history, and design of Mediterranean Gardens. Victor Olgyay, FAIA of the Rocky Mountain Institute will discuss the Olgyay brothers’ contributions to the neighborhood and their pioneering work in sustainable design. Michael Thomas, president of the Highland Meadows Neighborhood Association, will share his passion for the area and the meaningful stories behind this hidden gem of Dallas.
Discover how thoughtful architecture can shape vibrant, lasting communities.
Schedule
5:30 PM – 5:45 PM | Meet & Greet
5:45 PM – 6:00 PM | Introduction to Mediterranean Gardens with Michael Thomas
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM | The Olgyay Brothers’ Contributions to Mediterranean Gardens with Victor Olgyay, FAIA
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Exhibition Walk-through
Admission
This program is free to attend. Self-parking at the AD EX is included with registration.

Sketch to Success: Watercolor Session 2
2025-05-27 17:30 - 19:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States

Appetite for Architecture
2025-06-26 17:00 - 19:00 | TX
The culinary and architectural worlds converge at Cenzo’s Pizza and Deli in this thoughtfully restored neighborhood gem, where historic preservation and design come together to create a vibrant dining experience.
Appetite for Architecture 2025 continues. Cenzo’s Pizza and Deli is a 1933 former gas station transformed by DSGN Associates into a lively pizzeria and community hub in Oak Cliff’s Winnetka Heights. Celebrate this award-winning example of adaptive reuse with a special evening featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration, followed by happy hour with hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
Capacity is extremely limited, so secure your spot today!
Tickets:
$35 General Admission
Proceeds benefit the Architecture and Design Foundation that works to foster access to architecture and design for all.

Designing My Future K-12 Summer Camp, Ages 10 - 13
2025-07-10 09:00 - 2025-07-11 15:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
The AIA Dallas Education Outreach Committee is proud to partner with the AD EX to offer Designing My Future K-12 Camps, a hands-on program that introduces students ages 6–18 to the world of architecture and design. Launched in 2020 by practicing architects in collaboration with K-12 and nonprofit educators, these camps foster creative thinking, enhance problem-solving skills, and explore fundamental design principles while providing insight into careers in architecture, engineering, and construction.
Each camp is a unique experience where students engage with architectural concepts, connect with architecture students and professionals, and gain inspiration to envision a future in the field. Campers learn the basics of design thinking and apply their creativity to real-world projects. They tour downtown landmarks, visit local architecture firms, and discover the people and ideas behind the built environment. Through activities like scavenger hunts, design challenges, 3D modeling, and skyscraper-building projects, students develop skills that extend far beyond the camp itself.
Beyond technical learning, Designing My Future Camps help students build confidence in self-expression through writing, drawing, public speaking, and play. By tackling creative challenges and collaborating with peers, participants develop essential skills that will serve them in any future career. Whether experimenting with design principles or working on hands-on construction projects, students leave camp with a deeper understanding of architecture and its impact on the world around them.
Volunteers are needed to assist with our camp activities, answer camper questions, and share their experiences in becoming an architect. Sign up today!

Designing My Future K-12 Summer Camp, Ages 14 - 18
2025-07-10 09:00 - 2025-07-12 15:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States

51st Annual KRob Competition Exhibition Reception
2025-07-14 17:30 - 19:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Exhibition Reception for the 51st Annual KRob Competition, presented by HKS
Part of the Architecture Matters series, presented by McLaughlin Insurance
Monday, July 14, 5:30 – 7:00 PM
AD EX, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150
FREE, In Person Event
The Ken Roberts Memorial Delineation Competition (KRob) has celebrated the best in architectural delineation for 51 years. A Dallas classic that has received international recognition, KRob honors hand and digital delineation by professionals and students throughout the world. Averaging over 300 entries from 25 countries in the past several years, the competition’s visibility continues to grow.
Celebrate the finalists and winners of the 51st Annual KRob Competition with us at the Exhibition Reception on July 14 at the AD EX!
