AIA Dallas

AIA | TEXO Technology Roundtable: Bridging the Gap: Architects, Engineers, and Contractors in the Digital Age
2025-05-01 11:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | KSC, 1775 Hurd Drive, Irving, TX, 75038
Description:
The Tech Club Roundtable is a biannual event designed to facilitate in-depth discussions and collaborative problem-solving among professionals in the Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) industry. These exclusive roundtable sessions build upon insights gathered from our bi-weekly Tech Club Forums, ensuring that discussions are relevant, solution-driven, and directly beneficial to industry professionals.
Held twice a year, on May 1st and November 6, the roundtables will provide a structured environment for AEC leaders, technologists, and innovators to engage in meaningful conversations, share best practices, and develop actionable solutions for the challenges facing our industry.
Primary Objectives:

Identify Key Pain Points: Understand the common communication and coordination challenges architects, engineers, and contractors face on projects.
Assess Technology’s Impact: Evaluate where technology helps streamline collaboration and where it may inadvertently complicate processes.
Foster Better Collaboration: Discuss practical strategies and tools that can improve interdisciplinary collaboration while avoiding the addition of unnecessary complexity.
Create Actionable Solutions: Develop clear, actionable takeaways that attendees can apply to improve workflows and achieve more successful project outcomes.
Address Real-World Challenges – Facilitate conversations that focus on practical solutions to workflow inefficiencies and technology adoption. Encourage Cross-Sector Collaboration – Bring together professionals from diverse backgrounds to exchange knowledge and ideas. Promote Innovation – Explore emerging technologies and how they can be effectively integrated into AEC workflows.

1.5 LUs

Location: 1775 Hurd Dr, Irving, TX – KSC
Date/Time: May 1st, 2025 @ 11:30 am
Timeline:
11:30 AM – 11:50 – Food Served
11:55 AM – Noon – Welcome & Introduction
Noon – 12:20 pm – Facilitated Roundtable Discussion
12:20 pm – 12:35 pm – Key Takeaways and action items
12:35 pm – 12:45 pm – Facilitated Roundtable Discussion
12:45 pm – 12:55 pm – Key Takeaways and action items
12:55 pm – 1:15 pm – Closing remarks

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.

DallasNow Land Management System Demonstration
2025-04-29 09:00 - 10:30 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
The City of Dallas Planning & Development Department is excited to announce the upcoming launch of DallasNow, a new, modernized Land Management System, set to go live on May 5. This system will unify and streamline workflows, increase transparency, and enhance the customer experience across all of our planning and zoning, engineering, permitting, and inspection processes.
AIA Dallas will host a 90-minute demonstration of the new system at the AD EX on Tuesday, April 29 at 9am.

The City of Dallas is changing the way we do Permitting, Planning, Zoning, Inspections & Engineering!
On May 5, 2025, the City of Dallas Planning & Development department will begin using DallasNow. DallasNow is a new system that will integrate Permitting and other Planning & Development functions into one unified platform. The system will replace the current systems, including ProjectDox, and Contractors website.
DallasNow is a user-friendly system that will streamline processes and provide much more transparency for customers. The online functionality allows for property owners, contractors and developers to apply, review and track applications electronically, thus eliminating the need to visit the Planning & Development offices. Additionally, all payments can be submitted online and customers will receive real-time notifications that include permits, inspection statuses, and itemized fee descriptions.
DallasNow Benefits include:

Cloud-based portal accessible 24/7
Provides transparency with the ability to apply, review and track progress electronically
Online payments accepted
Real-time notifications provided that can include digital confirmations, copy of applications, permits, inspection status, itemized fee descriptions
All contacts in record receive notifications
Ability to access and print documents directly from portal
View this short video

IMPORTANT DATES
April 14 – April 24
Oak Cliff Municipal Center extended hours from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
April 25 at 4 p.m. – May 4
Current systems not available online or in-person to accept new applications or submit payments.
Operations limited to:

Inspections
Emergency Releases
Consultations

To learn about the roll out of DallasNow, click here!

Main Street Architecture Walking Tour
2025-04-26 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-04-12 10:00 - 11:30

3rd Annual Set the Stage Competition Team Registration Deadline Extended!
2025-04-25
In support of community involvement and encouraging education, we are asking designers of all backgrounds to submit standing backdrop designs for story time at the Oak Lawn Branch Dallas Library. Help immerse young minds in the creative, playful atmosphere that surrounds story time engagement.
Submission Theme: S.M.A.R.T. (Science, Math, Art, Reading, and Technology)
View the competition details here >>

Book Signing & Talk with Burtram C. "Bud" Hopkins, II at AD EX
2025-04-24 17:30 - 19:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Chicago is widely recognized for its architectural significance, but before the era of Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, there was John Mills Van Osdel—the city’s first professional architect. In this meticulously researched book, Hopkins, a retired architect and Van Osdel’s descendant, traces his ancestor’s extraordinary contributions to Chicago’s built environment, from drafting one of the first architect’s agreement to laying the groundwork for the city’s iconic skyscrapers.
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the author, explore the fascinating legacy of Van Osdel, and get your copy signed!
5:30 PM – 5:45 PM | Meet & Greet
5:45 PM – 6:30 PM | Author Talk by Burtram C. “Bud” Hopkins + Q&A Session
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Book Signing
Admission:
This program is free to attend. Self-parking at the AD EX is included with registration.
Support the AD EX Scholarship Program:
A portion of the proceeds from book sales, both at the event and through the AD EX bookstore, will be donated to support AD EX’s scholarship program. Hopkins is passionate about fostering the next generation of design professionals and looks forward to contributing to this important initiative.

Codes & Standards Committee: Mass Timber
2025-04-24 12:00 - 13:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
This month, we will be discussing mass timber with Andrew Stiglmeier, AIA and Derek Klepac, AIA from A. Michael Architecture. Parking validation, drinks, and snacks will be provided. Feel free to bring your lunch. If you cannot join us in person, please email Conleigh Bauer for the zoom link.
The AIA Dallas Codes & Standards Committee meets monthly at the AD EX.

Fellows Network Meeting
2025-04-23 17:30 - 19:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States

AIA | TEXO Steering Committee Meeting
2025-04-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States

Ladies on the Green
2025-04-22 17:30 - 19:00 | Golf Ranch Richardson, 3570 Waterview Pkwy, Richardson, TX, 75080, United States
Presented by Lean Architect
Tuesday, April 22, 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Golf Ranch, 3570 Waterview Pkwy, Richardson, TX 75080
$30 General Admission – Space is extremely limited, so reserve your spot today!
Traditionally thought of as a “men only” space, more women are learning to golf. Increase your value proposition by taking your first golf lesson with Women in Architecture Network. At this event you will learn golf etiquette, club names and uses, and learn to swing with a PGA pro. By increasing access to the platform that many firms use for business development and deal-making, you can increase your value in your company by being invited to golf tournaments and other events and get face to face time with not only leaders in your office, but also clients.

Public Policy Committee Meeting
2025-04-22 08:30 - 10:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States

Discover the Arts District Walking Tour
2025-04-19 10:00 - 12:00

ALDP Session: Leading Change
2025-04-18 08:30 - 16:30 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Leading Change, Part 1
It’s time to pull apart decades of leadership and management best practices and get to what actually works. A truly modern organization is one that can evolve and take people and business into the future. Initiatives often fail to realize their full potential because people struggle to commit to a new way of doing things. Change management is an art and science and requires a dual focus on people and performance.
Leading Change, Part 2
In this interactive session, we will discuss some of the major changes ahead for society as well as design firms and how to effectively understand and navigate them successfully.

The Advanced Leadership Development Program is a new 10-month opportunity for senior leaders to develop the skills to navigate their elevated leadership roles in an increasingly complex environment. Focused specifically on leading a design firm, the “mini-MBA” program is an action-based learning experience focused on the skills needed in strategy development, financial management, marketing and communications, and leadership and communication styles, as well as building high-performing teams inside and outside the firm and leading through change. The program meets once a month on Friday with each session led jointly by a business expert and educator with input from a seasoned firm leader able to speak to the practice of architecture. The goal is for participants to be able to immediately implement the knowledge gained at their firm in a Capstone project shared on the final day.

Kaleidoscope Series: Out in Architecture
2025-04-17 18:00 - 19:30
Thursday, April 17, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
FREE, Virtual Event
Nearly two years ago, a group of queer architects came together to tell their stories about what being Out in Architecture meant to them. However, since then, administrations have changed, and the queer community is under attack, from anti-trans legislation to formerly supportive corporate partners pulling away from DEI initiatives.
Join us as we discuss with several authors what being Out in Architecture means in this environment. We’ll discuss challenges we are facing within architecture, what steps we are taking to protect ourselves and families, and how we can advocate for one another in the current political climate.

Education Outreach Committee Happy Hour
2025-04-16 16:30 - 18:30 | The 2nd Tap, 920 S Harwood Street #125, Dallas, TX, 75201

AIA | TEXO Tech Club
2025-04-16 16:00 - 17:00

Fair Park Tram Tour
2025-04-16 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.

Urban Design Committee Meeting
2025-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States

BEC: Finding the Building Maker
2025-04-15 17:30 - 19:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Finding the Building Maker

The latest statistics indicate that water intrusion is the core issue for over 80% of litigation involving new construction buildings. This a mind-boggling fact when you consider that the entire purpose of constructing a building is to provide shelter by keeping the outside out and the inside in. Even more staggering is the fact that 90% of all intrusion (water, air, and thermal) comes from less than 1% of the building surface. That 1% is comprised of terminations, transitions, and penetrations where continuity is lost. When you consider the process of how buildings are constructed today, is it any wonder that a lack of continuity is the leading reason for leaky buildings? Let’s face it, our industry is broken. Design-Bid-Build (DBB), the predominant method of constructing new buildings, is inefficient and delivers a flawed product. By design, the DBB promotes compartmentalization, disjointed communication, and conflict. We all know it and complain about it every day. And what is done about it? We add more processes to the method that simply addresses the symptoms. How do we stop the insanity?
The solution is the Building Maker, but who are they, and how do we find them?

Learning Objectives:

Examine the 90%/1% principle to develop an understanding of why continuity is needed in the construction process to create continuity in the building.
Study the process of Design-Bid-Build (DBB) compared to the Power vs. Knowledge graph to uncover the root causes, making continuity in the process virtually impossible.
Delve into the concept of the Building Maker and gain insight into why the method can change our industry for the better.
Investigate the stepping stones that can move our industry from leak-ridden, legal quagmires of buildings produced with DBB to the

1.0 LU

Our Speaker:
David Leslie, RWC
President / Building Science
National United Facilities Asset Management

The Building Enclosure Council provides a forum for the AEC industry to address building enclosures—the exterior systems of buildings that play such a critical role in building performance and energy efficiency.

Historic Resources Committee Meeting
2025-04-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States

AIA Dallas Golf Tournament
2025-04-14 | Trophy Club Country Club, 500 Trophy Club Drive, Trophy Club, TX, 76262
The 29th Annual AIA Dallas Golf Tournament presented by ACME Brick is designed for fun, camaraderie, and networking. The tournament is an excellent way to increase visibility and support AIA Dallas.
APRIL 14TH, 2025
9am – Check-In (Driving Range Open & Brunch Available)
11am – Tournament Begins
4:15pm – Happy Hour
5pm – Dinner & Award Presentation
Golfers of all skill-levels are invited to enjoy a round of golf in a scramble format, engage in on-course challenges, and network with industry leaders and partners. Golfers will also have a chance to win raffle prizes. Bring cash to participate in our 50/50 raffle. Proceeds directly benefit AIA Dallas’s initiatives, including educational programs, community outreach efforts, and advocacy.
Architects and Design Professionals are invited to register individually or in teams of four (limit 2 teams per firm). Industry Partners are invited to join through sponsorship. Many sponsorship levels include player registration for two or four golfers.
TEAM REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!

Architecture Week 2025
2025-04-13 - 2025-04-19
Architecture Week celebrates the profession of architecture and invites everyone—especially K-12 students—to explore architecture and design. See how you can join the fun and find activities near you!
It’s never too early to start thinking like an architect! Architecture Week 2025 is a nationwide celebration recognizing the power of good design, with a goal of inspiring hopeful architecture and design professionals and K-12 students.
Get involved in Architecture Week 2025 by sharing our posts, contributing to a wish list, inviting students to your firm, sending a letter to your local schools or libraries, or actively engaging with students throughout the week.

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
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 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

Mass Timber Construction in North Texas: Southstone Yards Tour
2025-04-11 12:00 - 15:00 | Southstone Yards, 4401 Cirrus Way, Frisco, TX, 75034, United States
Part of the Architecture Matters Series. Presented by McLaughlin Insurance.
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!
About This Tour
Mass timber projects can contribute to a faster, safer, quieter construction process that reduces airborne particles during construction. Its biophilic properties can enhance cognition and well-being for the occupants and its reduced carbon footprint can benefit the environment. The design team will present the design concepts and sustainable benefits of the seven-story centerpiece office building project at Southstone Yards and give a tour of this 235,000 square foot mass timber project.
Design Team: Duda Paine Architects, Design Architect; Gensler, Architect of Record
Learning Objectives:

Participants will gain a general understanding of biophilic design principles and the regulatory evolution of multi-story mass timber construction.
Participants will explore the benefits of mass timber, including thermal comfort, enhanced energy efficiency by maintaining stable indoor temperatures, and reduced humidity fluctuations of timber.
Participants will discuss carbon sequestration of timber, reduced carbon footprint and renewable aspects of this construction type, green job creation (forestry, manufacturing) and how it can support climate goals.
Participants will learn about additional benefits to mass timber, including reduced construction disruption, shortened on-site construction times and minimizing noise and dust, reduced site labor risks.

3.0 LU | HSW
REGISTER>>

Dallas Architecture Forum Lecture: Wonne Ickx of PRODUCTORA
2025-04-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Angelika Film Center, 5321 E Mockingbird Ln, Ste 230, Dallas, TX, 75206
The Dallas Architecture Forum, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing public education about architecture, design, public space and the urban environment, continues its 2024-2025 Lecture Series on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 7:00 pm. The Forum is pleased to present internationally known architect Wonne Ickx of PRODUCTORA. This Lecture will be held at the Angelika Film Center at Mockingbird Station. Forum members may attend for free. Tickets for non-members will be available at the door – $5 for Students (with student id), $25 General Admission. Check-in and pre-Lecture Reception will begin at 6:15 pm in the lobby of the Angelika.
Wonne Ickx is a Founding Partner of PRODUCTORA. The studio’s work includes projects in Mexico and abroad, ranging from residential projects to public buildings. Its work has been presented in the Architectural Biennials of Beijing, Venice, and Chicago; in the National Art Museum of China; and in the Victoria and Albert Museum. PRODUCTORA has been awarded the Young Architects Forum and the Emerging Voices accolades by the Architectural League of New York. They received the Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize for emerging architects for the ‘Pavilion on the Zocalo.’ The Teopanzolco Cultural Center received the American Architecture Prize in Cultural Architecture, Oscar Niemeyer Award, the First International Prize at the Biennial of Architecture of Quito, and the Fundacio Mies Van de Rohe’s Simon Architecture Prize. The studio’s partners have been actively involved in teaching in universities both in Mexico and internationally.
Wonne Ickx is based in New York and leads the firm’s international projects. These include a net-zero building for the Houston Endowment offices, co-housing in Denver, adaptive reuse in Santiago, Chile, and residential projects in Los Angeles, St. Louis, and New York. Ickx studied Civil Engineering and Architecture at the University of Ghent and also obtained an MA in Urbanism and Development from the University of Guadalajara. He has taught both in Mexico and abroad at institutions such as the Academy of Architecture in Amsterdam, Centro de Diseño and Universidad Iberoamericano in Mexico City, UCLA, the Harvard GSD, and Columbia’s GSAPP. Ickx is an International Associate AIA and serves on the board of directors of the Architectural League.

LiA Happy Hour at Far-Out
2025-04-10 17:30 - 19:00 | Far-Out, 1906 S Haskell Ave, Dallas, TX 75223, Dallas
Not all who wander are lost… but if you find yourself at Far Out, you’re definitely in the right place! 🌵✨
Join us on April 10th for a happy hour with fellow Latinos in architecture at this one-of-a-kind spot. From Quonset hut vibes to creative cocktails, it’s the perfect blend of West Texas charm and Dallas cool. Whether you’re looking to connect, collaborate, or just kick back, it’s the place to be. See you there! 🍹

Committee on the Environment (COTE): Sustainable Building Envelopes and Bio-Based Materials
2025-04-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
Join the Committee on the Environment (COTE) at the AD EX for this micro-learning session! Parking validation is available through Republic Center Valet. If you are unable to join in person, please contact Conleigh Bauer for the zoom link.

Sustainable Building Envelopes and Bio-Based Materials: Lessons from France for Texas
This course explores innovative approaches to sustainable building envelope design, drawing from my seven years of professional experience as a licensed architect in France. With a focus on bio-based materials and energy-efficient design, participants will gain insights into how European practices can be adapted and applied to the unique challenges and opportunities of the Texas climate.
Learning Objectives

Understand the Principles of Sustainable Design in Building Envelopes: Participants will learn how to design building envelopes that improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance occupant comfort.
Explore the Potential of Bio-Based Materials in Modern Construction: Attendees will gain knowledge about the types, benefits, and challenges of using bio-based materials, such as timber, hempcrete, and straw, and their impact on sustainability.
Analyze the Relationship Between Building Envelopes and Climate Responsiveness: Participants will discover how design strategies and material selection can adapt to Texas’ climate while achieving energy efficient performance.
Evaluate the Health, Safety, and Welfare Impacts of Building Envelope Design: Attendees will learn how sustainable design and materials contribute to occupant health, environmental safety, and overall community welfare.

Apply Global Sustainable Practices Locally: Through examples from France and Europe, participants will identify transferable strategies for implementing sustainable building envelope solutions in Texas.

0.5 LU | HSW

Community Honors Committee Meeting
2025-04-10 09:00 - 10:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
