Urban Design Committee Meeting
2025-02-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States

Fair Park Tram Tour (Canceled)
2025-02-19 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.

New Year, New You
2025-02-19 17:00 - 18:30 | TX
Join the Women in Architecture Network for our first meeting of the year. We will meet in WRA’s new office at Legacy West where you can meet new friends and catch up with old ones. A photographer will also be on site to snap a new professional headshot so you can start the year looking your best.

TxA Design Conference, Mexico City
2025-02-20 - 2025-02-23 | TX
T E X T U R A
In the vibrant expanse of Mexico City, architecture tells stories woven into its rich textures — urban, social, and material. This year, the TxA Design Conference invites you to explore these layers through Textura, focusing on architectural practices that both shape and respond to the city’s dynamic fabric.
Participants will delve into the work of leading firms such as JSA, MMX, and Productora, whose projects reflect a nuanced dialogue between tradition and modernity. Studio visits to various architectural offices will offer intimate insights into the creative processes driving the city’s architectural scene.
Mexico City, with its profound history and rapid urbanization, serves as the perfect backdrop for investigating how textures — both literal and conceptual — inform design. From the tactile quality of materials to the interplay between private and public spaces, Textura challenges us to consider architecture not merely as object, but as part of a larger, living canvas.
This event is SOLD OUT. Click here to learn more and to join the waitlist.

Dallas Architecture Forum Lecture: Tatiana Bilbao
2025-02-20 19:00 - 21:00 | TX

LGBTQIA+ Alliance Trivia Night at Sue Ellen's - CANCELED!
2025-02-20 19:00 - 21:30 | TX
This event has been canceled due to inclement weather.

Architecture and Design Foundation Scholarships, Fellowships, + Grant Deadline
2025-02-21 | TX
The Foundation awards more than $60,000 annually to make college and careers in architecture accessible and bring diversity and equity to our related professions.
Learn more about the eligibility requirements of our scholarships, fellowships, and professional development grants. Opportunities are available for high school, college, and university students interested in studying architecture, as well as emerging and underrepresented professionals.
The application period for the 2025-2026 scholarship, fellowship, and grant cycle runs from October 12, 2024 to February 21, 2025.

ALDP Session: The Modern Leader + Owning Your Executive Influence
2025-02-21 08:30 - 16:30 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
THE MODERN LEADER
Great leadership is the cornerstone of a thriving organization. Once vision and strategy are in place, leaders must communicate, persuade and influence others to turn those plans into reality. Cooperating, collaborating and maintaining formidable team dynamics are the keys to effective leadership at all levels of the organization. In this powerful session, discussion will include one-on-one practice with a skilled facilitator and an opportunity to share authentic communication with colleagues for feedback. This is an important skill that distinguishes leaders from managers in the ability to influence others
PURPOSE, POWER & PRESENCE – OWNING YOUR EXECUTIVE INFLUENCE
There are those who, even in the toughest of circumstances, can count on themselves to not just get through it, but to rise to the top. They understand how to influence the people around them. They feel energized and purposeful. They communicate with self-awareness and authenticity. In order to lead, executive leaders will learn how to enhance and build their own executive presence – both inside the firm and outside in the community – and create impactful connections that leave a lasting impression.

Main Street Architecture Walking Tour
2025-02-22 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-03-08 10:00 - 11:30 | TX

Public Policy Committee Meeting
2025-02-25 08:30 - 10:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States

Sketch to Success
2025-02-25 17:30 - 19:30 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States

Codes & Standards Committee Meeting
2025-02-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
The AIA Dallas Codes & Standards Committee meets monthly at the AD EX. 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 Dallas CECAP, City Updates, and Implementation of Resilience Strategies
2025-02-28 11:30 - 13:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
In 2020 the Dallas City Council adopted the Comprehensive Environmental & Climate Action Plan (CECAP). Since that time, the City has taken great strides in accomplishing the goals within the plan. Simultaneously, the need for resilience has become a priority and steps are being worked on to improve Dallas’s resiliency as a whole. The Course will provide a baseline understanding of the Dallas CECAP, speak to updates and status of the goals within CECAP, and also discuss strategies for how we can become more resilience. Following the presentation, there will be 20 minutes for constructive conversation and discussion how attendees can implement these same Climate Action and Resiliency principals into their building projects and every day lives.
Learning Objectives:

Attendees will have an understanding of the Dallas Comprehensive Environmental & Climate Action Plan and the goals within it. The course will be focused on the topics that most closely relate to the Building Industry such as designing for net-zero energy construction, reducing water consumption, and reducing energy use in existing buildings.
Attendees will have an understanding of the status of the goals within their Climate Action Plan/ They will also be informed on the outcomes of the latest study, which researched the effects of urban heat island within Micro-climates in and around the Dallas metroplex.
Attendees will have a basic understanding of designing for resilience. They will understand what a “Resilience Center” is and what aspects will need to be incorporated in order for it to be considered resilient and work for the people who may one day need to use it or shelter there.
The Panel Discussion will be focused so that attendees will be able to take the learned concepts above and translate them over to their projects as designers. They will be able take the principles within the Climate Action Plan and the principals of resiliency and to start to incorporate aspects of these into their projects.

1.0 LU | HSW

Discover the Arts District Walking Tour
2025-03-01 10:00 - 12:00 | TX

Design Awards Committee Meeting
2025-03-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States

Columns Committee: Departments Meeting
2025-03-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
The Columns committee meets monthly to discuss upcoming pieces and publications. If you are interested in contributing to Columns, please contact Conleigh Bauer at cbauer@aiadallas.org.

Cross Pollination Happy Hour
2025-03-05 17:30 - 19:00 | TX
Most architects think of community engagement when working on public projects–we will hold meetings with neighborhood leaders and groups, incorporate feedback from public forums, and work towards a final design centered on the community. However, often times, when the project is done, the community engagement ends.
Join the Latinos in Architecture, Women in Architecture, LGBTQIA+ Alliance, and Emerging Professionals networks for a Happy Hour on Wednesday, March 5! We will discuss with local community leaders the benefits of ongoing community engagement through business chamber activities, how to become more involved with our various communities, and how volunteering can benefit employees and firm culture.

SFRT: Optimizing Daylight with Dimensional Materials within Insulated Glass (Okalux)
2025-03-06 11:30 - 13:30 | Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, 3520 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX, 75219, United States
Please RSVP to Brad Russell via email by clicking the red “RSVP” button above and using the subject line “RSVP for March 6th”
Program Overview: This program addresses and describes various glazing options for maximizing daylight, controlling solar heat
gain, maximizing visibility and view, minimizing reflections, controlling glare, and optimizing energy efficiency.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this program the architects should be able to meet the following performance criteria:

Understand how to utilize dimensional materials for controlling daylight and solar heating
Describe at least four major benefits to using dimensional materials in an insulated glass
Compare architectural techniques and glazing systems for daylight control
Understand the comparative benefits of high-performance architectural glazing system in
such areas as energy efficiency, thermal gain, and indoor environmental quality

1.0 LU | HSW Credit
AIA Course #300100C; AIA CES Provider # 40107852

Education Outreach Committee Meeting
2025-03-06 12:00 - 13:00 | TX

AIA | TEXO Tech Club Forum Launch
2025-03-06 16:00 - 17:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States

Emerging Leaders Program Session
2025-03-07 12:00 - 17:00 | TX

Build Your City!
2025-03-08 12:00 - 14:00 | TX

KRob Committee Meeting
2025-03-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States

Tour of Homes Committee Meeting
2025-03-12 12:00 - 13:00 | TX

Modern Masonry Rainscreen Systems
2025-03-12 17:30 - 19:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
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.

Modern Masonry Rainscreen Systems
Course Description: Unlock the full potential of modern masonry wall assemblies with this expert-led course! Explore cutting-edge rainscreen technologies and discover how terracotta, brick, and lightweight stone can enhance both design and performance. Learn the key differences between modern rainscreen assemblies and traditional masonry systems while maximizing benefits like weight reduction, improved thermal efficiency, and expanded design flexibility. Featuring real-world project profiles, this course equips architects with the latest innovations in masonry rainscreens—helping you deliver superior solutions for clients and owners.
Learning Objectives:

This course will instruct the architect on the latest technologies and detailing of masonry rainscreen assemblies
Participants will understand the critical differences between modern rainscreen assemblies and conventional masonry systems
Participants will learn how to maximize the benefits of rainscreen assemblies to owner/client including weight reductions, thermal performance, and water management facilities
Participants will understand the design options with rainscreen brick, terracotta, porcelain and stone veneers with corners, openings, returns, and other aspects of the exterior, incorporating masonry rainscreen assemblies into unitized systems like curtain wall and megapanel.

CE Credit: 1.0 LU | HSW

Presenter:
Dave Sommer CSI, BEC with ModFacade
Dave Sommer has 30 years in the construction industry. Having founded Interra Enterprises, Inc in 2004, Dave’s success in promoting innovative architectural products and systems through commercial specifications has earned him the respect of architects, spec writers and building envelope consultants. Dave has been a member of CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) and served as Vice President of the Seattle Chapter. Dave is also a long-standing member of SeaBEC (Seattle Building Enclosure Council).

Agenda:

5:30pm – Happy Hour and Networking
6:00-7:00pm – Presentation

Community Honors Committee Meeting
2025-03-13 09:00 - 10:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States

Committee on the Environment (COTE) Meeting: Passive House Core Concepts
2025-03-13 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.

Passive House Core Concepts
Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC), Joseph Boring, AIA, will lead a short session exploring the core concepts of Passive House design.
Learning Objectives:

Participants will gain a high-level understanding of Passive House’s rigorous standards, including insulation, airtightness, ventilation, and high-performance windows.
Participants will learn the crucial role of specialized software tools, providing a brief overview of tools like WUFI and THERM, used for building performance analysis.
Participants will gain a greater appreciation for the integrated design approach needed to achieve these high-performance buildings.
Participants will learn about additional resources where they can learn more about Passive House design and Passive House certifications.

0.5 LU | HSW

Golf Committee Meeting
2025-03-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States

ADF Travel & Research Fellowship Presentations
2025-03-13 17:30 - 19:00 | Architecture and Design Exchange, 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 150, Dallas, TX, 75201, United States
2024 McDermott Travel Fellow Dianna Hodza & The Bill Millsap Travel Fellow Ben Henschen present discoveries from their travels.
About this event
Join the AD EX to hear from 2024 McDermott Travel Fellow Dianna Hodza & The Bill Millsap Travel Fellow Ben Henschen present discoveries from their travels.
This event showcases two fellowship-supported research projects that explore how design shapes our perception of place—whether through the visual storytelling of landscapes or the preservation of architectural heritage.
Ben Henschen, Bill Millsap Fellow, examines how representational techniques influence our understanding of landscapes. Studying Lawrence Halprin’s Yosemite Falls Corridor and Luca Werner’s Lupine, he explores how sketches and film communicate the essence of place in landscape architecture.
Dianna Hodza, McDermott Traveling Fellow, investigates Croatia’s architectural heritage and its approach to preservation and modernization. From ancient ruins to war-scarred cities like Dubrovnik, she explores how architecture reflects resilience and identity.
Architecture and Design Foundation Scholarship Committee Chair Jonathan Brower, AIA and Brien Graham will lead a moderated Q&A following their presentations.
This program is free to attend. Self-parking at the AD EX is included with registration. Details will be emailed in advance of program.
About the Architecture and Design Foundation Travel Fellowships:
The Architecture and Design Foundation awards a variety of academic scholarships, travel and research fellowships, and professional development grants to make careers in architecture more accessible and inspire future generations of design professionals.
