Upcoming Programs & Events
The following calendar listings feature AIA Cincinnati’s continuing education programs, special events, and chapter activities. Advance registration is usually required. Please refer to the specific guidelines in each listing.
Check out the Built Industry shared calendar for programs and events offered by organizations including ACI, CSI, Design LAB, Miami University, ULI, and the University of Cincinnati. AIAU offers on-demand and live continuing education programs.
The following meetings and conferences are currently open for registration:
Heapy’s PIVOT conference, September 17 in Dayton, OH. AIA CRAN® Symposium: Resilience in Practice, September 17-20 in Alexandria VA. AIA KY and AIA IN Momentum Convention, September 18-19 in Lexington, KY. AIA Ohio’s Conference INTEGRATE: Connecting People, Ideas, & Spaces on September 25 and 26 in Columbus, OH. The 2025 REBUILD Conference will be October 2 (early bird registration ends September 12). The annual NOMA Conference will be October 8-12, 2025 in Kansas City, MO (ten virtual sessions available). Heritage Ohio Annual Preservation & Main Street Conference is October 14-16 in Canton, Ohio (early bird registration ends August 31). AIA’s Regional & Urban Design KC symposium URBAN MORPHOSIS: Reimagining Cities through Adaptation in Dallas, TX October 28-29 (early bird registration ends August 31). AIA’s Women’s Leadership Summit is November 3-5, 2025 in Atlanta GA.
AIA Cincinnati is proudly an:

Preservation in the Park: Saving the Cincinnati Gardens Sign
Join Cincinnati Preservation Young Preservationists and AIA Cincinnati Early Professionals for Preservation in the Park.
Tod Swormstant and the American Sign Museum will talk about saving and reusing the Cincinnati Gardens Sign before the building was demolished. Built in 1949 Cincinnati Gardens was home to many different sporting events, including hockey, basketball, boxing, and roller derby.

Tour of Motz Group Office Headquarters
The event will start with a 30-minute presentation by Champlin | EOP featuring images and discussion of the construction process, focused on the adaptive reuse challenges of transforming from an abandoned warehouse into a new office headquarters. At the conclusion of the presentation, there will be a short Q&A followed by the walking tour of interior and exterior spaces.

Ohio Small Firm Exchange-Scaling the Government Mountain: Your SAME Guide
Discover how strategic partnership with The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) can transform your small architecture firm's access to lucrative government contracts. From overcoming past performance requirements to navigating new executive orders and CMCC regulations, SAME provides the insider knowledge and strategic partnerships your firm needs to succeed in the ever-changing landscape of government contracting.

Committee on the Environment (COTE)
The Committee on the Environment (COTE) meets the first Wednesday of each month. COTE is currently working on organizing sustainability tours and planning an Ice Box Challenge to advance passive house knowledge in Cincinnati. COTE is looking to grow our active members, if you’re passionate about sustainability, please reach out or join our next meeting!

Solar 101: Fundamentals of Solar Energy and Building Integration
This session offers a straightforward introduction to solar energy systems - what they are, how they work, and how they are commonly implemented on and around commercial buildings. Participants will explore real-world case studies and learn how solar components are selected, configured, and installed.

Early Professionals Working Group
AIA Cincinnati’s Early Professionals working group includes recent graduates, professionals working toward licensure, and recently licensed architects. You're invited to join the monthly virtual planning meetings to share ideas, coordinate ARE study materials and study sessions, and plan activities.

Urban Design Community Gathering
AIA Cincinnati’s Urban Design Community is part of AIA’s national network of Knowledge Communities. UDC provides opportunities to share informed viewpoints on specific urban planning issues through meetings, workshops, and public forums while increasing the role of Cincinnati architects in the public/private sector decision-making process. Urban Design works to continue an exchange of practices and ideas for architecture beyond individual buildings and client interests, with active partnering relationships that impact expected changes.

Local Advocacy Working Group
The Local Advocacy Working Group works to strengthen the position of architects in the building industry by identifying and promoting the issues, policies, and positions important to the profession, the business, and the practice of architecture.

A Historical Tour of Hamilton Architecture: How downtown historic buildings have been reused & revitalized for residential purposes
Hamilton, Ohio has seen a renaissance in revitalization of its abundant yet vacant historic building stock over the past decade. Through strategic partnerships with local citizens, developers, state funders, architects, and community partners, the downtown historic building fabric has been uncovered, re-imagined, and restored to create a vibrant, mixed-use downtown area focusing on the arts, community development, and unique residential spaces crafted from historic structures.

Join the Knowledge Exchange: Artificial Intelligence
The AIA Cincinnati, AIA Dayton, AIA Northern Kentucky Knowledge Exchange wants to hear from you about Artificial Intelligence. We’re planning future programs and want to address the AI issues, challenges, and concerns among our community.

Complex, not complicated: Integrating Commercial Solar into Building Design
The second part of this series will provided the tools and strategies to symbiotically work with solar EPCs and successfully execute a solar system project in the built world.

SAID Works! 2025
As part of the AIA Cincinnati community and the UC Alumni network, we invite you to participate in the 29th installment of SAID Works!. This event fosters important connections between our up-and-coming architects and the greater Cincinnati architecture community while supporting the Cincinnati Architectural Mentoring Program (CAMP).

Ice Box Challenge
The Ice Box Challenge is a contest and an experiment to demonstrate how a home can be super energy efficient AND comfortable.

2025 Sycamore Creek Sporting Clays
The AIA Cincinnati Clays Outing helps support chapter programs that benefit the local architectural community including continuing education, professional development, and local advocacy efforts.

Local Advocacy Working Group
The Local Advocacy Working Group works to strengthen the position of architects in the building industry by identifying and promoting the issues, policies, and positions important to the profession, the business, and the practice of architecture.

Urban Design Community Gathering
AIA Cincinnati’s Urban Design Community is part of AIA’s national network of Knowledge Communities. UDC provides opportunities to share informed viewpoints on specific urban planning issues through meetings, workshops, and public forums while increasing the role of Cincinnati architects in the public/private sector decision-making process. Urban Design works to continue an exchange of practices and ideas for architecture beyond individual buildings and client interests, with active partnering relationships that impact expected changes.

Early Professionals Working Group
AIA Cincinnati’s Early Professionals working group includes recent graduates, professionals working toward licensure, and recently licensed architects. You're invited to join the monthly virtual planning meetings to share ideas, coordinate ARE study materials and study sessions, and plan activities.

Today's Smart Home
This course introduces participants to the residential smart home market and opportunities arising from the increasing presence of technology in the home. Relevant industry trends and homeowner preferences are discussed, as is a high-level overview of smart home product categories such as lighting, shading, and temperature control. Additional topics covered include the benefits of voice control, considerations concerning third party integration, and the differences between cloud-based integration and local integration as they relate to products and systems.

Starting a Firm
What does it take to start a firm? Three Cincinnati architects share their experiences getting started, and established, as a firm owner. Bring your questions for the panel, and stay for the post-program social at Esoteric Brewery (918 E McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45206) to continue the conversation.

Committee on the Environment (COTE)
The Committee on the Environment (COTE) meets the first Wednesday of each month. COTE is currently working on organizing sustainability tours and planning an Ice Box Challenge to advance passive house knowledge in Cincinnati. COTE is looking to grow our active members, if you’re passionate about sustainability, please reach out or join our next meeting!

Architecture Matters Panel Discussion: Renovations and Additions
The recent Architecture Matters article in Soapbox discussed major home renovations and additions. To continue the conversation, CRANaward-winning residential architects will talk about planning for a project, what to look for in hiring an architect, and answer questions.

Unlocking Infill Housing with “Housing Ohio Tools for Development”
Join AIA Cincinnati, APA Cincinnati, and ULI Cincinnati for a special Lunch & Learn event highlighting the newly released guidebook, Housing Ohio: Tools for Development, a collaborative publication by Ohio REALTORS™ and the Greater Ohio Policy Center. This practical and forward-thinking resource introduces three voluntary tools that local governments, developers, land banks, and homeowners can use to promote infill housing and overcome common development barriers across Ohio. From ready-to-use building designs to policy strategies that streamline permitting, Housing Ohio is designed to support a wide range of developer types—including small- to mid-size builders and community-based developers.

Ohio Small Firm Exchange: Residential Projects
Please join us this month for a robust discussion about residential projects.
What are your top areas of struggles? How have you been able to address them (or not)? What have you done to make projects more profitable? What kind of support would you like to see from the AIA?

Advocate for EDI: Amplifying the Voices of Women and Immigrant Architects with Graciela Carrillo, FAIA
This lecture explores how to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in architecture. Attendees will examine systemic barriers impacting women and immigrant professionals, including licensure challenges, limited mentorship, and underrepresentation in leadership.

Window Installation Details
In this course, we will review the requirements of window installations across various applications that ensure proper performance and occupant safety and comfort. Plus, you will explore variations of window placement in various wall assemblies and installation accessories that meet the architect's aesthetic requirements but will also be efficient and durable.

Local Advocacy Working Group
The Local Advocacy Working Group works to strengthen the position of architects in the building industry by identifying and promoting the issues, policies, and positions important to the profession, the business, and the practice of architecture.

Urban Design Community Gathering
AIA Cincinnati’s Urban Design Community is part of AIA’s national network of Knowledge Communities. UDC provides opportunities to share informed viewpoints on specific urban planning issues through meetings, workshops, and public forums while increasing the role of Cincinnati architects in the public/private sector decision-making process. Urban Design works to continue an exchange of practices and ideas for architecture beyond individual buildings and client interests, with active partnering relationships that impact expected changes.

Early Professionals Working Group
AIA Cincinnati’s Early Professionals working group includes recent graduates, professionals working toward licensure, and recently licensed architects. You're invited to join the monthly virtual planning meetings to share ideas, coordinate ARE study materials and study sessions, and plan activities.

Committee on the Environment (COTE)
The Committee on the Environment (COTE) meets the first Wednesday of each month. COTE is currently working on organizing sustainability tours and planning an Ice Box Challenge to advance passive house knowledge in Cincinnati. COTE is looking to grow our active members, if you’re passionate about sustainability, please reach out or join our next meeting!

Fernald Preserve Education Program
The program includes a tour of the Visitor Center, discussion of its LEED design features, and how the environmental history of the site impacted its design.

AIA Cincinnati 2025 Golf Scramble
Join your colleagues and friends for a day of golf followed by lunch, prizes, and more! The outing will be held at Pebble Creek, an 18-hole golf course in Cincinnati that features bent grass tees, fairways and greens, as well as several water hazards and wall to wall cart paths. The course is known for its superior greens.

Laws that Impact the Profession
Join the AIA Ohio Government Advocacy Committee for an informative webinar where AIA Ohio Lobbyist Luther Liggett, Jr., Esq., and Ohio Architects Board Executive Director Shannon Himes will provide updates on key legislation currently under consideration at the Statehouse.

District at Deerfield Site Tour
ULI Cincinnati and AIA Cincinnati have partnered for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the highly anticipated District at Deerfield Phase 3 development. Join the developer, Ryan Silverman for a pre-opening tour of the first completed mixed-use building and the Town Square. The event will conclude with a happy hour at Fifty West.

Local Advocacy Working Group
The Local Advocacy Working Group works to strengthen the position of architects in the building industry by identifying and promoting the issues, policies, and positions important to the profession, the business, and the practice of architecture.

The Urban Design Impact of a New Sports Arena in Downtown Cincinnati
Civic advocates propose a new sports arena for the city to replace the aging Heritage Bank Center on the riverfront. The proposal promises expanded programming, enhanced entertainment value, and additional economic impact. A recent study sponsored by the Cincinnati Regional Chamber identifies and evaluates three potential sites for this program outside of its current location. This presentation and panel discussion will highlight the urban design implications of arena development at each of these potential sites.

Early Professionals Working Group
AIA Cincinnati’s Early Professionals working group includes recent graduates, professionals working toward licensure, and recently licensed architects. You're invited to join the monthly virtual planning meetings to share ideas, coordinate ARE study materials and study sessions, and plan activities.

Ohio Small Firm Exchange: Supporting Smarter Starts for Small Businesses
This month’s Ohio Small Firm Exchange session highlights OPEN DOORS, an initiative supported by AIA Toledo in collaboration with local member architects and community partners. The program is designed to raise public awareness, particularly among new business owners, about the process of opening a commercial space. It addresses key challenges such as permitting, leasing, funding, and regulatory compliance, which are often misunderstood or overlooked by first-time applicants.

Large Format Tile and Gauged Porcelain Tile/Panels: Design Challenges and Solutions
As the manufacture and use of larger and larger tile becomes increasingly more common, it is critical to understand the unique requirements for installing large-format tile, and Gauged Panels, on walls and floors. This course provides an overview of the benefits and potential challenges of working with this unique and beautiful material. Topics covered include proper installation techniques, potential aesthetic issues and how to avoid them, and case studies.

Brink for a Cause: AIA Cincinnati Summer Social
Bring your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers and join AIA Cincinnati at Brink Brewery to connect with our community of architects and design professionals. ‘Brink for a Cause’ will donate 10% of sales between 5 and 10 pm to support chapter programs and activities. The more the merrier!

Committee on the Environment (COTE)
The Committee on the Environment (COTE) meets the first Wednesday of each month. COTE is currently working on organizing sustainability tours and planning an Ice Box Challenge to advance passive house knowledge in Cincinnati. COTE is looking to grow our active members, if you’re passionate about sustainability, please reach out or join our next meeting!

Architecture Matters Panel Discussion: Refreshing Your Residence
The recent Architecture Matters article in Soapbox, Make the most of your existing home. Hit refresh for the not-quite-right spaces, explained how homeowners can work with architects to make the most of a small renovation project. To continue the conversation, CRANaward-winning residential architects will talk about planning for a project, what to look for in hiring an architect, and answer questions.

Design Excellence through Integrated Project Delivery: Case Studies in Collaboration
As projects become more and more complex, architects increasingly need a new skillset – that of an integrator. Design and construction involve many voices, from industry experts to stakeholders of all kinds. Design excellence happens when those voices can be harnessed and directed to execute on a clear and consistent shared vision. Tangible tools and processes developed for award winning projects will be shared that support driving collaboration and leading teams to on-budget and on-schedule delivery, great value for clients, and award winning designs.


Early Professionals Working Group
AIA Cincinnati’s Early Professionals working group includes recent graduates, professionals working toward licensure, and recently licensed architects. You're invited to join the monthly virtual planning meetings to share ideas, coordinate ARE study materials and study sessions, and plan activities.