The AIA|DC ACEL (Architects Coaching and Empowering Leaders) Committee provides leadership training for architects in the middle of their careers. We encourage practicing architects to overcome career plateaus by offering content that expands traditional firm based training and encourages discussion on topics paving the way in the profession.

The vision of the committee is to accelerate opportunities for leadership and mentorship for architects in the middle of their careers.

All current members and interested newcomers are encouraged to attend LA.IDEA committee meetings, these meetings are free and open to all. 

This lecture on the 15-minute city concept focuses on a groundbreaking approach in urban planning, aiming to create urban environments where all essential needs are within a short perimeter on foot, bike ride and decarbonized mobilities

We will begin with an introduction to the 15-minute city concept, exploring its origins and evolution. The concept originates from compact urban planning ideas and has evolved to incorporate aspects of sustainability, social inclusion, and resilience to climate change. This part of the conference will highlight how the concept has adapted to meet contemporary urban challenges.

The lecture will delve into the impact of this concept on urban planning and mobility. We will examine how it influences neighborhood design, the distribution of services and infrastructure, and how it is transforming transportation systems by promoting intermodality and sustainable modes of transport.

A key segment of the presentation will be dedicated to international case studies. We will analyze examples of cities that have integrated elements of the 15-minute city, highlighting specific strategies implemented and the outcomes achieved. This section will provide insights into challenges, successes, and lessons learned, offering perspectives for adaptations in various urban contexts.

Finally, we will explore the potential of the 15-minute city concept. We will investigate how it can transform cities under this new paradigm, focusing on the future vision of urban environments. This includes integrating digital technologies and encouraging citizen participation, considering how the concept can continue to shape sustainable urban developments.

Presented by:

Carlos Moreno

Scientific Director of the research lab “Entrepreneurship Territory Innovation” at the IAE Paris-Sorbonne, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne) and Professor at IAA, International Academy of Architecture.

Carlos Moreno earned international recognition as a scientist with an innovative mind, pioneer works and his unique approach on urban issues. He is also a scientific advisor of national and international figures of the highest level.

He works at the heart of issues of international significance as a result of his research, bringing an innovative perspective on urban issues and offering solutions to the issues faced by the cities, metropolises and territories during the 21st century.

Some of his concepts traveled the world: the ‘Human Smart City’, the ’15-Minute City’, the ’30-Minute Territory’.

In 2022, he is leading the launch of the Global Observatory of sustainable proximities at the World Urban Forum with UN-Habitat, C40 Cities, UCLG and other partners.

He also belongs to the following organizations:

• International Scientific Committee of the CNAPPC - President (Council of Architects, Planners, Landscape Architects and Curators of Italy)
• American Academy of Housing and Communities – Fellow
• Sigma Xi, The American Scientific Research Honor Society – Fellow

• Jacques Rougerie Foundation, French Academy of Fine Arts – Ambassador

   

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the concept and transformative potential of the 15-minute city paradigm
• Identify the role of the Global Observatory of Sustainable Proximities in promoting a common understanding of sustainable proximity
• Analyze examples of cities that have integrated elements of the 15-minute city and highlight specific strategies implemented
• Describe the proximity revolution and its groundbreaking approach to urban planning

This course functions as an acoustics overview for architects and interior designers. It includes a brief history of acoustics, an in-depth look at acoustic applications, and strategic acoustic design case studies. Additionally, the course addresses key acoustic terminology to aid in the process of specifying acoustic projects.

Learning Objectives:

• A greater understanding of acoustic product specifications and details.
• The ability to directly compare the benefits of acoustic lighting to more familiar treatment methods, such as wall panels or hanging baffles.
• Knowledge of the benefits and misconceptions of using acoustic materials and products. (objects in space vs. wall treatments)
• Understanding of how to apply acoustic treatments to current or future designs.

Organized by:

Alliance Lighting

Join AIA|DC's Design Excellence Committee for a conversation with Mateusz Gawad and Ken Cheston, who will be our guide on the landscape of artificial intelligence-enabled tools for visualization in Architecture. 

Their discussion will encompass a variety of topics:

• Overview of recent trends: A look at the impact to the practice of Architecture with respect to risks, opportunities, and the ethical and responsible deployment of AI-enabled tools.
• Image Generation: Text-to-image examples, and workflows from simple, accessible tools based language input to more precise generation with different controlNet.
• Video Production and Enhancement: Text-to-video examples, and workflows from video production enhancement to precision control in image-to-video.
• 3D Digital Production: AI-enabled interface for complex tools and AI-enabled asset management.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the risks, opportunities, and the ethical deployment of AI-enabled tools in the Architecture practice.
• Identify the methods of image generation, including text-to-image workflow from a simple language input to the more precise generation methods.
• Identify the methods of video generation and enhancement, including text-to-video workflow from a simple language input to the more precise generation methods.
• Investigate the opportunities of AI-enabled interface for complex tools and AI-enabled asset management.

Presented by:

Mateusz Gawad

Mateusz Gawad is a visual artist and creative technologist with 20 years of professional experience in architecture, advertising agencies, game development and industrial design. As a Regional Director of Visual Communication at a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm, and oversees the digital content creation process across multiple disciplines. Mr. Gawad is invested in community, advocacy and improvement of architectural visual communication worldwide. He is a Member-at-Large on the Board of American Society of Architectural Illustrators and a curator of the AECO Special Interest Group of the Real-Time Community.

Kenneth Cheston 

Kenneth Cheston is an architect with a versatile skillset and wide spectrum of experience. He began working on high-profile competitions in Asia while employed by Skidmore Owings & Merrill in San Francisco with a focus in high-rise mixed-used. Thereafter he moved on to Gensler where he continued his high-rise expertise and diversified his portfolio with aviation, retail, hospitality, and office. In 2022, Ken switched over to Design Technology where he can support projects at scale with Computational Design and Artificial Intelligence.

In late 2023, the EPA released a final ruling governing the phase out of high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and creating deadlines for their use in most applications. This category of refrigerants includes many common refrigerants used in the built environment and has necessitated a transition to lower GWP but lightly flammable refrigerants generally referred to as A2L refrigerants. This new class of refrigerants has a much lower impact on the environment than the refrigerants they are replacing, aiding in green building and sustainability goals. However, due to their flammable characteristics, building codes have been updated to account for the increased life safety risk of A2L refrigerants used inside buildings. These changes have significant impacts on architectural planning and may influence system selection and building design.

In this presentation, mechanical engineer Jack Gibbons, PE, of WSP will discuss why refrigerants are changing, the architectural impacts of A2L refrigerants, and how architects and engineers can minimize disruptions through system selection and building design.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the recent changes to refrigerants mandated by the EPA.
• Explain why refrigerants are periodically phased out and what the benefits of new refrigerants are.
• Identify the architectural changes needed to accommodate A2L refrigerants in various building types.
• Summarize the architectural impact of different mechanical systems based on their refrigerant use and new building codes.

Mr. Gibbons has four years of experience in the engineering design and construction administration of mechanical systems for commercial, residential, healthcare, and mixed use buildings. As a professional engineer and LEED Green Associate he has served as lead engineer and project manager on a variety of multi-discipline projects.

As a Mechanical Engineer, Jack participates in all aspects of design from preliminary space planning and system conceptualization through contract and permit documents and construction administration. He is a LEED Green Associate has been involved with projects that utilized sustainable design concepts and achieved LEED certification. As a project manager, Jack has acted as the single point of client contact for all MEP and specialty service related project activities. Additionally, he has been responsible for maintaining all project deadlines, facilitating in-house coordination, and ensuring all drawings are internally reviewed per established quality control procedures prior to issuing.

A mosque is a place of worship for Muslims all over the world. We will learn about different mosques and their purposes. Some are small and simple, others are huge and ornate! This workshop will focus on interior design, for those who love to decorate! Create a masjid to suit your own tastes!

Less than two miles north of the White House, DC’s Northwest neighborhoods feel a world away from the towering monuments and expansive boulevards of downtown Washington. Sixteenth Street and Adams Morgan have long been recognized for their rich history and cultural diversity. Home to ambassadors and politicians, revolutionaries and civil rights leaders, these neighborhoods have hosted and housed every type of District resident, from working class to social elite. Visit one of Washington’s best hidden oases, hear stories of movers and shakers, protests, disasters, social scandals, and get off the beaten path!

Our tour begins in Meridian Hill Park, one of Washington’s best urban oases. We’ll uncover little known memorials, wind through back paths, and discuss the enterprising woman who envisioned a diplomatic paradise in the heights of Washington. We’ll see the only female equestrian statue in the city and might even catch a drum circle.

After leaving Meridian Hill Park, we’ll stroll up 16th Street, the “spine” of the District, to have a look at historic mansions, embassies, apartment homes, churches, and even a Masonic temple. Turning west toward Adams Morgan, we’ll take a short detour into charming Lanier Heights to see the cutest fire station in town. Finally we’ll head down 18th street, to the beating heart of Adams Morgan and Northwest Washington.

Where to Meet
1559 W St NW

What to Bring
Sturdy walking shoes, bottled water and comfortable clothes are recommended!

In partnership with DC Design Tours

Explore Washington’s original streetcar suburb, plus the grounds of the National Cathedral!

Dubbed “The Queen of the Washington Suburbs” in 1903, Cleveland Park is one of Washington’s most beautiful and architecturally eclectic neighborhoods. From pastoral farmland, to the summer escape of wealthy Washingtonians, to one of the first “streetcar suburbs,” Cleveland Park is well worth exploring. Named for Presidential resident Grover Cleveland, the neighborhood boasts fanciful Victorian mansions, gorgeous gardens, and the second largest cathedral in the United States.

Visit the National Cathedral grounds, stroll along picturesque tree lined streets, see the oldest home in DC, and experience the city like a local.

Where to Meet
3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW

What to Bring
Sturdy walking shoes, bottled water and comfortable clothes are recommended!

In partnership with DC Design Tours

In honor of David J. Varner, FAIA, the Path to Licensure Program was developed to aid individuals in their pursuit of professional licensure. As a Fellow of the AIA and a former Office Director for SmithGroup’s Washington DC office David believed that architects should serve society in diverse and meaningful ways. David’s zest for life and a love for travel, history, and the built environment was infectious and the David J. Varner Path to Licensure Program honors his legacy by fostering curiosity, commitment to lifelong learning, and developing connections within the AIA|DC community.

This year, 22 participants completed the program, which consisted of eight monthly sessions covering the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) process, understanding exam eligibility/state licensure board requirements and all six divisions of the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE). During each of the interactive sessions participants presented exam material, discussed test-taking strategies and heard from guest speakers on career experiences and their approach to taking the exam.

Please join us as we celebrate the achievements of this group and of a wonderful inaugural year of the David J. Varner Path to Licensure Program. We will have drinks and appetizers for you to enjoy.