2026 AIA Louisiana Conference Schedule

If you enjoy morning strolls or are wondering how to get some physical activity in over the weekend, we have a solution. Don't miss out on your chance to go running with our president, Andrew Liles. The group will meet at the front lobby to go on a scenic adventure, where you can get in a quick jog together before heading into the rest of the day.

BIO:

Kimberly Dowdell is an award-winning architect and building industry leader. In her current role as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships with Amrize, she is working to advance innovation in the delivery of critical infrastructure and building solutions in all construction markets, from foundation to rooftop.In 2024, Dowdell served as the 100th President of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), which was preceded by her 2019-2020 term as President of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). Her career has included leadership in a global design firm, public service, academia, real estate development, project management, and distinguished service to various organizations. In 2005, Dowdell co-founded the Social, Economic, Environmental Design (SEED) Network. She is also a LEED Accredited Professional. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University. Her overarching mission is to improve the quality of people's lives, by design.

DESCRIPTION:

The duty of a leader is to secure the future. Whether you seek to secure the future of a firm, a project, a committee, an organization, a city, or a nation, leadership requires intentionality. This session explores how to design your tenure in leadership with intention, and for impact. We will cover the key elements of designing in the practice of leadership to help you prepare for success in your next role or project.

BIO:

Chandra Wright, a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama School of Law, moved to Gulf Shores in 2008 to practice law and spend more time SCUBA diving. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill motivated her to leave her law practice in search of work in environmental stewardship. That search led her to become the Nature Tourism Specialist for the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium and Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. In that role, Chandra worked with nature-based tourism operators in coastal Alabama and coastal Mississippi to help them be financially successful while also being good stewards of the natural resources their livelihoods depend upon. That experience made her a natural fit to oversee the environmental sustainability efforts and educational initiatives at the Lodge, Interpretive Center and Learning Campus at Gulf State Park. Chandra also serves on the board of several environmental nonprofits and volunteers with Alabama’s sea turtle program.

Description: 

This session will introduce you to the unique resiliency and sustainability features incorporated into the Lodge at Gulf State Park. Part presentation and part walking tour, you will learn how the design of the buildings and landscapes mediates the demands of hospitality, an ecologically sensitive site, and the force of coastal storms. You will also be introduced to the Gulf State Park Master Plan and its influence on the Lodge. Following the destruction of the original Lodge by Hurricane Ivan, this state project envisioned Gulf State Park as an international benchmark for environmental and economic sustainability, demonstrating best practices in outdoor recreation, education, and hospitable accommodations. The Lodge is one of five projects developed in support of that goal. It is also the first hospitality project in the world to achieve SITES Platinum, LEED Gold, and FORTIFIED certifications. Following a brief presentation, participants will tour the facility, including operational areas not normally seen by the public. The group will be meeting at the Dunes Terrace at 9 AM.

BIO: 
Barbara Sable is a 39-year insurance industry veteran who provides face-to-face seminars, webinars, contract reviews, policy analysis, and insurance program guidance to the clients of FRP Professional Risk.  Prior to joining the agency in 2020, Barb served as an executive in two US-domiciled insurance companies and as an equity partner in a national insurance brokerage serving construction industry clients of all sizes.

Brooke Bernal serves on the adjunct faculty of the LSU Law Center and teaches a course in trial advocacy and evidence. Since joining the firm, Brooke’s clients have included accountants, architects, engineers, surveyors, attorneys, small business owners, government agencies and condominium associations.  She frequently represents accountants in the accountant review panel process, which is unique to Louisiana. Brooke was named as a “Rising Star” by Louisiana Super Lawyers in 2015 and 2016. She is also fluent in Spanish. Brooke is a frequent speaker on various topics and legal issues and is the co-author of multiple published works.

DESCRIPTION: 
Join legal and insurance representatives for a one-hour course covering project case studies involving legal issues as a way of better understanding potential project issues. This course will use case studies and examples from actual legal cases to discuss mistakes in design and construction, how they may have occurred, related design issues, construction mishaps, and how to avoid these situations.

BIO: 
Paul Herbert provides planning, programming, architectural design, and exhibit design leadership for a diverse collection of projects at CambridgeSeven. Focusing on issues that impact the visitor experience, his passion is found in the educational aspects of our museum, aquarium, and nature center projects. His educational focus has also made him an integral member of several academic projects at Northeastern University, UMass Lowell, and Westfield State University. Paul has been a member of the Faculty at the Boston Architectural College for the last 15 years.

BIO: 
Chris Dempsey’s career has spanned the public, private, and non-profit sectors. As a Co-Founder of Speck Dempsey with Jeff Speck, author of the best-selling book Walkable City, Chris works with municipalities and private developers to design and build walkable places.

Chris previously served as Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, where he co-founded the nation-leading MassDOT open-data program. Chris has worked as a consultant with Bain & Co., and led North American business development for Masabi, a mobile-ticketing company whose customers include the MBTA, New York MTA, Los Angeles Metrolink, and other large transit agencies. From 2017 to 2021 he led Massachusetts’ largest transportation advocacy coalition, Transportation for Massachusetts, working to advance civic conversations on sustainable transportation policy and investments. Chris has represented his hometown, Brookline, as an elected Town Meeting Member since 2012. He lives with his wife, Anna, and daughter, Sarina, and has never owned a car.

BIO: 
Jackie Dadakis is the Chief Executive Officer of Green Coast Enterprises, a real estate development and green building services company based in New Orleans, LA. Jackie joined the company in 2013 to launch GCE Services, a consulting firm that provides energy efficiency services to property owners, municipalities, and utilities. Jackie serves as the Technical Chair of the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council and stewarded the state’s transition from the 2009 IECC to the 2021 IECC. Jackie holds a Masters in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a B.A. in Economics from Claremont McKenna College.

DESCRIPTION:
This panel will discuss shaping growth at different scales, with a particular focus on walkable, infill development that supports communities whose population is increasing and who want to avoid inefficient sprawl. Panelist Chris Dempsey will share examples of communities that are shaping growth at the regional and downtown-wide levels, supporting walkable, mixed use development in greenfields and infill development in existing street networks. Jackie will highlight the work Green Coast Enterprises did to create a national historic district in downtown Lake Charles to complement the main street reinvestment the city made along Ryan Street. And Paul will concentrate on the next smallest scale—the individual building level—exploring how single projects, when aligned with a broader vision, can create powerful ripple effects on a larger scale.

BIO: 

Roger Husser, Jr. is a native of Husser, Louisiana.  Roger graduated from Loranger High School in 1988 and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering in 1993 from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and was married in the same year.  In 1994, he became employed at LSU in the Biological Engineering Department as a Research Associate in the areas of ergonomic workspace design and alternative energy research and also began work towards a master’s degree.  After four years as a Research Associate in the Biological Engineering Department, Roger accepted a position in the LSU Agricultural Center Facilities Planning Department as a Project Manager in 1998.  In December of 2000, Roger obtained a Master of Science in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from LSU.  In 2001, he became licensed in both Civil Engineering and in Agricultural Engineering and became Director of LSU AgCenter Facilities Planning where he was responsible for the LSU AgCenter facilities statewide.  After serving in this capacity for eleven years, he accepted the position of Director of LSU Planning, Design and Construction in 2012.  In 2016, Roger was promoted to Assistant Vice President for LSU Planning, Design and Construction and had the responsibility for a $1 billion capital development portfolio including all long term physical planning, development and construction efforts on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge.  In 2023, Roger accepted the Director of Facility Planning and Control, administering the multi-billion dollar Capital Outlay Act for the State of Louisiana.  Roger currently resides in Husser, Louisiana, has been happily married for 30 years and is an active member of Loranger Legacy Church.

Lawrence “Joe” Delaune, Jr., Architect, CBO  is the Chief Architect for the Louisiana State Fire Marshal and Administrator of the Engineering Section of the office.  This Section consists of more than 30 professionals who administer the codes, rules and laws that apply to all new and renovated commercial structures in the state, and who provide training and consultation to licensed architects, engineers, contractors, and commercial building owners.  Mr. Delaune initiates special projects such as Information Technology advancements, and assists with legislative changes that enhance life safety and protection of property.  Delaune has been a licensed architect for 28 years and a certified building official for 16 years.  After many years in the construction industry and practicing architecture with private firms in the states of Florida and Louisiana, Mr. Delaune has devoted his career to public safety and fire prevention for the State of Louisiana.  Mr. Delaune has been with the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal for 24 years. 

Matthew Baker, Architect serves as Director of the Office of Facility Planning and Control (FP&C) within the Division of Administration for the State of Louisiana, Matt Baker is responsible for overseeing the state’s capital outlay budget and execution process. This includes the preparation of the Capital Outlay Bill (HB2), the Omnibus Bond Bill (HB3), and the Five-Year Capital Outlay Program. With over 20 years of professional experience, Matt is currently in his eighth year of service in state government, where he has held the roles of Project Manager and Assistant Director. Prior to joining the public sector, he worked with several architectural firms across Louisiana, contributing to a wide range of projects in master planning, commercial, industrial, religious, medical, athletic, and educational sectors. Matt holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and a Master of Architecture from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He is a licensed architect in the State of Louisiana.

DESCRIPTION:

In this engaging and informative session, "State of the State," attendees will gain insights into the current landscape of architecture and construction within Louisiana. The session will feature a distinguished panel comprising Chief Bryan Adams, the Louisiana State Fire Marshall; Roger Husser from Louisiana Facility Planning and Control; and Mark Joiner representing the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Council (LSU CCC). These experts will share their experiences, challenges, and visions for the future, providing a comprehensive overview of the regulatory, planning, and technological aspects that shape the state's architectural and construction environment.

BIO

"Akhil Hemanth, Assoc. AIA is an AI Technology Architect is redefining how the AEC industry adopts and applies artificial intelligence. At Newcomb & Boyd, he leads the integration of artificial intelligence into engineering workflows, bridging design expertise with advanced computation to fundamentally change how firms operate. He also serves as Education Chair for the AIA Aspire Conference, shaping thought leadership on innovation and digital practice, Akhil builds what he practices. He developed the 4 E’s of AI Adoption framework, created multi-agent knowledge systems, and engineered automated tools that improve efficiency and decision-making in real AEC workflows. His perspective has been featured in Architect Magazine, reflecting his role in shaping how the industry approaches emerging technology. His work has taken him to stages across the industry—Autodesk University, AIA Aspire, Neo4j Summit, and Design Intelligence Futures Council, where he translates complex AI concepts into practical strategies firms can actually implement.

DESCRIPTION:

DESCRIPTION:

Adjacent to the Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion, at the east pedestrian bridge, the Interpretive Center is the gateway to and coastal classroom for everything the Park has to offer, and is Alabama’s most environmentally-friendly building, pursing LEED Platinum and full Living Building Challenge certification (the world’s most rigorous building standard – there are less than 30 in the world!). Come learn how the facility produces its own electricity and water, and explore the park’s nine ecosystems through a variety of family-friendly interactive exhibits. Meet at the Dunes Terrace at 1;30 PM to join Chandra Wright for the tour.

Optional Follow-up Coaching can be scheduled for participants to prepare for an upcoming business development conversation, and to make the most of that opportunity.

BIO:

Frank Stasiowski FAIA is an advisor to leaders at many of the world’s top architecture and engineering firms. As an speaker to audiences from five to more than 5,000, Frank is well-known for his data-driven look into the future of the business of architecture. His energetic and down-to-earth speaking style always draws rave reviews. He is a licensed architect with a degree from the Rhode Island School of Design and a MBA from Bryant University.

DESCRIPTION:

After attending this session, small-firm Principals will have an action plan to drive improved financial performance without adding personnel, merging, or entering unfamiliar markets. They learn the essential mindset shifts that foster nimble entrepreneurial decision making and increase profitability.

1. Transition from being a service provider to a success partner for clients
2. Increase profitability without adding staff or merging with another firm
3. Instill leadership characteristics in your firm and target your next leaders, regardless of your organization's size
4. Replace the emphasis in your firm on quality drawings and good communication (which is what every client expects from every A/E/C provider) with an emphasis on anticipating needs.

LSBEA Speakers

BIO 

Brad Deal, a native of north Louisiana, is an Associate Professor of Architecture at Louisiana Tech University’s School of Design. His career focuses on hands-on design/build projects that prioritize social, economic, and environmental responsibility. Brad is a licensed architect with a B Arch from Louisiana Tech and an M Arch in Sustainable Design from the University of Texas at Austin. His career in practice includes projects in California, Texas, and Louisiana. From 2013 to 2025, he served as the Design-Build Studio Coordinator at Louisiana Tech, completing annual service-learning projects with Med Camps of Louisiana. In 2025, he became the Graduate Coordinator, leading the NAAB-accredited M Arch Comprehensive design studio sequence. 

 

BIO:

Brad Deal, a native of north Louisiana, is an Associate Professor of Architecture at Louisiana Tech University’s School of Design. His career focuses on hands-on design/build projects that prioritize social, economic, and environmental responsibility. Brad is a licensed architect with a B Arch from Louisiana Tech and an M Arch in Sustainable Design from the University of Texas at Austin. His career in practice includes projects in California, Texas, and Louisiana. From 2013 to 2025, he served as the Design-Build Studio Coordinator at Louisiana Tech, completing annual service-learning projects with Med Camps of Louisiana. In 2025, he became the Graduate Coordinator, leading the NAAB-accredited M Arch Comprehensive design studio sequence. 

Casius Pealer is a Senior Professor of Practice in Real Estate at Tulane University's School of Architecture and Built Environment. He has taught at Tulane for over 15 years, including ten years as Director of the University's graduate and undergraduate degree programs in Sustainable Real Estate Development. His research interests include affordable housing, community planning, sustainable design and finance, and local and federal policies to support energy efficient and healthy buildings. Trained as an architect and a real estate attorney, Casius has over 25 years of community development experience, including as legal counsel for public housing authorities across the country implementing mixed-finance redevelopment projects and as the first Director of Affordable Housing at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). He is licensed to practice law in New York State and Washington, DC, and is a LEED Accredited Professional. Casius holds a J.D. cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School, and a Master of Architecture from the Tulane School of Architecture.

The AIA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct has existed in some form since 1909. Today, the AIA Code of Ethics is organized into six broad principles of conduct called Canons, twenty-four Ethical Standards, and thirty-one Rules of Conduct. The AIA National Ethics Council interprets and enforces the code, but they tend to focus of the mandatory Rules as does most professional education about the code of ethics in architecture schools. Compared to other major professions like law and medicine, there is very little scholarship, interpretation, and discussion about the most difficult questions and dilemmas represented by the aspirational ethical standards in the code.At the same time, professional organizations in other allied disciplines like landscape architecture, planning, historic preservation, and even real estate development have written codes of ethics or other standards of practice; but similar to the AIA Code of Ethics, they are rarely the source of ongoing education, interpretation, or discussion. Through a compilation of various ethical principles, an interdisciplinary symposium, and the creation of an interactive workbook, this project aims to help students use the language from these aspirational statements to frame important conversations and to guide decision-making as independent professionals in the built environment. The goal is not to definitively tell students what is good or what is bad, but to provide a shared language and a professional basis for conversations about individual and collective decisions in their practice.

Kevin Chenevert, AIA, is a licensed Louisiana architect with nearly 30 years of experience in architectural design, construction administration, and large-scale program and project management. He currently serves as Senior Project Manager for Jacobs on the U.S. Virgin Islands Rebuild Program. He has served in traditional architectural practice, design-build delivery, and as an owner’s representative, managing complex public-sector projects including K–12 schools, higher education facilities, parks, and cultural institutions. Kevin has led and reviewed work totaling hundreds of millions of dollars in construction value, with deep expertise in disaster recovery, FEMA-funded programs, code and design review, construction manager at risk delivery, and development of design standards and educational specifications. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Louisiana State University and brings a collaborative, detail-oriented approach to delivering resilient, high-quality facilities.

Dr. Louis Rosado-Viana is an accomplished environmental engineer and senior project manager with over 30 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure and environmental compliance programs across federal, municipal, and private sectors. He currently serves as Environmental Lead for Jacobs’ Super Program Management Office supporting the U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery, where he directs multidisciplinary environmental reviews, integrates regulatory compliance into design and construction, and supports federal decision-making processes while maintaining rigorous project schedules. His expertise includes NEPA implementation, FEMA Public Assistance programs, Environmental Assessments, and environmental due diligence, including Phase I–III Environmental Site Assessments and compliance documentation. Dr. Rosado-Viana also brings deep technical knowledge in wastewater and potable water treatment systems, biological processes, and environmental permitting under major federal regulations. In addition to his professional work, he serves as an adjunct professor in Puerto Rico, teaching courses in air quality, water treatment, sustainability, and waste management. He holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering and Earth Applied Sciences from Columbia University, along with advanced degrees spanning environmental science, engineering, biology, and chemistry, and is recognized for his leadership at the intersection of sustainability, resilience, and infrastructure delivery.

Kevin Ferguson is an Education Sector Lead at Jacobs where he serves as the executive manager of the $3.5B Capital Improvement Program for the Virgin Islands Department of Education through the USVI Office of Disaster Recovery overseeing funding, design, design-build, and construction of educational facilities outlined in the Master Plan for Post Irma and Maria recovery.  He is a 1995 graduate from the Tulane School of Engineering with a BSME.  Kevin has worked in Program and Construction Management for the last 30+ years in multiple market segments across the country including aviation, education, municipal, and religious.

 Robert (Bobby) Boudreaux, AIA, is a licensed architect with over 30 years of experience in architecture, design management, and large-scale program delivery. He currently serves as Design Management Lead for Jacobs on the U.S. Virgin Islands Rebuild Program, a multi‑billion‑dollar disaster recovery initiative focused on resilient, sustainable infrastructure across education, healthcare, and public facilities. Throughout his career, Bobby has led multidisciplinary teams on complex projects, including his prior role as Assistant Director with Louisiana Facility Planning & Control, where he oversaw capital outlay programs and major public projects statewide. A former AIA Baton Rouge President, he is deeply engaged in advancing resilient design and sustainable practices across coastal and disaster‑prone regions, with a focus on solutions directly applicable to Louisiana’s unique environmental challenges

Description

In 2017, the United States Virgin Islands experienced unprecedented devastation from back-to-back Category 5 hurricanes, Irma and Maria. The storms caused an estimated $15–20 billion in damage, crippling power systems, transportation networks, water infrastructure, healthcare access, and public education facilities. Entire communities were left without electricity, potable water, and functional civic buildings for months—and in some cases, years.

This session presents a real-world case study in resilient design, examining how architects, engineers, and program managers partnered with government agencies to rebuild critical infrastructure while embedding environmental stewardship, cultural sensitivity, and long-term sustainability into every design decision.

Attendees will gain practical insights into designing for extreme coastal conditions, navigating federally funded environmental compliance, and delivering architecture that is both technically resilient and contextually grounded.

Join us for Karaoke Bingo Bash located in Gulfview Ballrooms III and IV on Thursday evening. Come dressed in your favorite decade's wardrobe, and have a blast with us.

** Only those registered with a ticket will receive continuing education credit.

Sponsored in part by:More info to come!

BIO:

Raised between southern California and central Louisiana, Paula Peer studied Architecture at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She began her career in Los Angeles and in the following years built experience designing single-family and mixed-use developments in New Orleans. Since joining the firm in 2001, Paula has utilized her expertise in managing intricate projects to guide the firm in accomplishing significant-scale work successfully. She provides excellent internal leadership by identifying firm needs and implementing plans to address them, mentoring young designers, and contributing significantly to the strength of project execution and design. She became a partner in 2009 and has helped to grow the firm’s project portfolio and evolve the firm culture. Beyond the firm, she is an engaged member of the professional community, serving as Past- President of the New Orleans Chapter of the American Institute of Architect (AIA), cofounder of the member of Women In Architecture Committee (WIA), board member of DOCOMOMO, and a founding Board member of the New Orleans Architecture Foundation (NOAF). She is currently on the Tulane School of Architecture Advisory Board and serves on the Gretna Historic District Committee, where she spearheaded the development of a Historic Districts Design Guidelines Book for the City of Gretna.

Mr. Kevin Morris is the President of Holly & Smith Architects and has served as the Founder and Director of the New Orleans Studio for over 14 years. As a licensed professional with more than 30 years of diverse experience, Kevin’s tenacity has led the team to successfully complete many technically sophisticated and logistically challenging projects throughout southeast Louisiana. Rarely content to sit still, Kevin is actively involved in numerous facets of a project’s development, including programming, planning, design, production, and construction administration. He is passionate about design and deeply committed to seeking simple, creative, and elegant solutions. Within the profession, Mr. Morris is actively involved in the AIA, having previously served in numerous state and local leadership positions. He maintains NCARB certification as well as various technical certifications through the Construction Specifications Institute. As a faith-driven individual, Kevin is a member of Legatus New Orleans and is actively involved with his local church parish, where he serves weekly in the music ministry and participates in special events. He is also a member of The Green Project of New Orleans and currently serves on its Board of Directors.

Alyson Hinz is an interior designer and preservationist. In 2025, Allyson earned her Master of Science in Historic Preservation from Tulane University where her thesis was honored with the “Outstanding Pursuit of New Directions in the Field” award. Her academic work and field experience span digital documentation, historic interiors, and preservation technologies including GIS, 3D scanning, and photogrammetry. Notable projects include the National Register nomination for the Oleander Hotel in Grand Isle, LA and preservation fieldwork in Ancash Region of Peru, Mobile, AL, Martha’s Vineyard, and Grand Isle, LA. From leading the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse design of a 1926 Spanish-Revival hotel to collaborating on immersive, forward-thinking interiors, Allyson brings a thoughtful, research-driven approach that bridges contemporary needs with the integrity of the historic built environment. In 2026, she was named “Preservationist of the Year” by the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation.

DESCRIPTION:  
This presentation will focus on approaches to climate adaptation and resilience that starts with an understanding of environmental dynamics, and then explores ways to make design and planning better respond to these changes over time. Case studies will focus on the greening of infrastructure, the hybridization of flood control in the public realm, and the multiplicity of ways in which city-making can integrate techniques for reducing urban heat, increasing biodiversity, and designing with water--all with the goal of creating beautiful public places for people.

BIO:

President of the Board of Directors for AIA Louisiana Andrew Liles, a fifth-generation Mississippian, earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Mississippi State University in 1997 and licensure in 2001.  Work in Mississippi ranged from a state veterinary diagnostic lab to a branding agency’s award-winning build out.  A LEED Accredited Professional since 2003, he is a founding board member of the Mississippi Chapter of the US Green Building Council and later served two terms with the Louisiana Chapter, representing the state at the South-Central Regional Council.  On the heels of twelve years of practice in New Orleans, Oxford and Jackson, Mississippi, Andrew earned his Master of Architecture from Tulane University in 2010. While teaching at Tulane, Andrew represented the School of Architecture on the University’s Committee on the Honors, including an appointment to the task force to retool the Honors Program university-wide.  He is the School of Architecture’s NCARB Architect Licensing Advisor, assisting students in navigating experience and licensure.  For the New Orleans component of the AIA, Andrew served as President Elect, President, Past President and as co-chair of the 2023 Louisiana State Convention. Andrew celebrates several organizations in town with board service: Camp Able, a non-profit that champions the neuro-diverse and Teaching Responsible Earth Education [TREE] a non-profit that delivers environmental stewardship content to middle schoolers.  Active in the Urban Sketchers New Orleans chapter, Andrew contends in plein air events or outdoor painting competitions. Directors.

Description

Join fellow drawing enthusiasts for on-location sketching throughout The Lodge at Gulf State Park, and across the street at the Lake Shelby picnic area, examining the architecture and views of nature of this unique Alabama Gulf Coast destination.
Bring your own favorite sketchbook, drawing materials, a bottle of drinking water and comfortable walking shoes.
For those interested in showing off their sketches, we invite you to share your works in progress on a table near the registration desk throughout the conference.

DESCRIPTION: 
This session will introduce you to the unique resiliency and sustainability features incorporated into the Lodge at Gulf State Park. Part presentation and part walking tour, you will learn how the design of the buildings and landscapes mediates the demands of hospitality, an ecologically sensitive
site, and the force of coastal storms. You will also be introduced to the Gulf State Park Master Plan and its influence on the Lodge. Following the destruction of the original Lodge by Hurricane Ivan, this state project responded with a vision of Gulf State Park as an international benchmark of environmental and economic sustainability demonstrating best practices for outdoor recreation, education, and hospitable accommodations. The Lodge is one of five projects developed in support of that goal. It is also the first hospitality project in the world to achieve SITES Platinum, LEED Gold, and FORTIFIED certifications. Following a brief presentation, participants will tour the facility including operational areas not normally seen by the public. The group will meet at the Dunes at the Terrace at 9 AM.

AIA LA PAC Mission Statement

The AIA Louisiana Political Action Committee (PAC) seeks to inform candidates for state and local governmental offices about public policy issues related to architecture, planning and construction. The committee will actively support selected candidates who are respected, capable, and informed on issues of interest to the architectural profession.

 FR02 - 9:15am - 10:15am / Tour: The Lodge at Gulf State Park Building/ Guide: Chandra Wright/ Gulfview Balrrom IV (1.5 HSW) 

 FR02 - 9:15am - 10:15am / Tour: The Lodge at Gulf State Park Building/ Guide: Chandra Wright/ Gulfview Balrrom IV (1.5 HSW) 

Bryan has led two award-winning architecture and design programs for high school students, one through the Arts Council of New Orleans and the other through the National Organization of Minority Architects. Bryan is the 2025-26 National NOMA President. Bryan has received numerous awards and fellowships, including the 2018 Fast Company Most Creative People in Business, the Architectural League’s Emerging Voices award in 2019, the 2021 Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, the 2023 United States Artist Fellow, and the recipient of the 2025 AIA Whitney M Young Jr Award, elevating him to the AIA College of Fellows.

DESCRIPTION: 
This lecture explores the groundbreaking Design Justice Movement pioneered by Bryan C. Lee Jr., NOMA President-Elect and founder of Colloqate Design. Participants will learn how to dismantle privilege and power structures in the built environment while creating spaces of racial, social, and cultural reparation. Drawing from Lee's extensive work including the Paper Monuments project, Claiborne Cultural Futures, and the Design As Protest Collective, this session demonstrates practical strategies for community-centered design processes. Attendees will understand how to integrate justice-centered frameworks into their practice, engage marginalized communities as co-creators, and challenge the profession's complicity in systemic oppression. This lecture will also cover Lee's transformative approach to education through NOMA's Project Pipeline and his teaching at Harvard GSD, showing how architects can become agents of social change and liberation.

https://www.aiala.com/conference-schedule-2026#collapse-1751489260808

Members join gather to vote on potential changes to AIA LA policies and structure, elect new officers, and set our agenda for the year ahead thus shaping the future of architectural regulation and practice as our built environment evolves. 

Annual Meeting is open to all AIA Louisiana Members! 

Michele A. Russo, Hon. AIA, LEED AP

Michele Russo is the Vice President of Research at the American Institute of Architects where she is responsible for advancing architectural research and practice prosperity, providing insights on disruptive trends, and overseeing AIA's business intelligence, market research, and economic work. Michele previously worked for Dodge Data & Analytics where she ran its SmartMarket market research program providing data and intelligence on AEC industry trends, most notably sustainable design and construction, technology, and workforce. She has a B.S. in chemical engineering from Cornell University and a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard University.

Description

Learning objectives for "architects and the economy" focus on understanding macroeconomic cycles, building economics, and sustainable resource management. These objectives equip professionals to manage firm finances, track market trends, and create resilient, cost-effective designs amid changing construction and real-estate landscapes. 

BIO:

Working at the intersection of architecture and neuroscience, Tye is a world-recognized pioneer in tacklinworld-renowned pioneer in understanding how our built environments either promote or undermineg how our built environments either give or cause health. The first Canadian architect to earn a Master of Neuroscience Applied to Architecture, he is a much sought-after speaker, having presented to respected organizations in over fifty-five cities on six continents.

In his first, best selling book, published by University of Toronto Press, titled Constructing Health: How the Built Environment Enhances Your Mind’s Health, Tye explores the relationship between placemaking, mind health, and human performance, at the intersection of neuroscience and architecture.

DESCRIPTION

How do buildings make us feel? How can they make us feel better? Through research at the emerging intersection of neuroscience and architecture, Tye Farrow will explore how our mind, and its various sensory systems, interacts with our built environment to enhance or harm our health and well-being. Tye bridges the gap in knowledge between the therapeutic medical world and the design community to reveal how the intentional shaping of our environment can support our physical and neurological well-being, through recent discoveries in cognitive psychology (the science of the mind) and neuroscience (the science of the brain).

All Conference Attendees, Guest, Exhibitors and Sponsors are invited to this event. This will be a cash bar that does accept drink tickets.

Sponsored by:

 Dinner is included!

Sponsored by:

Join us to celebrate with all the 2025 Award Winners! There will be a cash bar included. We hope to see you there.

Sponsored by: