Introduction: Staying Curious
Good designers remain students throughout their careers. Whether the lesson comes from a keynote speaker, a steel manufacturer, an AI startup, a children’s furniture company or even a Lego station, the common thread is curiosity.
Our team attended a local AIA26 (American Institute of Architects) Conference on Architecture & Design last weekend and found to our delight everyone we encountered was warm, generous, inviting, pleasant to talk to, and excited to be there.
Even the BIM Reaper, seen on the home page (sponsored by Pirros), was in a friendly mood dressed in his festive orange outfit (versus the more well-known black draped Grim Reaper we see for more serious occasions). At first thought, interior designers might wonder what they could learn from an architect conference. We learned a lot, made some great contacts and had fun in the process.
Design Lesson
Conferences offer more than continuing education credits. They provide fresh ideas, new relationships, and inspiration that can influence future design projects in unexpected ways.
Onsite Learning Opportunities
The conference provided multiple opportunities for learning, Keynote speakers; small group focused sessions in the learning lounges, as well as the “Designing Spaces that Inspire and Heal” that was full to capacity.
Design Lesson
Great design often emerges from continuous learning. Stay curious and remain open to ideas from adjacent industries, new research, and unexpected sources of inspiration.
New Approaches solve Old Problems
Pictured above is Michael (tan pants), one of our co-founders in deep discussion with Nic Beckman from Nucor. Michael retired from AK Steel several years ago, one of Nucor’s competitors.
The discussion started with how AK Steel, many years ago built a spec home using steel for floor joists, steel 2x4s for the walls, and roof trusses. The home was used as a demonstration that steel would be a worthy replacement for wood.
Interior design is created within the walls of a building; residential, public spaces, etc., and depends on structural stability. Interior designers should be enthusiastic about homes built with steel studs because they offer a perfectly straight, stable, and highly durable foundation for their projects. Unlike wood, steel won’t warp, shrink, twist, rot, or attract pests - virtually eliminating post-construction flaws like cracked plaster and unsightly nail pops.
Using steel in home construction could become highly valued over wood for its superior durability, incredible strength-to-weight ratio, and resistance to environmental hazards. Unlike wood, steel provides a long-lasting framework for modern homes. Finding a replacement for wood should be part of any environmental sustainability program with steel being an excellent choice as a sustainable resource.
Nic shared that across Nucor’s many acquisitions, several companies focus specifically on building materials and construction solutions. Operating under larger banners like the Nucor Buildings Group, Nucor Insulated Panel Group, and Nucor Tubular Products, these companies supply a diverse range of structural, residential, and commercial construction products across North America.
Design Lesson
Understanding advances in building materials helps designers make more informed recommendations. The strongest design solutions consider both aesthetics and the performance of the structure that supports them.
New Favorites, Old Favorites, and AI, Oh My!
The team from Cogram was our first contact of the day. They were full of energy and enthusiasm and set the upbeat and positive tone for our day ahead. Their software program uses AI to help architects and engineers with their projects.
We enjoyed our discussion with Kevin, (we forgot to capture his enthusiasm on camera) an engineer from Cavity Sliders, about pocket doors – past and present - and were pleasantly surprised to discover how little space their pocket doors take and what little time is needed to install them. Of course, barn doors also came up in the discussion, along with when and where you might use either of them. You can read our blogpost on pocket doors and barn doors here.
Leica GeoSystems BLK had a fascinating display using their autonomous technology. Their laser scanning provides valuable information to their clients.
AI seemed to be the “talk of the town.”
Design Lesson
Some of the most valuable discoveries come from revisiting familiar ideas and exploring new technologies. By remaining curious about both established design solutions and emerging innovations, designers can better serve clients while preparing for the future of the profession.
Opportunities to Play Enhance Lives
While everyone was busy learning and making contacts, AIA26 also provided opportunities to re-energize. These included a Lego “Build Your Mini-Me”; a Build Your Own Hat Bar; a Build Your own T-shirt bar; an Innovate Zone, a Makerspace, and a Puppy Park (sponsored by SYNLawn). They all provided much needed breaks enabling attendees to relax and refocus.
Design Lesson
Spaces that encourage moments of joy, creativity, or play can improve how people experience an environment. Even small design elements can help a space feel more welcoming and human-centered.
Networking and Career Opportunities
There was no shortage of opportunities to network and increase career opportunities. There was a NextGen Lounge, for career-building opportunities; a photobooth for headshots to update social media profiles, and a Braindate Lounge.
We spent some time with Bennet Peji, the Executive Director of AIA San Diego, talking about the AIA member award winning project display.
Design Lesson
Successful design careers are built on both relationships and expertise. Investing in professional connections and ongoing education helps designers remain relevant, informed and resilient.
But Wait. There was More.
Many exhibitors there would be helpful for Interior Designers, such as: options for modern and antique lighting; bath and kitchen hardware; window and door glass, as well new trending paint colors and possible ways to decorate/paint an exposed water pipe if your client has one in their industrial apartment.
Our last engaging conversation of the day was with Amy Chaudhari of JonTi-Craft children’s furniture.
Design Lesson
Quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design have lasting value. Whether contemporary or traditional, well-made products contribute to spaces that remain functional, beautiful, and meaningful over time.
Conclusion: Inspiration and Perspective
While conferences are often associated with continuing education and professional development, they also provide something equally valuable: perspective. Every conversation, demonstration, and chance encounter offers an opportunity to learn something new. Whether the topic is emerging technology, building materials, design trends, or simply how others approach creative challenges, those experiences help designers continuing growing. Sometimes the most valuable takeaway from a conference isn’t a product or presentation—it’s the reminder that inspiration can be found wherever people gather to share ideas.
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