This interactive workshop will examine the unique considerations of building enclosure design and construction. It will break enclosure design into its main control layer topics: cladding systems, moisture protection, thermal control and air barriers. Using case studies and details from projects a deeper understanding of the guiding principles; variety of products, assemblies and details used to achieve performance; how using pen and paper details will translate into real-world results will be discussed. 

Connecticut’s capital city has faced challenges that require new strategies for catalyzing economic development. This session will describe recent zoning reforms that aimed to modernize an outdated code, dramatically reduce administrative burdens, place Hartford at the forefront of local environmental stewardships, and institute a citywide form-based code sensitive to existing urban fabric.
Presented by Sara Bronin, AIA

Everyone understands that the hard work starts before the RFP hits the streets. This presentation will showcase a sales funnel concept that will preposition your firm for future work. It will review a capture plan, key metrics firms should track and provide ways to create targets based on operational data.

Architects have the potential to affect the quality of life in their communities through application of design skills by producing projects and leadership skills by engaging in guiding community initiatives. Delivered through a panel discussion and interactive peer-to-peer discussion, this session will explore the contribution and path of Citizen Architects.

An open discussion on the construction business and barriers to entry for new entrepreneurs who wish to start up in this industry in this region. A look at how value engineering is an overused term and often dismissed; biggest challenges in the industry, how construction and design should collaborate and construct financially viable projects; the paralyzing effect of fear of failure stifles innovation and how the concept of “low bid’ decimates quality and people out of the industry.

The entrance technologies are in widespread use around the world with benefits that are not always fully understood or appreciated by the design and construction industry. In this session an overview of revolving doors, security mantraps and turnstiles will be covered including history, evolution, codes/standards, design, application and maintenance. 

Architects may often ponder the notion of creating a book on architecture. This program explores the initial spark for a book, along with theme and content development. A detailed view of format, text, layout and a description of publishing options will also be discussed. Using case studies architects will be inspired and explore cover design, book review and strategies.

Presented by George Fellner, AIA

Passive House incorporates building science based strategies to minimize the use of energy while maximizing comfort and quality of life. It is the most rigorous building energy performance standard, this discussion will identify and explore the five principle standards explaining how they work together to create durable, healthy and efficient buildings.

An introduction for architects, engineers, and other design professionals to the topic of acoustic design for a mixed-use and transit-orientated development projects. Particular focus will be given to understanding and solving the types of acoustic issues that may arise for mixed use projects. Case Studies will be used to show examples of airborne and impact sound isolation; community noise issues and environmental control; construction noise and effects of planning, building massing and space planning on tenants. 

The Yale Sustainability Plan 2025 outlines ambitious goals for the University, including carbon emissions of the building stock. FX Collaborative, in conjunction with Steve Winter Associates Inc and Simpson Gumperts & Heger conducted a feasibility study on what would it take to retrofit Yale’s Sheffield-Sterling- Strathcona Hall to the EnrtPHit Standard. This presentation will focus on the findings from the study and speak to how this study can be applied to retrofits of existing historical buildings across the country.

“Carbon Drawdown Now” will help you understand how buildings have the potential to become the world’s fifth largest carbon sink, rather than a leading emitter and more clearly why your work is essential to climate justice and social equity.

Connecticut cities and towns contain an abundant supply of historic buildings, many of which lie vacant or underutilized at the core of our communities. these buildings foster a sense of state and local identity and pride offering unique economic development opportunities. However, too often the reuse of the historic buildings, are seen as a hindrance rather than an opportunity to develop. Join a multidisciplinary team of experts leading historic preservation initiatives in Connecticut to learn how to overcome the barriers associated with rehabbing older/historic buildings. Reusing Connecticut’s neglected building stock is key to creating strong, resilient communities across the state.

As concerns about climate change mount and designers seek more sustainable ways to build, there has been a resurgence in interest in building large-scale urban buildings with timber. After a brief look back at the history of wood as a structural materials, this talk will explore the opportunities and challenges of modern mass timber building systems.

Presented by Jim DeStefano, AIA 

Since its completion in the 1850’s, the U.S. Capital Dome has undergone changes in the way cast iron components fit together. This presentation will explore the history and challenges of the Capital Dome project, review fundamentals of cast iron repair and share best practices learned from this pioneering landmark restoration.

Presented by Benjamin Robinson, AIA and Arthur Sanders, AIA

A discussion on MEPF Systems focusing on the significant interdependence of building systems and overall architectural design and the relevance of collaborative design process to the seamless integration of building systems within the architecture and to overall success of the building.

The 2018 Equity in Architecture Survey, created and executed by AIA San Francisco’s Equity by Design Committee with research partner ACSA, generated the largest known data set evaluating equity in architecture to date. The unprecedented collection of professional voices is the testimony that allows us to build a deeper understanding of our strengths as a profession, and to gain insight into the critical work needed to provide each individual within our field with opportunities to thrive. Join this session to learn more about the current state of architectural practice nationwide through key findings from the survey.
Presented by Annelise Pitts, AIA, Ming Thompson, AIA, IIDA

Negotiation skills are key to interacting with clients as well as with other industry professionals involved in design and construction. This interactive session will provide practical training in negotiation (tools and approaches) allowing participants to develop negotiating skills and bring an effective problem-solving approach to addressing potential disputes.

Presented by Rainer Schrom, AIA

Working with interior designers – sometimes it’s a necessary evil and no good ever comes of it! What if we turned that cliché around by forging mutually profitable, respectful, creative partnerships with publishable results? Join us for a lively one-hour panel discussion between a notable interior designer and an esteemed NYC architect, who’ve been known to disagree over the years but always come out the better for it.

Moderated by TV personality Jackie Post Brousseau with Sharon McCormick and Scott Ageloff, AIA

New technologies are disrupting the operations of firms in the architect and engineering space, we are seeing a shift from brick & mortar to people & data making it difficult to assess and develop a go-to technology plan. This session will discuss everything from developing a technology business plan for your business, new technologies trends in the marketplace, and how leaders in the industry use technology to drive their business not run their business.

Your career advancement (and your firm’s success) depends on you learning to present and interact with confidence and ease. The skills that enable you to present in meetings and public forums also allow you to build relationships and gain recognition as an emerging leader. This session is a high energy, skill-building hour dedicated to the “inner game” and outward appearances that lead to presence in any situation. You’ll learn how to intentionally choose body language, stance, posture, and tone of voice for different situations how to notice and overcome the over thinking before you speak so that you can contribute more and second guess less; three essential skills that calm your nerves, increase connection with your audience or conversation partner, and allow you to truly listen; and a few simple networking “hacks” that make business development events more accessible and productive.