Course Descriptions & Presenters 

Design-Build: Opportunities, Risks, and Rewards (Professional Track) – 1 LU

The Design-Build method of project delivery offers benefits and risks to the design professional. This program focuses on the legal issues that architects face. The panel will discuss current case law, project lessons learned, and key contractual provisions to help mitigate those issues.

Presenters: Scott Samolovitch (Burke Cromer Cremonese); Michael Cremonese (Burke Cromer Cremonese); Ty Osbaugh (Gensler)

Ethical Considerations of AI (Designing Our Future Track) – 1 LU

From Passive House to Net Zero and Systemic Sustainability (Equitable & Sustainable Communities Track) – 1 HSW

A case-study of a certified PHIUS + house that was completed in 2017, this course will give real-life examples of taking a residence from Passive House standard to fully functioning Net Zero.  The architect/owner will share the experience and process, pinch-points and all, of what is structurally, technically, and fiscally required of a structure and will assist attendees in evaluating what they could do with existing houses to save fossil fuel as well as funds.

Presenter: J. Gary Gardner

Hands-on Options (1 HSW each)

– Flooring
– Drywall
– Millwork
– Bricklaying
– Structural Masonry
– Staining Masonry
– Roofing

From Small Firm to Industry Leader: What Pittsburgh Architects Can Learn from National Trends (Practice Track) – 1 LU

How can Pittsburgh’s own architectural community enhance its competitiveness and leadership in shaping the city’s future? In cities like Boston, Chicago, and Denver, firms are actively scaling up through acquisitions, forming multidisciplinary teams capable of handling the largest and most complex projects. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s architecture firms—though deeply rooted in the city’s identity—remain relatively small in comparison.If the goal is to ensure that the next chapter of Pittsburgh’s architectural legacy is written by those who understand its history and values, the time to act is now. The firms that embrace change—through growth, partnership, or new business strategies—will be the ones that not only survive in this shifting landscape but thrive, leading the way in shaping a city that is uniquely Pittsburgh, built by Pittsburgh.

Presenter: Michael Cherock, PE (AE Works)

The Shape of Things to Come: Adaptable Strategies in Healthcare Design (Designing Our Future Track) – 1 LU

In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, the ability to adapt to future changes is paramount for creating resilient and sustainable healthcare environments. This panel discussion will explore the critical role of adaptability in the design and planning of healthcare facilities, emphasizing how foresight and strategic planning can enhance the longevity and efficiency of these buildings. Ultimately, planning for future changes in healthcare environments not only fosters resilience but also promotes sustainability by reducing waste, conserving resources, and extending the lifecycle of buildings. Attendees will gain valuable insights into best practices for designing adaptable healthcare facilities that are prepared to thrive in an uncertain future.

Advancing Building Performance through Air Barriers: A Whole-Building Approach (Equitable & Sustainable Communities Track) – 1 HSW

As building performance standards evolve, so too does the need for a holistic, proactive approach to commissioning. This session will explore the critical role of air barrier commissioning in enhancing the energy efficiency and performance of modern buildings, particularly in light of the upcoming IECC 2021 cycle adoption. While MEP systems commissioning has long been a priority, the integration of air barrier commissioning into building processes is becoming increasingly important.  This presentation will make a compelling case for why architects and owners must be ahead of the curve when it comes to air barrier commissioning, and how this forward-thinking approach contributes to not only meeting regulatory requirements but achieving long-term, sustainable building performance.

Presenters: Louis Markovic (BranchPattern); Sean Butler (BranchPattern)

Hands-on Options (1 HSW each)

– Flooring
– Drywall
– Millwork
– Bricklaying
– Structural Masonry
– Concrete Chiropractics
– Terrazzo

Navigating the Timeline & Impact of the 2021 PA UCC Residential Code (Practice Track) – 1 LU

The Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC) Review and Advisory Council (RAC) completed its review of the 2021 I-Codes on June 13, 2024. The adopted provisions, slated to take effect in July 2025, introduce critical updates to residential construction standards. This course examines the timeline and key impacts of transitioning to the 2021 ICC base codes by focusing on significant provisions that changed from the previous 2018 IRC. Attendees will also gain insights into Pennsylvania-specific legislative and RAC amendments and their implications for residential building practices.

Presenter: Christopher Hine (Pennsylvania Housing Research Center)

Empowering Park Triangle: An Adaptive Approach to Community Development in Wilkinsburg (Designing Our Future Track) – 1 LU

Hear the story of how an AIA Leadership Institute group used Adaptive Leadership techniques and an empathetic approach to help a grassroots neighborhood organization build capacity. The final deliverables created a structural framework that will help build accessibility and boost their overall momentum for recruitment and implementation.

Presenters: Taylor Henderson (AE Works); Alex Keiser (DesignGroup); Marissa Kohler; Sara Margittai (Margittai Architects); Nick Rebeck (Rothschild Doyno Collaborative); Jordan Swartz (Neighborhood Allies)

LEED V: Impact on Sustainability in Design (Equitable & Sustainable Communities Track) – 1 HSW

LEED v5 is a comprehensive framework designed to drive the market towards a near-zero carbon reality that is equitable, resilient, and promotes the responsible use of resources. This new version of LEED builds upon the foundations laid by prior versions and introduces significant changes aimed at enhancing sustainability in the built environment. Key updates in LEED v5 include a focus on carbon reduction, ecological conservation, , and emphasizing equity and resilience to ensure sustainable practices benefit all communities and withstand environmental challenges. Additionally, LEED v5 promotes resource efficiency, encouraging practices that minimize waste and optimize resource utilization. This session will provide AIA members with an in-depth understanding of the changes introduced in LEED v5, the benefits of adopting these new standards, and practical insights on how to implement them in their projects. Join us to explore how LEED v5 can help us build a greener, more sustainable future.

Presenters: Marc Mondor (EvolveEA), Grace Cameron (EvolveEA), Ian Cook (EvolveEA), Elda Silva (EvolveEA), Tanvi Desai (EvolveEA)

Hands-on Options (1 HSW each)

– Flooring
– Drywall
– Millwork
– Bricklaying
– Structural Masonry
– Concrete Chiropractics
– Staining Masonry
– Roofing

Design Phase Collaboration: How To Establish a Collaborative Relationship that Prioritizes Client Goals (Practice Track) – 1 LU

This course presents a case study using a recently completed Church of the Ascension Parish Hall Addition and Renovation project in Shadyside which highlights a client first approach to early phase design and preconstruction. We will show that true collaboration is possible regardless of the delivery method and if purposeful, the owner is the ultimate winner in getting a project that is on time, on schedule and exceed expectations.

Presenters: Scott Koontz (Jendoco Construction); Melanie Buzgan Dower (Rothschild Doyno Collaborative)

Design for Dignity: Housing and Community Development (Designing Our Future Track) – 1 HSW

How can we create spaces that honor human dignity in both public and private realms? Beyond grand lobbies, how do we ensure that everyday spaces—like laundry rooms and shared corridors—reinforce a person’s intrinsic value and sense of belonging? How can multifamily housing be designed to support both individual independence and diverse needs, preferences, and identities?  Join four Pittsburgh-based architects, planners, and community leaders as they share dignity-driven design principles and a practical playbook of strategies that elevate housing and community development. Through innovative approaches and replicable examples, this session will explore how thoughtful design can directly enhance the physical and emotional well-being of the people we design with—not just for.

Presenters: Robert Tuñón (Rothschild Doyno Collaborative); Amanda Markovic, (GBBN); Ashley Cox (EvolveEA); Tamara Emswiler, (Neighborhood Allies)

The Rachel Carson EcoVillage (Equitable & Sustainable Communities Track) – 1 HSW

The future of energy in architecture is increasingly defined by sustainable, high-performance building solutions.  The Rachel Carson Ecovillage at Providence Heights is a community development consisting of 16 buildings containing 35 private units and 1 Common House with an ethos of cooperation and community at its core. The buildings are situated to connect the private residences to nature and connect with each other. This development integrates Passive House principle to achieve ultra-low energy demand while ensuring superior indoor comfort. Offsite fabrication was selected to enhance precision, reduce material waste, and accelerate construction timelines; as the built environment shifts toward net-zero and renewable energy integration, offsite Passive House communities offer a resilient, future-ready solution that minimizes carbon footprints and operational energy use. Learn how by merging cutting-edge prefabrication techniques with energy-efficient design, these developments pave the way for a more sustainable, adaptive, and energy-independent architectural future.

Presenters: Andrew Forney (EvolveEA); Stefani Danes (CMU); Craig Stevenson (AUROS Group)

Hands-on Options (1 HSW each)

– Flooring
– Drywall
– Millwork
– Bricklaying
– Structural Masonry
– Concrete Chiropractics
– Terrazzo

Building Your Leadership for the Future: How to Become an EPIC Firm (Practice Track) – 1 LU

The AIA Pittsburgh Chapter’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Community will host a workshop on the benefits of growing your architecture practices’ emerging professionals, featuring insightful presentations and discussions on their practices’ EPIC journeys, and the invaluable role of mentorship, hands-on experience, and how this benefits a Firms growth and leadership.

Pioneering Modular Hospital Design: Ukrainian Children’s Hospital Case Study (Designing Our Future) – 1 HSW

In response to the dire state of Ukraine’s healthcare infrastructure, ravaged by war and exacerbated by mass civilian migration, the presenting team has been leading a local Ukrainian A/E design team and working with the Ukrainian Hospital director to develop a template community hospital based on WHO and EU design standards and North American best practices in healthcare design to create a new hospital that will support contemporary multidisciplinary patient centered care delivery. The hospital will serve as a pilot project, demonstrating how modular construction can deliver high-quality and sustainable healthcare in post-crisis settings.  Sustainability is another core principle of the hospital’s design. The facility will integrate regionally appropriate strategies to reduce energy consumption and optimize materials. Much of the project will be built off-site, expediting timelines, and reducing material waste and the need for a specialized local workforce.  The children’s hospital is being designed through pro bono practice and marks the first phase of Sunflower Network’s transformative intent to rebuild healthcare infrastructure across Ukraine. Join us for an overview of the project and a deeper look at these key design drivers.

Presenters: Elisabeth Perreault (CannonDesign); TBD

Unlocking the Potential of Reuse (Equitable & Sustainable Communities Track) – 1 HSW

During this session, experts from Rothschild Doyno Collaborative, BranchPattern, and Doors Unhinged will share their perspectives on adaptive reuse as a sustainable option. This session will explore changes in design practices to make reuse a more appealing, convenient, and tangible option. By integrating reuse, a project can reap numerous environmental, social, and economic benefits. Our speakers will detail specific interventions to the design process, introduce reuse and deconstruction specifications, and compare the different pathways through which products can be reused. Additionally, the session will equip attendees to quantify the environmental benefits of reuse through simple calculations or more complex analysis via WBLCA.

Presenters: Nick Rebeck (Rothschild Doyno Collaborative); Julia Wattick (BranchPattern); Andrew Ellsworth (Doors Unhinged)

Hands-on Options (1 HSW each)

– Flooring
– Drywall
– Millwork
– Bricklaying
– Structural Masonry
– Staining Masonry
– Roofing