Public Architects Symposium 2026 call for proposals

Conference Description:

Building on past successes, the Public Architecture Knowledge Committee Symposium brings together public architects, civic leaders, and industry professionals to explore how architecture can shape equitable, resilient, and future-ready communities.

Through dynamic presentations and interactive discussions, participants will examine the evolving role and value of professional practice in the public realm—particularly as shifting policy priorities, social inequities, and aging infrastructure demand new models of resilience and collaboration.

The program will spotlight transformative initiatives such as the Chief Architect and Government Advocacy Initiative and emerging Equitable Development Frameworks, highlighting how these tools strengthen integrity, transparency, and long-term stewardship in civic design. Additionally, the symposium will address the growing influence of the private sector in delivering public outcomes, exploring both the opportunities and challenges of public–private partnerships in shaping the built environment.

A key focus will be on the role of architects as civic leaders and innovators, including strategies to attract and inspire the next generation of professionals to the field of architecture.

Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how resilient public architecture, cross-sector partnerships, and principled professional practice can collectively advance community well-being and civic trust.

Proposals must be submitted by 5pm ET, February 20. 

For any questions on the form, please contact Lisa Berretta at lisaberretta@aia.org.

Session Organizer:

Questions to consider for your proposal:

• How are your organization’s sustainability, resilience, or decarbonization policies affecting project designs and outcomes?  
• What creative funding strategies are you applying to achieve success in your capital program or project goals?
• How are changes in the workforce and telecommuting practices affecting your organization’s policies and the design of buildings and places?
• What design innovations (including AI) are being spurred by the engagement of your community?
• How are attitudes toward historic buildings changing to adapt to cultural changes in your community? How can we better use historic buildings’ fabric and renovate to allow for future flexibility?
• How is your organization promoting health and well-being through planning and design?

Learning outcomes:

List four learning outcomes for session participants, noting what they will be able to do as a result of participating in this session.

Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW): Three of the mandatory learning objectives above (75% of course content and instructional time) must address HSW topics including, but not limited to, accessibility, building design, codes, energy efficiency, materials and systems, preservation, building security, structural issues, and sustainable design.)

Details on developing HSW learning objectives can be found at Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) CE guidelines.

 

Proposed Speakers:

Please provide the following information for all speakers, including the session organizer, if applicable. Panels can not exceed four speakers, including the moderator.

Confirmed PA Symposium 2026 speakers are eligible to receive a discounted registration rate. 

 

Thank you for submitting your proposal. You will be able to make edits until the form closes.