AIA Tri-State Conference | AIANYS · AIAPA · AIANJ

Architecture has always stood at the intersection of vision and responsibility. We imagine what could be—but we build within real constraints: communities, regulations, budgets, histories, and lived experience. The future does not arrive fully formed. It is shaped—incrementally, deliberately—by the decisions architects make today.

Shaping the Future Now: Progress Rooted in Perspective reflects a belief that meaningful progress does not abandon what came before, nor does it cling to it uncritically. Perspective gives us context: lessons learned, patterns recognized, consequences understood. Progress demands action: innovation, leadership, and the willingness to engage with complex challenges head-on.

This Tri-State Conference brings together architects from New York State, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania to explore how informed perspective—professional, civic, cultural, technical—can drive forward-thinking solutions in a rapidly changing world. We invite proposals that speak to architecture’s evolving role in shaping communities, advancing the profession, and responding responsibly to the urgent issues of our time.

We are seeking sessions that move beyond surface-level commentary to offer insight, rigor, and relevance—programming that is thoughtful, grounded in practice, and applicable across regional and professional contexts.

What We’re Looking For

We encourage proposals that align with one or more of the following priority topic areas. These are not formal “tracks,” but areas of emphasis that reflect the planning group’s vision for a balanced, forward-looking program.

Design, Leadership, and the Profession

• Design excellence: process, outcomes, and the value of architectural thinking
• Architect activism and civic engagement: the Citizen Architect in action
• Promoting the profession: advocacy, public perception, and influence
• Communicating with elected officials: effective engagement at the local, regional, and state levels
• Board service and nonprofit leadership: architects contributing beyond the studio

Housing, Education, and Social Impact

• Housing innovation: addressing urgent housing needs through design, policy, and collaboration
• Housing and education integration: intersections between learning environments, communities, and housing systems

Technology, Sustainability, and the Built Environment

• Artificial Intelligence: rigorous, practice-based exploration beyond introductory or superficial coverage
• Sustainability and climate response, including:
• Energy and carbon reduction strategies applicable across jurisdictions
• Adaptive reuse and retrofitting of existing buildings
• Passive design strategies and high-performance building envelopes
• Decarbonization pathways and net-zero approaches

Interfaith, Sacred Space, and Community

• Design of sacred and spiritual spaces across diverse faith traditions, balancing tradition, symbolism, and contemporary expression
• Interfaith and shared-use spaces that foster dialogue, understanding, and coexistence within communities
• Faith-based institutions as civic anchors, supporting education, social services, and neighborhood engagement

Because this is a Tri-State conference, proposals should be broadly relevant across New York State, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Sessions narrowly focused on a single state’s regulations or code requirements should frame those specifics within a larger, transferable context.

A Note on Perspective

We welcome a wide range of voices—emerging professionals and seasoned practitioners, small firms and large, architects working in traditional practice as well as those applying architectural training in non-traditional roles. Strong proposals will demonstrate not only what was done, but why it matters, what was learned, and how that knowledge can inform future work.

Presentation Format

Seminars will be 90 minutes in duration. We will be holding this event exclusively in person. Each speaker and/or panel member must be listed separately with all contact information provided.

Continuing Education Submittal

Once selected, AIANYS will submit your program to the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Services to ensure that the appropriate LUs and HSW credits within AIA and New York mandatory education guidelines are applied and to avoid any possible confusion of credit. At times, the submitted learning objectives and/or presentation description need to be edited slightly to best position the presentation for CE credit approval.

Submit a Proposal today – Create Account – Call for Proposals – AIA Tri State Conference 2026

The 2026 AIA Tri-State Conference is built by members, for members—and we want your voice at the table. Whether you’re interested in program planning, awards, tours, or on-site support, your ideas and expertise will help create an exceptional conference experience.

Stay tuned for updates on an exciting lineup of conference experiences, including:

Pre-Conference Program | Inspiring Keynotes | Innovative Sessions | Expo Hall | Design Awards | Networking | Sponsor Opportunities

Networking Opportunities 

We are back in-person! Connect with industry leaders and colleagues from across the Tri-State region in Princeton, NJ. Engage in meaningful conversations, share ideas, and build lasting professional relationships

Pre-Conference Program

Bonus Session! Enhance your conference experience with pre-conference programming and training designed to complement the main conference content and provide deeper learning opportunities.

Compete Regionally | AIA Tri-State Design Awards

Celebrate excellence in design across the region at the AIA Tri-State Design Awards, presented during the conference. SUBMISSIONS OPENING IN JUNE 2026

Education Highlights

Inspiring Keynotes
Hear from visionary leaders shaping the future of architecture and the built environment.Innovative Sessions
Earn up to 18 AIA CES Credits over three days while exploring a wide range of timely and relevant topics.
2026 Call for Proposals Opens early 2026!

Engaging Tours

Immerse yourself in the architectural and cultural richness of Princeton, NJ. Planned tours will highlight unique spaces, including Nassau Presbyterian Church, the Center for Jewish Life, and other notable sites

Expo Hall | CONNECT WITH ARCHITECTS 

Explore the latest products, technologies, and services shaping architecture and design. Meet industry-leading vendors, discover innovative solutions, and experience hands-on demonstrations.

Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are available—secure your booth or exclusive sponsorship to reach architects and design professionals across the Northeast. Contact Susan Frear at sfrear@aiapa.org for more detailed information.

Spec Academies

The Tri-State Conference will feature Spec Academies led by industry experts, offering in-depth education on specialized topics critical to practice.

Princeton is located in Central New Jersey, just 65 minutes from Philadelphia, 1.5 hours from Allentown, New York City and 2 hours from Baltimore Plan now to take advantage of all the Princeton has to offer!

LIST OF ALL AREA ATTRACTIONS

Registration opens June 2026

Hotel Rate: $179 per night (special conference rate)

Getting to Princeton

Princeton is centrally located in New Jersey—approximately 65 minutes from Philadelphia, 1.5 hours from New York City and Allentown, and 2 hours from Baltimore.

• By Train: Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT (Princeton Junction)
• By Bus: Greyhound, NJ Transit Bus, Coach USA, Megabus
• By Car: NJ Turnpike, I-95, US Route 1, Route 206
• Parking: Metered street parking and downtown garages (map and details available)
• By Air: Newark Liberty International (39 miles), Philadelphia International (52 miles), Trenton-Mercer Regional Airport, Princeton Airport