Upcoming events
AIA Fort Worth are involved in various events and talks throughout the year, from social to academic. Please see the calendar or below for further information.
Past events can be found further down the page.
WiA Happy Hour at Magnolia Wine Bar
Join us for a happy hour with the Fort Worth Women in Architecture committee!
For those who haven't engaged with us before, AIAFW WiA welcomes students, Associate members, Architect members, and friends of Women in our profession and associated professions. We focus on opportunities for Women in our professional community to engage and network, share ideas and experiences and generally come together to support one another
A note for parents: Understanding a lot of women and men in our chapter are parents and, more often than not, it's hard to find a babysitter or coordinate with a spouse to watch your kiddos, we don't want any mothers (or fathers) to feel like they can not attend a WiA event because of their kids. Bring them along if you need to! We strive to choose family friendly locations for our meet-ups.
CDFW Transit Academy - Session 1: The History of Transit & Our Current Transit Network
Join us for Session 1 of the Transit Academy as we learn about the evolution of transit in Fort Worth.
Where did we come from and where are we going?
2026 PERSPECTIVAS Entry Deadline
PERSPECTIVAS LiA FW 2026
Juried Exhibition
Latinos in Architecture_Fort Worth
LiA seeks to serve and support our local communities by establishing a forum for celebrating Latinos in the design professions. Latinos in Architecture intends to be an open resource group for architects, design professionals, educators, students, and the community.
To that end, we are calling for projects to exhibit in PERSPECTIVAS 2026.
Reception and Awards | April 1st, 6pm
Application fee per board is:
$15 per board
FREE for LiA SC UTA Members
(Unlimited Board Submissions)
Submission Guidelines:
Students may submit one project per board
Multiple boards may be submitted
Board size is 24"x42" portrait orientation
Boards may included photos, renderings, and drawings.
Work may be built, unbuilt, and/or conceptual.
Register and submit entries by: Sunday, March 22nd, 11:59pm
Submit via dropbox/googledrive link to liafortworth@gmail.com
For questions or more info email: Dennis Chiessa at chiessa@uta.edu
Urban Design Talk: Beyond the Fort Worth Way
Beyond the Fort Worth Way: Nashville’s Blueprint for Community‑Driven Design and Engagement is an Urban Design Talk featuring Gary Gaston, CEO of the Nashville Civic Design Center. The session highlights Nashville’s nationally recognized approach to community‑driven design, civic engagement, and neighborhood‑scale planning. Gary will present real examples of how Nashville uses design education, participatory workshops, and public‑realm strategies shape growth and strengthen neighborhood identity.
The session then connects these lessons to Fort Worth and North Texas, focusing on how Nashville’s strategies can be adapted to local planning challenges such as rapid growth, neighborhood change, corridor redevelopment, and the need for more transparent, inclusive engagement practices. A moderated panel will explore how these approaches can be translated into actionable steps for planners, civic leaders, and community members.
This event is open to the entire community and provides planners with a practical, real‑world case study of design‑centered civic leadership.
The moderated panel includes:
Dennis Antonio Chiessa, UTA Professor & Owner of ch_studio
Ann Zadeh, Executive Director Community Design Fort Worth
Gary Gaston, CEO Nashville Civic Design Center
TxA Spring Board Meeting
Texas Society of Architects’ Board of Directors will have the first quarter Board meeting on March 26-27 in Prairie View.
Learn more about our Board here: texasarchitects.org/board-and-staff
student Showcase at FW Spring Gallery Night
AIAFW is participating in Fort Worth Art Dealers Association’s Spring Gallery Night!
Celebrate creativity, innovation, and the future of design at this spring's Gallery Night! We're proud to showcase the work of talented high school students from across the North Texas region as part of our showcase. These young designers have poured their imagination and effort into projects exploring architecture and the built environment. Each piece reflects originality, a thoughtful design process, and strong presentation—offering a glimpse into the next generation of creative professionals. Join us for an evening of inspiration, connection, and community. Meet the students, explore their work, and see what's possible when young minds tackle big ideas.
Light refreshments. All ages welcome.
Learn more about Spring Gallery Night here:
PERSPECTIVAS Reception and Awards
PERSPECTIVAS LiA FW 2026
Juried Exhibition
Latinos in Architecture_Fort Worth
LiA seeks to serve and support our local communities by establishing a forum for celebrating Latinos in the design professions. Latinos in Architecture intends to be an open resource group for architects, design professionals, educators, students, and the community.
Reception and Awards | April 1st, 6pm
Armour Building Tour with Bennett Partners (1LU)
Join us for an architect-led tour of a thoughtfully restored landmark in the Fort Worth Stockyards Historic District. Bennett Partners has reimagined the last remaining Armour & Company Packing Facility building into a 50,000-SF creative office space, blending adaptive reuse with careful historic preservation. The tour will highlight the building’s original red brick and concrete structure, rhythmic window openings, and exposed interior elements alongside contemporary interventions such as new stairs, mezzanine levels, amenity spaces, and landscaped outdoor areas. Attendees will gain insight into the design strategies, challenges, and opportunities of transforming an early-20th-century industrial building into a vibrant modern workplace—while honoring its storied past.
The tour will be led by lead designer Samantha M. Hunt-Garbarino, Intl Associate AIA
This tour is approved for 1 AIA Learning Unit
2026 Architecture Week
Architecture Week is a nationwide celebration recognizing the power of good design, with a goal of inspiring hopeful architecture and design professionals and K-12 students. We all play key roles in educating and inspiring the next generation of architects. Let's build the pipeline together.
At AIA Fort Worth we are celebrating Architecture Week with several events including Box City at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, a Brickitecture Build Day at Acme Brick, and we have a new partnership with Cooks Children’s! Please come back here soon for more details of our events.
AIA National is hosting several virtual read alouds for students featuring book authors. Learn more about them here: https://www.aia.org/community/events/architecture-week-2026
Spaghetti Structures at Museum of Science and History
Family Program: "Spaghetti Structures"
A Hands-On Celebration of Architecture Week
Sunday, April 12
12 pm–4 pm
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Museum Entry Rates Apply | All Materials Provided
This event invites kids of all ages to unleash their imagination and explore the wonders of architecture. A hands-on experience where spaghetti and marshmallows become the tools to build dreams!
Virtual Read-aloud: Iggy Peck, Architect at Museum of Science and History
Join author Andrea Beaty for a virtual read-aloud of "Iggy Peck, Architect," followed by a Q&A session. Targeted toward students in Grades K-3.
Purchase the book: https://www.amazon.com/Iggy-Peck-Architect-Andrea-Beaty/dp/081091106X
Box City at The Modern
Family Program: "Box City"
A Hands-On Celebration of Architecture Week
Friday, April 17 | 5pm-8pm
Saturday, April 18 | 10am-5pm
Modern Lobby and Studio
Free Admission | All Materials Provided
Join AIA Fort Worth and the Modern for an engaging, family-friendly celebration of Architecture Week with Box City! This interactive workshop, led by members and educators from AIA Fort Worth invites children and families to explore the principles of architecture and urban design through creative play.
Using recycled materials, participants will design and construct their own buildings, contributing to a collaborative miniature city. Along the way, families will learn about architectural concepts, city planning, and sustainable design while gaining insight into city permits and the unique functions of different buildings within a community.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own boxes—such as shipping, shoe, or cereal boxes—to transform into buildings, though materials will also be provided. The layout of Box City will come to life on a large-scale, pre-painted canvas serving as the city grid and vibrant foundation for the collaborative creation.
Perfect for all ages, this hands-on program fosters creativity, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for the built environment. Drop in anytime and take part in building a dream city!
Box City at The Modern
Family Program: "Box City"
A Hands-On Celebration of Architecture Week
Friday, April 17 | 5pm-8pm
Saturday, April 18 | 10am-5pm
Modern Lobby and Studio
Free Admission | All Materials Provided
Join AIA Fort Worth and the Modern for an engaging, family-friendly celebration of Architecture Week with Box City! This interactive workshop, led by members and educators from AIA Fort Worth invites children and families to explore the principles of architecture and urban design through creative play.
Using recycled materials, participants will design and construct their own buildings, contributing to a collaborative miniature city. Along the way, families will learn about architectural concepts, city planning, and sustainable design while gaining insight into city permits and the unique functions of different buildings within a community.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own boxes—such as shipping, shoe, or cereal boxes—to transform into buildings, though materials will also be provided. The layout of Box City will come to life on a large-scale, pre-painted canvas serving as the city grid and vibrant foundation for the collaborative creation.
Perfect for all ages, this hands-on program fosters creativity, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for the built environment. Drop in anytime and take part in building a dream city!
2026 AIA/CSI FW Acme Brick Golf Tournament
The Fort Worth Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Construction Specifications Institute invite you to participate in our 35th annual golf tournament. Proceeds from the tournament will provide for student scholarships and community projects of both organizations. This tournament is in honor of Larry Clements, longtime allied member, golf committee member, and supporter of the tournament.
TIME: 1 PM Shotgun Start * Registration begins at 12 PM
FORMAT: Four-person Scramble. Limited to 36 teams.
COST: $170 per person / $650 for a four person team
Entry Fee includes: green fee, cart, range balls before round, box lunch before & dinner after round, drink tickets, and prizes.
PRIZES: Men & Women's Longest Drive, Men & Women's Closest to the Pin, and a Raffle Drawing at the conclusion of the Tournament. Winning Teams announced at a presentation following the Tournament.
BECOME A SPONSOR:
This tournament is an excellent way to increase visibility, networking, and camaraderie among architects, specifiers, manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, engineers and consultants.
GOLD SPONSOR: $3,000
You will receive: recognition for your company/firm on tournament communications, banners, and signs, along with other special recognition with FW AIA/CSI specific for this level of sponsorship. Gold sponsorship includes four (4) Entry Fees along with special recognition at the Awards Presentation following the Tournament.
SILVER SPONSOR: $2,000
Your company/firm name will be displayed on signs at various contest locations, including Longest Drive & Closest to Pin. Silver sponsorship includes two (2) Entry Fees.
GOLF BALL SPONSOR: $1,500
Your company logo will be displayed on golf balls given to each participant in the Tournament. Limited to one (1) sponsor. Deadline for this sponsorship is March 19, 2026
TABLE SPONSOR: $1,500
Company representatives can greet golfers and provide promotional items at one of the Par 3 holes. Your company/firm name will be displayed on a sign at this hole. Limited to six (6) sponsors. If providing promotional items, drinks, or snacks, sponsor must provide for entire field. Inquire for more information. Sponsors must provide their own table and chairs (course will help transport table and items to designated hole
BEVERAGE CART SPONSOR: $1200
Your company/firm name will be displayed on a large sign attached to a Beverage Cart dispensing ticketed beer and soft drinks throughout the course. Limited to two (2) sponsors.
DRINK TICKET SPONSOR: $1200
Your company logo/firm name will be displayed on drink tickets given to each participant and volunteer in the Tournament. Limited to two (2) sponsors.
BRONZE SPONSOR: $750
Your company/firm name will be displayed on a sign at one of the eighteen holes.
PRIZE SPONSOR:
Monetary and physical gifts only. No promotional offers. We welcome monetary donations or special prizes for the Raffle, such as tees, balls, caps, gift certificates - or items with your logo.
AIA26: Conference on Architecture & Design
AIA26 brings together the people behind the $700 billion AEC industry—those leading firms, shaping cities, advancing practice, and redefining what architecture can do.
AIA26 is your front-row seat to what’s next in architecture and design. Earn your HSW, GBCI, RIBA, and AIA LU credits for the year while exploring the trends, technologies, and ideas defining architecture and design.
Registration opens soon.
TxA Summer Board Meeting
Texas Society of Architects’ Board of Directors will have the second quarter Board meeting on June 25-26 in Austin.
Learn more about our Board here: texasarchitects.org/board-and-staff
WiA Happy Hour
Location TBD!
Join us for a happy hour with the Fort Worth Women in Architecture committee!
For those who haven't engaged with us before, AIAFW WiA welcomes students, Associate members, Architect members, and friends of Women in our profession and associated professions. We focus on opportunities for Women in our professional community to engage and network, share ideas and experiences and generally come together to support one another
A note for parents: Understanding a lot of women and men in our chapter are parents and, more often than not, it's hard to find a babysitter or coordinate with a spouse to watch your kiddos, we don't want any mothers (or fathers) to feel like they can not attend a WiA event because of their kids. Bring them along if you need to! We strive to choose family friendly locations for our meet-ups.
TxA Fall Board Meeting
Texas Society of Architects’ Board of Directors will have the third quarter Board meeting on September 24-25 in Arlington.
Learn more about our Board here: texasarchitects.org/board-and-staff
WiA Happy Hour
Location TBD!
Join us for a happy hour with the Fort Worth Women in Architecture committee!
For those who haven't engaged with us before, AIAFW WiA welcomes students, Associate members, Architect members, and friends of Women in our profession and associated professions. We focus on opportunities for Women in our professional community to engage and network, share ideas and experiences and generally come together to support one another
A note for parents: Understanding a lot of women and men in our chapter are parents and, more often than not, it's hard to find a babysitter or coordinate with a spouse to watch your kiddos, we don't want any mothers (or fathers) to feel like they can not attend a WiA event because of their kids. Bring them along if you need to! We strive to choose family friendly locations for our meet-ups.
TxA26 Annual Conference & Design Expo
This event features world-renown keynote speakers, curated CE sessions, exclusive architectural tours, the largest architectural products showcase in the Southwest, and events for architects at all stages of their career. Collect your annual CE credits, mingle with friends and colleagues, and learn about new products and services in the industry.
ANnual wIa Holiday Lights Sketch Crawl in Sundance SquARE
Happy Holidays! Join us for a sketch walk in Fort Worth
Join AIA FW Women in Architecture (WiA) for a Holiday Lights Sketch Walk in Downtown Fort Worth! We will meet at Starbucks on the Square at 5:30pm to grab coffees, hot chocolate, and holiday drinks. Starting at 6:00pm we'll wander as a group through downtown admiring the Christmas tree and holiday lights. Bring your sketchbook if you want to sketch, or just come for the socialization and sips!
There is no cost to come to the Happy Hour, but please RSVP so we can get a head count.
For those who haven't engaged with us before, AIAFW WiA welcomes students, Associate members, Architect members, and friends of Women in our profession and associated professions. We focus on opportunities for Women in our professional community to engage and network, share ideas and experiences and generally come together to support one another.
TxA Winter Board Meeting
Texas Society of Architects’ Board of Directors will have the fourth quarter Board meeting on December 4 virtually.
Learn more about our Board here: texasarchitects.org/board-and-staff
Hard Hat Tour of The National Cowgirl Museum Expansion with Ewing Cole
Join us for a tour of the new expansion at the Cowgirl Museum with architect Ewing Cole!
1 AIA Learning Unit (pending approval)
Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of the expansion at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, located in the Fort Worth Cultural District. Led by the project architect Ewing Cole, this tour offers a firsthand look at the design thinking, material exploration, and technical coordination behind the museum’s 18,000-square-foot addition.
The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors and celebrates women, past and present, whose lives exemplify the courage, resilience, and independence that helped shape the West. Established in 1975, the Museum is considered an invaluable national educational resource for its exhibits, research library, and rare photograph collection. The museum is in Fort Worth’s Cultural District and is situated between the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Will Rogers Memorial Center and Dickies Arena.
The expansion to the museum will add approximately 18,000sf to the existing 31,000sf museum. The new entry will be oriented to the south to greet visitors from the Alice Walton Cowgirl Park and will connect to exhibits on both levels in the existing museum which have been renovated over the past 10 years. The first floor of the expansion will feature a reception area, expanded shop, a Collections Gallery and a Photography Gallery that will spotlight powerful imagery from the past and present, chronicling the lives and legacies of cowgirls throughout history.
The second floor includes a new fashion gallery showcasing iconic Western wear and the evolution of cowgirl style. At the heart of the expansion is a full-size indoor carousel with refreshment area. The carousel, produced by Barrango of San Francisco, is 30’ in diameter and will feature 18 horses. To support its growing popularity as a community gathering place, the expansion will also include an enlarged event space capable of hosting up to 250 guests, ideal for private functions, educational programs, and public events.
Designed in conjunction with Reza Azard of PROJECTILES located in Paris, France, this expansion is constructed with full-height precast concrete panels. The materiality and finish of the concrete panels was carefully studied through several mock-ups to achieve an expression which complements the existing cast-stone and brick building but brings a bold new character to the museum. The top of the building is crowned by a bas-relief frieze depicting a galloping horse, inspired by early chronophotographs of Etienne-Jules Maray. The galloping horse represents a spirit of freedom, strength, beauty and determination.
Substantial completion is expected at the end of August and exhibit installation is scheduled through October. Grand opening for the museum is November 4th, 2026.
AIA Fort Worth Awards Ceremony
Join us in celebrating all AIA Fort Worth 2025 award recipients!
The AIA Fort Worth Awards Ceremony will be held at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. We will be presenting the 2025 Honor Awards as well as recognizing the 2025 Professional and Student Design Award recipients. It is a celebration of the those who make possible distinctive works of architecture in our community.
The morning will begin at 10:30am with a coffee reception, followed by the award presentations.
Members & Award Recipients: Free
Non Members: $25
Urban Design Talk: Designing Health Equity Across 76104 Neighborhoods (1HSW)
Join CDFW and AIA for another Design Talk, featuring BRAVE/R Together!
Approved for 1 AIA LU|HSW
Doors open at 5:30pm
Panel Disscussion at 6:00pm
Braver Together: Designing Health Equity Across 76104 Neighborhoods
This panel discussion explores how community leadership, urban design, and public partnership are coming together to address long-standing health inequities in Fort Worth’s Historic Southside, Hillside, and Morningside neighborhoods.
BRAVER Together is leading a multi-year, community-driven effort to improve health outcomes across these three neighborhoods, where residents experience some of the most significant health disparities in the city—and where the 76104 ZIP code has the lowest life expectancy in Texas. Working alongside residents, planners and designers, healthcare providers, and public partners, including the City of Fort Worth and Near Southside Inc., BRAVER Together is advancing a coordinated approach to health equity that spans planning, infrastructure, and care delivery.
The conversation will highlight how this work unfolds across multiple scales. A district-level, aspirational framework explores how housing, business infrastructure, mobility, food access, public space, and environmental conditions shape long-term health outcomes across the three neighborhoods. This vision helps align near-term projects around shared goals for a healthier district. At the corridor scale, the Evans Avenue Urban Design and Streetscape Plan demonstrates how community priorities can be translated into immediate, implementable improvements—using streets, sidewalks, shade, transit access, and public space to support safety, accessibility, quality of life, and everyday well-being. At the neighborhood scale, the proposed restoration of the historic Brooks Clinic illustrates how place-based healthcare can serve as a trusted anchor, directly addressing health equity through a wellness-centered model of care.
Together, these efforts show how health equity emerges through sustained collaboration—linking community leadership, public investment, and design across scales. This panel is intended for residents, civic leaders, and design and planning professionals interested in how cities can work collectively to create healthier, more equitable neighborhoods.
Panelists:
Dr. Shawn Lassiter, Founder and Executive Director, BRAVER TOGETHER
Michael Brennan, AICP, President, Near Southside Inc.
Julia Lindgren, Undergraduate Architecture Director, UTA
Dennis Chiessa, AIA, Graduate Architecture Director, UTA
USGBC Impact Symposium
Earn 5 LU/HSW in one day!
AIA Members get member pricing with code: SYM26MEMBER
Everything is bigger in Texas and that goes double for green building projects. At the forefront of sustainability in Texas are major venues like stadiums, convention centers, entertainment facilities, and airports - driving decarbonization, meeting ambitious climate goals, and serving as community resilience hubs through advanced green building strategies.
USGBC Impact Symposium: Texas takes a look at LEED at scale - featuring expert-led sessions, real-world case studies, and an exclusive LEED v5 Technical Workshop, offering hands-on guidance on the latest credits, requirements, and best practices. Learn how LEED v5 is shaping the future of large-scale projects with a focus on decarbonization, resilience, and performance. Whether you’re an owner, developer, building professional, or sustainability expert, this is your opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and lead the charge toward a low-carbon future in Texas.
9:00 AM
Registration and Breakfast Networking
9:30 AM
USGBC Welcome and Updates
10:00 AM
Keynote
10:30 AM
Panel Discussion: LEED at Scale
11:30 AM
Networking Lunch
12:30 PM
LEED v5 Workshop
4:30 PM
Symposium Concludes
CDFW Transit Mixer: TEXRail Medical District
Join us as we discuss the extension of the TEXRail line beyond downtown and into the Medical District.
AIA Fort Worth | TEXO Chili Cook-Off
Come hangout and network with industry peers from 11:00 to 3:00 while you have the opportunity to enjoy some live music, delicious chili, and refreshing drinks!
Important Information
Date: Thursday February 12th
Time: 9am - 3pm
Location: Byrne Construction Services,
551 E Berry St, Fort Worth, TX 76110
Registration Fee:
$175 for entry into Chili Cook-Off (Team of 4) | Teams are responsable for bringing everything that they may need for their 10x10 cooking space. This may include a 10x10 tent, folding table and chairs, propane cookers, and anything else that you may need.
$15 for attendees
Awards
1st - 3rd place Chili
People's Choice Award
Best Booth Award
Schedule
9:00 a.m. | Open for Chili Setup
11:00 a.m. | MANDATORY Cooks Meeting
1:00 p.m. | Chili Judging Starts
1:45 p.m. | Winners Announced
Sponsorships:
Presenting Sponsor - $1500 | 1 Available
Comes with a Chili Entry (Team of 4)
Logo included on the registration page, event signage, and social media. Have the opportunity to present the awards to all of the teams.
Judges Sponsor - $1000 | 1 Available
Comes with a Chili Entry (Team of 4)
Logo included on the registration page, event signage, and social media. Have the opportunity to present a Judge for the cook off.
Drink Sponsor - $500 | 2 Available
Comes with a Chili Entry (Team of 4)
Logo included on the registration page, event signage, and social media.
Antacid Sponsor - $250 | 4 Available
Comes with a Chili Entry (Team of 4)
Logo included on the registration page, event signage, and social media.
FW WiA Soul Sweat Hot Yoga
Join the Fort Worth Women in Architecture committee at Soul Sweat Hot Yoga!!
Soul Sweat Sequence is designed for all levels, pulling inspiration from Ashtanga and Sumit Banjeree, this sequence is set to energizing music in a room heated at 103-106 degrees, with approximately 50-65% humidity.
Special AIA rate: $12
Space is limited - sign up now!
**Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before class start time. Free parking with validation. Our doors lock as soon as class starts -- No late entries allowed.
WiA Holiday Lights Sketch Walk
Happy Holidays! Join us for a sketch walk in Fort Worth
Join AIA FW Women in Architecture (WiA) for a Holiday Lights Sketch Walk in Downtown Fort Worth! We will meet at Starbucks on the Square at 5:30pm to grab coffees, hot chocolate, and holiday drinks. Starting at 6:00pm we'll wander as a group through downtown admiring the Christmas tree and holiday lights. Bring your sketchbook if you want to sketch, or just come for the socialization and sips!
There is no cost to come to the Happy Hour, but please RSVP so we can get a head count.
For those who haven't engaged with us before, AIAFW WiA welcomes students, Associate members, Architect members, and friends of Women in our profession and associated professions. We focus on opportunities for Women in our professional community to engage and network, share ideas and experiences and generally come together to support one another
Gingerbread Build-Off and Holiday Party
Join the Fort Worth chapters of AIA, IIDA, USGBC, TEXO, NAWIC and CDFW for an end of year holiday party!
Enjoy food, beverages, festivities, and gingerbread structures that will be on display from our Gingerbread Build-Off!
Attendees, bring a business card for the raffle!
Participating Organizations:
AIA (American Institute of Architects)
IIDA (International Interior Design Association)
USGBC TX (US Green Buildings Council)
TEXO (TX Commercial Contractors Association)
NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction)
AIA Gingerbread Build Off
2025 Theme: Holidays Around the World
Want to build a structure for the Gingerbread Build-Off? Register your team now!
This Design-Build event provides an opportunity for building industry professionals to show off their design skills. Teams will construct their confections at a location of their choosing and bring them to the holiday reception for judging.
EVENT INFORMATION
WHERE: Pella Windows and Doors
WHEN: December 10th @ 6:00pm (Doors open at 5:30pm)
COST: Free to attend and free to submit competition entry
INCLUDED: The first 10 teams to register will be provided a starter gingerbread kit
COMPETITION RULES
1. Teams will construct their confections at a location and time of their own choosing and bring the completed projects to Pella
2. Houses or structures should be completely edible (no glue or inedible accessories.) Nonedible items are limited to the display surface and lighting.
3. You may use any edible material that you like. You may use purchased materials, kits, or homemade materials that are edible
4. This event is for AIAFW, IIDA, USGBC Texas, TEXO, NAWIC and CDFW members, however member-led teams can include friends, family, consultants, etc.
5. Final entry must fit on 24”x24” display board or smaller. You may decorate the display board.
7. You may not pay another company to complete the design or build.
8. Each team may submit one entry. Individuals may submit one entry each.
9. Have fun!!!
• Though not required, we encourage you to share updates of your progress on social media and tag us!
GINGERBREAD KIT PICKUP & DROPOFF
Free gingerbread kits are available to the first 10 teams (first come first serve)
Teams can pick up kits beginning Monday, December 1st at Pella
M-F 9am-6pm (closed from 1-2pm for lunch)
AWARD CATEGORIES
2025 Theme: Holidays Around the World
Iconic Architecture Award (Judged Category)
This category honors edible recreations of iconic architecture from across the globe as well as at home in Fort Worth. Think the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House, or local favorites like the Fort Worth Stockyards, the Kimbell Art Museum, or Sundance Square. Entries will be judged on accuracy, craftsmanship, creativity, and attention to architectural detail.
Structural Integrity Award (Judged Category)
This award recognizes the tallest and or most structural creation that demonstrates impressive structural integrity. It’s not just about height—it’s about engineering excellence which could be demonstrated with horizontal structural challenges as well. Your masterpiece must be able to stand tall and proud without external support. Judges will look for clever design and stability.
Best Holiday Themed Award (Judged Category)
This year’s theme is “Holidays Around the World.” This category celebrates creativity and cultural flair, spotlighting entries that beautifully capture how different places celebrate the season. From Diwali lights to Christmas markets, Lunar New Year dragons to Hanukkah menorahs, show us your take on global holiday cheer. Only entries that embrace this theme will be considered for this award.
People’s Choice Award (Voted on by Holiday Reception Attendees)
The crowd has the final say! Guests at the Holiday Reception will cast their votes for their favorite gingerbread creation. Whether it’s the most detailed, imaginative, or just plain delicious-looking, the winner of the People’s Choice Award earns sweet bragging rights as the fan favorite of the season.
SPONSORSHIP
Click here for sponsor sign up!
We have multiple levels for your business or organization to support this amazing event!
GUMDROP LEVEL: $500
Sponsor is able to provide a table top at the event. Sponsor logo will be displayed at the event as well as digital marketing leading up to and following the event.
SPRINKLE LEVEL: $250
Sponsor logo will be displayed at the event as well as digital marketing leading up to and following the event.
FROSTING LEVEL: in kind
Sponsor is to provide a raffle item of the sponsors choice. Retail price minimum $50.00
Thank you, sponsors!!
2025 Design Award Announcement + Lecture
The AIA Fort Worth Design Awards program recognizes outstanding architectural, urban design and unbuilt projects by architects practicing in the Fort Worth chapter to promote public interest in design excellence.
Doors open at 5:30pm. Award announcements will begin at 6:00pm, followed by the lecture “out of the ordinary” by John Ronan, FAIA.
1 AIA Learning Unit
JURY PANEL -
JUROR | GUEST LECTURER -
Founded in 1999, John Ronan Architects is an internationally-recognized design firm based in Chicago and comprised of dedicated design professionals committed to producing architecture of the highest quality, marked by conceptual innovation, exploration of materiality, and a rigorous attention to detail. The firm has a studio culture and its working method is research-based and collaborative. Led by John Ronan FAIA, the firm pursues an iterative design methodology to explore and test a wide range of ideas in order to find the response that feels intuitively correct for each situation, based on its unique site, program and context (cultural, historical, economic, social). Working across a wide range of scales and project types, there is a searching quality to the studio’s work which seeks to produce that which is compelling and memorable.
Many will know John for his firm’s widely published, award-winning Chicago projects including the Poetry Foundation, Gary Comer Youth Center, Independence Library and Apartments, Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship at IIT, and most recently the new Chicago Park District Headquarters. As these projects suggest, John Ronan Architects works across a wide range of building types and scales. The firm has also competed in a number of invited international design competitions and was a finalist for the Obama Presidential Center and the UCD Future Campus project in Dublin. In 2024, the firm won the invited competition to design the Memorial for Fallen Journalists on the Mall in Washington, D.C. In addition to covering these projects and exploring how place has informed his designs, John will show some work currently “on the boards.”
2025 Design Awards Presentations Deadline
The AIA Fort Worth Excellence in Architecture Design Awards and Studio Awards recognizes outstanding work by our membership. All entries will be evaluated for design excellence regardless of size, budget or project type.
Submit presentations to this dropbox link.
For more presentation and submittal details, refer to the call for entries form.
October 27th by 5:00pm - Digital Presentations, Data Sheets, Credit Sheets are due.
November 14 at 6:00pm - Design Awards announcement at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and lecture. The event is FREE and open to the public. Register for the event here!
WiA Happy Hour at The Magnolia
Join us for a happy hour with the Fort Worth Women in Architecture committee!
For those who haven't engaged with us before, AIAFW WiA welcomes students, Associate members, Architect members, and friends of Women in our profession and associated professions. We focus on opportunities for Women in our professional community to engage and network, share ideas and experiences and generally come together to support one another
A note for parents: Understanding a lot of women and men in our chapter are parents and, more often than not, it's hard to find a babysitter or coordinate with a spouse to watch your kiddos, we don't want any mothers (or fathers) to feel like they can not attend a WiA event because of their kids. Bring them along if you need to! We strive to choose family friendly locations for our meet-ups.
2025 Design Awards Call for Entries Deadline
The AIA Fort Worth Excellence in Architecture Design Awards and Studio Awards recognizes outstanding work by our membership. All entries will be evaluated for design excellence regardless of size, budget or project type.
For award categories and eligibility details, download the call for entries.
October 20th by 5:00pm - Entry Forms and Fees are due.
October 27th by 5:00pm - Digital Presentations, Data Sheets, Credit Sheets are due.
November 14 at 6:00pm - Design Awards announcement at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and lecture. The event is FREE and open to the public. Register for the event here!
2025 Acme Brick Sporting Clay Classic and bbq cookoff
Join us for the 20th Annual UTA/AIA Fort Worth Acme Brick Sporting Clay Classic & BBQ Cook Off! Architects, consultants, contractors and other design and construction-related individuals form teams to compete for bragging rights and “Top Gun” honors in a collaborative and festive atmosphere. The event has funded multiple UTA scholarship endowments and provided annual stipends to UTA’s AIA Student Chapter, Tarrant County College's Scholarship fund, and AIA FW 's Student Design Award scholarships.
TIME: 12:00pm Registration, 1:00pm start (volunteers should arrive by 11:00am)
FORMAT: 5 person team (team name is required for groups of 5)
COST: $750 per team, $160 individual shooter
ONLY 20 TEAMS WILLBE ACCEPTED
***Shooters are responsible for supplying their own shotgun shells. A minimum of 100 shells are required per shooter to complete the course, however extra shells will be needed if mulligans are purchased.
Boxed lunches will be available during registration, BBQ Cookoff voting and dinner will be held after the tournament.
This event is an excellent way to increase visibility, networking, and camaraderie among architects, specifiers, manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, engineers and consultants. Sponsorships benefit the AIAFW scholarship programs.
GOLD SPONSOR: $2500
Major recognition for your company/firm on special banners and signs, along with other recognitions specific for this level of sponsorship! Each gold sponsor will receive 1 free team of 5, a table for displaying company literature, signage at the event, and their logo in the AIAFW social media posts.
SILVER SPONSOR: $1750
EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY! This sponsorship includes recognition on banners and signs. You will receive 1 free shooter, and your logo in AIAFW social media posts
STATION SPONSOR: $800
This sponsorship includes signage at your station, recognition at the event Awards Ceremony, and their logo in AIAFW social media posts. Stations Sponsors may elect to man their designated Station and provide promotional items to distribute to the shooters. Those choosing to have a representative at their station must arrive and be set up 30 minutes prior to start. *A designated station will be given each Station Sponsor, and any chairs or tables needed must be provided by the Sponsor. A sponsor representative may announce raffle prices at the awards ceremony following the tournament
BRONZE SPONSOR: $500
You can choose to be included as a Beverage, Beer, Water, Trophy & Awards, Prize Gun, or Signage Sponsor. Sponsors at this level will receive signage at the event, recognition at the event Awards Ceremony and a listing in AIAFW social media posts.
PRIZE SPONSOR
We welcome special prizes which you wish to donate, or items with your logo, to be placed in a general drawing to be held during the Awards Ceremony (cash and physical gifts only, no promotions)
K-12 Student Design Showcase Call for entries due
K-12 STUDENT DESIGN SHOWCASE - HIGH SCHOOl 9-12
CALL FOR ENTRIES
We are excited to celebrate the creativity and hard work of high school students across the North Texas region! The K-12 Student Design Showcase highlights emerging talent in architecture, design, and the built environment through student projects that demonstrate originality, thoughtful process, and strong presentation.
Submissions will be displayed at a variety of public venues and community events throughout the year — including ArtsGoggle, Tarrant County College’s Spring Gallery Night, and the Texas Society of Architects (TxA) Conference — offering students a unique opportunity to share their work with a broader audience and connect with the professional community.
If you have any questions, please contact Katie Hitt Deaton at kdeaton@brick.com.
ELIGIBILITY
Recently Completed Grades 9-12
North Texas Students (DFW)
DEADLINE: OCTOBER 15TH @11:59PM
Vist aiafw.org/k12 for forms and details
Box City at Arts Goggle
Box City at ArtsGoggle
Saturday, October 11 | 3:00–6:30 PM | Free
Hosted by AIA Fort Worth’s K-12 Outreach Committee, Box City is a fun, hands-on activity where kids design and build their own miniature buildings using provided materials. Once complete, their creations are placed on a scaled site plan to form a collaborative, miniature city. Guided by architects and designers, this come-and-go event encourages creativity, teamwork, and introduces basic concepts of architecture, urban planning, and community design in an engaging way.
Perfect for young creators—drop in, build, and imagine the city of tomorrow!
Find us at tent 2 of the Magnolia Make Believe section!!
****We need 4 architect volunteers to help oversee Box City!! Sign up here!
available shifts:
3:00 pm - 4:45 pm
4:45 pm - 6:30 pm
Emerging Professional Firm Crawl at The BECK Group
Join us for the next Emerging Professionals Firm Crawl at The BECK Group!
Come tour the office and see what the firm has been working on. It’s a great chance to connect with other professionals in the field, ask questions, and get a feel for the culture at one of our AIA Fort Worth firms.
2025 AIA FORT WORTH Homes Tour
VIEW THE TOUR WEBSITE
Tickets: $30 (Advanced)
Tickets may be purchased at the door with Eventbrite or cash.
Saturday, September 27th | Sunday, September 28th
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!
FEATURED ARCHITECTS
A. MICHAEL ARCHITECTURE
BRIGATI, PLLC
CREATE ATELIER
DONALD GATZKE, FAIA
MAESTRI STUDIO
THEODORE GUPTON, AIA
Join us for the 2025 AIA Fort Worth Homes Tour, presented by Ingean Construction — a two-day, self-guided event that highlights the very best in local residential architecture! This curated tour offers a look inside a diverse selection of homes designed by local, licensed architects in Fort Worth and surrounding areas.
Tour attendees will have the opportunity to meet the architects and designers behind each house who helped bring each project to life.
The selected homes cover a wide variety of architectural styles, project types, and budgets, representing a cross section of lifestyles, each designed specifically for the client.
The process of design is unique for each architect. The final projects as you see them today are the result of hundreds of hours of collaboration between the architect and the homeowner, the architect and their consulting teams, and the architect and the contractor. With design time ranging from three months to two years and construction ranging from nine months to two years, each home has multiple stories for you to learn about this weekend. As you walk through each space, we invite you to ask questions, engage with the architects, and explore the materials and products that were thoughtfully chosen for each project!
Proceeds from the Homes Tour support the Fort Worth Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Fort Worth) programs and initiatives that promote design excellence throughout our community. Over 500 members strong, AIA Fort Worth works to promote the value of architecture to the public, and unify the membership in service and growth of the profession. Our Home Tour’s mission is to celebrate the process of design and educate the community on the benefits of working with an architect.
Thank you to our sponsors!
TEXO AIA FW ECONOMIC UPDATE
TEXO | AIA Fort Worth Economic Update
Come and join the AIA Fort Worth | TEXO committee to discover why Fort Worth is rapidly becoming a top choice for thriving businesses. Robert Allen will share how the Fort Worth Economic Development Partnership is strategically positioning the region for sustainable growth.
Event Details:
When - September 9th from 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Where - PalmWood Event & Conference: 640 Taylor Street, Fort Worth, TX, 76102
Cost - $40
Sponsorships
Title Sponsor | $1,500 - Be the title sponsor for our event and have your logo on the main screen before the presentation. Includes 6 attendees.
Food Sponsor | $1,000 - Fuel the participants with delicious bites and have your logos displayed at the food tables. Includes 4 attendees.
Bar Sponsor | $1,000 - Provide guests with refreshing beverages and have your logos displayed at the bar. Includes 4 attendees.
Registration Sponsor | $750 - Welcome guests to the event and have you logo displayed at the registration table. Includes 3 attendees.
Parking Sponsor | $500 - Have your logos displayed while the attendees validate their parking tickets. Includes 2 attendees.
Thanks For Coming Sponsor | $500 - Be the last logo the attendees see before they leave the event. Includes 2 attendees.
For any questions, please contact below:
TEXO Coordinator | Brandon Grove - brandon@texoassociation.org
Fall Gallery Night 2-8pm+ AIAFW Annual Meeting 2-2:10pm
AIA FW Annual Meeting 2-2:10pm
AIA FW Fall Gallery Night 2-8pm
TxA President-Elect Chapter Visit
Join us at Quorum Architects to hear a presentation by TxA President-Elect Krystyn Haecker, AIA!
Light lunch provided.
Krystyn is a Principal at Mirador Group in Houston, where she has worked for the last 12 years. She works as the firm’s Multi-Family Practice Leader, serves on the leadership team as the company integrator, and manages programs for recruitment, professional development and employee engagement. Krystyn looks to build communities in both the projects she delivers as an architect and the team she builds at Mirador Group. As a recognized leader in Houston, she was honored by the Houston Business Journal as a 2024 Women Who Mean Business honoree. See her full bio here!
Urban Design Talk: Design Justice with Brent A Brown, AIA
Join Community Design Fort Worth and AIA Fort Worth for another Urban Design Talk!
When & Where
Thursday, August 21st
Nick and Lou Martin University Center | Ballroom C
Doors Open at 5:30pm | Design Talk will begin at 6:00pm
Continuing Education
This event is worth 1.5 AIA Learning Units
Description
Our built environment contributes to the quality of our health, happiness, and financial situation. Every day countless decisions are made impacting our physical world where we live, work, and play. Places are designed intentionally and accidently. What we know is not all places are designed equitably.
Prioritizing the public’s interest, how can design advance justice?
About the Speaker
Brent A Brown, AIA is an architect who works to advance the public interest. His work has included affordable architecture, community development, cultural place-making, city planning, urban design, disaster recovery, and public green space initiatives. Through his leadership and commitment to equity, he built one of the nation’s leading public interest design practices, helped municipal governments prioritize design in decision-making, and established the foundation for some of Texas’ largest new public parks.
Winner of dozens of local, national, and international awards, he is especially proud to have been selected as a Rudy Bruner Award Silver Medalist and to be included in the Copper-Hewitt’s exhibition, By the People: Designing a Better America. Brent resides in Dallas with his partner Julia, teenage son Elliott and their two dogs Kanga and Roo.
Latinos in Architecture Happy Hour
Welcome to Latinos in Architecture (Lia FW):
Join us for an introductory meetup to welcome committee members, co-chairs, and discuss upcoming events. Share your path to the profession, share ideas to reach our Latino students in our region, and your participation in past or ongoing mentoring programs. Whether you’re a practicing (or retired) architect, designer or student, we want you to connect with other like-minded professionals in Fort Worth.
What to Expect:
· Casual networking with other professionals
· Real talk about career growth and challenges
· A chance to connect with mentors and peers
· Good vibes and a sense of community
Whether you're looking to make new friends or just share some stories, this is your chance to connect with others who get it.
Don’t miss out – RSVP now!
Fort Worth Botanic Garden BRIT facility Tour
Join us for a tour of the BRIT Facility at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden with USGBC!
This tour, led by FWBG, will offer a great opportunity to explore the facility's green design and learn more about sustainable strategies in architecture. The BRIT is LEED Platinum certified – making it a model for environmental awareness in architecture – and visitors will get to see how these strategies have performed since its opening.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity – get your tickets now!
Lincoln Library Tour
Join us for a tour of the Vivian J. Lincoln Library in Fort Worth!
This event will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the architectural vision and design process of this community space. We will be joined by Douglas Mullen and Wes Thomas from HKS – the primary team responsible for the design and delivery of the project to lead the tour.
Women in Architecture Happy Hour
Join us for a happy hour with the Fort Worth Women in Architecture committee!
For those who haven't engaged with us before, AIAFW WiA welcomes students, Associate members, Architect members, and friends of Women in our profession and associated professions. We focus on opportunities for Women in our professional community to engage and network, share ideas and experiences and generally come together to support one another
Box City with Big Brothers Big Sisters
We are in need of a couple more architects to help lead this summer workshop! If interested, sign up here!
EP Firm Crawl at GSBS Architects
It’s been a hot minute since we shared what GSBS is up to. Join us for the AIA Firm Crawl and get a behind-the-scenes look at our studio, our latest projects, and the way we’re thinking about design, community, and craft. Snacks, sketches, and conversation guaranteed.
TEXO AIAFW Happy Hour
TEXO | AIA Fort Worth Happy Hour
Come and join the AIA Fort Worth / TEXO committee for a fun Happy Hour! Network with Tarrant county architects and contractors in a relaxed setting off Magnolia Avenue.
Event Details:
When- June 16th from 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Where- Proper 409 W Magnolia Ave, Fort Worth, TX, 76104
Cost- $25
Sponsorships
Main Sponsor $500 - Be the face of the event, with your logo on televisions and signage at the event! Comes with 6 attendees.
Bar Sponsor $250 - Drinks are on you as a specialty cocktails list with your logo! Comes with 3 attendees.
**Both sponsorships come with social media posts, and logos on the registration page.**
For questions please contact: Brandon Grove TEXO Coordinator brandon@texoassociation.org

