2026 Fall Lecture

Hilary Sample, FAIA will present a lecture titled “Architecture, Public, Community Gardens,…” on Tuesday November 17th for the 2026 AIA Central PA Fall Lecture at Armstrong World Industries. Hilary is principal and co-founder of the award-winning New York City architecture firm MOS Architects. She is a professor at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. 

Hilary’s recognition includes the Architecture League of New York’s Emerging Voices, the American Academy of Arts and Letters’ Academy in Architecture, the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum’s National Design Award in Architecture, and the Katherine Edwards Gordon Rome Prize American Academy in Rome to name a few.

MOS Architects is a 20 plus-year-old firm that focuses on cultural, office, & residential work as well as design research. Hilary is from Allentown, PA and was educated at Syracuse and Princeton Universities.

There will be a social time after the lecture, as well as before, presenting a chance to have a more personal exchange with the speaker.

Thank You to all the Sponsors – our sponsors make the lecture series possible!

Registration closes on Friday November 13th so please register early at

REGISTRATION LINK

Connections Under Construction

Great Design. Great Connections. One Fantastic Evening!

Emerging Professionals & AIA CP Community,  Connections Under Construction Meets the 2026 AIA PA Architectural Excellence Awards.

Good design brings people together.  Great connections make it even better!  Plan to join us for a very special edition of Connections Under Construction combined with the Viewing Party for the 2026 AIA Architectural Excellence Awards! We’re bringing together emerging professionals, seasoned architects, and the Central PA design community for an evening of great conversations, new connections, refreshments, and award-winning architecture!

Whether you’re looking to expand your professional circle, exchange fresh ideas, reconnect with colleagues, or simply unwind with fellow design enthusiasts, this is your chance to connect beyond the office and celebrate the profession we love.

Date & Time
Thursday, November 19, 2026
5:00 PM –8:30 PM

Location
Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects | 226 W. Market St., York, PA  17401

Let us know you’re coming!

<registration link >

Annual Converence, Expo and Design Awards Recap

Celebrating Architecture, Connections, and Design Excellence in Central Pennsylvania!

 2026 AIA Central Pennsylvania Conference, Expo & Design Awards Recap

 AIA Central Pennsylvania welcomed more than 100 architects, design professionals, industry partners, and guests to its annual Conference, Expo & Design Awards on September 24, 2026, culminating in an evening of networking, inspiration, and celebration at The Englewood in Hummelstown, PA.

With beautiful weather setting the stage, attendees enjoyed an afternoon of architectural exploration, valuable continuing education opportunities, and meaningful connections with colleagues and industry partners.

An Afternoon of Architectural Discovery

Tje day began with two exceptional architectural tours highlighting innovation, sustainability, historic preservation, and thoughtful design.

JST Corporation Headquarters: Attendees explored this remarkable mass timber facility, gaining insight into its innovative structural design, sustainable materials, and integration with the surrounding natural landscape.

The Hotel Hershey & Hershey Gardens Addition: Participants discovered the historic architectural character of The Hotel Hershey and explored the thoughtful integration of contemporary design within the historic landscape at Hershey Gardens, including the new Rose Pavilion addition.

Connecting Our Architectural Community

The evening continued at The Englewood with a lively Happy Hour and Vendor Expo, providing opportunities to reconnect with colleagues, establish new professional relationships, and discover innovative products, materials, and services from our valued industry partners.

A highlight of the evening was an inspiring keynote presentation by Jeremiah Woodring, AIA, titled “Designed to Lead: Why Architects Belong in Public Office.” Woodring shared his journey from architectural practice to elected office, encouraging architects to recognize the valuable role their professional expertise can play in civic leadership and community engagement.

Celebrating Excellence and Achievement

The evening concluded with the much-anticipated 2026 AIA Central Pennsylvania Design Awards and Special Awards presentations, recognizing outstanding design, professional achievement, and the next generation of architectural talent.

Congratulations to all our 2026 scholarship recipients, special award honorees, and design award winners! Your accomplishments reflect the creativity, dedication, and excellence that continue to strengthen our architectural community.

Explore Our 2026 Honorees:

Thank You for Making 2026 a Success!

AIA Central Pennsylvania extends its sincere appreciation to our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, tour hosts, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to making this year’s event a success.

We look forward to seeing you in 2027!  Watch for announcements about the 2027 AIA Central Pennsylvania Conference, Expo & Design Awards as we continue to bring our architectural community together to learn, connect, and celebrate design excellence.

>National Government Advocacy Update

This update highlights AIA’s busy October across advocacy, policy, and industry engagement. AIA submitted formal comments on Parts 15 and 36 of the federal FAR Overhaul, pushing to clarify the 6% fee limitation and protect qualifications-based selection, while also opposing the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act as written over concerns it would weaken Section 106 historic preservation review. On resilience, AIA hosted its inaugural Regenerative Design Summit, released a new report on financing regenerative projects, and endorsed three disaster-mitigation bills in recognition of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. AIA also maintained a strong presence at Greenbuild and the ICC Board meeting, continued as a founding partner of the USCM’s Game Changers program, and strengthened relationships with public-sector architects and congressional leaders through the Public Architecture Symposium and an ArchiPAC event with Rep. Neal.

LINK TO FULL UPDATE DOCUMENT. 

Together, We Shape More Than Buildings

Advocacy isn’t about politics—it’s about leadership. It is about ensuring that architects are recognized as trusted advisors, problem-solvers, and champions for the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Whether you participate in District Days, host a legislator at your firm, or make a contribution to ArchPAC, your involvement strengthens the voice of architects across Pennsylvania. Together, we can build meaningful relationships, influence thoughtful policy, and help shape a stronger future for our profession and the communities we proudly serve.

Member Projects & Articles

UBRC White Paper | by RLPS Architects

There has been a lot of buzz around University-Based Retirement Communities (UBRC’s). Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, industry experts have predicted a rise in their number1 as both higher ed and senior living seek creative strategies for future vitality.

Review the full White Paper | RLPS Architects_UBRC White Paper

Membership Notes

2027 AIA Renewal Season is Now!

Staying connected and taking advantage of networking , continuing education, and mentorship opportunities directly impacts your personal and career growth.  Architecture is a community and shared profession as we work with a larger AEC community to bring our designs to life.  AIA Central PA offers multiple ways for you to be connected and expand your community.  Please follow up on our different channels.

If you have events, projects or people you would like to promote or celebrate please contact our Communications Chair Chloe Chapman

If you have any questions about membership, dues, or benefits, please contact Susan Frear at AIA Pennsylvania at sfrear@aiapa.org. We appreciate your continued involvement and look forward to another year of connecting and supporting architects across Central Pennsylvania.

Upcoming Events

REGISTER FOR UPCOMING AIA CENTRAL PA EVENTS

REGISTER FOR UPCOMING AIA PA EVENTS.

Job Opportunities

Strasburg seeks historic district residents to serve on board protecting architectural heritage | More Information

View the latest positions posted to our job board!
Hiring? Submit your position HERE