Day 1 of AIA26: A celebration of the profession

Architecture’s biggest event kicks off in San Diego.

June 11, 2026

By AIA Staff

On Wednesday in San Diego, AIA’s 2026 Conference on Architecture & Design® kicked off with a full day of events, including the AIA Annual Business Meeting, tours, CE opportunities, and the third annual AIA Awards Gala, which honored the 2026 winners of AIA's 10 project-based awards. An opening night party held at the Hilton Bayfront welcomed attendees. Check out the photo recap below!

Attendees chat in the San Diego Convention Center between AIA26 events. More than 12,000 architects are expected to converge for four immersive days during the architecture and design event of the year.
The sold-out AIA26 Awards Gala, held at the Hilton San Diego, honored over 100 winners in 10 project categories.
The AIA Awards Gala brought together distinguished architects, industry professionals, and supporters to honor outstanding work in project categories such as housing, interior architecture, regional and urban design, and small projects.
AIA26 attendees enjoyed a performance from Pepper & Pocket, a DJ and violinist duo based in San Diego.
AIA Awards Gala Premier Sponsor Sherwin-Williams honored award winners for their impactful, exemplary work in architecture and design. (Pictured: Katie Ragle from Sherwin-Williams.)
Attendees mingled and kicked off the conference at the AIA26 Opening Night Party, which had the San Diego Bay as its backdrop.
The AIA26 Opening Night Party was just one of the 100 events and parties designed to make valuable connections and memories at the conference.
Attendees catch up between packed days of credit-earning seminars, workshops, and symposia. Some of the most popular topics included artificial intelligence, risk and resilience, economic conditions, and construction and development.