AIA Triangle champions local architects and design professionals by advocating for our profession and promoting sustainable and inclusive design to strengthen our community.

2025 AWARDS

The AIA Triangle Design Awards Program recognizes excellence in architectural design throughout the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina metropolitan area.

AIAT Design Awards Tickets Now On Sale

Join us for our 2026 Design Awards Ceremony and Reception as we highlight and celebrate great design across our region!

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Lunch and Learn with Benjamin Obdyke

March 26, 2026
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
CfAD or Virtual

Learn more about drainage and drying in the exterior wall. 1 LU|HSW available.

REGISTER HERE

Q1 Member Social

Thursday, March 12
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Registration required.

Join us for a reception celebrating our new and transferred members. Hosted by Glass Depots.

RSVP HERE

“ILLUMINATE” ADVOCACY

A five-part series from J. Richard Alsop, FAIA | AIANC President Elect 2025

Part Five – The Money Side of Politics and its Influence on Legislative Action

In many respects, finding rhyme and reason for some of the laws proposed by our NC Legislators is like a day at a traveling carnival. Around every corner there is a surprise. One carnival barker challenging you to a game of skill, take a chance to win a stuffed bunny, another enticing you to take a spin on a roller coaster.

A case in point was my discovery of Senate Bill 327, published as “An Act to Enact the North Carolina Bitcoin Reserve and Investment Act.” It authorizes the State Treasurer to invest up to “ten percent of public funds” in bitcoin strategies to position North Carolina “as a leader in state-level cryptocurrency adoption.” Personally, Warren Buffet saying he wouldn’t buy a nickel’s worth of cryptocurrency “because it has no value,” was enough for me to red flag Crypto. However, knowing it was sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Todd Johnson makes it likely that it will in fact move from the “Rules and Operations of the Senate Committee” and could well become law, taking our state funds on that coaster ride.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Joe Lopez, AIA, NCARB.

Few people are aware that my initial aspiration was to pursue a career in archaeology. However, as is common in many families, I found myself influenced by the individual with the most significant presence, in this case, my mother, Marisa. She excelled as an interior designer. Confident, outgoing, enthusiastic, deeply committed to her profession, and passionate about her work. Her strong example, combined with the fact that numerous relatives were engaged in building, engineering, or architecture, resulted in my being consistently shaped by this professional community.

Jimmy S. Chavez-Perez

As the eldest sibling, the first college graduate in my family, and a first-generation Mexican American, I began my path in architecture with determination rooted in hard work and tradition. I have always lived between two cultures, carrying forward my parents’ dream of building a better future in this country. From my grandfather, who spent his life working the land in Mexico, to here, I learned that perseverance under the sun can lead to something greater. That spirit has always guided me to where I am today.

Angie Cano-Flores, AIA, NOMA.

Browns, creams, and efficiency. Those were the spaces of my childhood outside our family home. Inside, though, there was vibrancy, resilience, and joy carried through generations, a living reflection of our heritage. That contrast between the monotony of placelessness and the way a little extra care can transform a space into something meaningful has always stayed with me. It shapes not only the work I pursue but also the lens through which I see the world.

HELPFUL RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

BLACK SPECTACLES

Studying for your AREs? Through a new partnership with Black Spectacles, AIAT members have free access to study materials to help you prepare for your next exam! You must be a current AIAT member and have an exam scheduled within the next two months to take advantage of this resource.

EMAIL US FOR MORE DETAILS

Guides for Equitable Practice

These guides will help you make the business and professional case for ensuring that your organization meets the career development, professional environment, and cultural awareness expectations of current and future employees and clients.

GET THE GUIDES