Between the Planes

What role can architects play before, during, and after a disaster? Disaster resilience experts Bob Jensen and Victoria Salinas explore how architects can help communities understand risk, design for a changing climate, and rebuild with greater resilience. From risk-informed client conversations and stronger community partnerships to post-disaster safety assessments and long-term recovery, they offer practical ways architects can help create safer, more prepared communities.

How can architecture create more possibilities for the next generation? 2026 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award recipient Michael Ford, FAIA, shares how the Hip Hop Architecture Camp uses culture as a gateway into design, creating pathways for young people to see themselves in the profession. From designing hip-hop museums and expanding access to education to mentorship, scholarships, and licensure support, Michael explores how architects can pair design excellence with meaningful community impact.

What if architecture was measured not by the buildings it creates, but by the lives it changes? Author and MASS Design Group Senior Principal Katie Swenson explores how designing with empathy, trust, and community at the center can foster dignity, resilience, and belonging. Drawing from her books Design with Love and In Bohemia, Swenson shares why the most meaningful architecture begins with listening—and how the built environment can become a powerful force for healing, connection, and lasting social impact.

What do the White House renovation, FEMA reform, student loan policy, and energy-efficiency tax incentives have in common? They’re all shaping the future of architecture. Matt Toddy, AIA, breaks down the latest federal policy issues impacting architects and explains how AIA is working to protect the profession and strengthen communities.

What does it really take to become an architect, and why do so many people misunderstand the profession? Architect, educator, and content creator Bryn Young, AIA, shares her journey to licensure, her experience building a successful design practice, and how social media can help architects better communicate their value to the world.

What if architecture was about more than buildings? 2026 AIA Architecture Firm Award recipients Roy Decker and Anne Marie Duvall Decker share how Duvall Decker has spent three decades using design as a tool for community building, public service, and civic empowerment— proving that architecture can be a catalyst for lasting social impact.