More and more, complex challenges like climate resilience, health, equity, and rapidly shifting technologies are defining architectural practice. Through research, architects can acquire evidence, methods, and partnerships that transform design from intuition-driven to knowledge-based practice.
This session will explore the question, "Why is research essential to architects?" Drawing from the AIA Strategic Council's "2025 Research in Practice Report," it will highlight how research strengthens design excellence, client trust, and the public's confidence in architecture as a profession.
Learning Objectives
- Discover why research—including its role in advancing sustainability, health, equity, and building performance—is central to architectural practice.
- Evaluate barriers and enablers to research in practice, such as funding models, partnerships, and contractual frameworks.
- Examine strategies for integrating research into project delivery, including post-occupancy evaluation, microgrants, and case study formats.
- Learn how to leverage tools, platforms, and recognition programs to advocate for research within your firm and the profession.