From Buffalo to Brooklyn, Thousands of Architects Celebrate Impact of Design with Community Events, Presentations and Hands-On Activities for Families
Architecture Week Runs till April 18 as part of AIA National Campaign
ALBANY, NY (April 13, 2026) – The American Institute of Architects New York State (AIANYS) today announced Architecture Week, a week-long series of events across the Empire State that champion the profession of architecture. As a part of AIA National’s annual celebration, industry leaders throughout New York invite all New Yorkers, especially K-12 students, to explore the importance of architecture and design as they provide education about career opportunities and community impact. With 13 local chapters across New York State, AIANYS is one of New York State’s leading trade associations representing over 10,000 architects and design professionals responsible for redesigning and reimagining neighborhoods in every corner of the state.
“Through innovative design and planning, architects across New York State are improving the world around us, and Architecture Week is designed to showcase their expertise and inspire the next generation to follow in their footsteps,” said Georgi Ann Bailey, CAE, Hon. AIA, Executive Vice President, AIANYS. “From state-of-the-art school design to the renovation or adaptive reuse of signature buildings, architecture unlocks our potential to create a stronger, safer and more sustainable society, and the purpose of this week is to celebrate the impact of that work.”
“Architects shape and reshape the built environment, and Architecture Week is a perfect opportunity for our experienced members to engage with New Yorkers and help them understand the complex yet rewarding design process,” said Jeff Pawlowski, AIA, President, AIA New York State. “The architects of today have a responsibility to share their expertise with the designers of tomorrow, and therefore, I applaud all of our members who are volunteering their time to demonstrate the importance of our work.”
Among the activities this week include:
AIA New York Chapter. Architects are hosting “Family Day: Build a Lego City” at the Center for Architecture where children (ages 5–13) and adults will design city-inspired skyscrapers, bridges and buildings using LEGO bricks. The sold-out morning and afternoon workshops, which will be held at 536 LaGuardia Place in Manhattan on Saturday, April 18, encourage New Yorkers to learn about architecture as they add LEGO-made buildings to a massive collective model city. Two walking tours also will be provided, including “The Architecture of Park Avenue South” on Sunday, April 12, and “Mid-Century Modernism Along Manhattan’s 53rd Street” on Saturday, April 18.
Featured Event. Industry leaders are delivering a lecture entitled “Planning, Urban Design, and Architecture for Climate Action” on Wednesday, April 15 from 6 PM to 8 PM, at the Center for Architecture.
AIA Brooklyn Chapter. Architects are hosting a Proclamation Event with Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso on the front steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall today to celebrate the importance of Architecture Week. During the week, architects are partnering with the City University of NY College of Technology (City Tech) to host a series of Architecture Week High School architecture studio workshops. Called Reading the Block, these workshops will help launch a new level of community engagement for the Brooklyn chapter as architects unveil a new, 12-month mentorship program that begins in May 2026.
Featured Event. On Wednesday, April 15, architects will deliver a presentation entitled Passive House Principles and Technologies” at The Mercury Store, a performing arts theater at 131 8th Street in Brooklyn. All AIA members, as well as the general public, are invited to attend.
AIA Peconic Chapter. Architects will feature a temporary public exhibition of design award submissions at the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, NY, showcasing the latest examples of local architecture to local residents while discussing the significance of the profession on the East End community. Chapter leaders also will be hosting a multi-credit half-day event for registered architects.
AIA Buffalo/Western New York Chapter. Architects will be hosting three building and construction tours to outline the inner workings of the design and construction process for registered participants. On each walking tour, architects will thoroughly explain how structures are designed, how materials are selected and how space redesign can improve the quality of life for the end user. The scheduled tours include Michigan Street Baptist Church (2025 AIANYS Design Award Recipient) on Tuesday, April 14, Golisano Institute construction site tour on Thursday, April 16, and Erie County Botanical Gardens construction site tour on Friday, April 17.
AIA Eastern New York. Architects are partnering with the ACE Mentor Program of Upstate New York to reignite efforts to raise awareness about careers in architecture. This renewed initiative will be introduced at the ACE Mentor Program’s 2026 Season End Banquet on Tuesday, April 14, during Architecture Week where chapter members will be in attendance.
In addition to the aforementioned events, schools across New York State and the United States will be participating in virtual read-alouds throughout the week where young students can gather to listen to children’s books focused on architecture and design. Titles include “The House That She Built” by Mollie Elkman and Georgia Castellano, “My Town, Mi Pueblo,” by Nicholas Solis and “Roberto The Insect Architect,” by Nina Laden. One of this year’s participating schools is New Scotland Elementary School in Albany.
About AIA New York State:
AIA New York State, with 13 local chapters representing over 10,000 architecture professionals, is dedicated to advancing architecture, promoting design excellence and serving its members and the public. For more information, visit: aianys.org.
Media Contacts:
Robin Styles-Lopez, AIA New York State, rstyles-lopez@aianys.org
Tony Sclafani, Mercury, tony.sclafani@omc.com
Carolyn Riggs, Mercury, carolyn.riggs@omc.com