If you are coming to the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA25) this year (June 4-7 in Boston), there is an official PDKC event plus many more great sessions to consider! This guide provides you with an inside look at some of the sessions and events that PDKC members might be most interested in.
PDKC events
Friday: Project Delivery & Public Architects Open Forum
EV134 | 11-12:30am
The Public Architects and the Project Delivery knowledge communities are excited to announce that they will combine their open forums to discuss issues of relevance to both groups. Leaders from these two communities will facilitate a collection of roundtable conversations around the critical topics impacting architects today.
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Other sessions of interest
Wednesday
Architects in Work Boots
WE100 | 9:30am-11:30am | 2 LU
Do you know how to lead a project through construction contract administration? To do so successfully, you need an in-depth understanding of how to manage this phase. This session will provide strategic management insights and feature case studies to empower you to chart your career path.
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Collaborating for Success Using the New Progressive Design-Build Documents
WE139 | 9:30-10:45am | 1.25 LU
This presentation will: (i) discuss the roles and responsibilities of owners, architects and design-builders under AIA Contract Documents new Progressive Design-build documents; (ii) explain the responsibilities of each project participant and explain how they are similar to those set out in other contract documents; (iii) identify the key risks of traditional design-build process and explain how they are mitigated through a progressive design-build process; and (iv) demonstrate how Progressive Design-build strengthens collaboration between project participants. Participants will appreciate why deeper collaboration leads to successful projects and helps architects protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
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Tides of Collaboration: Public-Private Synergy for a Resilient East Boston
WE111 | 9:30-10:30am | 1 LU HSW
Dive into the exciting world of coastal resilience through this session on the Resilient Border Street Waterfront Project. You'll discover how Boston is partnering with private property owners to create a district-scale coastal resilience strategy—a first of its kind for the city. Plus, you'll pick up valuable insights into collaborative approaches for climate adaptation, innovative design strategies for coastal resilience, and methods for engaging diverse stakeholders in complex urban projects.
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Tour: Building Boldly: The Integrated Approach At 10 World Trade (also on Friday, ET140b)
ET140a | 2-4pm | 1.5 LU HSW | $75
Building off AIA24's "Why Build Bold?" presentation, walk through one of Boston's iconic developments: 10 World Trade. Ground-floor retail and cultural programming pair with a lush public park to showcase the power of an inclusive public realm within private development. 10 World Trade exemplifies an integrated design approach, seamlessly blending landscape, architecture, interiors, and structural engineering to deliver a holistic, universally accessible experience. Explore cutting-edge sustainable design and resilience strategies in one of Boston's most vulnerable floodplains, which also drives innovative climate-positive design through state-of-the-art facade and building systems.
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Enabling Resiliency: Successful Project Delivery Within a Flexible Architectural Practice
WE135 | 3:30-4:45pm | 1.25 LU
In 2014, one architectural firm embraced hybrid work, unlimited vacation, and radical flexibility. At this session, three members of the firm at different career stages will discuss how this approach has fostered a culture of belonging, enhanced workplace atmosphere, and supported equity in recruitment and retention. You'll have the opportunity to use collaborative technology to engage with the panelists, who will also share insights on how flexibility promotes career growth and successful project delivery. Join us to be inspired and equipped to advocate for flexible work policies that enhance your workplace and strengthen resilience for design professionals and clients.
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Thursday
Transforming Practice Through Collaborative, In-House Fabrication Processes
TH107 | 7:30-8:30am | 1 LU
Peek inside Seattle firm LMN's innovative fabrication space, The Shop, where architecture and fabrication merge to create new possibilities in design and construction. Through detailed case studies from built projects, this session will reveal how embedding fabrication capabilities within an architecture practice transforms traditional workflows and enables uniquely collaborative solutions. You'll learn practical strategies drawn from actual project experience for integrating digital fabrication into your firm's design process, from early prototyping through final delivery. Plus, see how The Shop's hands-on approach has solved complex design challenges while fostering stronger partnerships between architects, fabricators, and contractors.
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Unlocking the Power of Design-Assist
LL016 | 1-2pm | 1 LU
Design-assist is a collaborative project delivery method that can significantly enhance project outcomes. By comparing it with traditional methods like design-bid-build and design-build, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to leverage design-assist effectively in your projects. Join us to explore the team structures, processes, and substantial benefits of design-assist, including reduced project risks, time, and costs as well as enhanced constructability and quality. Through a real-world case study, you'll also learn how to apply design-assist to achieve successful project outcomes, from initial design phase to final construction.
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Friday
Reduce Waste, Cost & Delivery Time With Modular Construction
LL051 | 10:30-11:30am | 1 LUs
Rising construction costs and skilled labor shortages are transforming the construction industry, fueling the need for innovation in delivery methods. Modular construction—which drives construction efficiencies, reduces construction time and waste, and improves coordination of trades—can be part of the solution. Explore market trends that are propelling demand for alternative methods of construction delivery, and discuss options for leveraging collaborative design-build methods to deliver modular facades.
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Tour: Building Boldly: The Integrated Approach At 10 World Trade (also on Wednesday, ET140a)
ET140b | 10:45am-12:45pm | 1.5 LU HSW | $75
Building off AIA24's "Why Build Bold?" presentation, walk through one of Boston's iconic developments: 10 World Trade. Ground-floor retail and cultural programming pair with a lush public park to showcase the power of an inclusive public realm within private development. 10 World Trade exemplifies an integrated design approach, seamlessly blending landscape, architecture, interiors, and structural engineering to deliver a holistic, universally accessible experience. Explore cutting-edge sustainable design and resilience strategies in one of Boston's most vulnerable floodplains, which also drives innovative climate-positive design through state-of-the-art facade and building systems.
Learn more >
NYC DDC: Leading a New Era in Public Works Delivery
FR100 | 4:30-5:30pm | 1 LU HSW
New York City's Department of Design and Construction (DDC) delivers over $33 billion in public works, from the coastal resiliency program reshaping lower Manhattan to libraries and recreation centers exemplifying design excellence. Yet the maze of bureaucracy that constrains public agencies can lead this work to take too long and cost too much. As projects become increasingly complex and urgent, the DDC has transformed the capital delivery process to build better, faster, cheaper, and more inclusively. Join us to learn about tangible tools and strategies to transform public works delivery, with a focus on cross-sector partnerships crucial to championing reform.
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Saturday
Building Without Grids: Design Efficiency Through Surface-Based Design Delivery
SA304 | 12-1pm | 1 LU
Boston Logan Airport's new, award-winning Terminal E was constructed via a bold, innovative partnership between the builders and designers that was embedded in the modeling and contractual documentation. The structure was built without a traditional grid, instead relying on 3D undulating surfaces to govern trade coordination. This project is the future of design and construction. Join us to learn how weeks and months were shaved off the process by allowing for accelerated coordination and redesign along with expedited review of shop drawings—all without sacrificing quality or risk in the field.
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