Wednesday, August 6
All Times Listed are Central
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Prefunction Area
Meadow Ballroom
Registration
Sponsored by I. C. Thomasson Associates, Inc.
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Meadow Ballroom
Welcome & Opening Remarks from John Thurman, 2025 AIA Tennessee President
10:15 AM -11:30 AM
Meadow Ballroom
“Curiosity with a Method” by Opening Keynote Speaker Kim Yao, ARO 1.5 HSW
Learn how Architecture Research Office’s process and culture foster consistently high-quality design that elevates people and place. A presentation by Principal Kim Yao, FAIA, will explore how the office structure and environment underpin a culture of collaboration; how research is embedded in process and practice; and, how engagement and alignment around goals and aspirations creates a foundation for transformative architecture
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Prefunction Area
Meadow Ballroom
Lunch Buffet & Visit Expo Hall
Grab a bite to eat and take this time to connect with our exhibitors! Explore the latest products, services, and innovations while networking with industry professionals.
12:45 PM – 2:00 PM
Meadow Ballroom
“Culture Index: Developing and Unleashing Talent” by Matt White 1.5 LU
Matt White is a trusted advisor and Culture Index consultant to fast growing companies across the country. His expertise centers around impacting top and bottom-line results by helping companies build the right team around them to scale. Matt is a Tennessee native and lives in Nashville.
In this fun workshop, attendees are sent a 7 minute survey prior to work session. During the workshop Matt brings people up to share their results with the audience and he teaches how to use the information provided.
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Break & Expo Hall
Stretch your legs and take a moment to visit with our sponsors — learn more about their work and thank them for supporting this event!
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Meadow Ballroom
“Going with the Flow: Bringing Cities to their Rivers” a panel discussion with Anna Yoder, Anna Grider, Matt Seltzer, Jimmy Ryan and Jim Williamson 1.5 HSW
Tennessee cities have long turned their backs on their rivers with industrial and manufacturing plants dominating the waterfront. How have Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga and Knoxville each responded to the natural inclination to create a riverfront development? The shift from industrial to pedestrian involves a tremendous effort involving key players in each city as well as buy-in from the community. This panel will have representatives from each city discussing their city’s approach and challenges they have faced in reclaiming the riverfront for their city.
3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Afternoon Break & Expo Hall
Engage with leading companies and organizations at the forefront of their industries, eager to share their latest products, services, and initiatives. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win exciting prizes!
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Meadow Ballroom
“The Animate Analytique” by Afternoon Keynote Speaker: Nader Tehrani, NADAAA 1.5 LU
This course, led by architect and educator Nader Tehrani, explores the power of architectural representation through the lens of the Animate Analytique—a hybrid drawing method that merges plan, section, elevation, and projection to communicate design intent more holistically. Borrowing from historical drawing practices and enhanced by digital tools, this approach reveals the instrumental role of drawing in shaping architectural ideas and construction logic. Tehrani will demonstrate how animated, time-based representations can bridge academic theory and practical application, improving clarity, coordination, and decision-making in the design process
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Harmony (4th Floor)
Welcome Reception & Networking Event
Sponsored by Risk Strategies
Enjoy refreshments, indulge in lively conversations, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as we kick off the AIA TN Conference.
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
The Arcade
Host Chapter Party at The Arcade
Get ready for a night of art, architecture, and exclusive access, hosted by AIA Middle Tennessee! Just for conference attendees, this private event lets you explore The Arcade, a recently restored historic landmark, after hours. For $35, you’ll get two drink tickets to enjoy at the ultra-cool Urban Cowboy Bar inside The Arcade, plus a guided tour and plenty of time to mix, mingle, and soak in the scene. All proceeds go to support AIA Middle TN—don’t miss this members-only night out in one of Nashville’s most iconic spaces!
Thursday, August 7
All Times Listed are Central
7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Prefunction Area
Meadow Ballroom
Registration
Sponsored by I. C. Thomasson Associates, Inc.
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Prefunction Area and Expo Area
Coffee & Connections
Kick off your morning with fresh coffee, light nibbles, and great conversation! Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere as you connect with peers and explore the latest products and services from our exhibitors. It’s the perfect way to fuel up, make new connections, and get inspired before sessions begin.
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Meadow Ballroom
AIA TN 2025 Membership Meeting 1 LU
Members will hear in-depth review of component’s progress, challenges and opportunities and milestones achieved over the past year. As well as various committee leaders to gain a deeper understanding of the association’s priorities and strategic plan. The 2026 officers will also be elected at this meeting.
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Meadow Ballroom
“BALANCE: In both design and practice” by Morning Keynote Speaker Joshua Aidlin of Aidlin Darling 1.5 HSW
Discover how thoughtful design can benefit both public spaces and your own architectural practice. This seminar explores impactful strategies that prioritize health and wellness—now more essential than ever.
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Meadow Ballroom
“Resilience” – A Panel Presented by AIA Tennessee Fellows 1.5 HSW
Join us for a compelling conversation on Resilience—a dynamic panel discussion featuring some of Tennessee’s most accomplished architects. Architects Nick Dryden, AIA, NCARB (CEO/Principal of Dryden Studio), Mario Walker, NCARB, AIA, NOMA, LEED Green Assoc. (SELF+Tucker Architects), and Polly Horne, AIA, NCARB (Principal Architect of POLYARCH Architecture & Design) will share insights exploring how resilience shapes design, professional growth, and the future of architecture.
Moderated by Hunter Gee, FAIA (Smith Gee Studio), this session promises to inspire and challenge attendees to think deeply about what it means to thrive—and lead—in an ever-evolving profession. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from voices that are shaping the landscape of architecture in Tennessee and beyond.
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Meadow Ballroom
Fellowship Q&A: Informal Q&A with Fellows
Curious about Fellowship? Following the presentation, join AIA Tennessee Fellows for an informal Q&A session. This relaxed conversation offers a chance to ask questions about the Fellowship process and hear candid reflections on their journeys and the application experience.
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Prefunction Area
Meadow Ballroom
Lunch Buffet & Expo Hall
12:45 PM – 2:00 PM
Meadow Ballroom
“The People’s Architecture: Collaborators, Communities and Champions” by Afternoon Keynote Speaker Carol Ross Barney of RBA 1.5 HSW
Carol Ross Barney, FAIA will present this lecture about how public spaces and places are vital components of our infrastructure, contributing to the livability of our cities. They reflect our history, values, and aspirations for the future, serving as communal areas where culture and diverse backgrounds converge, while also celebrating our shared principles. Thoughtful design unlocks the potential of public places and spaces, with architects playing a key role in fostering community and driving progress. Design is our super power. The People’s Architecture needs champions to create diverse, memorable and intriguing spaces and places for all.
Breakout Sessions & Tours
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Tours
Tours run concurrently and are available as an add-on option. Tours are not included in the registration fee. Limited capacity available. First-come, first-served purchase.
Explore the transformation of the iconic Neuhoff meatpacking plant into a dynamic mixed-use district at the heart of Germantown. This guided tour delves into how historic industrial structures are being thoughtfully preserved and reactivated alongside contemporary additions. Participants will gain insights into the adaptive reuse process, urban connectivity, and the layered material strategy that bridges Nashville’s past and future.
Join a peer-focused walking tour through Wedgewood-Houston to examine three significant case studies in adaptive reuse and contextual infill: the repurposed May Hosiery mill, the mass timber T3 building, and the emerging mixed-use fabric of The Finery. We’ll discuss design strategies that balance preservation and new construction, explore zoning and urban form in a transitioning neighborhood, and consider how material choices, massing, and program shape a cohesive yet evolving district. This tour offers a deep dive into architectural thinking at the scale of both building and block.
This intimate tour explores a collection of single-family residences by Michael Goorevich and Dryden Studio—two designers shaping a quiet but compelling residential language in Nashville. Each home reflects a deep attention to craft, material expression, and site specificity. As we visit these projects, we’ll unpack how form, scale, and detail respond to both neighborhood fabric and the broader demands of modern living. Expect thoughtful plans, inventive sections, and a dialogue between restraint and warmth.
Perched atop the highest hill in Nashville, the Capitol was designed by acclaimed Philadelphia architect William Strickland. The Tennessee State Capitol’s Greek Revival style stands as a monument to civic ambition and classical ideals. This architect-led tour examines the building’s restrained architecture, limestone craftsmanship, and the powerful relationships it maintains with the city below. We’ll also explore how restoration efforts and urban planning decisions have shaped the Capitol’s evolving role in Nashville’s civic identity.
2:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Breakout Sessions
Riverbend A
Discover how acoustical design directly impacts occupant health, well-being, and productivity in this engaging course. Learn practical strategies for sound isolation, room acoustics, and noise control—while gaining insight into how
to balance acoustic goals with budget considerations and maintain quality through every phase of design and construction.
Step into a dynamic storytelling session where emerging professionals and seasoned architects come together to share honest, powerful moments from their personal journeys. Through rapid-fire storytelling and reflective dialogue, this session explores how mentorship, access, leadership, and cultural representation shape our profession across generations—and inspire a more inclusive future in architecture.
4:15 PM– 6:00 PM
Meadow D
Explore the Expo Hall
Between sessions, take time to visit with our exhibitors! It’s a great opportunity to explore new products, discover innovative solutions, and connect with industry partners who support the work of architects. Whether you’re looking for design inspiration or practical tools, our exhibitors are here to help elevate your practice.
5:00 PM – 6:00PM
Prefunction Area
Meadow Ballroom
Awards Cocktail Reception
Enjoy libations and hors d’oeuvres as you engage in delightful conversations with fellow architects, friends and colleagues.
6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Meadow Ballroom
AIA Tennessee 2025 Design & Honor Awards
Sponsored by Sesco Lighting
Join us as we honor and applaud the remarkable achievements of individuals and firms that have left a mark on the profession and the built environment. One ticket is included with 3-day registration. Additional tickets may be purchased.
7:15 PM – 8:00PM
Prefunction Area
Meadow Ballroom
Sip & Celebrate After Awards
Keep the celebration going with cocktails and conversation following the awards.
Friday, August 8
All Times Listed are Central
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Prefunction Area & Meadow D
Coffee & Connections
Start your last day at the conference with fresh coffee, pastries, and great conversation. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere to reconnect with peers, visit any exhibitors you may have missed, and soak in a little more inspiration before the final sessions begin. It’s the perfect send-off to a meaningful week!
7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Meadow Ballroom
AIA Tennessee Small Firm Exchange Informal Roundtable
Jamie Sinz, AIA | Small Firm Exchange Representative
Small Firm Exchange Group Meet-Up will occur during breakfast. Take this opportunity to meet with other members to come together to share insights, hear challenges and align efforts to achieve common goals as a small firm. Look for more information at registration.
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Hosted by NOMAnash Trolley Tour: Nashville’s Black Wall Street CANCELLED
Music, Culture, and Architecture on Jefferson Street
8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Meadow Ballroom
“Lines of Memory: The Art of Storytelling Through Sketch” by Moh’d Bilbeisi 1.5 LU
Join internationally renowned sketch artist and educator Moh’d Bilbeisi for an immersive sketching workshop that explores the power of line, memory, and narrative. Known for his evocative urban sketches and expressive architectural storytelling, Bilbeisi has inspired generations of architects and artists through his dynamic drawing style and decades of teaching at Oklahoma State University. With a sketchbook in hand, participants will sharpen their observational skills and learn to capture the soul of place—translating complex scenes into compelling visual stories.
10:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Meadow Ballroom
“I Was Asked to Stand” by Closing Keynote Speaker: Pascale Sablan
Architect-activist Pascale Sablan champions women and diverse design professionals by documenting, curating, and elevating their work. The objective: to create a just profession, bring social awareness to the built environment and empower communities through design. “I Was Asked to Stand” is a unique discussion that empowers the audience to engage in the dismantling of injustice by highlighting the disparity of lack of representation, documentation, and acknowledgment of the great works of diverse (Women and BIPOC) designers and architects. Speaking to the past: the historical infrastructure of oppression, the present: the programs and initiatives that fight for justice, and the future: aspirations for collaborations to achieve a world and built environment eradicated of racism, sexism, and all forms of oppression.
11:30 – 11:45 AM
Meadow Ballroom
Closing Remarks, Announcement of Prizes, and Full Conference Concludes
Optional additional session and tours below.
Tours
Tours run concurrently and are available as an add-on option. Tours are not included in the registration fee. Limited capacity available (excluding Self-Guided Tour).
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
This tour of Paseo South Gulch highlights the transformation of a former light-industrial pocket into a vertically layered, mixed-use community. We’ll explore the integration of the historic Voorhees Building with new high-rise development, examining how the design team navigated preservation, scale transitions, and urban placemaking. From material contrast to shared courtyards and pedestrian passageways, the tour reveals how Paseo reframes South Gulch as a walkable, design-forward district rooted in architectural continuity.
Join fellow attendees for an inspiring guided tour of three of Nashville’s most stylish boutique hotels—Fairlane, Dream Hotel, and Hotel Noelle. Each property showcases unique architectural elements, creative interior design, and thoughtful preservation of historic character. This tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at how design, hospitality, and local culture intersect to create unforgettable guest experiences.
Set along the Cumberland River, Peabody Union introduces a new urban gateway for downtown Nashville. This tour explores the design and planning of the project’s first tower and its integration with the public realm—balancing residential density with walkability, view corridors, and riverfront connectivity. Learn how massing, materiality, and site strategy shape this high-rise ensemble into a catalyst for long-term district transformation. We’ll discuss podium design, pedestrian experience, and the project’s contribution to a larger urban vision.
Free time—no additional cost and no formal programming during this block.
Take the afternoon to explore at your own pace with a self-guided tour of the city’s architectural highlights. Whether you’re drawn to historic landmarks, innovative new developments, or hidden design gems, this is your chance to discover Nashville on your terms. Maps and recommendations will be provided.