AIA26 in San Diego Highlights a Profession Navigating Change

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The 2026 AIA Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA26), held last month at the San Diego Convention Center, brought together more than 5,000 architects, designers, engineers, firm leaders, and building industry professionals for what remains one of the architecture profession's most influential annual gatherings. Hosted by the American Institute of Architects, the event served as a national forum for examining the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of design, construction, and the built environment. Liollio Principal, Andy Clark, and Associate Principal, Elissa Morrison, both attended the event.

Elissa joined 3 other architects widely recognized for design excellence in leading an AIA26 panel, “Two Plus Two: Achieving Design Excellence,” one of the conference’s packed workshops. The session paired two AIA Young Architect Award recipients with two AIA Fellows to share their work and to explore unique perspectives on what defines design excellence. Elissa was awarded the prestigious Young Architect Award in 2024.The panel discussion brought together a distinguished group of architects and design leaders to examine the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping contemporary architectural practice. The conversation focused on how to advance design innovation and building and environmental performance; how to engage and further the interests of clients, occupants, and communities; how to elevate the human experience through thoughtful design excellence; how to positively address climate change through design excellence; and how to thrive and succeed as an architect.

AIA26 emphasized the expanding leadership role of architects in addressing climate resilience, housing affordability, urban revitalization, and technological change. The conference highlighted the growing impact of AI and digital tools while reinforcing the importance of human-centered design. Through more than 350 education sessions, keynote presentations, and architect-led tours across San Diego, attendees explored innovative approaches to sustainability, leadership, and community-centered design. The overarching message was clear: architects are uniquely positioned to lead the creation of resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities in an increasingly complex world.

Liollio Team Members Reflect on 2025 AIA National Conference on Architecture

Each month, our studio gathers to share meaningful engagements and experiences that team members are actively involved in. Last month, several staff members reflected on their time at the 2025 AIA National Conference in Boston, MA. Their insights were both inspiring and energizing to the entire studio.

Ri Glal and William Scott shared: "Over the course of three days, we had the opportunity to meet incredibly talented architects, engage in impactful conversations around topics like climate justice and advocacy through architecture, explore an expo with hundreds of vendors, and experience the energy and charm of Boston."

We were also proud to see Matthew Ngango and Jared Cook, recent additions to the Liollio team, present at the COTE Open Forum. They shared insights from their award-winning 2024 COTE Top Ten for Students project, Alamihi Village, developed during their time at Clemson University. The project addresses the complex challenge of rebuilding in Lahaina, Maui, following one of the most devastating wildfires in U.S. history in August 2023. Centered on a 9-acre site at the edge of the affected area, Alamihi Village explores opportunities for cultural conservation, ecological restoration, and economic development.

Matthew and Jared reflected: “We’re grateful for the representatives from Liollio Architecture who joined us at the forum. As our first AIA conference, the experience extended beyond the event itself, including visits around Boston, inspiring talks, and engaging Expo showcases.”

Thank you to all who shared their takeaways from the conference, we acknowledge the passion and curiosity that drives our team and are excited to see how these findings are implemented into our work!

Liollio Architecture Elevates Andy Clark, AIA, to Principal

Andy Clark, AIA, LEED AP, Principal

“It’s an honor to be part of a talented and dedicated team of design professionals that take pride in their work and make even the most challenging days fun and rewarding.”

— Andy Clark, AIA, LEED AP, Principal

Liollio Architecture is pleased to announce the elevation of Andy Clark, AIA, LEED AP, to Principal. Liollio celebrates Andy’s accomplishments and is proud to have him as a firm leader!

Andy is passionate about design and the value it brings to our clients through successful collaborations. As part of Liollio's third generation of ownership, Andy leads the educational market and has a diverse portfolio spanning educational, municipal, commercial and healthcare. “It’s an honor to be part of a talented and dedicated team of design professionals that take pride in their work and make even the most challenging days fun and rewarding.” A graduate of Clemson University, with a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Design, Andy is currently serving as the State President of AIA South Carolina, where he organized the Community: by design Conference in conjunction with ArtFields in Lake City. He has served on the Clemson Architectural Foundation Board, volunteers as a student mentor, and is a Past President of AIA Charleston, where he co-founded a free public lecture series to elevate the design dialogue in our community.