News

Filtering by Tag: aianational

AIA26 in San Diego Highlights a Profession Navigating Change

July 24, 2026Mez Joseph

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.

categories Architecture, Awards, Celebration, Conference, Education, Lecture, National, Staff
tags AIA26, aianational, AIAConference, conference, SanDiego, California, AndyClark, elissamorrison, paneldiscussion, presentation, twoplustwo, achievingdesignexcellence, navifatingchange, architecture

The American Institute of Architects National Conference on Architecture (AIA25)

June 17, 2025Mez Joseph

Recently, several Liollio team members attended The American Institute of Architects National Conference on Architecture in Boston (AIA25) where they were able to draw inspiration from keynote speakers, talented colleagues, catch up with friends, establish new connections, and discover and explore the city. Liollio’s Ri Glal had a great experience examining various components of architecture in a new lens; “For me, the conference emphasized that architecture is constantly evolving, and the identity of architecture is amplified by the past, present, and the future community of a given place.” It was an invigorating week, and those who attended are excited to share their experience and help implement insights into our current work.

categories Architecture, Celebration, Community, Conference, Education, National, Staff
tags AIA, aianational, americaninstituteofarchitects, NationalConference, conference, Boston, teammembers, AIA25, Massachusetts

Happy Women’s History Month 2025!

March 31, 2025Mez Joseph

As we look back on Women’s History Month, Sarah Glass reflects on her experience at last year’s AIA Women's Leadership Summit. This inspiring event brings together the industry’s largest network of women for impactful programming, leadership seminars, expert insights, and networking. We are proud to be a part of an organization that empowers women to break down barriers to become leaders in the industry. Mark your calendar for the 2025 Women’s Leadership Summit happening November 3-5 in Atlanta! For more info click here.

categories Architecture, Community, Conference, Education, Global, History, National, Staff
tags WomensHistoryMonth, WomensHistoryMonth2025, WHM2025, AIAWomensLeadershipSummit, architecture, Chicago, Atlanta, HerStory, InspireInclusion, aianational, americaninstituteofarchitects

Elissa Morrison honored with National AIA Award in Washington D.C.

June 11, 2024Mez Joseph

Liollio Firm Associate, Elissa Morrison, AIA, was recognized last week at the The American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Conference, as one of only 30 nationwide recipients of the 2024 AIA Young Architects Award. This prestigious award recognizes individuals for their exceptional leadership and significant contributions to the architecture profession and their communities.

Always seeking to elevate the quality of life for the communities she serves, Elissa has distinguished herself as an unparalleled leader and award-winning architect. Liollio would like to congratulate Elissa and all of this year’s award winners!

categories Architecture, Awards, Celebration, Conference, National, Staff
tags AIA, AmericanInstituteofArchitects, NationalAward, aianational, ElissaMorrison, Elissa, Architect, YoungArchitectsAward, AwardWinner, AwardRecipient, celebrating, congratulations, AIA24, AIAConference, NationalConference, AIASC, AIASouthCarolina, AIACharleston, WashingtonDC, DC

Liollio Architecture Awarded 2020 AIA National Healthcare Design Award

October 16, 2020Mez Joseph

Liollio Architecture is honored to announce that the American Institute of Architects has recognized Liollio’s design of the Hampton County Health Clinic in Varnville, SC with a 2020 AIA National Healthcare Design Award.

““This project brings dignity, hope, and joy to the community it supports.””

— Jury comment

This facility serving two rural South Carolina communities reflects the region’s faith in its future. The new facility, a joint venture between county and state agencies, replaced an outdated, 50-year-old structure. Given the site’s location in a former railroad town, simple materials and massing were employed to evoke the boxcars that used to roll through. Inside, patient care areas are divided between clinical care and care for women, infants, and children. Each features its own service corridor and waiting areas, all with ample natural light that enhances the environment for patients facing potentially difficult diagnoses. Privacy was a key factor in determining the program and organization of the clinic’s spaces. At the new facility’s ribbon cutting ceremony, the team noted a shift in perception and mood, confirming it had delivered a modest but noble clinic reflective of the community’s emboldened spirit.

““Functional and understated, it is a fantastic little jewel box made of simple forms and modest materials...It is wonderful to see such thoughtful care and attention given to a rural community health facility. It is a building they can take pride in.””