Highlights from AIA Conference on Architecture 2025

Story at a glance:

• This year’s AIA Conference took place in Boston in June with more than 600 brands at the product expo.
• Events included architect-led tours and networking events, as well as of the industry’s largest expos.
• Flexible design, color, and creativity were major themes across new products at the expo.

The 2025 AIA Conference on Architecture & Design emphasized innovation in a rapidly changing world, with attendees from all over gathering in Boston from June 4 to 7. Building and design professionals met to share ideas and check out the latest solutions as part of one of the largest, most influential networks of AEC professionals shaping architecture and design today.

The events included more than 250 seminars led by architects on the biggest topics of our time, plus more than 100 sessions from top building product manufacturers on the expo floor.

Six hundred brands exhibited across the 127,000-square-foot expo floor this year. These are just some of the exciting products we saw.

1. Venetian Glass Brick in Emerald Green by Glen-Gery

Emerald Green is the latest color addition to Glen-Gery’s collection of Venetian Glass Bricks.

Whether in statement walls, as accent pieces, or part of full-scale architectural installations, Emerald’s jewel-like quality delivers a dynamic, modern aesthetic that’s available in frosted, polished, and natural finishes. Its translucent nature supports open-plan concepts, indoor-outdoor transitions, and biophilic design by amplifying light and preserving visual connection without sacrificing privacy.

“Architects and designers are increasingly focused not just on how a space looks, but how it makes people feel—a core principle of the growing emotional design movement,” says Tim Leese, marketing director at Glen-Gery. “Green, a color deeply rooted in nature, naturally evokes feelings of renewal, freshness. and tranquility. The radiant hue of the Emerald Green Venetian Glass Brick captures these qualities, echoing the natural world while elevating the built environment. It also strengthens biophilic connections by pairing an organic color with natural light flow—both essential to creating spaces that support well-being.”

Leese says architects and designers are leaning into bold, expressive materials that not only look good but feel intentional. “We’re seeing an increased demand for solutions that foster emotional connection, light flow, and environmental harmony.” He says the new Emerald Green option plays with light and offers rich texture and depth. “We’ve seen strong early interest from architects and designers who are rethinking how materials influence mood and flow in a space. There’s clear excitement around bold color and texture, and many are requesting samples to explore how the Emerald Green Venetian Glass Brick could inspire future projects.”

2. Metal Chain Curtains by Kriskadecor

DLR Group chose Kriskadecor aluminum chains to bring color and intrigue to the corporate office scene seen here in Washington state. According to Kriskadecor, the firm incorporated a vibrant array of rainbow and cloudy color-gradated cylinders of varying heights, creating new spaces that prioritize employee privacy without the need for heavy structural elements. Chains are made from 100% recyclable aluminum.

Combined with abundant natural light, these installations promote visual comfort with a blend of color and transparency, transforming the office’s ground floor into a dynamic environment.

3. Veris Collection by Therma-Tru

Available summer 2025, the Veris concept door featuring walnut infill panels and satin privacy glass was on display at AIA25.

The Veris Collection combines style and functionality and is designed with high-quality aluminum, stainless steel, and polymer components so it’s easy to maintain.

Therma-Tru has exterior door options to meet ENERGY STAR requirements in all 50 states. Proven to perform, a Therma-Tru complete door system is the result of more than 60 years of expertise in material science, engineering, and manufacturing—and these doors are tested against extreme environmental conditions to ensure maximum durability and safety.

The Veris launch was also part of the Manifest Collective debut—a new collective of brands that unites Therma-Tru, Larson, Fiberon, Fypon, and Solar Innovations.

4. Natural Collections by LP Building Solutions

LP Building Solutions continues to lead with purpose—prioritizing sustainability, durability, and innovation to push the envelope of what’s possible in the built environment.

LP recently introduced its Naturals Collection—a nature-inspired expansion to the LP SmartSide ExpertFinish trim and siding portfolio. This color palette is a subtle nod to painted wood and features hues like Saffron Cedar, Aged Amber, Weathered Walnut, Bonsai Black, Smoky Slate, and Washed White. The Naturals Collection channels organic aesthetics while supporting resilient, high-performance construction and is available in both cedar and brushed smoothed finishes.

The Naturals Collection is engineered for long-term performance and reduced environmental impact. Manufactured using wood sourced through programs certified under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, LP SmartSide products are treated with LP’s proprietary SmartGuard process, which enhances resistance to fungal decay and termites, helping extend product life cycle and reduce waste over time.

The new collection is available through LP’s North American network of contractors and dealers in 2025 and 2026.

5. Arcatemy by ARCAT

ARCAT showed off Arcatemy at this year’s AIA conference. Arcatemy gives design professionals the chance to earn HSU credits by listening to ARCAT’s popular architecture podcast, DETAILED.

DETAILED surpassed 1 million downloads in 2024, with a growing community sharing “lessons learned,” according to Casey Johnson, marketing manager at ARCAT. “So we wanted to reward our listeners with a way to gain credit. Every building has a story. Every story has credit,” he says. “By adding continuing education on top of BIM, CAD, specifications, and so many other solutions and information, ARCAT proves we are the one-stop site for architects. And like everything else on ARCAT.com, Arcatemy is offered free of charge.”

DETAILED releases every Friday just about anywhere podcasts are downloaded as well as at arcat.com/podcast.

6. SoundScapes Blades and Shapes by Armstrong World Industries

The newest SoundScapes acoustical ceiling and wall panels from Armstrong World Industries bring nature indoors with seven new wood looks. The expansion is in direct response to a growing demand for spaces that are both acoustically excellent and biophilic in design.

The latest visuals include Brown Sugar Walnut, Toffee Chestnut, Vanilla Ash, Honey Oak, Bourbon Cherry, Earl Grey Teak, and Dark Mocha Walnut. These new options give architects and designers an opportunity to bring nature indoors with warm wood visuals that capture the natural beauty and uniqueness of wood.

SoundScapes Blades and SoundScapes Shapes offer excellent sound absorption and design flexibility through a variety of standard designs, shapes, finishes, and installation options on ceilings and walls. SoundScapes Blades vertical panels achieve sound absorption up to 2.05 NRC and are available in 20 standard panel sizes and shapes.

SoundScapes Shapes aesthetically define spaces with excellent sound absorption up to 1.15 NRC and are available in nine standard wood-look shapes—including triangles, trapezoids, and parallelograms. The shapes quickly install from the deck, drywall, suspension system, or on a wall in adjustable heights and angles. The panels can also be suspended as a group from the deck using a grouping frames kit to ensure alignment.

7. STYX by Construction Specialties

STYX by Construction Specialties offers aluminum architectural extrusions in powder-coated finishes that are lightweight, durable, and easy to install.

These prefabricated interlocking components add layers of depth and texture with solid colors and wood grain finishes fit for any project.

Integrated lighting options are also available to help set a luminous focal point and sense of visual movement.