Story at a glance:
- AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2026 took place in June in San Diego.
- Innovative integration was seen across product types at this year’s expo.
Innovative and integrated designs stood out at AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2026. This year’s events connected hundreds of exhibiting companies with thousands of architects and specifiers, delivering one of the largest, most active expo floors yet, according to event organizers.
Building and design professionals traveled from all over to the conference in San Diego for four days of immersive education, inspiring keynotes, architect-led tours, networking events, and an expo showcasing some of the latest and greatest solutions in the industry today.
Next year’s conference is scheduled to take place May 19 to 22, 2027, in Philadelphia.
These are some of the highlights from AIA Conference on Architecture 2026.
Integrated Lighting for WoodWorks by Armstrong
Photo courtesy of AWI
Armstrong recently introduced integrated lighting for WoodWorks Grille and WoodWorks Linear Veneered Open Panels. The innovative architectural application manufacturer now offers pre-engineered linear lighting in collaboration with LightArt, making lighting and ceiling installation seamless.
“Architects and contractors working with lighting agents too often have to coordinate ceilings and lighting from different manufacturers, leading to misaligned fixtures, surprises on the jobsite, and expensive field modifications that can disrupt timelines,” says Alex Kreitman, head of marketing at Armstrong World Industries. “Armstrong Integrated Lighting ensures customers see designs that look intentional, install faster, and perform exactly as planned.”
Engineers and designers at Armstrong and LightArt worked together on the design for a seamless, level fit with the WoodWorks Grille and WoodWorks Linear Veneered Open product lines.
Glulam and CLT by Timberlab
Photo courtesy of Timberlab
Mass timber company Timberlab specializes in the manufacturing and delivery of high-performance structural systems using glued-laminated timber (GLT) and cross-laminated timber (CLT). With five mass timber facilities across the east and west coasts, their engineered wood products provide a renewable, low-carbon alternative to steel and concrete, enabling efficient construction processes, long-span capabilities, and greater aesthetic flexibility.
Through a vertically integrated approach to sourcing, fabrication, and installation, Timberlab works with regionally sourced wood and maintains greater transparency into its supply chains. This stewardship-based model supports working forests, expands opportunities for small landowners and tribal and community-based forestry partners, and strengthens regional supply networks, according to Timberlab.
Mediamesh by GKD
GKD’s Mediamesh was installed on the exterior of the INSPYRE Innovation Hub in Syracuse. Photo courtesy of GKD
GKD’s Mediamesh has seen a lot of new applications and projects in the past year. This includes the INSPYRE Innovation Hub in Syracuse. Formerly known as The Tech Garden, the multi-story facility designed by QPK Design opened in September 2025 and was reported to be the largest business incubator in New York.
As part of that renovation and rebranding, designers were tasked with creating a visually striking exterior that would signal the building’s dynamic purpose while respecting the extensive glazing throughout the structure. The project needed to make a bold statement without compromising the natural light and openness that characterize modern collaborative workspaces.
The large-scale transparent media facade allowed them to transform the outside of the building. The patented system creates a dynamic digital canvas capable of displaying graphics, animation, video content, and real-time data feeds, all while maintaining up to 60% transparency and contributing to the long-term longevity and resilience of the facility. The deep color palette and flexible fabric are additional benefits. Mediamesh is also energy-efficient and consistent with resilient design practices, according to GKD.
Continuous Vault Skylight Systems by Kingspan Light + Air
The vaulted skylight shape enhances daylight distribution throughout the day. Photo courtesy of Kingspan Light + Air
Kingspan Light + Air recently relaunched its Continuous Vault Skylight Systems, built to effectively daylight massive spaces without having to rely on a custom design.
Designed to bridge the gap between traditional unit skylights and fully custom skylight systems, the solution offers a flexible option for daylighting large facilities, from warehouses to retail environments. The system’s vaulted shape helps capture and distribute natural daylight throughout the day, improving visual comfort while reducing reliance on electric lighting.
The Continuous Vault Skylight system is manufactured in the US with corrosion-resistant extruded aluminum framing and acrylic glazing, engineered for long-term performance. The system can be customized to meet specific project requirements. All systems are fully tested for air infiltration, water penetration, and structural integrity.
Kingspan Light + Air skylight systems use aluminum containing no less than 50% recycled content.
Nudura ICF with Nudura Deck by Nudura
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- Photo courtesy of Nudura
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- Photo courtesy of Nudura
Nudura ICF, manufactured from Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam and high-density polypropylene plastic, coupled with reinforcement and concrete, offers a robust flat wall system.
Nudura Deck offers a lightweight, versatile, and sound-retaining alternative to conventional flooring.
This solid concrete solution is the go-to choice for residential homes, commercial buildings, and storm shelters, resulting in a quiet, secure, and energy-efficient structure.
LP BurnGuard FRT OSB by LP Building Solutions
Photo courtesy of LP Building Solutions
LP BurnGuard FRT (Fire-Retardant-Treated) OSB is an OSB solution with the fire-retardant blended with the strands for protection through the thickness of the panel for consistent performance.
It installs like regular OSB and is the first commercialized fire-retardant-treated OSB certified to meet the IBC and IRC definition of FRT wood structural panels “by other means during manufacture,” including the code-required one-eighth-inch-cut gap, according to LP Building Solutions. The panels are made by directly blending the fire-retardant chemicals onto the strands prior to forming and pressing.
USG Ceilings Plus True Wood panels by USG
Rendering courtesy of USG Corporation
New ceiling systems from USG are designed to support both aesthetic and sound needs.
These natural, wood veneer panels provide the beauty and warmth of real wood with high-quality sound performance.
True Wood Panels are available in eight real wood veneers. The panels can give any space the appeal of real wood ceilings with FSC-certified wood, plus the added bonus of superior fire resistance (Class A fire rating) and sound performance.
CLiC by Cardinal Industries
CLiC on-demand privacy glass allows you to shift to privacy mode with the touch of a button when needed. Photo courtesy of Cardinal Industries
Finding a way to have seclusion without losing a connection to the outdoors in residential projects can be a challenge. Traditional privacy solutions like blinds, curtains, or films often interrupt the design they’re meant to enhance, blocking natural light or disrupting carefully considered interiors. When it comes to innovation for residential privacy, CLiC on-demand privacy glass is leading the way with the next generation of responsive design.
Available from major door, window, and partition manufacturers, CLiC by Cardinal Industries lets homeowners enjoy natural light when they want and shift to privacy mode with the touch of a button when needed. There are no delays, distortions, or tints; in milliseconds the glass transitions from clear to private, creating a home that adapts effortlessly.
The system smoothly integrates with third-party smart home automation and blocks more than 99% of harmful UV rays. It’s also designed to dampen outside noise and improve energy efficiency with advanced coatings that reduce heating and cooling loads. Its laminated construction also adds durability and storm-resistance in extreme weather conditions.
Mbrico Tile Decks
Photo courtesy of Mbrico
Reinforced porcelain tile deck systems are changing what is possible for rooftop decks, balconies, elevated decks, and outdoor amenity spaces. Mbrico Tile Decks designs engineered, mechanically fastened reinforced porcelain systems for exterior spaces where traditional tile installation, loose-laid pavers, or conventional decking may not provide the desired combination of durability, stability, and architectural finish.
Mbrico is a patented and engineered decking and raised-floor system designed to support long-term performance, clean detailing, and high-end exterior design.
Mbrico offers more than 100 colors and will continue to expand its porcelain collection with new colors, textures, and architectural finishes throughout the year. Mbrico also recently achieved a WUI Class A Fire Rating, strengthening its position for projects in wildfire-prone regions and locations with elevated fire-performance requirements.
