Meet Our Speakers
Brooke Lierman
Maryland State Comptroller
Jake Day
Maryland Secretary of Housing and Community Development
Laura Houston
Director of Revitalization Initiatives, Preservation Maryland
Sam Shoge
Partner at Rivers & Roads
Barton Ross, AIA, AICP, LEED AP BD+C
Barton Ross and Associates, Inc.
Carl Elfante, FAIA, FAPT, LEED AP
Author of " Going for Zero" and Principal Emeritus, Quinn Evans
Kathleen Lane, AIA, CAE, LEED AP
Managing Director, Climate Action and Design Excellence, The American Institute of Architects
Jon Penndorf, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C
Senior Associate, Senior Project Manager, Sustainability Leader
Elizabeth Hughes
Maryland State Historic Preservation Officer
Jaelon Moaney
Deputy Director of the Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience
Sherry Nickerson
Lobbyist and Policy Advisor, Old Line Government Affairs
Ren Southard, AIA, NCARB
Redevelopment Strategy Planning Supervisor Development Division, Baltimore City, Department of Housing & Community Development
Jason Winters, AIA, LEED BD+C
Kezlo Group, LLC
Jay Hall, PHD
President of Jay Hall and Associates, Inc.
Ben Roush, PE, FPE
Principal, FSi Engineers
Session Details
Session 1: Preserving Our Historic Communities
Speakers: Barton Ross, AIA, AICP, LEED AP BD+C | Laura Houston | Sam Shoge | Jake Day
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
This session explores the synergy between historic preservation and environmental sustainability, addressing the challenges and opportunities of maintaining our built heritage while advancing sustainability goals. We will examine the historical evolution of preservation, key legislation, and best practices for utilizing historically appropriate and sustainable materials.
A focal point of the discussion will be “When Preservation Fails: The 5-Plex That Became a Grass Lot.” This case study highlights the unintended consequences of preservation policies, zoning rigidity, and community resistance—demonstrating how well-intended efforts can sometimes lead to the loss of critical housing rather than its protection. Through this real-world example, we will analyze the barriers to adaptive reuse, the complexities of local preservation ordinances, and how communities can advocate for balanced solutions that safeguard both history and housing.
Learning Objectives:
- Define historic preservation and sustainability, and identify their complementary goals.
- Evaluate the impact of zoning and preservation policies on housing availability.
- Explore best practices for maintaining and upgrading historic buildings to improve energy efficiency and resilience.
- Analyze real-world examples of preservation challenges and solutions to inform future advocacy and policy.
This session offers valuable insights for architects, planners, preservationists, and community leaders navigating the intersection of history, sustainability, and housing policy.
Session 2: Sustaining Our Design Future
Speakers: Carl Elefante, FAIA | Kathleen Lane, AIA, CAE, LEED AP | Jon Penndorf, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
As the urgency to decarbonize the built environment intensifies, architects and designers play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future. This session will explore the intersection of preservation, adaptation, and forward-thinking design strategies that align with climate targets and urban resilience. Drawing from the expertise of Carl Elefante, FAIA, this discussion will challenge traditional approaches to sustainability and emphasize the importance of repurposing existing buildings as a critical climate action.
We will explore opportunities and resources for AIA members to engage clients and integrate climate action into every project. Additionally, this session will highlight progress made through the AIA 2030 Commitment and the A&D Materials Pledge, demonstrating how the architecture profession is advancing decarbonization, materials health, and sustainability.
Key Takeaways:
- Why the greenest building is the one that is already built—and how this philosophy supports climate and energy goals.
- Overcoming barriers in current design and construction practices to achieve true sustainability.
- The role of climate-adapted design in meeting net-zero objectives.
- Strategies for extending building service life to maximize resource efficiency and reduce carbon footprints.
- How architects can engage clients and integrate climate action into all projects.
- The latest advancements in decarbonization and sustainable material choices through AIA initiatives.
This session is a call to action for architects, planners, and policymakers to rethink sustainability and ensure today’s design decisions create a lasting and regenerative built environment for generations to come.
Session 3: Navigating Regulations on the Built Environment – Legislative Recap
Speakers: Elizabeth Hughes | Jaelon Moaney | Sherry D. Nickerson | Madhuri Subramaniam, AIA
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM
The built environment is continuously shaped by evolving policies, regulations, and legislative actions that impact design, development, and sustainability. This session provides a comprehensive recap of key legislative measures from the latest Maryland General Assembly (MGA) session, covering topics such as tax provisions affecting the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, historic preservation incentives, sustainability mandates, and updates on regulatory frameworks influencing design professionals.
Expert speakers will analyze critical bills—both passed and failed—including those affecting taxation, permitting, and funding for resilient infrastructure and historic preservation. We will also discuss how these legislative changes align with broader regional and national policy trends.
Key Takeaways:
- An overview of major legislative actions and their implications for architects and allied professionals.
- Insights into tax provisions from the 2025 Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (BRFA) and their impact on development and design projects.
- Updates on historic preservation policies and state-level sustainability initiatives.
- Guidance on advocacy strategies and how AIA Maryland members can influence future legislation.
Join us for this essential legislative debrief to stay ahead of regulatory changes shaping the future of Maryland’s built environment.
Session 4: Collaborating and Innovating Across the Industry
Speakers: Ren Southard, AIA, NCARB | Jason Winters, AIA, LEED BD+C | Jay Hall, PHD | Ben Roush, PE, FPE
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM
As the built environment evolves, the need for deeper collaboration between architects, engineers, builders, and policymakers is more critical than ever. This session explores how industry professionals are working together to drive innovation in high-performance design, historic preservation, and sustainable construction.
Through real-world case studies—including the renovation of Mellon Hall at St. John’s College and high-performance residential projects—this session will highlight successful strategies for balancing sustainability, energy efficiency, and code compliance. We will discuss the challenges of integrating new technologies into historic and modern structures, the impact of evolving energy codes, and the role of industry partnerships in achieving above-code performance.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify collaboration strategies that bridge the gap between sustainability, preservation, and modern building performance.
- Analyze key challenges and lessons learned from high-performance residential and historic preservation projects, including energy modeling, material selection, and compliance with evolving codes.
- Explore innovative solutions in new construction and renovations that optimize building performance while maintaining design integrity.
- Develop practical approaches for working with diverse stakeholders to streamline project execution and achieve sustainable outcomes.
This session will provide attendees with actionable strategies to enhance project success while navigating regulatory and market-driven challenges in today’s evolving built environment.
Room Pricing
King or Double Beds at $139.00 per night*
*Rate does not include state and local taxes (currently at 14%)
Online Reservations
See room options and pricing here.
Phone Reservations
Individuals who would like to speak with a reservation specialist instead, can reach out to the Reservations Department by calling 1-855-223-1441 and mention the Group code: AIA or AIA 1st Annual Conference
Keep in mind reservations made by phone through the reservations department will not have full group information and can only make reservations on the contracted dates. For any problems occurring when booking with a reservation specialist or for those who choose to book through the hotel directly, call 410-571-1501 to reach the hotel’s Group Housing Coordinator.
Additional Guest Room Details
Rates will be available 3 days prior and 3 days after the Event Dates, subject to availability of guest rooms at the time of reservation.
Online and calls made to the reservation department will only have the option to create reservations on the contracted dates (05/07/2025-05/09/2025).
Any nights made outside the contracted dates must be booked through the hotel directly.
A credit card is needed as a guarantee to hold the room. All rooms are non-smoking with complimentary parking and Wi-Fi.
Check-In is at 3:00pm & check out is 11:00am. Incidentals are $50.00 per guestroom / Authorized at check-in with guestroom rate & tax.
Reservations must be cancelled 24 hours prior to the intended date of arrival to avoid cancellation charges (one night’s room plus tax). The debit/credit card must be presented with a valid ID at check-in. No pre-paid or loaded cards will be accepted.
Hotel Accommodations
Full Conference & Expo Schedule
May 8th, 2025
8:00 AM Expo Opens
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM Registration/Networking/Breakfast/Expo
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM Welcome/Opening Remarks
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM Session 1: Preserving Our Historic Communities
10:15 AM Coffee Break
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM Session 2: Sustaining Our Design Future
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM Keynote – Hon. Brooke Lierman
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM Lunch/Networking/Expo
1:45 PM – 3:00 PM Session 3: Navigating Regulations of the Built Environment
3:00 PM Coffee Break
3:15 PM – 4:30 PM Session 4: Collaborating and Innovating across the Industry
4:30 PM – 4:45 PM Closing Remarks
4:45 PM – 5:30 PM Expo/Networking
60th Anniversary Celebration
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM Registration & Networking
6:45 PM – 8:00 PM Dinner, Keynote, & Recognition of Newly Licensed Architects
8:00 PM – 8:30 PM Dessert & Networking