Houston X Design Week

The AIA Houston Interior Architecture Committee presents Houston X Design, a week-long series of events celebrating interior architecture and design to be held Monday, August 3 through Friday, August 7. Through a variety of lectures, tours, and panel discussions, we bring together an array of disciplines and explore the current issues and disruptors that are influencing our profession. 

The Interior Architecture Committee advocates for the advancement of the practice of Interior Architecture and Interior Design within the Architectural community, the education community, and the public at large.

Call for Entries

You are invited to submit a presentation for consideration for the 2026 AIA HoustonXDesign Week.

Submissions may be considered for the following programming formats:

• CEU SESSIONS: 1-hour AIA and IDCEC-accredited sessions on products and design trends. HSW, Sustainability and Accessibility credits are also encouraged.
• PROJECT TOURS: Celebrate your recently completed projects with a tour presenting the latest design thinking and exceptional design.
• HXD TALKS: Discussions on current issues that affect the interior architecture and design industry.

Up to (10) submissions will be selected for the weeklong design conference.

CEU Presentation Guidelines:

• Your presentation should address at least one of the educational categories listed: Design Skills, Professional Practice, DEI (Diversity Equity & Inclusion), Education, Market Sector Trends, Industry Directions, Lighting, Art, Sustainability, Technology, Wellness and Workplace.
• Presentations should be 1-3 hours in length of time, including a brief question and answer session either early morning (7:30 – 9:30 am), lunch hour (12:00 – 1:00 pm), or after office hours (4:00 – 7:00 pm). Indicate at least 2 preferred dates/time slots.
• Presentations should not exceed four speakers, including the moderator.

Additional Information

• Provide information regarding parking and any security requirements.
• AIA may charge a nominal fee through antendee tickets in support of Interior Architecture Committee efforts.
• The event should be in an accessible venue and have access to water and restroom facilities. Any other food or beverages are welcome and would be the responsibility of the host.
• AIA Houston will advertise the event to members, students, and the public.
• AIA Houston’s online registration portal can limit the attendance to your preferred limit.
• AIA Houston can provide an RSVP or registration list in advance of the event.
• AIA Interior Architecture Committee member(s) will be assigned and help with planning, logistics, and hosting. They will be in attendance for “welcome” and discussion about “what is interior architecture”.
• The host is welcome to advertise separately for the event or HXD Week.

If you have questions regarding your application, please email Rusty.

Click here to download the Board Policy on Board Nominations and Selections

In addition to director positions, we have the following officer positions open:

• President-elect
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Associate Member Director (must be working toward licensure)

Intent of Scholarship

The Martinez Study Abroad Scholarship offers emerging scholars an opportunity through financial assistance to study abroad within an accredited architectural program. This scholarship is established to broaden the accessibility to applicants to study architecture through a diverse lens and intended for recipients to contemplate a broader perspective of architecture. Recipients are encouraged to accomplish this by absorbing, photographing, reading, writing, sketching and experiencing the program.

Scholarship Eligibility

The Martinez Study Abroad Scholarship shall be provided towards study abroad programs offered by accredited architectural programs in the area served by AIA Houston Chapter – Latinos in Architecture, including the Prairie View A&M University, Rice University, and the University of Houston. The study abroad program shall be offered for a duration of 3 to 6 months and open to undergraduate and graduate Latino students with a minimum of 1 year remaining to graduate with an accredited professional degree (Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture). One recipient will be awarded up to $5,000 to pay towards the cost of tuition, direct travel expenses, and temporary living arrangements while abroad.

Application Process

To apply, recipients interested in consideration shall apply before July 10 of the academic calendar year seeking acceptance of the study abroad program. Candidates shall provide the following for consideration of award:

1. A statement (in English, 1000 words max) that details:

• Your academic and career goals.
• What you hope to achieve during the travel experience.
• How this study experience will advance your academic interests and impact on pursuit of your profession.

2. The travel itinerary outlining travel countries, states, cities, sites, and buildings expected to visit and experience. Submitting a Google map outlining the itinerary is recommended.

3. Proposed budget for the study abroad program and expected living expenses. A brief explanation of the impact the award will assist with your goals to participate in the program.

4. Two recommendations from professors or from professional experiences who can critically assess the applicant’s academic and/or professional work. Responses should provide evidence of the applicant’s distinguished academic achievement, leadership potential, and personal motivation.

5. Final funds shall be awarded first to the school to cover the cost of the program upon acceptance into the program. Any additional funds for allowable expenses will be provided to the recipient upon proof of expenses.

Submission

Provide digital submission by July 10, 2026 of the academic calendar year. Files shall clearly identify the applicant and the content of the file. Applicants will be notified by Friday, July 24, 2026.

1. Your last name_statement

2. Your last name_itinerary

3. Your last name_budget

4. Your last name_recommendations