Message from an AIA Architect and Mayoral Candidate

Kaarin Knudson, AIA
Eugene Architect Running for Mayor

Kaarin Knudson, AIA, is an architect, educator, writer, and housing advocate—she’s also a candidate to be the next Mayor of Eugene. (Ballots are due by Tuesday, May 21 and Knudson is endorsed by nearly 300 community officials and organizations.)

Kaarin has been a leader on housing issues and sustainable urban design since founding her own firm and the housing advocacy organization Better Housing Together in 2017. She teaches the graduate workshop on urban design at the University of Oregon and recently co-authored The Sustainable Urban Design Handbook, a comprehensive textbook of best practices to address sustainability in cities. Over the past 20 years, she has served on numerous nonprofit boards and statewide advisory committees, and worked on architecture projects that have earned AIA design awards at the interior, building, neighborhood, and urban scales.

Message from the Oregon Design Conference Task Force

Reimagine Housing: Unveiling Solutions at ODC24 in Bend, Oregon

AIA Oregon Members -  Registration is open now for ODC24!

The AIA Oregon Design Conference (ODC24) returns - this year in May -  convening in Bend, Oregon from May 8th to 10th. This year's theme, "Beyond Shelter: Confronting Our Housing Crisis Together," promises a timely and crucial exploration of a challenge deeply affecting the communities where we live and practice. This year’s conference planning task force has worked hard to curate a presentation of talks that will elevate our collective efforts toward lasting impact.  

Why ODC24 is Essential for Oregon Architects:

  • Go Beyond the Headlines: Delve deeper than news soundbites. ODC24 offers insightful discussions and workshops led by architects who have tailored their presentation to this topic and are from our own backyard. Gain practical knowledge on innovative approaches to affordable housing, sustainable design, and fostering vibrant communities.

  • Forge Connections & Advance Your Practice: Network with a diverse range of architects, designers, and industry leaders from across Oregon. ODC24 fosters a collaborative environment where you can share ideas and spark partnerships across our five sections, deepening your network of Oregon professionals.

  • Inspiring Bend Setting: Immerse yourself in the captivating city of Bend. The conference will be held in the core of Downtown Bend, between McMenamins Old St. Francis School and Theater and the eco-chic Oxford Hotel, with additional events planned throughout the easily walkable city core. Experience Bend's natural wonders, renowned craft breweries, and exciting outdoor activities with your down time, or attend a tour or pub crawl organized for the conference!

  • Invest in Your Expertise (10 AIA LU|HSW Available, more Pending): Earn valuable AIA-approved Continuing Education credits while attending ODC24. This ensures you fulfill licensing requirements while gaining crucial knowledge to excel in today's architectural landscape.

This event is your chance to:

  • Sharpen your design skills and stay current within the architectural industry.

  • Become a changemaker in addressing Oregon's housing challenges.

  • Cultivate your professional network and build lasting connections with colleagues.

Registration for ODC24 fills up fast, so secure your spot today! This year’s conference has an in-person attendance limit, so register now to be sure you’re in! Early Bird Registration ends April 19. Visit the AIA Oregon website for detailed information and registration.

Let's leverage our design expertise to create a state where everyone has access to safe, sustainable, and inspiring places to call home. We can’t wait to see you at ODC24!

With gratitude and excitement –

The ODC24 Conference Planning Task Force

John Flynn, AIAO President and Task Force Chair
Bill Wilson
Dave Mojica
Evon Calebrese
Ian Schmidt
Joseph Sis
Kaley Fought
Kathy Austin
Khiseth Abramvicka