Architects, designers, students, and industry partners from across the state gathered at Grace Events in Portland on May 14 for the 2026 AIA Maine Design Awards, an evening celebrating exceptional architecture and design excellence throughout Maine and beyond.

Kaplan Thompson Architects is pleased to announce that team member Meg Bunke has officially become a Licensed Architect in the State of Maine. This milestone represents a major step forward in her career and adds valuable expertise to the firm.

WASHINGTON –June 1, 2026 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has sent a letter to the governors of all 55 U.S. states and territories urging them to engage architects trained in disaster assistance to strengthen community resilience, improve emergency planning, and bolster preparedness before the next storm strikes.

Three new leaders have been elected to The American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Board of Directors, to serve terms beginning on December 4, 2026.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA), in collaboration with Deltek and ConstructConnect, has published the latest Architect’s Journey to Specification report, exploring how architects make specification decisions and collaborate with building product manufacturers

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and more than 500 of its architect members will converge on Capitol Hill tomorrow to advocate for pressing legislation that will significantly impact the architecture profession and community needs.

The Board is pleased to welcome Matthew Carter, AIA as a new member of the AIA Maine Board of Directors.

The AIA Maine Board is pleased to welcome Shellie McClallen, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, CCCA as one of its newest members.

Kaplan Thompson Architects, a leader in sustainable design based in Portland, Maine, is pleased to announce the promotion of Cara Bionde, AIA, to the role of Associate.

Read the latest issue of CONNECTION: The architecture and design journal of the Young Architects Forum (YAF)

AIA is especially concerned about the impact on students from lower- and middle-income backgrounds, who are less likely to have access to alternative sources of financing. 

In 2026, nonresidential construction faces slowing growth, widening sector imbalances, and continued economic uncertainty.

Submissions are now open for the AIA Maine 2026 Design Awards, celebrating excellence in architecture by AIA Maine members across the state and beyond. The Design Awards program highlights work that demonstrates strong design thinking, technical skill, and a meaningful response to context, community, and craft.