AIA Baltimore 2026 Lecture Series: Crafting Excellence

AIA Baltimore Lecture Series: Crafting Excellence 

About this lecture

National award-winning projects have something in common: not only are they designed to be sustainable and require zero-net energy once built, but they also respect and respond to the local community’s history and culture, as well as the Genius Loci. Further, they are designed while thinking about form and materials in creative and innovative ways. This presentation looks at thirty projects, large and small, by different architects and landscape architects, for the inspiring ways the traditional fourteen materials are employed reflecting 21st century needs and goals. 

About Caren Yglesias, PhD 

7 years to obtain a Ph.D. in architecture from the University of Pennsylvania after getting a B Arch from Virginia Tech, MA in philosophy from Georgetown University, and a MS in Architecture from Penn. 

15 years of service as a member of the American Association of University Women, reviewing the international fellowship grants in the Arts & Humanities for graduate studies in this country. 

3 books: The Complete House and Grounds: Learning from Andrew Jackson Downing’s Domestic Architecture, published by the Center for American Places, Columbia College Chicago in 2011; The Innovative Use of Materials in Architecture and Landscape Architecture: History, Theory and Performance published by McFarland in 2014; and a monograph of landscape architect Steve Martino’s work, Desert Gardens of Steve Martino published by The Monacelli Press in 2018, which was reviewed by the New York Times, a lifelong dream of mine.  Currently working on an expanded and revised second edition of the materials book, to be released in 2026. 

24 years teaching architecture and landscape architecture at Virginia Tech, UC Berkeley, and currently at the University of Maryland, College Park campus. Courses include history, theory, and construction materials and structures. 

40 years as principal of an architecture practice at many scales and primarily in historic districts in Washington, D.C.  

1 marriage, 3 children, 3 grandsons, and too many dogs to count. 

Learning Objectives: (HSW Pending) 

1. See examples of built national award-winning projects that use materials in innovative ways. 

2. Learn about which materials are best suited for specific climates. 

3. Observe how repurposing materials already on site can be opportunities to reinforce its historic use and local culture. 

4. Observe how some municipalities are establishing data bases for demolished materials that can be repurposed and help a project obtain LEED and SITES credits. 

AIA, ASLA and NOMA members may register at a discounted rate.

*We are offering school students free admission! Please bring your school ID to show upon arrival

Please note that the venue for this event is not ADA accessible.