Virginia Design Forum XVII: Against the Grain
Registration is now open for Design Forum XVII!
Please join us for the upcoming Design Forum XVII on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. You will hear from Marlon Blackwell, FAIA (Marlon Blackwell Architects), Patricia Gruits, AIA, LEED AP (MASS Design), Michael Reynolds (Earthship Biotecture), and Ronald Rael (Rael San Fratello).
Earn 7.5 AIA LU | Elective
Schedule
FRIDAY
1:00 p.m. Meet and Greet, Registration Opens
2:00 p.m. Virginia Tech Architecture School Studio Walk
4:00 p.m. Welcome and Moderator Remarks | Ronald Rael
4:40 p.m. Speaker 1: Marlon Blackwell, FAIA
6:00 p.m. Reception
7:30 p.m. Reception ends (attendees out on your own)
SATURDAY
8:30 a.m. Check-in and Light Breakfast
9:10 a.m. Speaker 2: Patricia Gruits, AIA
10:30 a.m. Speaker 3: Ronald Rael
11:50 a.m. Lunch & Networking
1:30 p.m. Speaker 4: Michael Reynolds
3:00 p.m. Moderator Remarks and Speaker Panel
3:45 p.m. Closing Remarks
4:00 p.m. Tour of the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech
Location
Attendees can join us at the award-winning Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Tickets
AIA Member/VANOMA Member: $265
Assoc. AIA Member: $185
Non-member: $318
Student: $63
Lodging
We have a room block at The Inn at Virginia Tech – please reserve your room HERE. The room block will be open until April 8, 2026.
Do you want to be a 2026 Design Forum Sponsor? Secure your sponsorship HERE and/or contact Jody Cranford.