Center for Architecture and Design

Founded in 2002 by the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Philadelphia), the Center provides the public with a place to explore architecture, urban planning, and design, allowing them to understand how these creative professions affect us all in our daily lives. Using Philadelphia's distinctive breadth of architecture, pioneering urban design, and manufacturing heritage as the foundation for discussion, we educate the public through walking tours, exhibitions, guest speakers, hands-on workshops, design competitions, festivals, and children’s programming.

The Center's signature annual festival, DesignPhiladelphia, is the oldest and largest of its kind in the country. Each October, DesignPhiladelphia highlights the work of thousands of local designers, architects, and creative professionals with over 100 events citywide including panel discussions, fashion shows, participatory workshops, studio tours, book signings, professional development classes, design