AIA North Carolina Summer School – Raleigh
AIA North Carolina’s Summer School: Raleigh
Thursday, May 14, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Center for Architecture and Design
14 E Peace St. | Raleigh, NC
4 LU|HSW
Join AIA North Carolina for a half-day Summer School program designed to help architects deepen their understanding of building performance, material impacts, and construction best practices. Brought to you in partnership with the Beauty of Block, this engaging program provides 4 HSW credits and includes lunch and networking with colleagues.
The morning begins with Danielle Mokris, Technical Director for the Southeast Region of the Beauty of Block Design Collective, who will lead two sessions exploring embodied carbon in concrete masonry. Through the Beauty of Block’s Embodied Carbon Series, Danielle will break down the environmental impact of concrete materials and explain why not all concrete is created equal. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of carbon sequestration, lifecycle assessment (LCA), and how CMU can play a role in reducing embodied carbon in building design.
The program continues with Derek Hodgin, PE, RBEC, CCCA, F-IIBEC, founder of Positive Friction Consulting, who brings nearly 30 years of experience as a forensic engineer and building enclosure expert. In his interactive session, “It’s All in the Details,” Derek will explore the often-overlooked decisions that can dramatically influence building durability, safety, and long-term performance. Drawing from real-world lessons learned throughout his career, he will share practical insights that architects can immediately apply to improve construction outcomes.
Together, these sessions provide a valuable blend of sustainability insight and practical construction knowledge, equipping architects with the tools to design buildings that are both environmentally responsible and built to last.
