For times, refer to the full schedule.

New Belgium Brewing Tour
Sun, September 10; Mon, September 11

The New Belgium Brewery is the East Coast location for the Fort Collins, Colorado, employee-owned company. Sitting on a 10-acre site, the facility is adjacent to the French Broad River in the River Arts District. During this tour, your guide will discuss the development of the brewery and its impact on the surrounding community.

$40

Welcome to Asheville LaZoom Tour
Sun, September 10

Historical and hysterical, this city tour features outrageously entertaining tour guides, outlandish comedy skits with special appearances, and loads of Asheville information. While taking in the views, participants will hear about Asheville’s history, unlock hidden architectural masterpieces, and learn what makes the city a thriving tourist destination.

$45

Urban Sketching Workshop
Mon, September 11

Grab your sketchbook and immerse yourself in inspiration, as we walk, observe, sketch, and discuss the daily life of downtown Asheville. From the sidewalks to public parks and plazas, you’ll learn new sketching methods useful during the architectural design process.

$10

Deep Retrofit: A Tour of 52 Broadway
Mon, September 11

In this architect-guided tour, you will uncover the history of the building at 52 Broadway Street in downtown Asheville. Attendees will learn about the specific techniques employed in optimizing the existing structure to be retained during its 2019 renovation and how to quantify embodied carbon conserved in renovation projects.

$35

Sierra Nevada Brewery Experience – Sustainable Design/Build Tastes Good!
Mon, September 11

Join the owner’s representatives, design/build team, and precast fabricator to explore the owner’s intent and commitment to responsible building operations and LEED Platinum Certification of the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. facility. This tour will provide the story of the design/build team’s intent, challenges, and solutions. Plus, guests will enjoy small bites and beer tastings.

Sold out

Asheville Art Museum Tour
Mon, September 11

Experience the newly reimagined Asheville Art Museum in all its glory! The meticulous redesign allows this 21st-century landmark to complement the surrounding historic 20th-century buildings.

$45

Walking Tour of Montford Neighborhood
Tues, September 12

This walking tour of Asheville’s oldest organized neighborhood, Montford, is a stunning collection of Victorian-era homes, including Queen Anne, English Cottage, Castlegate, Craftsman, and Neoclassical styles. Montford is a National Register Historic District with residences primarily built between 1890 and 1920 and designed by supervising architect of the Biltmore House, Richard Sharp Smith.

$40

New Belgium Behind-the-Scenes Production Tour
Tues, September 12

Join the New Belgium team in an intimate behind-the-scenes tour of the production house of their Asheville location. Attendees will be led by team members knowledgeable of both the design/construction and brewing at New Belgium, Asheville.

$40

Center for Craft Tour
Tues, September 12

On this architect-guided tour, you will learn about the history of the building, an adaptive reuse multi-purpose project on Broadway Street, and the successful collaboration of the architects and the organization. Attendees will learn about the specific techniques employed in optimizing the existing structure for a myriad of new uses and how the layout of the space can contribute to the well-being of its occupants.

$20

For times, refer to the full schedule.

Building Futures: Early Leaders Workshop
Sun, September 10

A dynamic and immersive session designed for associates and young architects, this workshop aims to empower and equip early leaders with the necessary tools, insights, and strategies to thrive in their professional journeys and become influential leaders in the industry.

Free

Aspire Design Awards
Sun, September 10

The Aspire Design Awards recognize diverse projects by architects in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina that elevate the quality of architecture, establish a standard of excellence, and inform the public of the importance of good design.

Sold out

LGBTQIA+ Alliance Happy Hour
Sun, September 10

Join a celebration of LGBTQIA+ architects, designers, allies, and friends during a special happy hour hosted by the AIA Georgia LGBTQIA+ Alliance.

$10

Dining by Design: 12 Bones BBQ at Wedge Brewing Cloud Room
Sun, September 10

Step inside the eclectic River Arts District, home to expertly made crafts and mouthwatering local fare. Led by owner Tim Schaller, developer Eddie Dewey, and architect Brent Campbell, you’ll explore Wedge Brewing’s Foundy Street location to learn about its design intent and construction challenges, then savor a spread of delectable barbecue and beer.

$65

Aspire Welcome Party
Sun, September 10

All conference attendees are invited to kick off the conference at the Orange Peel, a historic concert venue in downtown Asheville! Enjoy live music and drinks to celebrate the first day of Aspire 2023!

$30 (non-conference guests)

Meet on the Move
Mon, September 11

Go face-to-face with industry-leading product and service providers at Aspire’s speed networking event! Connect with industry-leading product and service providers and discover new ways to enhance the quality and efficiency of your projects.

Nano CE & Beer Tasting
Mon, September 11

Drink refreshing local beer tastings paired with delicious small plates as you listen to short Nano CE presentations by some of our Aspire partners!

$45

S&W Market Dinner Venture
Mon, September 11

We return to the S&W Market to explore the building’s history and honor its tradition of local food service. Journey through one of the prime examples of Art Deco architecture from the 1920s. From the speakeasy in the basement to the elevated mezzanine, guests will be treated to a variety of eats from the food hall and imbibe the best beers from Highland Brewery.

$85

Early Leaders x AIA Fellows Exchange
Mon, September 11

Experience the city’s best views from the Capital Club of Asheville’s dazzling rooftop patio. The EP x Fellows Exchange offers an important opportunity for emerging professionals to trade insights and experiences, find mentors, and build a support network among AIA’s most distinguished and experienced members.

Sold out

Early Leaders Highlight Luncheon
Mon, September 11

This event brings together a group of accomplished professionals who have graduated from Leadership Development Programs across the region. During the luncheon, a diverse panel of esteemed alumni will share their experiences, insights, and lessons learned throughout their careers.

$30