Scenes from AIA Convention 2015: More from Atlanta

Auburn University's Andrew Freear accepts the 2015 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award on behalf of Rural Studio from AIA CEO Robert Ivy, FAIA (L) and AIA President Elizabeth Chu Richter, FAIA (R). Image courtesy Carl Bower (carlbower.com)

Auburn University's Andrew Freear, who accepted the 2015 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award on behalf of Rural Studio, spoke about his love for his adopted hometown in Alabama, "warts and all." Image courtesy Carl Bower (carlbower.com)

AIA President Elizabeth Chu Richter, FAIA, presided over the general sessions at the 146th AIA National Convention in Atlanta. Image courtesy Carl Bower (carlbower.com)

Welby Altidor, Cirque du Soleil's Executive Creative Director, encouraged nearly 6,000 architects and attendees to take control of their "signature"—the thing that makes them unique in the eyes of clients. "To practice creative courage is to realize that some of the most complex problems have no instruction manual, no blueprints or map." Image courtesy Carl Bower (carlbower.com)

2015 AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion recipient Peter Eisenman, FAIA, noted that the central challenge of teaching is tirelessly inspiring students. "In a time when we have a lot of star architects, we have few heroes." Image courtesy Carl Bower (carlbower.com)

Julie Dixon, a leader in digital communication and the Research Director for National Journal, outlined the principles of effective storytelling. "What are the universal needs that your designs are meeting?" she asked. "If you frame your experiences by what connects us, your story will appeal to a much broader audience." Image courtesy Carl Bower (carlbower.com)

Sherry-Lea Bloodworth Botop, Executive Director of the Architects Foundation, moderated an Architect LIVE discussion on the National Resilience Initiative. Image courtesy Carl Bower (carlbower.com)

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