AD PRO Design Dialogues 2026 Highlights Industry Connections
Architects and designers gathered for candid talks on business growth and remote collaboration.
1Architect's dedication to design summit
Elizabeth Graziolo, founder of Yellow House Architects, attended AD PRO Design Dialogues despite a fractured knee from an e-bike accident in Toronto. She postponed her surgery to headline a panel discussion with architect Michael K. Chen at One World Trade Center. Graziolo's commitment highlighted the event's importance for design professionals seeking industry connections and knowledge sharing.
2National and virtual participation
AD PRO Directory members traveled from Phoenix, Chicago, and Miami for the daylong summit, while others joined via livestream. The event featured panels with top talents like Heidi Caillier and Corey Damen Jenkins, covering practical topics from business scaling to color trends. Architect Tana Nesbitt-Hayes particularly valued insights on managing a fully remote design studio.
3Behind-the-scenes industry insights
Attendees gained rare access to editorial decision-making processes at AD magazine, with architect Tana Nesbitt-Hayes noting how 'pulling the curtain away was really helpful.' Discussions included kitchen technologies and publication selection criteria, offering designers actionable intelligence about the media landscape that influences their work.
4Remote work strategies revealed
AD100 designer Heidi Caillier shared her approach to managing a fully remote staff during a conversation with AD's Global Interiors Director Alison Levasseur. This session attracted particular attention from small studio owners looking to optimize distributed teams while maintaining creative collaboration and project quality.
5Organic networking opportunities
Beyond formal panels, attendees connected during lunch at Condé Nast's cafeteria, discussing real estate development and project measurement technologies. Designer Amanda Hickam emphasized the power of spontaneous conversations among creative professionals, which often lead to unexpected collaborations and knowledge exchange.
6Tools and tech discussions
Designers Amanda Hickam, Manon Roux, and others shared recommendations for the latest apps and cameras to document as-built conditions. These practical exchanges provided attendees with immediate value, helping them improve accuracy and efficiency in their measurement and documentation processes.
7Closing keynote on creative leadership
AD100 Hall of Fame designer Kelly Wearstler diverted a European trip to deliver the closing keynote. She candidly discussed managing six creative verticals, learning from failures, and balancing inspiration-seeking with future planning. Her talk offered strategic insights for designers scaling their businesses.
8Industry event's growing influence
The summit's rooftop cocktail reception at Andrée Putman Studio capped a day of relationship-building. With participants ranging from emerging designers to established names like Wearstler, the event demonstrated its position as a must-attend for professionals serious about design business growth and innovation.