The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Conference on Architecture 2023 (A’23) set the stage for groundbreaking discussions, technology revelations, and professional networking in San Francisco. The two-day expo, held on June 8 and 9, was a confluence of leading architects, designers, manufacturers, and allied professionals seeking to design a better, more complex world. Among the exhibitors at this year’s conference, the Tilt-Up Concrete Association stood out for its celebration of award-winning tilt-up design, showcasing two exceptionally important architectural achievements.

The first was the 2023 Pritzker Architecture Prize, architecture’s highest honor, awarded to Sir David Alan Chipperfield, CH. Known for his masterful use of local materials and complex structural designs, Chipperfield was lauded for his expansion of the Saint Louis Art Museum in Missouri in 2013. The project was acknowledged for its exemplary use of tilt-up technology, setting a benchmark for the industry.

The second honor highlighted at the Tilt-Up Concrete Association’s booth was the prestigious Twenty-five Year Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). This significant award is bestowed upon a building that has not only stood the test of time for 25–35 years but continues to set unparalleled standards of excellence in architectural design and significance. The Chapel of St. Ignatius in Seattle, designed by Steven Holl Architects, received this accolade, serving as a glowing endorsement of the architectural potential of tilt-up construction methods. Recognized as a building that has set a precedent in the architecture world, the Chapel of St. Ignatius demonstrates how innovative construction methods can result in timeless, significant projects that continue to inspire and influence the field.

As part of its offerings, the Tilt-Up Concrete Association also previewed a forthcoming monograph, “Commodity and Virtue in Architecture,” covering the work of Powers Brown Architecture. This serves as an indication of the organization’s commitment to not just celebrating but also propelling forward the dialogue and practice in tilt-up construction.

The A’23 conference was a phenomenal stage for thought leadership, and the Tilt-Up Concrete Association leveraged this platform effectively to shed light on the transformative power of tilt-up construction methods. With two remarkable awards celebrated and a new monograph introduced, the association made a lasting impression, fortifying its role in shaping the future of architecture.