The American Institute of Architects' new home in Washington DC has been designed by San Francisco-based EHDD to be "one of the first fully decarbonised major renovations in the US".

The AIA Global Campus for Architecture & Design is part of a net-zero campus that also includes an outdoor courtyard, the AIA Design Shop, Grace Street Coffee Roasters, and The Octagon Museum – the AIA's former home that now accommodates the Architecture Foundation.

Located at 1735 New York Avenue NW, close to the White House and National Mall, the newly retrofitted brutalist building hosts programs, exhibits, walking tours and workshops aimed at engaging the public to discover architecture.

EHDD was responsible for the architecture and interiors for the project, while Hartman-Cox Architects served as the on-site architect.

"AIA's newly renovated building is one of the first fully decarbonised major renovations in the US," said a statement from the organisation. "This adaptive reuse project showcases a cost-effective, scalable, replicable approach to decarbonisation."

On track to achieve LEED Platinum status, the building's sustainable features include an external photovoltaic sunshade system, a cool roof system, insulated glazing and LED lighting with occupancy sensors.

Biophilic elements such as interior planting, the use of natural materials and access to daylight are all key elements incorporated by the design team.

The first floor of the building includes a large exhibition space, where original concrete floors are exposed and a wood-lined ceiling integrates a track lighting system.

In the lobby, a wall of dark stone is etched with every recipient of The Architecture Firm Award, from Skidmore Owings & Merrill in 1962 to the 2025 winner LPA Design Studios.

Another expanse of wall similarly lists the names of every AIA Gold Medal winner, including last year's laureate Deborah Berke.