Business of Architecture is intended to help AIA members and the greater Cleveland design community to enhance their business acumen through expert presentations or moderated panel discussion, interactive peer discussions, and the exchange of practical tools, all centered around topic-specific facets of the design practice.
In the evolving landscape of the AEC industry, the foundation of any thriving design practice is not just creative talent, it’s how we develop our talent through a culture of trust, workplace accountability, legal awareness, and ethical leadership.
This Business of Architecture (BoA) session brings together a unique panel of legal and HR experts to help professionals understand their rights and responsibilities and the systems that shape firm culture from both employee and employer perspectives. Together, we’ll explore how to build ethical, inclusive, and compliant workplaces through effective policy development, legal knowledge, and transparent communication.
This session is designed for professionals at every stage of their career; whether you're leading a firm, mentoring future architects, or navigating your own path, because understanding the legal frameworks, professional ethics, and codes of conduct that shape our industry is essential to building a responsible and resilient practice.
Join us for this eye-opening conversation that blends legal expertise, human-centered leadership, real-world case studies and practical tools to help you build or contribute to a more transparent, equitable, and legally sound workplace.
EVENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Attendees will learn practical strategies for fostering a workplace culture rooted in mutual respect and accountability where staff feel empowered to voice concerns and are supported in doing so without fear of retaliation.
2. Firm leaders, managers, and HR professionals will gain a deeper understanding of how to develop and manage workplace policies that are legally compliant, equitable in practice, and reflective of strong ethical leadership.
3. Participants will gain clear, actionable tools for effectively documenting workplace incidents, navigating internal and external reporting procedures, resolving conflicts constructively, and protecting themselves both professionally and legally.
4. Attendees will explore how professional ethics, codes of conduct, and internal power structures impact accountability, mentorship, and career progression within AEC practices and how to address them with transparency and integrity.
EVENT DATE: Tuesday, November 11th, 2025
EVENT LOCATION:
VOCON
3142 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, 44115
EVENT TIME:
5:00 pm | Doors Open, Check-In, (light hors d'oeuvres, beer/wine)
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm | Panel Discussion (including Q&A)
6:30 pm - 7:00 pm | Group Round Table Discussion
EVENT TICKET PRICES:
$7 | AIA, AIA Assoc., NOMA, AIA Cleveland Allied Professional Members
$12 | Non-AIA Members
FREE | Students with valid student ID
PANELISTS:
Kami D. Brauer, Partner at Employment Law Partners, LLC
Carrie Valdez, Partner at Baker & Hostetler LLP
Miranda Sharpnack, Owner, SHARP HR Consulting
MODERATOR:
Nora Hoxha, LEED AP, Assoc. AIA,
Founder, HOXHA, LLC - Design Studio & Consulting