October is New York City's architecture and design month, and the third annual “Archtober” kicked off yesterday. It’s a month-long series of tours, lectures, films and exhibitions that focus on the importance of architecture and design in everyday life.

Participating organizations aim to raise awareness of the important role of design in the city and to build a lasting civic and international recognition of the richness of New York's built environment.

Throughout the month, Archtober’s "Building of the Day" celebrates contemporary as well as iconic architecture in New York City with daily on site tours, led by the architect. Buildings this year include the Statue of Liberty, the Park Avenue Armory, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Brooklyn Bridge Park, among others.

Jeff Byles and Ann Ferebee on the evolution of design. Talk held on the steps of the High Line in view of Building of the Day IAC Headquarters, Archtober 2011.

Organizations hosting events include the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter, Institute for Public Architecture, IIDA New York Chapter, Hudson Square Connection, the Museum of Modern Art, Brooklyn Bridge Park, the New Museum, Four Freedoms Park Conservancy, The Glass House, Fordham University, WantedDesign and the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Archtober events include Manhattan boat tours, architectural walking tours, panel discussions with industry greats such as David Rockwell, numerous family activites across the city and educational workshops exploring hot topics such as sustainability in architecture. A complete calendar of events for the “Archtober” month can be found on the website.

One of the main events is the two-day Go Pro/NYC conference presented by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

This year, the ASID is hosting 100 emerging designers at GO PRO/NYC, for two-days of rigorous learning and networking. GO PRO/NYC offers dynamic panel sessions and exclusive showroom visits and architecture and design tours at venues throughout Manhattan.

"Mentoring emerging interior designers and ensuring they have the resources and training necessary to succeed is one of ASID's chief priorities," said Rachelle Schoessler Lynn, ASID president. "GO PRO is about fortifying the future of interior design."

Established by ASID's Emerging Professional Advisory Council in 2011, GO PRO seeks to educate, inspire and groom interior designers in their first five years of practice. The annual program focuses on the fundamentals of building a successful interior design career and provides invaluable opportunities to meet respected design leaders, learn about the newest products and trends, and get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most innovative design businesses in the industry.

GO PRO/NYC 2013 explores the creative process and the designer-client relationship, groundbreaking advancements in design and technology, and the practical benefits of pro bono work. Participating designers earn .8 continuing education units for their attendance.

This year's program features engaging discussions with top designers and industry experts, including:

•    PROfessional Advancement | Marlene Cameron, founder of the business consulting firm Leadership by Design, demonstrates how listening to your client and asking insightful questions builds rapport and trust, ultimately improving design.

•    PROduct | Designer Bruce Smith of Steelcase, Avinash Rajagopol of Metropolis magazine, and Parsons New School for Design Professor Arthur Young-Spivey, a digital fabrication specialist, explore the endless possibilities of digital fabrication and 3D printing with moderator W. Scott Allen, an architect and designer at Perkins+Will.

•    PRO Bono | Interior Designer Filippo Soave and marketing strategist Gisela Garrett, both of Perkins+Will, and Amy Ress, who leads The 1% program at Public Architecture, reveal the powerful role interior designers played in helping to rehabilitate spaces devastated by Hurricane Sandy and discuss how the field of public interest design is evolving.

•    PROcess | Rosalyn Cama, FASID, founder of Cama Inc., an evidence-based planning and design firm, and designer Elizabeth Oshana, Allied ASID, of Cama, join HOK's Erin Peavey, a researcher and medical planner, in a conversation about how research informs the creative process and the built environment influences behavior and health.

Registration and more program details are available online.