During the biennial Monterey Design Conference (MDC), international architects, emerging talents and out-of-the-box thinkers converge for design programs that combine with social events to create a full weekend for creative thinkers. Attendees will learn about forward-thinking design, engage in discussion and debate, and satisfy intellectual pursuits in Monterey, California, September 27 – 29.

Kogan and Mayne

Speakers include Parisian architect Odile Decq, designer of MACRO (Museum for Contemporary Art in Rome); Pulitzer Prize winner Thom Mayne, FAIA, designer of the new Perot Museum of Nature and Science; One of Wallpaper* Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People,” Marcio Kogan, Hon. FAIA, of Brazil; The Walker Art Center Open Field architect Jennifer Yoos, FAIA, from Minneapolis; Kengo Kuma, Hon. FAIA, architect of Japan’s One Niseko Hotel; and New York-based Thomas Phifer, FAIA, architect of the North Carolina Museum of Art.

Yoos and Kuma

Since 1980, MDC has hosted an encyclopedia of creative talent, including TED founder Richard Saul Wurman, who spoke at the inaugural MDC—four years before launching the first TED conference; World Trade Center Memorial landscape architect Peter Walker, FASLA; futurist Paul Saffo; Sea Ranch architect Charles Moore, FAIA; Case Study House #22 architect Pierre Koenig, FAIA; “My Architect” filmmaker Nathaniel Kahn; Obama appointee to the U.S. Access Board for Accessible Design Michael Graves, FAIA; Guggenheim Bilbao architect Frank Gehry, FAIA; NASA consultant Timothy Ferris; Oslo Opera House architect Craig Dykers; Freedom Tower architect David Childs, FAIA; and “Whole Earth Catalogue” editor Stewart Brand among others.

This conclave of design minds is conducted and hosted by The American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC), which represents the interests of more than 11,000 architects and allied professionals in California. Founded in 1944, The AIACC's mission supports architects in their endeavors to improve the quality of life for all Californians by creating more livable communities, sustainable designs and quality work environments.

Once only open to architects and designers, MDC now welcomes engaged thinkers and doers to join the discussion. Registration—from full weekend with room and board to one-day passes—is available here.