Indianapolis, October 19, 2026 – The third edition of dormakaba's architects connect summit brought together leading international architects and industry experts to exchange perspectives on the future of architecture. Held October 15-16 at Viceroy Chicago under the theme "Built in Layers. Designed for Trust," the summit was organized by dormakaba and the Royal Institute of British Architects Journal (RIBAJ) in collaboration with American Institute of Architects (AIA).
The program reflected on how cities and buildings evolve through multiple layers of history, use, technology, and human experience – and how architecture can create trust by carefully balancing legacy, innovation, security, and openness.
"Bringing architects connect to Chicago reflects the importance of the U.S. market to dormakaba and gave us the opportunity to engage directly with some of the top voices in the industry," said Kenth Granljung, SVP CCO Strategic, Marketing & Excellence Functions at dormakaba. "Architects are being tasked with meeting new expectations around security, accessibility, and sustainability, all while preserving what makes these environments unique and balancing technology with the human experience. As a manufacturer, it is essential that we listen and understand where the market is headed so we can develop solutions that help architects navigate that trend."
Event highlights
The two-day event opened with a fireside conversation followed by a day of keynotes, case studies, panel discussions, and interactive breakouts. Key sessions included:
- Paul De Santis, Partner and Design Director at Goettsch Partners, discussed the design and transformation of Viceroy Chicago and how architecture shapes the experience of a building.
- Bilal Zafar, entrepreneur, author and AI expert, explored the intersection of artificial intelligence, society, and the spaces people inhabit.
- Lynda Dossey, Director at JAHN, presented a case study on transforming Chicago's iconic Thompson Center.
The summit also brought together architects from internationally recognized firms, including AtkinsRéalis, BRAYA, CannonDesign, Corgan, EXP, Foster + Partners, Gensler, HGA, HKS, HOK, Kimley-Horn & Associates, NELSON, NOVO, SOM, and Stantec.
Viceroy Chicago was a fitting backdrop. Combining a contemporary 18-story tower with the preserved and rebuilt four-story façade of the historic Cedar Hotel, the venue illustrates how architectural heritage and modern design can coexist to create new experiences.
Looking ahead
Following previous editions in Berlin and London, the Chicago summit continued dormakaba's commitment to fostering collaboration within the global architectural community and support emerging industry challenges. For more information about architects connect, visit the event website.
| For further information | Media |
| Ashley Shuler | |
| PR Manager, North America | |
| T: +1 317 995 5757 | |
| pr.amer@dormakaba.com |
About dormakaba Group
dormakaba is a leading global provider in the access solutions market. The company reimagines access by setting industry standards for smart systems and sustainable solutions across the life cycle of a building. More than 15,000 employees worldwide provide their expertise together with distribution partners to a growing customer base in more than 130 countries. dormakaba supports its customers with a broad, innovative portfolio of integrated access products, solutions, and services that easily fit into building ecosystems to create safe, secure, and sustainable places where people can move around seamlessly.
dormakaba is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and is headquartered in Rümlang near Zurich (Switzerland). It generated a turnover of CHF 2.8 billion in financial year 2025/26.
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