Art plays an essential role in the creation of great architecture, but its definition will be expanded when residential architects gather in Minneapolis Sept. 19-23 for the 8^th annual Custom Residential Architects Network Symposium. The symposium, which includes house tours, educational sessions and networking events, will also explore the art of building a successful residential design practice, employing technology creatively, and using social media for effective marketing. Attendees can earn up to 16 AIA LUs (learning units) by attending.

Opening on Saturday, the CRAN conference kicks off in earnest Sunday with a tour of seven Twin Cities homes from AIA Minnesota’s 2015 Homes by Architects Tour. Stops include projects by Sara Nettleton Architects; Dan Feidt Studio; Charles Cudd de Novo Architects; Meriwether Inc.; EJ Hanson; Peterssen/Keller Architecture; and Partners 4, Design.

Monday’s emphasis is on design, with a keynote by Minnesota AIA gold medal winner Julie Snow, FAIA, speaking on the pre-design process. Additional speakers on design topics include Wendy Evans Joseph, John DeFazio, and Stuart Narofsky. The day closes with a panel discussion featuring Dean Thomas Fisher, Christine Albertsson and Timothy Alt.

On Tuesday, attention turns to sustainability, technology and business with presentations by Michael Anschel, Carl Seville, Jared Banks and Mark LePage, winding down with a presentation and discussion of the 1958 Jacques Tati film Mon Oncle, hosted by John DeFazio. Architect Peter Pfeiffer and Enoch Sears continue the program Wednesday with presentations on sustainability and digital marketing, respectively.

CRAN, a Knowledge Community of the American Institute of Architects, has nearly 2,000 members. For more on the conference, click here.

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