The American Institute of Architects Conference on Architecture and Design (AIA25) was held from June 4-7, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts. Exhibitors this year were heavily focused on security and safety related products and enhancements, as well as specialty glass and trends this year that are largely unchanged from year's past.
Safety and security
One thing that commercial customers are looking for in their products more and more are ways in which to enhance their sense of safety. At the show, Frameless Hardware Company (FHC) introduced its enhanced Steincraft Panic Handle Security Latch/Bolt for exit devices. The added panic device is designed to provide emergency egress for occupants inside the building, and prevents forced entry from the exterior. An FHC representative at the show says, "it's a minor adjustment, but a big upgrade for a much-specified system." It’s an engineering enhancement/improvement that will upgrade all panic handles moving forward, and can also be added to existing installations for retrofit upgrades.
Total Security Solutions was also exhibiting its security systems at AIA. Total Security Solutions does all of the configuration, design, fabrication, delivery and installation of its ballistic and forced entry systems. Of the 30,000 facilities the company has worked on over the past 20 years, much of its work has been in financial, government, corporate offices and distribution centers, as well as education. A company rep says that healthcare is growing due to gang violence, but corporate facilities and educational facilities are the fastest growing markets for security products.
Assa Abloy was also displaying security products at AIA, including its life safety solutions for schools and healthcare settings. A company rep says that these products are still code compliant when retrofitted.
Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope was showing attendees its ArmorGarde safety glass, which is available in both monolithic and insulating glass units.
Avery Dennison's window films also meet legislative requirements for safety film.
Peerless Products was also displaying its historic window that is designed to look like a traditional hung window, but is actually an in-swing window. This product includes safety latch hardware that can be latched on either the top or bottom to help prevent falls. For example, if this window were in a school or a home with young children, one would latch it on the top so it would be out of reach for a child.
Specialty and decorative glass
Different types of specialty glass were on display throughout the show; including bird-friendly glass, privacy glass and decorative glass designs. Oldcastle was showcasing its digitally printed glass designs that are largely used in healthcare settings and transit stations.
Avery Dennison was displaying its decorative films for windows, shower doors, cabinets, and privacy in office and healthcare settings, among other uses. Avery Dennison's bird-friendly film uses a dot pattern that is certified by the American Bird Conservancy. The company's solar window film comes in multiple tint levels and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation to help prevent skin cancer. 80% or more of UV is blocked by these films and it can be used in commercial or residential applications. UV blockage means the solar film is also effective for energy efficiency.
Soon, Avery Dennison will also be launching its anti-graffiti films, which are easily wipeable and designed with storefronts and public transport in mind and offer a more clear effective solution than replacing the glass. A company rep at Avery Dennison says that the adhesive stick films are also more cost effective for customers than full window or door replacements. Most of their business is in retrofit.
Peerless Products was also displaying its own bird-friendly glass that features a grit pattern.
Kolbe Windows & Door was displaying its CLiC privacy glass, which is a motorized privacy glass that can be easily turned on or off, to make a window or door go from private to transparent in a matter of seconds.
Trends
Many trends that companies are seeing in 2025 are similar to the past few years, including larger doors and windows, black hardware, minimal hardware and narrower profiles.
At AIA, Panda Windows & Doors was showing off its huge pivot door, measuring 14-feet tall, however, customers can order this door as tall as 25-feet. The pivot door also includes an automatic closer, drop seal, different lock options and a pull handle. A Panda rep at the show said customers can also customize the door to be made with glass or glass sidelines, as well as two different designs on either side. While this large door can also be made as a hinged door, the rep says that pivot doors are much more popular, as are matte black designs.
A rep for Kolbe agrees that larger and larger panels of glass and larger windows and doors continues to be a trend in the industry, saying "Glass and windows are definitely not getting any smaller."
Andersen Windows & Doors was also displaying its own large pivot door, which can go as high as 14 feet tall. An Andersen rep says that customers are also continuing to look for hidden hardware that does not get easily damaged.
Narrow profiles are also a big trend that is continuing this year. Both Panda and Andersen are seeing this from customers. At AIA, Andersen was displaying its narrow Multglide door, built for indoor/outdoor living, that's available in both stacking or pocketing configurations. Many companies also say that black hardware and finishes are still a favorite amongst customers, although brass continues to rise in popularity too.
Aluminum that looks like steel, but costs less, weighs less and can be built in half the time, is another trend that both Panda and Reynaers North America are incorporating into products.