Welcome to the 2026 Monterey Design Conference.

If you have been before, you already know: there is nothing like the Monterey Design Conference. Anywhere.

MDC’s intersection of illuminating, inspiring talks delivered in a relaxed atmosphere/community gathering creates a unique experience.

Stress disappears replaced by new ideas, new conversations. When we are here, it’s always about possibility.

This year’s headliners, from as far away as Bangladesh, bring with them an extraordinary array of backgrounds, achievement, knowledge, and commitment to the power of architecture. Together they are a snapshot of design-in-our-time and encapsulate the possibilities and variations that we can individually attain. We know the program is packed but don’t miss a speaker. You will leave with an extraordinary payoff.

To create a three-day event that taps into global names and is cognizant of the state of the profession takes an informed, committed, and connected committee; please join us in thanking them.

Which brings us to the next few days... Yes, see the lectures, pick up those learning units but, also: walk the grounds; enjoy the parties and band; participate in convivial dinners; run into speakers on the grounds of Asilomar. That’s MDC. What sets the conference apart is its communal experience. We see the speakers together, eat together, relax on the deck at the Social Hall together. From that, we leave inspired and regenerated. We’ll see you there.

Welcome to MDC.

Bill Leddy, FAIA
Doris Sung, AIA 
2026/2027 Monterey Design Conference Co-Chairs