Architecture News

Dallas architecture group moves to new user-friendly downtown digs

This is where it all begins.

Courtesy photo

A new facility dedicated to architecture opens in downtown Dallas with a goal to get us in the door and get us thinking about architecture.

It's called the AD EX, which is shorthand for The Architecture and Design Exchange — a new name for what used to be called Dallas Center for Architecture — and it'll open at 325 N. St. Paul St., #150, at Republic Center near Thanks-Giving Square.

The AD EX will hold a free grand opening event on December 8 from 10 am-3 pm, in collaboration with Better Block Foundation and Downtown Dallas, Inc. Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys appropriate for children up to 14 years old (bonus points awarded for toys related to building and design).

The move to a new and friendlier building in downtown Dallas aims to spur conversation about walkability, mobility, historic preservation, affordable housing, economic development, and other civic challenges related to architecture and urban design that impact the city.

It'll have a street-level presence next door to the new Pacific Plaza park, in an effort to break down barriers and facilitate informal exchange of ideas about design and architecture.

The space boasts an open floor plan, floor-to-ceiling windows, and outside terrace, showcasing design-focused exhibitions, films, book and panel discussions, student workshops, policy symposia, and other programming.

It'll be open to the public Monday-Friday 9 am-6 pm, except for Thursdays when it will stay open until 8 pm. It'll even keep Saturday hours, from 10 am-3 pm.

In addition to diverse exhibits, they'll offer free weekly Lunch Learning Sessions and guided architecture tours.

There'll be two opening exhibits. One will be the return of the seasonal exhibit "Building Toys and Toy Buildings: Architecture Through A Child’s Eyes," which presents a timeline of vintage and modern toys used to build fantasy buildings, towns, and towers. The exhibit itself is hands-off, but there'll be a "construction zone" where visitors can design and build their own structure with blocks, TinkerToys, and LEGOs.

The second exhibition of "A Window into the Architect’s Mind: 44th Annual AIA Dallas Ken Roberts (KRob) Memorial Delineation Competition." KRob is a Dallas classic that honors hand and digital delineations (architectural drawings) by professionals and students throughout the world. It is the longest-running exhibition of its kind currently in operation.

The AD EX will also be home to the Dallas Chapter of The American Institute of Architects (AIA Dallas), and will provide office space for administrative staff as well as a place where AD EX programming and AIA Dallas member events occur, along with architecture and design events by other collaborating organizations.

AIA Dallas has a membership base of more than 2,400 architect and industry members and 300 architectural firms. Member efforts support professional development, education, advocacy, thought-provoking programming, and seven signature events.

downtown

Downtown Dallas news

Dallas Arts District picks Dallas College leader as executive director

Photo by Jaren Collins

Ahava Silkey-Jones

The Dallas Arts District has found its next leader: Ahava Silkey-Jones has been named executive director of the nonprofit that supports and promotes the downtown Dallas cultural district. She succeeds longtime executive director Lily Weiss, who retired earlier this year after more than a decade in the role.

Silkey-Jones joins the Dallas Arts District from Dallas College, where she served as vice provost of the School of Creative Arts, Entertainment and Design, a release notes. During her tenure, she led academic strategy, programming, and industry partnerships across seven campuses.

She brings more than 15 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership, arts administration, and civic engagement.

"The Dallas Arts District is one of America's great cultural neighborhoods — a place where creativity inspires community, strengthens the economy and enriches everyday life," Silkey-Jones says in the release. "We have an incredible opportunity to elevate the District's national and global profile while creating an even more welcoming, connected and vibrant place for everyone who lives, works and visits here."

The leadership change comes after a busy year for the 118-acre district, which encompasses 19 cultural institutions and is billed as the nation's largest contiguous urban arts district. The district recently adopted a strategic plan centered on advocacy, placemaking, public safety, infrastructure, programming, and long-term growth, they say.

The area also took on a higher profile during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosting the RedBall Dallas public art installation and four major festivals that brought hundreds of thousands of local and international visitors downtown, they say.

Board chair Warren Tranquada, who is also president and CEO of the AT&T Performing Arts Center, says Silkey-Jones has built a career around creating partnerships among the arts, education, and community organizations.

"This organization's role in shaping downtown's quality of life, economic vitality and global identity has never been more important," Tranquada says. "Ahava has spent her career bringing people together across sectors to create lasting community impact."

Silkey-Jones has received several recent honors, including the 2025 Obelisk Award from the Business Council for the Arts and recognition as one of Women We Admire's Top Women Leaders. She holds degrees from Harvard University, Roosevelt University, and DePaul University and serves on several local and national arts and education boards.

Former board chair Jill Magnuson, who stepped in as interim executive director following Weiss' retirement, will return to serving as a volunteer leader.

“Jill's leadership during this transition was invaluable,” Tranquada says. “She provided stability while also helping establish a clear vision for the future. Her work has left the organization stronger, and we are grateful she will continue supporting the Dallas Arts District as a volunteer leader.”

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