Join the AIANY Committee on Residential Architecture, in collaboration with the Fallingwater Institute, for an immersive and interactive weekend retreat symposium at Fallingwater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thirty-five design professionals are invited to register as individuals or with friends and family members of all ages to engage in a meaningful and interactive exploration of the principles of organic architecture. Through an intensive exploration of this landmark structure, attendees will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of how and why organically inspired architecture, in harmony with its natural habitat, continues to captivate generations and inspire awe for all time.

Fallingwater stands as one of the most recognizable and admired designs for homes and gardens globally. This symposium delves deeper into the profound impact of organic architecture on our cultural development as a nation. Why did the design of Fallingwater captivate the hearts of the people? What is it about the surrounding woodlands, waterways, and cliffs that inspired the construction of this cantilevered, stone and glass shelter? This architectural marvel has inspired countless poets, playwrights, novelists, and artists to reflect upon the qualities of nature that make life truly worth living.

Even if you’ve already experienced Fallingwater, this upcoming visit will be unlike any other. A solitary, brief tour of the home and garden won’t fully unveil its mysteries. Instead, this unique symposium is designed to allow design professionals to be accompanied by their children. 

Fallingwater Educational Retreat: To register for any add-on activities, at least one Adult in a group registration must be signed up for the Fallingwater Grounds and Interactive Activities, part 2.

Friday, October 24:

Polymath House Tour Add On, Part 1 (2 LU / 2 HSW)
8:30 am to 11:00 am. Polymath House Tour. $45 per person. Ages 9 and up. Children ages 9 through 12 may accompany an adult at no additional charge.
Join us for a tour of Duncan House and Mantyla House at Polymath Park, a Mid-century Modern Usonian-style community development plan. This plan features shared common areas and 5-acre lots for each homeowner, designed according to the organic principles pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright Studio.

Fallingwater Grounds and Interactive Activities, Part 2 (6 LU / 6 HSW)
11:30am to 6:00pm. Fallingwater. $280 per person. All ages. Children up to age 12 may accompany an adult at no additional charge. Includes box lunch.
Design professionals, their friends, and family members will gather for an exciting series of interactive activities and optional tours of the historic grounds of Fallingwater, a masterpiece designed by Frank Lloyd Wright Studios. In collaboration with the Fallingwater Institute, the AIANY Committee on Residential Architecture has developed an extensive program that immerses participants in a profound exploration of passive solar and organic architecture. This program, meticulously crafted, enables children of all ages to accompany an adult throughout the entire visit.

Optional tours will include:

In-depth Fallingwater Private Architectural Guided House Tour (ages 9 and up)
Optional Gnome-eye Fallingwater Institute Design Challenge and Tour (ages 8 and up, accompanied by an adult)
Design Symposium: Preserving Fallingwater (ages 12 and up)
Optional Outback Tour, The Geology of Fallingwater (all ages, children up to 12 must be accompanied by an adult)

Speakers will be provided by the Fallingwater Institute and will include experts in architectural conservation, preservation, FLW Studio history, and landscape restoration and sustainability. Guest speakers will moderate interactive discussions throughout all programs and activities, sharing their knowledge and experiences on various building sciences related to passive solar and organic architecture. 

Saturday October 25:

Kentuck Knob Tour Add On, Part 3 (2 LU / 2 HSW)
9:30 to 11:30am, Kentuck Knob Tour. $95 per person, limited availability. Ages 6 and up. Children ages 6-12 may accompany an adult at no additional charge.
Gather at Kentuck Knob—the historic house and grounds designed for I.N. and Bernadine Hagan by Frank Lloyd Wright Studios. Construction began in 1953 on Kentuck Knob, an impressive residential structure perched 2,050 feet above sea level. It seamlessly blends into its surroundings, almost as if it were an integral part of the mountain itself. The organic floor plan, designed on a hexagonal module, features cantilevered overhangs and expansive areas of glass. This remarkable feat showcases the innovative power of imaginative building sciences.

Optional tours will include:

An optional Outback Tour is available, offering a glimpse into the Geology of Kentucky Knob. 


To Register with one payment for multiple people, please enter the primary Registrant first, save changes, and then use the "Add Another Registrant button" for each additional attendee so their name is associated with the sessions they will attend. Select the registrant type: "Attendee ages 13 and up", or "Attendee ages 12 and under (child)" with their name. When you are done you should have as many Registrants as people in your party.

Details

10/24/2025 11:30 AM EDT - 10/25/2025 06:00 PM EDT
Fallingwater and Environs
1491 Mill Run Road
Mill RunPA 15464 United States
Travel and accommodations are not included in the registration fees. Each registrant is responsible for their own transportation.