LOCATION CHANGE: Designing Meaningful Interiors: A Conversation with Palmyra Geraki, AIA

This program examines interior architecture strategies through the lens of an award-winning project and the professional practice of architect and educator Palmyra Geraki, AIA. The session explores how interior environments are shaped by spatial planning, material decisions, sensory considerations, and lessons learned from past work. Through a detailed review of project examples, participants will study the relationships among volume, scale, color, lighting, acoustics, and tactile qualities, and how these elements influence user experience and well-being. 

The course also addresses methods for evaluating material selections that balance aesthetics, performance, sustainability, and cost. Participants will consider how insights from projects of varying scales and types can be synthesized into long-term design approaches that support high-quality, human-centered interior environments. The session provides a framework for understanding how intentional spatial design contributes to effective practice and improved outcomes for building occupants. 

Speaker:

Palmyra Geraki, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C 
Principal, PALMYRA 
Associate Professor, UWM SARUP

Palmyra Geraki is a designer, educator, writer, and editor. She is the founding principal of PALMYRA, an award-winning multidisciplinary practice, and an Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Prior to founding her firm, she worked at Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, and Interform in Thessaloniki. 

Her academic roles include teaching positions at the University of Illinois Chicago and the California College of the Arts. She coauthored The Organizer’s Guide to Architecture Education (Routledge, 2024) and previously served as Skyline Editor for the New York Review of Architecture. Palmyra earned both her BA and M.Arch from Yale University, receiving multiple fellowships and honors. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify opportunities for elevating the aesthetic quality and user experience of projects at different budget levels. 
2. Analyze how the design of interiors—including volume, scale, color, lighting, acoustics, tactile elements, and the integration of nature—can promote physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. 
3. Evaluate material choices by considering functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, and cost. 
4. Draw lessons from past projects of varying scales and types to help shape long-term approaches to design and practice development. 

For AIA Members: AIA Chicago will report your attendance for continuing education credit directly to AIA national. Please ensure your name matches your AIA membership record and your AIA number is correctly entered at the time of registration to receive proper credit. AIA Members cannot self-report courses for AIA CES credit.

For Non-Members: AIA Chicago does not report attendance for non-members. If you would like to request a certificate for proof of participation, please click here.

For Vendor Education Program Attendees (AIA Member and Non-Member): The hosting Vendor will report your attendance for continuing education credit directly to AIA national. Please ensure your name matches your AIA membership record and your AIA number is correctly entered at the time of registration to receive proper credit. To ensure accuracy, please request a certificate of completion from the Vendor.