Emerging Architectural Finish Materials:

Written By IIDA New England Communications Committee
 
 

Shaping the Future of Buildings

The architectural and construction industries are experiencing a wave of innovation as new finish materials redefine how buildings look, perform, and age. These emerging materials are not only designed for aesthetics but also prioritize sustainability, durability, and advanced functionality.

One exciting development is self-healing concrete coatings. These finishes contain microcapsules filled with healing agents that activate when small cracks appear. When the surface fractures, the capsules break open and seal the crack automatically. This technology extends the lifespan of façades, parking structures, and exposed concrete surfaces while reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Another innovative category is bio-based wall and panel finishes. Materials made from mycelium (the root structure of fungi), agricultural waste fibers, and algae-based binders are being developed as sustainable alternatives to traditional plastics and composites. These panels are lightweight, biodegradable, and have impressive acoustic and thermal properties, making them appealing for interior walls and ceiling systems.

Photocatalytic coatings are also gaining attention. These finishes use titanium dioxide particles that react with sunlight to break down pollutants on building surfaces. In addition to helping keep façades cleaner for longer periods, they can actually reduce certain air pollutants in urban environments. This technology has been applied to exterior cladding, concrete panels, and even roofing materials.

Aesthetic innovation is also emerging with liquid metal coatings. These finishes are sprayed onto surfaces and contain real metal particles such as bronze, copper, or stainless steel. Once polished, they produce the appearance and feel of solid metal without the weight or cost, allowing designers to create dramatic metallic architectural elements on curved or complex surfaces.

Finally, smart glass coatings and films are transforming glazing systems. Electrochromic and thermochromic finishes allow windows to automatically tint based on sunlight or temperature, improving occupant comfort while reducing energy consumption for cooling.

Together, these emerging materials demonstrate how architectural finishes are evolving beyond simple decoration. They are becoming high-performance systems that improve sustainability, durability, and the overall experience of the built environment.

Interested in reading more about some of the top building material trends of 2026? Check out this article from StartUs Insights.

 
 
 
 

ACCESS PASS
We’re excited to share that Access Pass Membership applications are officially open for 2026!

The Access Pass program is designed to support individuals who may not otherwise be able to become members due to financial reasons. Through this initiative, 100% of your annual membership dues are covered, giving you full access to our local and national member benefits. If you’re looking to get more involved, expand your network, and grow within the A&D community, this is a great opportunity to take that next step.

📅 Applications for 2026 are now open—we encourage you to apply and take advantage of everything Access Pass has to offer.
👉 Apply here: Access Pass Application

BUILDING LEADERS BREAKFAST

Join IIDA New England on May 7, 2026, at the UMass Club One Beacon St. Level 32 in Boston, MA, for the Building Leaders Breakfast — celebrating the leaders who drive progress and shape the design industry.

Part of IIDA’s national Leaders Breakfast tradition, BLB honors designers as visionary business leaders and changemakers, bringing together established voices and emerging innovators to highlight the intersection of design, commerce, equity, and sustainability.

2026 Theme: Getting Sh!t Done Without Coming Undone with Katie McDonald
A no-nonsense, energizing keynote on crushing burnout, rethinking “doing it all,” and managing time and energy with purpose and clarity.

 📅 Honoree submissions are open and will close February 15, 2026.  
👉 Submit nominations here: 34th Annual Building Leaders Breakfast

UPCOMING EVENTS
Be sure to check in with the IIDA New England event calendar for upcoming events offered in our community. Here's a sneak peek at some upcoming events:

Designer Monologues the Podcast from IIDA New England with your host Brett Berry is officially LIVE! On this show, we share the stories behind the design of repurposing, developing, and reshaping our communities. Incubated from the minds and skills of New England’s talented design community, you’ll hear how visual inspiration can come from nature, our history, current trends, and more as we take you on a story-telling journey behind design. 

Check out all of the episodes here! 

Dear IIDA New England,

It’s hard to believe it is already March! As we look ahead to the rest of 2026, I’m excited about the momentum building within our Chapter and the many opportunities we have to strengthen our community and advance the profession of interior design.

This year we have an incredible lineup of programs in the works, designed to inspire, educate, and connect our members across the region. Our committees and volunteers have been working hard to bring forward meaningful events and experiences that reflect the evolving nature of our industry.

One initiative I’m particularly excited about is our upcoming collaboration with the Boston Society for Architecture (BSA). We are actively working on establishing some cross-programming that will bring our design communities together and create new opportunities for dialogue and collaboration between interior designers and architects. Stay tuned for an upcoming event announcement. We are looking forward to sharing more details!

Expanding our reach beyond the profession and into the community remains a priority and goal for us. We will continue to explore opportunities for K–12 outreach, helping introduce younger students to the world of design and the many career paths within our field. Inspiring the next generation of designers is an important part of strengthening the future of Interior Design.

Within our chapter programming, we are also committed to bringing more diverse and forward-thinking content to our members. We’re excited to kick off this effort with an upcoming CEU focused on Designing for Neurodiversity. This is an important topic that challenges us to think more inclusively about how the environments we design support a wide range of human experiences.

On the advocacy front, we are continuing to make progress throughout New England. Our legislative efforts remain strong in Massachusetts as we push our bill forward. We are meeting with legislators alongside our partners in the AIA who now advocate in support of our legislation. I’m also proud to share that we have formally entered our bill into the State House in Rhode Island! These efforts are critical in advancing recognition and support for our profession across New England.

There is so much to look forward to in the coming year. Thank you to our members, volunteers, sponsors, and partners who make this work possible. Your engagement and dedication continue to drive our chapter forward.

I look forward to an exciting 2026 together.

Cheers,

Krista Easterly, IIDA, NCIDQ, WELL AP, LEED AP ID+C, Fitwel Ambassador
President, IIDA New England Chapter


Do you have an idea that you would like to share with the design community or see highlighted here in The Wire? Share your ideas here. 

 

Stay tuned for the next Sponsor Spotlight!

 

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IIDA New England Communications Committee
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When Walls Speak