APT Annual Conference
Date/Time
Date(s) - November 12, 2025
7:30 am - 5:15 pm
Location
Rhode Island Convention Center
Categories
Workshop 3
Shaping the Future: Hands-On Workshop in Architectural Terra Cotta
This session has qualified for 6 LU|HSW Credits.
This is a paid event for 20 select participants.
Location: Attendees will meet at 7:30 am at the 5th Floor Ballroom A Foyer and walk together.
Guest Speakers:
- Laura Rygielski, Jared Engle, Andrew Pries — Boston Valley
- Dr. William Carty — Ceramic Engineer
- Andy Brayman — The Matter Factory
The session begins with an informative presentation on the history, durability, and adaptability of terra cotta as a building material. Experts will discuss its role in restoration and new construction, highlighting its ability to replicate historic details while offering modern design possibilities. Attendees will also learn about the manufacturing process, from raw clay to finished architectural elements, and how terra cotta facades contribute to sustainable and long-lasting architecture.
Following the presentation, participants will put their knowledge into practice by working directly with unfired clay. This hands-on portion of the workshop allows attendees to experiment with cutting, grooving, and texturing techniques, gaining an understanding of how design details translate into the final fired product. Skilled artisans will provide demonstrations and guidance, offering insight into traditional and contemporary fabrication methods.
By the end of the session, participants will leave with a deeper appreciation for terra cotta’s craftsmanship and potential in architecture. Whether you are an architect, designer, preservationist, or enthusiast, this workshop provides a unique opportunity to shape the future-one piece at a time.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate the historical evolution, material composition and properties, and architectural significance of terra cotta in historical and modern contexts to determine why it acts as a high-performing and sustainable material for use in both preservation and new construction.
- Explain how clay forming techniques, including detailing and tooling, influence the material’s behavior during firing and installation, allow for informed design of safe and effective facade systems
- Identify how the sustainable attributes of architectural terra cotta, including natural composition, durability, and long service life, support environmentally responsible design through reduced maintenance, longevity, and compatibility with restoration and reuse strategies.
- Select advanced glazing techniques and finishes appropriate for the required water-resistance, UV durability, and behavior that affect the appearance, maintenance needs, and performance of terra cotta when used in building envelopes.
APT Annual Conference
This year’s conference will focus on how the power of water, craft, and architecture can be harnessed in Revolution and Innovation.
Water is the lifeblood of Rhode Island, the Ocean State. In the later half of the 20th century, downtown Providence experienced a renaissance, in which the river was uncovered as a feature, parks were created, and plans put in place to revitalize the city. A number of new innovative plans, focused on the infrastructure and landscaping improvements, downtown redevelopment, and adaptive reuse and preservation of historic buildings, have allowed for the city to thrive once again.