When building a home, design is important at every stage of the process. Whether you’re laying the foundation of a home, configuring the floor plan, optimizing accessibility, or choosing the finishing touches for a room, design is essential to building a home a customer is going to buy and love living in.

At the 2026 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) in Orlando Fla., there will be education sessions centered on design. Design Central will offer engaging presentations led by some of the industry’s top professionals, covering everything from décor to sustainability.

Here are the Design Central presentations, all taking place at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC):

Tuesday, February 17, 11–11:30 a.m.

OCCC – West 311A

Led by Joe Duffus of Builders Design, this fast-paces interactive discussion will be all about how “more is more” is reshaping interiors. Attendees will acquire research-backed strategies to create joy-sparking spaces and learn to layer color, texture and meaning for maximum emotional impact. 

Tuesday, February 17, 1:45–2:15 p.m.

OCCC – West 311A

This session, led by Denise Lones of The Lones Group, is all about profitable amenities and features and where priorities align (and differ) between 55+ and younger buyers. Come learn about practical upgrades and customization — like wellness-focused amenities, pet-friendly spaces and flexible multigenerational layouts — to strengthen margins and set your homes apart.

Tuesday, February 17, 4:15–4:45 PM 

OCCC – West 311A

Discover which trend-forward products and features make the biggest impact, where to invest and where to save without sacrificing style. Designers Jeanne Chung, Jennifer Farrell and Christopher Grubb will share how to deliver high-end feel at any budget level.

Wednesday, February 18, 7:45–8:15 a.m.

OCCC – West 311A

From zero-step entries and accessible bathrooms to whole-home retrofits, discover how to turn demographic shifts into real-world opportunities. Fritzi Gros-Daillon from Age Safe America will deliver client-ready ROI talking points and proven strategies to communicate the value of aging-in-place design to decision-makers.

Wednesday, February 18, 11–11:30 a.m.

OCCC – West 311A

This presentation will cover both design and development of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) success — how to maximize efficiency in your floor plan layouts and exterior styles, while also navigating key site considerations such as lot size, access, utilities and more. Michael Walker from Walker Home Design will share insight into the latest trends driving ADU adoption, successful project models and budget-friendly strategies.

Wednesday, February 18, 1:45–2:15 p.m.

OCCC – West 311A

This fast-paced discussion reveals floor plans, features, colors, amenities and upgrades proven to sell homes quickly in every market, from luxury builds to entry-level homes. Meg Herlihy from Indaago Data will teach attendees how to separate what buyers say they ‘want’ from what brings them to the table and gets them to sign.

Wednesday, February 18, 4:15–4:45 p.m.

OCCC – West 311A

Rather than relying on generic checklist programs, green builders John Barrows and Peter Pfeiffer will highlight proven, climate-specific strategies and design solutions that come before and build on building science principles. Attendees will learn the “why” behind the science, not just the “how,” and gain practical insights for creating durable, efficient and resilient homes.

Thursday, February 18, 12–12:30 p.m.

OCCC – West 311A

Using real-world examples, annotated visuals and interactive discussions, Rafaella Ledo-Massey from Rafi Inez will break down circulation flow, storage planning, proportions and spatial sequencing to add powerful details that shape the way a home feels and functions. Walk away ready to evaluate and refine floor plans so they better meet buyer expectations and create homes that stand out in a competitive market.