The 2026 IBS Education* lineup for the NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) brings together industry veterans and forward-thinkers who know how to read the long arc of change. With 120+ sessions to choose from, spark ideas and sharpen strategy, the Builders’ Show is where the residential construction industry gets ready for what’s new and what’s next.
Meet Donald Ruthroff
Among this year’s most respected design voices is Donald Ruthroff, AIA, founder of Design Story Spaces in San Francisco, California. With more than 40 years of experience shaping homes and communities, Don is known for his steady hand, collaborative mindset and ability to balance great design with real-world execution.
From cost-effective homes to thoughtfully planned communities with lasting character, Don brings a big-picture perspective grounded in decades of practical experience. His work and leadership have made him a trusted partner to builders nationwide and a go-to expert on housing and architectural trends.
Donald Ruthroff’s IBS Education Sessions
At IBS 2026, Don will lead two data-informed, future-facing sessions that dig into how homes are evolving and why.
- Next Gen Insights: What Young Pros Want in Floor Plans, Elevations & Interiors
- Home Trends, Buyer Preferences & Most Likely Features for 2026
Rather than chasing fleeting aesthetics, Don focuses on trends that have been quietly forming over the years. His sessions explore what truly matters to the next generation of buyers and how architectural trends align with national housing data, including insights that mirror research led by NAHB Assistant Vice President for Survey Research Rose Quint.
What You’ll Learn in Donald’s Sessions
Attendees will walk away with a clearer understanding of long-term design and buyer trends that influence floor plans, elevations and interior spaces. Don connects architectural thinking with buyer behavior, helping builders and designers make informed decisions that stand the test of time.
In his broader trends session, Don ties together what he sees in the field with national survey data, offering a grounded look at where preferences are heading and which features are most likely to shape homes in 2026 and beyond.
Why Donald is Excited for IBS
For Don, IBS is about people as much as it is about ideas. He’s looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues and clients from across the country, discovering new design, product and business solutions and experiencing the rare moment when the entire industry gathers to learn, share and grow together.
Advice for First-Time IBS Attendees
Don’s advice is simple and timeless: bring an open heart, a curious mind and a great pair of walking shoes. IBS is an adventure, one that rewards those who are ready to connect, explore and build new relationships across the industry.
The Best Place to Be at IBS
According to Don, the magic of IBS lives in its education, both on the show floor with product partners and in the classroom with industry experts. The goal is simple. You should never leave IBS without learning something entirely new.
The Most Interesting 2026 Industry Trend
Attainability tops Don’s list. Across the industry, teams are finding smarter ways through design, execution and regulatory collaboration to reduce costs and deliver homes that more buyers can afford. For Don, this work is central to helping more families achieve the American dream of homeownership.
What the Next Five Years Will Bring
Looking ahead, Don sees continued movement toward mechanization in home construction, including more factory-based framing, components and modular systems. At the same time, homes will trend smaller, but better designed, maximizing functionality while helping control overall costs.
The Industry’s Biggest Challenge
Material costs and regulatory barriers are still the most significant challenges facing the industry today. Together, they account for a large portion of construction costs and require ongoing innovation and collaboration to overcome.
About Donald Ruthroff
Donald Ruthroff, AIA, is the founder of Design Story Spaces and a recognized housing industry leader with over four decades of experience in home building and community creation. Known for his integrity, creativity and problem-solving approach, Don has served as a design judge at the local, regional and national levels for over 10 years. He is an active member of BIA Bay Area, the California Building Industry Association and the National Association of Home Builders.
Attend Donald’s IBS Education Sessions
If you’re looking for a thoughtful, data-aligned look at where home design and buyer preferences are headed, Donald Ruthroff’s IBS Education sessions belong on your schedule.
Both Home Trends, Buyer Preferences & Most Likely Features for 2026 and Next Gen Insights: What Young Pros Want in Floor Plans, Elevations & Interiors offer a practical perspective for builders, designers and architects planning for what’s next.
Register for IBS 2026 to choose from 120+ education sessions designed to help you build smarter, design better and stay ahead of the curve.
*IBS Education requires an IBS Expo+Education registration.
I am thinking about purchasing a modular home. Would this conference help me understand modular homes from a homeowner’s perspective?
The International Builders’ Show would be a great place to tour modular homes before purchasing. However, the overall intent of the show is to connect building professionals with new products and technologies.