September 29-30, 2026 

Early-Bird Registration

Early-Bird Registration
Expires August 5

Hosted at a unique beachside destination with views of Buzzards Bay, Highfield Hall and AutoCamp Cape Cod are some of the most exciting destinations on Cape Cod in New England.

This curated, experiential event brings together top landscape architects, high-end custom builders, and residential designers to discuss the future of coastal outdoor spaces.

The Vision &
Environment

The Modern Living Symposium is a premier, experiential design gathering hosted across two contrasting, iconic properties in Falmouth, MA: the ultra-modern AutoCamp Cape Cod and the historic Highfield Hall & Gardens. Moving away from sterile convention halls, this unique symposium steps directly into nature and architectural history. The event explores the evolution of premium residential design, with a strong focus on modern outdoor living, high-end hardscapes, functional dedicated spaces for entertaining, relaxation, fitness, wellness, and sustainable development. By bridging a cutting-edge glamping resort with a beautifully preserved 19th-century estate, the symposium provides a dynamic visual narrative of how outdoor spaces have evolved over nearly 150 years.

“Premier, experiential design gathering hosted at two iconic properties”

Lessons We’ve Learned from History at Highfield Hall

A cornerstone of this year’s program takes place at Highfield Hall, a magnificent 1878 Queen Anne-style mansion that serves as a living laboratory for historical design lessons. Saved from the wrecking ball by the local community, the estate offers attendees a rare opportunity to examine timeless principles of land stewardship, estate architecture, and historic garden preservation. In this deeply resonant setting, attendees will study how historic New England landscapes balanced resilience, local material sourcing, and elegance long before modern technology arrived. By looking back at what our predecessors got right—and analyzing how the estate adapts to modern climate realities—designers will leave with a grounded, historically informed framework for building the sustainable luxury spaces of tomorrow.

“Examine timeless principles of land stewardship, estate architecture, and historic garden preservation. ”

The Core Audience

This highly curated event serves as an exclusive meeting ground for the most influential design professionals, including principal landscape architects, custom residential builders, and luxury residential architects from across the U.S. For premium manufacturers, the dual-venue format offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase products alongside both mid-century modern design and classic historic architecture. Through interactive physical product vignettes, dedicated hospitality sponsorships, and collaborative learning labs across both properties, partners can demonstrate their craftsmanship in live, real-world settings.

  • 08:00 AM – 09:00 AM
    Registration

    08:15 AM – 08:45 AM
    Highfield Hall Grounds Tour led by George Chapman, Landscape Director of Highfield Hall

    09:15 AM – 09:30 AM
    Welcome & Announcements

    09:30 AM – 10:30 AM

    Keynote: Period-Inspired Residential Landscape Design
    Cindy Brockway, Managing Director of Cultural Resources at The Trustees

    10:45  AM – 11:30 AM
    Session 1 & 2 Learning Labs

    • Field Sketching with Christopher DeOrsay, AIA, ICAA, Principal of
      DeOrsay Campbell Smith Architects

    • House Meets Land: Site planning strategies with Lyle W. Bradley, AIA, Architect, Partner at Albert, Righter & Tittmann

    • Arborists’ Guide to Preserving Century-Old Trees on Historic Estates with Harrison MacPhee

    12:45 PM – 01:45 PM
    Lunch & Resolution Workshops

    02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
    Check in @ Autocamp

    02:45 PM – 03:00 PM
    Symposium Announcements

    03:00 PM –04:00 PM
    Keynote: Living Legacies: Reimagining Historic Landscapes Through Preservation, Craft, and Innovation
    Doug Hoerr, FASLA, Landscape Architect, Hoerr Schaudt

    04:00 PM – 04:45 PM
    Intro to the Collaborators

    05:00 PM – 06:30 PM
    Cocktails & Oysters

    07:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Glamping Dinners & Fireside Chats

  • 07:30 - 9:00 a.m.
    Day Pass Registration

    08:00 –08:30 AM
    Check Out & Networking Breakfast

    08:30 – 09:30 AM
    Keynote: Lessons from the Catskills
    Kevin Lichten, AIA, Founder and Principal, Lichten Architects

    09:45 AM – 10:45 AM
    Session 3 Learning Labs

    • Building, Growing, & Exiting Your Business
      John Steiger CFP®, AIFA®, President and Founder, Wealth Family Resources

    • The Science of Color at Colonial Williamsburg
      Kirsten Travers Moffitt, Sr Conservator & Materials Analyst, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

    • Designing with Reclaimed Granite
      Ryan W. Ackerman, President, Monti Ackerman Sculpture, Inc.

    11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
    Session 4 Learning Labs

    • From Waste to Resource
      Zac Tolbert, PLA LEED AP, Sr Territory Manager, Cambium (Carbon Smart™ Wood)

    • Stop Planting That (Seriously!)
      Carl Hesselein. President, Pleasant Run Nursery

    12:15 PM – 01:15 PM
    Keynote: Restoration & Invention: Transforming Historic Architecture
    Damien Samora, Partner, Ferguson & Shamamian

    1:30 PM
    Damien Samora Book Signing & Networking Lunch

Continuing Education

AIA and ASLA continuing education credits are available. Other crediting bodies may be approved for CEUs where appropriate.

LODGING OPTIONS

  • LUXURY SUITES

    If you are looking for the most space with the best panoramic views, you’ll want to reserve a Luxury Suite. These modern accommodations offer a private bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area. Your bedroom features a queen memory foam mattress, wardrobe, and picture window over the bed to take in the views.

  • PREMIUM AIRSTREAM

    Nestled in nature but equipped for your comfort, these custom and timeless 31-foot Airstreams are situated in prime locations around the camp. A bright, airy sitting room and fully-functional kitchenette lead to the bedroom, designed around a queen bed with high-thread count linens.

Learn More

  • September 29-30, 2026

    Autocamp Cape Cod
    836 Palmer Ave., Falmouth, MA

  • Owners, Presidents, Principals, Project Managers, and Designers of high-end residential firms based in the United States, mainly Landscape Architects, Landscape Designers, Architects, Interior Designers, and Custom Builders.

  • No, we offer one- and two-day passes so that you can attend one or both days, but it is not required to stay on-site for the entire event.

  • If you plan to stay overnight, you are welcome to bring a guest. Guests will have access to a yoga session, a stroll along the flat pathway near the shore, or a nearby shopping excursion in Falmouth’s picturesque town center. Your guest may also join you for the evening cocktail hour and networking dinner. Please note that guests are not permitted to attend lectures, workshops, or learning labs. A discounted registration fee will apply to guests.

  • Yes. ASLA and AIA credits are available. Each presentation for a keynote, lecture, and/or learning lab will display credits where applicable.

  • Beyond lectures, the symposium offers attendees hands-on training dubbed Learning Labs.

  • Get ready to enjoy a ”glamping” environment. We recommend some comfortable shoes for walking around the grounds of Highfield Hall and the AutoCamp campus. Casual clothing and layers are recommended.

    If you are staying overnight in either a Premium Airstream or a Luxury Suite, both are well-equipped with toiletries.

    Most importantly don’t forget to bring your business cards for networking!

  • Yes, Highfield Hall and AutoCamp offer free on-site parking.