This volume includes the proceedings of the 2009 research conference of the Architectural Research Centers Consortium (ARCC). The theme of the conference invited an exploration of existing and future trends in leadership in architectural research, the impact of these trends on research subjects and methodologies,and how this leadership can foster an integrated research culture. In this context, the conference explored a variety of topics in which architectural research is used to enhance design quality, expand the knowledge base, and systematically analyze and address common challenges, while at the same time responding to regional and local influences. The conference also explored the role that collaborative and interdisciplinary research can play in this regard, both between academia and the profession, as well as between different disciplines of the built environment and other professions.