An Advocacy Coda: Lessons Learned

Posted on by cguske

Recently, and more than once, I was asked what lessons I had learned through the experience of our advocacy efforts during the recent General Assembly session. Excellent questions should not remain unanswered. My response is the following:

  1. No surprises
  2. There are no permanent adversaries
  3. Identify the opposition

A little more on each of those…

No surprises: Nobody appreciates being surprised; in real time, notoriously. Positions can and do change; they evolve, they often depend on specific circumstances, and circumstances are likewise prone to change. People understand that. But it is not fair to ask that they understand something that has changed from what they last were told, or worse yet, something that was willfully concealed. If you have made someone aware of your position – and you should never withhold a position if it is inquired after – and that position has changed from what you told them previously, you owe it to them to communicate that change.

There are no permanent adversaries: Those who are not with us are against us – kind of. Not so much actually. And even with those who may be staunch adversaries on one matter, we may be able to find a common interest on another. Best to remain opportunistic. A related maxim: there are no permanent victories. Best to remain vigilant.

Identify the opposition: It is important to identify, and recognize, those who oppose, or might oppose, your position; in advance, candidly. This information should be offered freely, along with a summary of the issue and your position. And this is best done pre-emptively: if you can offer this information before the other party inquires, so much the better. This offers the other party a chance to better understand what they are getting into.

I reckon those as three of the most impactful lessons that I learned; or had confirmed. I expect that learning to continue.

Paul Battaglia, AIA
Executive Vice President

P.S. An update on the results of the 2024 General Assembly session will be highlighted during an Advocacy Town Hall Meeting via Zoom from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24. 1 LU (pending). Register here>>

Newly Licensed

Posted on by cguske

We understand the dedication and effort required to study for and pass the ARE. Congratulations to the following member for passing their exams and gaining licensure. This is great news that thrills all of us and we are so proud to call you an architect!

Scott Bennett, AIA (Northern Virginia)

Have you recently passed the ARE? Upgrade your membership to Architect using this AIA form. or send an email to your Member Services Director, Cathy Guske, cguske@aiava.org

Are you ready to get licensed? AIA Virginia has discounted 60-day Amber Book subscriptions. Read more about it here>>

Have questions about licensure? Contact AIA Virginia’s State Licensing Advisor, Gina Robinson, AIA, at gina.robinson@hdrinc.com

New Members

Posted on by cguske

We are always excited to welcome new members to Virginia. The following members recently joined the ranks of AIA Virginia.

New Architect Members

Fanny Gonzalez, AIA (Northern Virginia)
Patricia Kettle Elzinga, AIA (Northern Virginia)
Jessica Lawrence, AIA (Blue Ridge)
Hee Lee, AIA (Northern Virginia)

New Associate Members

Kelly Antonios, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Giavanna Cambeletta, Assoc. AIA (Blue Ridge)
Diego Cuadros, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Aziz Ghani, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Aimee Latour, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Martin Neira, Assoc. AIA (Central Virginia)
Chau Nguyen, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Shelley Ruano, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)

Transferred In

Keith Brockman, Assoc. AIA (Richmond) from AIA Georgia
Matthew Hill, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA DC
Parul Jain, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Colorado
Alkananda Jakkaraju, AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Illinois
Sandra LaFontaine, AIA (Central Virginia) from AIA Ohio
Masoud Sharikzadeh, AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Massachusetts
Quentin Ward, AIA (Richmond) from AIA DC

New/Renewed Allied Members

Brian Hunt, Vice President, Keith Fabry
Hessam Nabavi, Promotions Director, Virginia Ready Mixed Concrete Association
Susan Pilato, CEO, Mantra Inspired Furniture
Kathy Blanchard, Senior Vice President, McGriff Insurance Services

View all of the AIA Virginia Allied members

A Review of the Recent Changes to the ARE 5.0

Posted on by cguske

If you’re a current licensure candidate or AXP supervisor, you’ve probably heard about recent changes to the ARE 5.0. If this is news to you, fear not – NCARB is only making some small changes based on industry updates and data they’ve gathered – it’s not a complete overhaul of the exam. The changes include:

International Code Council Version Update

All ARE 5.0 exams will now reference the 2021 ICC family of codes and include all codes that the current version of the International Building Code references. The intent of this change is to keep the exam items consistent with current professional practice, as many jurisdictions have adopted the 2021 code. Keep in mind that the exams do not require (or even expect) candidates to memorize the building code, but you do need to understand the content and be able to interpret and apply any references provided within the exam.

Quantitative Fill in the Blank (QFIB) Item Retirement

No more transcribing numbers into a blank answer box! ARE Candidates will still be required to complete calculations in order to answer exam items, but you will no longer have to type a number from the calculator into a box in order to answer the item. All of the other item types will still be included in each of the exams, including multiple-choice, check all that apply, hotspot, and drag and place. This change comes directly from NCARB’s industry research which has found that the other item formats are more consistent and effective. Everything else about the exam format will stay the same.

Exam Security Enhancements

If you have taken a division of the ARE, you know that NCARB and the testing centers they work with are serious about exam security. It might seem a little over the top to sign the ARE Candidate Agreement and roll up your pant legs for inspection, but all the implemented security measures are intended to ensure the validity of the ARE. The content of each exam division is confidential (and copyrighted) and sharing or discussion of specific ARE items is prohibited by the Candidate Agreement. You may have seen that just last month, three ARE Candidates were reprimanded by NCARB for Seeking or Failing to Report Disclosed ARE Content, and their names were shared publicly. An official reprimand is often accompanied by invalidated test results, suspended testing authorization, or denial of an NCARB Certificate. Reprimands are also shared with licensing boards, who may revoke the candidate’s license. The updated Exam Security and Candidate Misconduct section of the ARE 5.0 Guidelines has more information. These tests are tough for a reason, so don’t risk delaying or losing your opportunity to get licensed by looking for a loophole.

These three changes went into effect just a few weeks ago on February 27, 2024. If you’re an ARE candidate who has exams scheduled and has started studying, don’t let these changes discourage you. The content of the items and overall format of the exam is not fundamentally changing, and you do not need to re-study information if you’re already comfortable with it. NCARB has also updated its free practice exams to reflect the 2021 ICC and QFIB changes.

If you’d like to learn more about these updates, NCARB has a recorded webinar on their YouTube page which includes a deep dive into the exam security updates and a Q&A with Candidates. There’s also a post on their press page with links to the resources you’ll need.

As always, your questions about AXP, the AREs, or NCARB in general are always welcome and encouraged. Happy studying and good luck with your exams,

Gina Robinson, AIA
Architect Licensing Advisor – Virginia
gina.robinson@hdrinc.com 

All of This in Our First 60 Days

Posted on by cguske

Friends –

It’s already March, and I’m grateful to see the bursting bulbs and blossoms and to feel the promise of spring. If you read nothing further, please register and join us for AIA Virginia’s Design Forum at the Institute for Contemporary Arts at VCU in Richmond on April 5th and 6th! 

Kelly D. Callahan, AIA
2024 President, AIA Virginia

In January, your state and local component leaders gathered for an inaugural leadership roundtable. The immersive conversation centered around our collective challenges, what’s working well, and how we can better help one another. And the collaboration and connections were so relevant that we unanimously agreed (rather than waiting a year) to do it again in six months!

In late February, leaders from Virginia joined over 400 architects who met with Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill to lobby on behalf of our profession and the built environment. We spoke to them about the Research and Development Tax Credit’s impact on our businesses’ bottom lines, the Democracy in Design Act which ensures our ability to design federal buildings that reflect their time, place, and community’s values, and we spoke frankly about how to correct common misinterpretations of a federal 6% fee cap.

In the following days at the AIA Leadership Summit, leaders from the state and (yep, all five!) of our local components gathered in DC to connect with peers and gain insight from experts on board logistics, expanding our impact, honing our efforts, and leading through our passions. Your local leaders are very fine folks indeed, and I encourage you to step up (host an event at your firm, offer a project for a building tour, share your wisdom on a panel discussion, join a committee or the board) and serve alongside them.

As a relator (not a realtor), I recognize the ongoing need to strengthen connections and communication between the (continually evolving and largely volunteer-led) state and local components. And everyone likes beer and food, right?! So, we’ll be hosting local Town Halls + Happy Hours throughout the year at each component. Please watch for announcements from your local component, and I look forward to seeing many of you in person!

Finally, I just want to say CONGRATULATIONS to our Virginia colleagues Ed Ford, Bruce Wardell, Michelle Amt, and Mel Price on being elevated to the 2024 College of Fellows!

Hang in there, only nine more days till the equinox…
Kelly D. Callahan, AIA
2024 President, AIA Virginia

Discovery Elementary School: A Concrete Achievement in Sustainable Design, Nearly a Decade Later

Posted on by cguske

By Jeff Slagle, President, Virginia Ready Mixed Concrete Association

Discovery Elementary School
5241 36th St N
Arlington, VA 22207

In the heart of Arlington, Virginia, Discovery Elementary School is a model for the future of sustainable educational environments. Completed in 2015 and encompassing 97,588 GSF, this landmark project, envisioned by AIA Virginia member VMDO Architects, represents a pinnacle of eco-friendly construction within the K-12 educational sector.

A Vision of Sustainability and Collaboration

As the Mid-Atlantic’s first zero-energy school and the largest of its kind in the United States, Discovery Elementary embodies the ambitious goal of merging sustainability with educational excellence. The project’s success is a product of the collaborative synergy between visionary architects, dedicated contractors, and the innovative use of concrete, highlighting the material’s pivotal role in achieving energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Innovative Design and Concrete’s Role

Designed to support 650 students from Pre-K through 5th grade, Discovery Elementary integrates 1,706 rooftop solar panels, a geothermal well field, solar pre-heating for domestic water, and 100% LED lighting. Central to its design, the strategic use of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) and high thermal mass concrete walls significantly reduce the building’s energy needs and contribute to its zero-energy status.

Awards and Recognition

The project has garnered numerous accolades, reflecting its impact and innovation in sustainable design:

  • 2016 Project of Distinction by the Association for Learning Environments
  • 2016 Honor Award by AIA Central Virginia
  • 2016 Honorable Mention by Learning by Design
  • 2015 Award of Excellence by Design Arlington Awards

Sustainability in Action

The Arlington Public Schools’ Energy Report Card for FY 2019-2023 highlights Discovery Elementary’s exceptional energy performance, with an EUI significantly lower than the district average. This achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of concrete’s thermal properties and the school’s integrated approach to sustainability.

Looking Forward

Discovery Elementary serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when innovative design meets the versatility and efficiency of concrete. It stands as a model for architects, emphasizing the role of concrete in creating energy-efficient, environmentally responsible educational environments.

VRMCA is here to help Virginia’s architects learn about the benefits of concrete in their design – for any and all project types. You may contact Hessam Nabavi at (703) 966-6743 or via email at hessam@vrmca.com for any questions or information about the role concrete can play in your design.

250 West Main Street
Suite 100
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
http://www.vrmca.com/

Photos courtesy of Hessam Nabavi with VRMCA

New Members

Posted on by cguske

We are always excited to welcome new members to Virginia. The following members recently joined the ranks of AIA Virginia.

New Architect Members

Dr. Nathan Blinn, AIA (Richmond)
Shubham Chuhadia, AIA (Northern Virginia)
Lauren Illeieff, AIA (Richmond)

New Associate Members

Enrique Angulo, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Mariya Anwar, Assoc. AIA (Hampton Roads)
Nicholas Campbell, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Haemoon Hong, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Heather Kennedy, Assoc. AIA (Hampton Roads)
Kayla McKinney, Assoc. AIA (Blue Ridge)
Jason Norfleet, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Andrew Schulman, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Zoque Wahid, Assoc. AIA (Hampton Roads)
Ahmed Abdelazim, Intl. Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
JAMES II DELFINADO, Intl. Assoc. AIA (Central Virginia)

Transferred In

Davis Byars, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Alabama
Richard Chenoweth, AIA (Richmond) from AIA Mississippi
Elizabeth Doane, AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Ohio
Michael Ferrari, AIA (Hampton Roads) from AIA Oregon
Jennifer Matthews, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Washington DC
Angelo Messina, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Wisconsin
Jacalyn Prasnikar, AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Pennsylvania
William Townes, VI, AIA (Blue Ridge) from AIA Mississippi

New/Renewed Allied Members

Gloria Johannessen, Mgr. of Business Operations, Phoenix Noise & Vibration, LLC
Anna Lee Bamforth, President, Bamforth Engineers + Surveyors
Paxton Whitmore, Territory Manager, The Garland Company
David Weber, Regional Sales Manager, Epic Metals

View all of the AIA Virginia Allied members

Newly Licensed

Posted on by cguske

We understand the dedication and effort required to study for and pass the ARE. Congratulations to the following member for passing their exams and gaining licensure. This is great news that thrills all of us and we are so proud to call you an architect!

Alisa Chirachaturaphak, AIA (Northern Virginia)

Have you recently passed the ARE? Upgrade your membership to Architect using this AIA form. or send an email to your Member Services Director, Cathy Guske, cguske@aiava.org

Are you ready to get licensed? AIA Virginia has discounted 60-day Amber Book subscriptions. Read more about it here>>

Have questions about licensure? Contact AIA Virginia’s State Licensing Advisor, Gina Robinson, AIA, at gina.robinson@hdrinc.com

Associated Thoughts: New Beginnings 

Posted on by cguske
Ashleigh Walker, Associate AIA

As a newly appointed AIA Virginia Board Member, I find myself contemplating the idea of “new beginnings” throughout the start of the new year.  My focus has been on not only how to represent the current group of AIA Virginia Associate members, but who am I representing? Who are my colleagues, and what are their backgrounds? What are the different aspirations we as a collective group share for growth in the profession, and what are we looking to get out of our AIA memberships? Above all, how can I help support these goals and requests, and better serve as an ambassador to young professionals in Virginia?  

The task at hand is not easy or simple, but as complex and unique as the group of individuals represented. I am reminded of the ever-present motto from my alma mater, Virginia Tech, as “Ut Prosim” or “That I May Serve”, and hope over these next 2 years as your Associate Director, I can do my part to serve.   

To better understand how I can achieve this, I need to look outside of myself and go directly to the source – Associate members! – and ask “What can I do for you?”. At our recent Board of Directors meeting, we discussed goals for the year as well as challenges facing the chapter, the state, and the profession at large. Over the 2 days of collaboration and problem-solving, my mind kept wandering to my specific task at hand – make sure Associate members are represented, and feel that they are heard, valued, and helped. 

I begin my journey with a simple set of 15 questions for Associates (or non-Associate members) to fill out, and hope it can start me in a direction toward growth and service. 

Will keep you posted! – A

A Call for the DAC: a particular and impactful form of service

Posted on by cguske

The members of AIA Virginia emphasize and celebrate the contributions of architects and the importance of architecture in enriching the quality of life in local communities and the well-being of society. There may be no more impactful contribution than serving individuals and communities in times of intense and immediate crisis.

Since 1972, the Disaster Assistance Committee (DAC) has prepared members to take on leadership and volunteer roles in assisting communities nationally and internationally. The program strengthens readiness and fosters mutually beneficial relationships with jurisdictions and the larger disaster-response community. This includes the administration of the Safety-Assessment Program (SAP) training which provides architects, engineers, and building inspectors with the knowledge to provide evaluations of facilities and buildings in the aftermath of a disaster. A special debt of honor and gratitude is due to those who stand ready to serve in this capacity. If you would like to join their ranks, and in particular, would like to chair this committee, please communicate your interest to Paul Battaglia, AIA pbattaglia@aiava.org.