The Life and Times of an IDEA
James P. Clark, AIA, Virginia Society AIA President
Time is the test of a strong idea. We like to pretend that we own an idea, but the best ideas are elusive. They thrive on those who nourish them, and they are like healthy cells that grow and spread with speed and ease. More >>
Center Announces Tour to Columbus
The Virginia Center for Architecture is pleased to offer an architectural pilgrimage to Columbus, Indiana. Called the “epicenter for brilliant innovation in architecture,” Columbus boasts more than 70 significant buildings and public artworks designed by a veritable “who’s who” of architectural superstars. Although based in Columbus, the tour will also branch out to explore the architectural treasures of Indianapolis and Cincinnati. More>>
Inform Editor Named
Former Executive Editor of AIArchitect, Douglas E. Gordon, Hon. AIA, has been named Editor-in-Chief of Inform Magazine. A life-long resident of Virginia — including Fairfax, Montgomery, Alexandria, and Stafford counties — and a career-long writer and editor of architectural publications, Gordon brings a depth and breadth of understanding and appreciation to drive Inform and readinform.com forward in this rapidly unfolding century. More>>
AIA Offers ArchEx Scholarship
The 2011 AIA Knowledge Scholarship will fund a dedicated and knowledgeable person to attend a Knowledge Community fall conference in order to cover the event via social media, capture the content and deliver a variety of products to wider audiences during and after the conference. More>>
Commercial Sector Expected to Lead Industry Recovery
Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, AIA Chief Economist
An uneven economic recovery, hesitancy on the part of lenders to finance construction projects, the weak financial position of governments at all levels, and rising costs of key building material commodities are all conspiring to restrain a recovery in the nonresidential construction sector. More>>
Our Virginia Center for Architecture
A message from Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA, Executive Director
The team at the Virginia Center for Architecture is working diligently — and successfully — to stabilize our current financial position, offer expanded programming and outreach, and provide for the Center’s future security. More>>
Solving the Credit Crunch: A Member’s Perspective
As we survey the economic landscape in the summer of 2011, there is unfortunately nothing but bad news. As one business associate told me recently, “I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it keeps coming from further and further away.” The chance of a double-dip recession increases with every passing hour. More>>
Citizen Architect Guidebook Available
Many of you have taken the time and expended the energy to be Citizen Architects. For those of you who have wondered how to take this to another level, the AIA has developed the Citizen Architect Guidebook. More>>
DHCD Grant Opportunity: Industrial Revitalization Fund
Governor McDonnell recently announced a $3 million program to revitalize derelict commercial and industrial structures by providing local governments with grants to spark strategic private investment. The Industrial Revitalization Fund (IRF) will provide grants of up to $600,000, primarily in distressed communities, for construction projects aligned with local and regional economic development strategies. More>>
Six Ideas Selected for Washington Monument Competition
Six winners have been selected for the National Ideas Competition for the Washington Monument Grounds. Images of the refined idea concepts will be revealed in late September when the public will be called upon to vote for a People’s Choice award. More>>
Dunay Collaborates on Women in Architecture Exhibition
When Virginia member Donna Dunay, FAIA, visited Japan in February, it seemed like a standard trip abroad for a busy academician. A professor and chair of the International Archive of Women in Architecture Center at Virginia Tech, she met with her counterparts with the Union of Women Architects Japan to finalize plans for summer exhibition and symposium in Tokyo highlighting the contributions of women architects to their field. More>>
McBride Elected President of the AUA
Virginia member Andrew S. McBride, AIA, University Architect at the University of Richmond, has been elected President of the National Association of University Architects (AUA). More>>
Bradley Tapped for Detroit Fellowship
After a nationwide search to find and attract the best and the brightest, Detroit has tapped Réna Bradley Assoc. AIA, as one of its two-year Fellows. She will be leaving her project coordinator’s position at HDR’s Alexandria office almost immediately to immerse herself in training by the Detroit Land Bank Authority as a community development project manager. More>>
AIA Developing Database of Stalled Projects Suitable for Investor Financing
On June 29, the AIA announced that, within the coming months, it would make available to potential investors a database of stalled building projects nationwide that make economic sense, but which lack the financing to be completed. The AIA made the announcement at CGI America, the first conference of the Clinton Global Initiative solely dedicated to economic issues impacting the United States — and of which the AIA is a participating member. More>>
In the Firms
Find out news from firms around the state. More>>