AIA Virginia members gathered at the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond for a Hill Day on February 3, 2026.

Andrew Moore, AIA and Jen Bailey, AIA shared their experience designing the Virginia General Assembly Building, which recently received an AIA Virginia Design Award.

Attendees had the opportunity to see the legislative process in action – observing proceedings in the House Chamber and attending committee and subcommittee meetings. 

The day also included a shout out from the House Floor. Delegate Betsy Carr offered the following remarks:

I’d like to recognize a special group joining us in the gallery today and ask them to stand. They are our fellow Virginians from the American Institute of Architects.

These talented professionals don’t just design the buildings that contribute to our communities – they advocate for smart, sustainable, and resilient design that shapes Virginia’s future.

From our schools and hospitals to our homes and historic districts, architects help us balance innovation with preservation, progress with character. They understand that good design isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about functionality, safety, accessibility, and sustainability.

Many AIA Virginia members go beyond their professional practice to serve Virginia through gubernatorial appointments. Architects serve on critical boards and commissions including the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects – APELSCIDLA. They serve on the Art and Architectural Review Board, advising on the design of Commonwealth buildings. And they contribute to bodies like the Fair Housing Board, the State Building Code Technical Review Board, the Secure and Resilient Commonwealth Panel, and the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities.

We appreciate them for being here today and for their critical work across the Commonwealth.

To which I add: “Here! Here!”