ABOUT VIA DESIGN VIA isn’t just about designing spaces; we’re about shaping the future. Guided by our three core principles of future-focused design, client-centricity, and community-driven initiatives, we strive to create architecture that not only shapes the built environment but also positively impacts the lives of those who interact with it. Our team members are dedicated to strong design and enhancing our communities through our work and civic engagement, a passion that is nurtured through close mentoring, skill building, and exploring the best of the region.
POSITION OVERVIEW VIA is seeking an experienced and proactive Building Information Modeling (BIM) Manager to drive our firm’s digital project standards. This is a highly hands-on and strategic role, integral to maintaining team efficiency and model integrity across all VIA projects.
As the BIM Manager, your primary challenge is to act as the driving force behind our BIM processes. You will be responsible for building, maintaining, and managing essential BIM tools, specifically Revit templates, to ensure uniformity and quality. This involves both strategic development—collaborating with the Design Technology Director on new tools—and hands-on support, including creating project models, overseeing team use throughout the project lifecycle, and regularly auditing models to ensure optimal performance. The ideal candidate will be an expert in Revit, possessing a proven ability to triage issues, support staff, and spearhead ongoing education and training to advance our team’s use of BIM software.
Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest, resume, and digital portfolio using the employment interest form at viadesignarchitects.com/careers
HBA Architecture & Interior Design, Inc. | Virginia Beach, VA
HBA is currently seeking Licensed Architects/ Project Managers for immediate placement in both our Virginia Beach and Richmond, Virginia offices with a minimum of 10 years of experience.
The ideal candidate is creative, self-motivated, and searching for work/ life balance while growing as a professional.
In addition, the candidate shall demonstrate the following capabilities:
Ability to Listen and work collaboratively with clients, team members, and consultants.
Is interested in delivering high-quality, innovative architectural solutions that meet our client’s needs.
Is an effective communicator.
Is experienced with leading a design team through the development of a project.
Exhibits a positive attitude and approach to their work.
Can demonstrate experience with Revit, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Suites.
Third party sustainability experience or accreditation a plus.
HBA provides exceptional design solutions to enhance our clients’ business, the quality of our community and the environment.
HBA also:
Approaches design in a studio environment, emphasizing collaboration and teamwork
Is young, vibrant, growing, and always looking for our next leaders
Is a diverse, award-winning practice
Is a majority ESOP Owned company
Values our employees’ work-life balance and manages our projects accordingly
Salary Commensurate with experience. HBA has an exceptional benefits package as well.
If you are interested in learning more about HBA and our practice, please send your resume and digital portfolio to: HBA_HR@hbaonline.com
HBA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, maintains a Drug-Free Workplace, and does not discriminate against anyone on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or low-income.
Sponsorship for US Employment Authorization is not available at this time.
Join us at the 38th Annual Architecture Exchange East, Nov. 5-7, 2025, in Richmond. Design the Future: Advancing Technology, Community & Business
ArchEx 2025 brings together visionary leaders and practical strategies to help you adapt, thrive, and lead in a rapidly changing world. You’ll gain actionable insights to future-proof your practice, connect with a community of innovators, and discover how to shape a built environment that is sustainable, inclusive, and ready for tomorrow’s challenges. Join us to turn today’s uncertainty into opportunity.
AIA Virginia is pleased to announce the 2025 Design Awards. These honors celebrate projects no older than seven years that contribute to the built environment and are clear examples of thoughtful, engaging design. Within each award category, consideration was given to sustainability, affordability, social impact, innovation, durability, addressing the natural and built context, and meeting the client’s specific needs.
From a field of 125 entries, only 24 were selected by the jury for recognition. These few projects stood above the rest and were particularly notable. Awards of Merit are presented to those projects worthy of recognition and an Award of Honor is reserved for those projects deemed by the jury to be truly exceptional. Consideration is given to aesthetics, social impact, innovation, context, performance, and stewardship of the natural environment — with particular emphasis on the Framework for Design Excellence.
About the Jury Andrew Chin, Assoc. AIA, Dean of the School of Architecture + Engineering Technology (SAET) at Florida A&M University (FAMU) mustered a tremendously dignified jury to deliberate over the 2025 Design Awards. Joining him was a veritable council of deans, including Abimbola Asojo, FAIA, Dean of the School of Architecture and Planning at Morgan State, C.L. Bohannon, FASLA, Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs and Community Engagement at the University of Virginia, José L.S. Gámez, Dean of the College of Arts + Architecture at UNC Charlotte, Marilys Nepomechie, FAIA, DPACSA, Associate Dean for Architecture at Florida International University, and Quilian Riano, Dean of Pratt Institute’s School of Architecture.
In their deliberations, the jury considers aesthetics, adherence to the client program, proven and projected building performance, and concept development.
The awards for contextual design are chosen based on outstanding architecture that perceptibly reflects the history, culture, and physical environment of the place in which it stands and that, in turn, contributes to the function, beauty, and meaning of its larger context.
Award of Honor
The Burying Ground Memorial at the University of Richmond (Richmond, Virginia)
Architecture Firm: Baskervill Contractor: Team Henry Enterprises LLC Photographers: Ansel Olson and Aaron Doggett
Award of Merit
Reservoir District Master Plan: Recreation Center and Park (Washington, DC)
Architect of Record: Quinn Evans Master Planner and Design Architect: Perkins Eastman DC Contractor: Gilbane Building Company Photographers: Quinn Evans and Alan Karchmer Architectural Photographer
Honorable Mentions
Virginia Institute of Marine Science EARC (Wachapreague, Virginia)
Architecture Firm: VIA design architects, pc Contractor: E.T. Gresham Company, Inc. Photographer: Yuzhu Zheng Photography
General Assembly Building (Richmond, Virginia)
Architect of Record: Robert A.M. Stern Architects Associate Architect: Glavé & Holmes Architecture Contractor: Gilbane Building Company Photographers: Francis Dzikowski/OTTO and Thomas Holdsworth
Beaverdam Reservoir Park (Loudoun County, Virginia)
Architecture Firm: Studio Twenty Seven Architecture Contractor: Meridian Construction Co, Inc. Photographer: HDP Studio
In the Extended Use: ADAPTIVE or CONTINUED USE category
Projects submitted in this category should include either a renovation within an existing building or new construction that expands an existing structure or site. This award intends to recognize thoughtful interventions that create synergy between old and new construction, improve functionality, and energy efficiency, meet contemporary standards for comfort and utility, and/or capitalize on the embodied energy of an existing structure.
Honorable Mentions
Center City Public Charter School, Maker Space (Washington, DC)
Architecture Firm: Page Contractor: Chiaramonte Construction Company Photographer: Allen Russ
Slayton House Renovation and Addition (Washington, DC)
Architecture Firm: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect Contractor: Peterson & Collins Photographer: Anice Hoachlander
In the INTERIOR DESIGN category
Interior design projects are judged on mastery of composition, functionality, material and color palettes, and well-integrated adherence to the highest levels of accessibility, health and safety, environmental, and occupant-comfort considerations, standards, and regulations.
Awards of Merit
Goochland Elementary School (Goochland, Virginia)
Architecture Firm: Stantec Contractor: Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc. Photographer: Tom Holdsworth Photography and Jerry Marinzel Photography
Riggs (Washington, DC)
Architecture Firm: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect Interior Designer: Baron Gurney Interiors Contractor: Peterson and Collins, Inc. Photographer: Anice Hoachlander
Honorable Mention
Capital Turnaround (Washington, DC)
Architecture Firm: MTFA Design + Preservation, PLLC Contractor: Forrester Construction Photographer: Matt Johnson
In the RESIDENTIAL DESIGN category
Aesthetic appeal and functionality are two long-established criteria for home design, as are affordability and resource efficiency. The jury looks at each submission in its totality toward meeting those goals.
Award of Merit
Vienna Zero Energy 2024 (Vienna, Virginia)
Architecture Firm: Peabody Fine Architect Contractor: Allen Built Inc. Photographer: Kate Wichlinski
In the SMALL PROJECTS category
Design excellence can be achieved, no matter the size or scope of a project. These awards celebrate projects with modest budgets that have a substantial impact. Small Project Awards are given in three categories, offering opportunities for recognition to a wide range of project sizes and budgets. All projects must demonstrate design achievement, including how the project fits into its environment and how the project connects to the Framework for Design Excellence.
Projects under 5,000 Square Feet
Honorable Mention
CASA Playhouse/Brown Bear’s Cave (Richmond, Virginia)
Architecture Firm: Hanbury Contractor: DPR Construction Photographer: Hanbury
Reconnecting with Our “Why” As the seasons shift and we move into fall, I find myself reflecting on the deeper reasons we each chose this profession. Architecture asks much of us, as many of my previous letters cover – patience, persistence, and resilience. More>>
Annual Membership Meeting Join us in person to hear about vital developments with your professional society, elect officers, and conduct other business at the AIA Virginia Annual Meeting of the Membership. More>>
Early Bird Discount Ends in 2 Days! Save money on your Architecture Exchange East 2025 registration and make sure you get the tours and sessions you want by signing up by Friday. More>>
2025 AIA Virginia Honors Celebrate with all of these honorees at the Visions for Architecture Gala on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at the Richmond Downtown Marriott. More>>
Raising Architects: How IPAL Transforms Students, Firms, and the Profession The Integrated Path to Architectural License, best known as IPAL, was born to improve the accessibility of licensure by creating a pathway that harkens back to a tradition of the past – apprenticeship as an integral part of the education of an architect. More>>
ELA 2026 Applications Open Applications are now open for the 2026 class of Emerging Leaders in Architecture. Applications are due by November 12th. More>>
Updates from our Licensing Advisor NCARB has been busy working on the objectives of its strategic plan and has had plenty of updates to share at the recent Licensing Advisor Summit, including some leadership changes and new resources for Advisors and Candidates. More>>
Newly Licensed We all understand the dedication and effort required to study for and pass the ARE. Congratulations to the following members for passing their exams and gaining licensure. More>>
Harlow and Parker receive Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA Fellowships The AIA Virginia Foundation joyfully announces Amanda Harlow, Assoc. AIA, and Stephen Parker, AIA, as the most recent recipients of the Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA Fellowship. More>>
APELSCIDLA Appointments; and an update on the Alternate Path With recent appointee Harry Falconer, FAIA, joining Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA, and Tim Colley, AIA, members of AIA Virginia now occupy all three of the architecture seats on the APELSCIDLA Board. More>>
R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA Scholarship In 2022, AIA Virginia established a scholarship in Corey’s name to honor his dedication to emerging professionals and provide financial assistance to those interested in participating in the AIA Virginia Emerging Leaders in Architecture (ELA) program. You can now donate to this scholarship fund through the AIA Virginia Foundation. More>>
PAC Award Update Just a few more weeks to go in the 2025 PAC Award competition, and we still have a tie at the top of the leaderboard. Donate today! More>>
Historic Tour: Tangier Island History and Vernacular Architecture Tour Visit the island of Tangier, Virginia with AIA Virginia’s Historic Resources Committee to learn about the community’s long history and insights about its built environment. More>>
Welcome New Members We are always excited to welcome new members to Virginia. The following members recently joined AIA Virginia. More>>
What to Attend at ArchEx Are you an associate or emerging professional and wondering what you should attend at ArchEx? Hear from our Associate Director, STAR, and YAR, about what they are excited to attend. More>>
2025 Design Awards Jury Andrew Chin, Assoc. AIA, has mustered a tremendously dignified jury to deliberate over the 2025 Design Awards, which are scheduled to be announced to the membership on Friday, September 26th. More>>
Updates from the Small Firm Exchange Lots to share from the SFx this month, including the All Call summaries, upcoming webinar on Fellowship, and a look inside the community conversations. More>>
COTE Corner The Virginia Committee on the Environment is meeting at ArchEx for a Coffee Networking session on Friday, November 7, from 8-8:45 a.m. Join us! Register>>
Coastal Virginia Town Hall National, State, and Local AIA Presidents were together last month for a town hall discussion in Coastal Virginia. More>>
Statewide Resources McKenna and Robinson During its August 2025 meeting, the AIA Virginia Board of Directors appointed John McKenna, AIA, as the Young Architect Representative (YAR) and reappointed Gina Robinson, AIA, as State Licensing Advisor. More>>
Outreach: Using Technology to Implement Meaningful Design in K-12 Schools Clark Nexsen demonstrates how they use technology and computational design to create new opportunities for design in their K-12 studio. More>>
Secure and Resilient Commonwealth Panel Reappointment Georgie Márquez-André, AIA of Andre + Marquez Architects, Inc., in Portsmouth, was reappointed to the Secure and Resilient Commonwealth Panel. More>>
Celebrating the Life of Bob Boynton, FAIA Friends and family gathered at The Branch Museum of Design on Saturday, September 6, 2025, to celebrate the life and myriad accomplishments of Bob Boynton, FAIA. More>>
Amber Book Ready to get licensed? AIA Virginia offers Associate AIA members a discounted 60-day Amber Book subscription. More>>
Are you an Associate AIA member or an emerging professional, and wondering what you should attend at ArchEx? Hear from our Associate Director, STAR, and YAR, about what they are excited to attend and then register for ArchEx!>>
Ashleigh Walker, Associate AIA AIA Virginia Associate Director
Ashleigh Walker, Associate AIA
Kickoff + Keynote Panel Discussion: Uncertainty to Opportunity: Designing Resilience in a Changing World
Designing for Heroes
AI + The Future of Practice
New Realities to Today’s Economic, Social & Political Challenges
Architectural Mad Libs
AI + You Workshop
The Bread & Butter of Specifying – Building a Sandwich in 3 Parts
Visions for Architecture Cocktail Reception & Gala
Learning by Design: Creative Futures at the Intersection of Arts
Experience RVA: Best of Richmond Bakeries
Craftsperson’s Crawl
Erin Agdinaoay, AIA, NOMA Young Architect Representative (YAF)
Erin Agdinaoay, AIA, NOMA
ArchEx is a great opportunity for EPs and Young Architects to connect and grow. If EPs and Young Architects are not able to attend the entire conference, Thursday’s schedule is designed to offer the a jam-packed day for EPs and Young Architects.
See the ELA Architecture Class Project Presentation – see the current class’ work, and consider applying for next year’s class
Coffee Networking – A great opportunity to meet fellow emerging professionals and young architects for networking and mentorship
Career Stage Roundtables – ArchEx has the most dynamic roundtable discussions, and I expect nothing less for this year. I always leave with something new to think about.
AI + You Workshop – This workshop fits the theme of ArchEx and is going to be an engaging way to think about AI for yourself and your role in the profession!
Caitlin Morgan, Associate AIA State Associates Representative (StAR)
Caitlin Morgan, Associate AIA
First-Timer’s Breakfast – Connect with fellow first-time attendees and learn how to maximize your first ArchEx conference!
AI-Accessibility: Modeling the Future of Inclusive Design (Wednesday) – See how technology and hands-on creativity can aid designers in making the world more accessible.
Design Your Career: Navigating Growth and Balance (Wednesday) – Prepare for professional growth using personal development strategies!
Resilience through Adaptation and Innovation: Rural Housing (Thursday) – Hear from two JMU Architectural Design professors about the intersection of research and design.
Architectural Mad Libs (Thursday) – Time for some creative teamwork!Network with fellow designers in a relaxed session and experience different creative processes.
SFx is hosting a webinar: Demystifying AIA Fellowship on October 9, 2025. Register here>>
The Small Firm Exchange is a fantastic way to stay connected with other small firms. It is a great forum for asking questions and getting great feedback from our peers. View the community conversation here>>
The PAC Award Challenge continues for 2025. It’s time to celebrate the engagement and commitment of a local AIA component that supports the advancement and mission of the PAC; one of the sharpest tools in our advocacy toolkit.
Points are accrued in three areas: local component Board participation, the percentage of local component’s membership who have invested in the PAC, and the total amount of money invested by the members of the local component. Points are allocated as follows:
Local component Board participation a. Did 100% of the Board of Directors invest in the AIA Virginia PAC? i. Yes = 20 points ii. No = 0 points
Percentage of local component members who have invested in the AIA Virginia PAC i. Component with highest % = 40 points ii. Component with second highest % = 20 points iii. Component with third highest % = 10 points
Average investment per member from the total local component membership i. Component with highest average investment/member = 40 points ii. Component with second highest average investment/member = 30 points iii. Component with third highest average investment/member = 20 points iv. Component with fourth highest average investment/member = 10 points v. Component with fifth highest average investment/member = 0 points
Current Leaderboard: AIA Central Virginia – 60 points AIA Coastal Virginia – 60 points AIA Richmond – 30 points AIA Northern Virginia – 0 points AIA Blue Ridge – 20 points
Scoring will close on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST.The winning component goes home with $1,000 cash for Architecture Week/Month and the award trophy at Architecture Exchange East in November. AIA Central Virginia is the reigning champ, but it’s a new competition – we’ll see who prevails. And if you need additional inspiration, in this same issue of the newsletter, Patrick Cushing, our retained lobbyist, shares his perspective on the importance of the PAC.
Georgie Márquez-André, AIA of Andre + Marquez Architects, Inc., in Portsmouth was reappointed to the Secure and Resilient Commonwealth Panel. The Panel’s primary focus is emergency management and homeland security within the Commonwealth – to ensure that prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery programs, initiatives, and activities, both at the state and local levels, are fully integrated, suitable, and effective in addressing risks from man-made and natural disasters.
Congratulations Georgie. Thank you for your continued service.
The AIA Virginia Foundation joyfully announces Amanda Harlow, Assoc. AIA, and Stephen Parker, AIA, as the most recent recipients of the Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA Fellowship. The Fellowship furthers the reciprocal benefit that springs from the interaction of individual members and our organization. The Selection Committee included Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA, Brian Frickie, FAIA, Shawm Mulligan, AIA, and the members of the AIA Virginia Foundation Board: Kelly Callahan, AIA, Karen Conkey, AIA, Amber Hall, AIA, Meagan Jancy, AIA, Bill Hopkins, AIA, and Paul R. Battaglia, AIA.
Amanda Harlow, Assoc. AIAStephen Parker, AIA
Amanda is currently the Residential Planning and Design Manager at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville (HFHGC) and plans to use the Fellowship to assist with the cost of participating in the 2026 Emerging Leaders in Architecture (ELA) class with the intention of growing as a leader, better serving Habitat families, building consensus among diverse stakeholders, and contributing meaningfully to AIA Virginia.
Stephen is an architect at Stantec and a mental health advocate. Stephen intends to develop a presentation and exhibit featuring the sketches and impact of the DrawnOut! Mental Health Sketch Workshops; a series that has allowed participants to delve into the complex issues of mental wellbeing and strive to defy stigma by design.
Tax-deductible contributions to this Fellowship, and our other designated programs, can be made at the AIA Virginia Foundation>>
