Mental Health Awareness

Thank you to these members of AIA Virginia who shared their mental health experiences.

What Have You Done for Your Mental Health?

  • Seeking a community that supports my mental, spiritual, and physical well-being.
  • I actively go for walks in nature without using technology to process my thoughts to stay grounded.
  • As designers, we have high stress jobs with many competing demands and, especially as emerging professionals, we are constantly in unfamiliar territory doing things for the first time. It can be hard to stay calm. Often I can find myself so overwhelmed that my brain stops thinking and I can’t figure out what my next step should be.

    When my office offered a series of mindfulness classes, I jumped at the chance to dive in. One of the key takeaways for me was to start to notice how and where anxiety expresses itself in my body. By developing a practice where I can take a pause many times throughout the day to do a body scan, take a breath, check in with myself, and notice how I am feeling, I can help diffuse the anxiety before it builds up to overwhelm. These check-ins are very brief, but help me notice how I am feeling and make space to consider what I need in order to take care of myself and stay calm.
    I joined the Brain Health Project an online, research-based program. The premise – a healthy brain leads to a healthier person, mentally and physically. It is a self-paced program with a wide range of interactive and multimedia tools.
  • Being conscious of the consequences of not taking care of my mental health. It became my priority in life.
  • Exercising, eating healthy and being in nature more often along with finding ways to be more organized so my time is better managed.
  • I’ve found that meditation, reading, and exercising helps me get through stressful times. Whatever shifts my mind towards more positive thinking.
  • I actively go for walks in nature without using technology to process my thoughts to stay grounded. Seeking a community that supports my mental, spiritual, and physical well-being.
  • Tried not to work so much.
  • Honestly, I started counseling. It helped me to realize the habits in my life that were compromising my physical and mental health. This included working too much and also separating home, social and work life.

What Mental Health Struggles Have You Overcome?

  • Postnatal depression
  • Depression and mental fogs
  • I grew up in the midst of a lot of trauma; it messed up our family and social units. Unfortunately, this is normal for a POC in America. Learning to work through my personal trauma and not taking on the trauma-related issues of those around has been a challenge.
  • Eliminated workaholic inclinations so I have time for R&R. Friends and family. Learned to say NO without guilt.

AIA Virginia Newsletter: September 2024

From the President’s Desk
This autumn, AIA Virginia is busy all around the Commonwealth and looking forward to seeing you soon.
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Design Awards Announced
We are pleased to announce the 2024 Awards for Excellence in Architecture. These awards celebrate projects no older than seven years that contribute to the built environment and are clear examples of thoughtful, engaging design.
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Early Bird Discount Ends in 2 days!
Save money on your ArchEx 2024 registration when you sign up by Friday.
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Policy Making in Action Webinar: Perspectives from Legislative Staff
Join us for this webinar TOMORROW!
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2021 VCC Significant Changes Event
Join us on October 17th in Alexandria for our final code event. There will be a lunch and Learn presentation of the recent 2021 VCC changes and then a panel discussion with Jonah Margarella, AIA, Florin Moldovan, MCP, and Paul Battaglia, EVP AIA Virginia.
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Northern Virginia Town Hall
Join AIA Virginia Leadership on October 3rd for a chance to socialize and discuss updates/highlights, opportunities to engage, programs and events, advocacy efforts and the PAC, state-level partners, and resources and items of local interest.
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Welcome These New Members
We are always excited to welcome new members to Virginia. The following members recently joined AIA Virginia.
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News from the YAF
There are some fantastic opportunities on the horizon, especially for young architects and emerging professionals.
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ELA Applications Open
Applications are now open for the 2025 class of Emerging Leaders in Architecture.
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The 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.
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Visions for Architecture
Join us in celebrating our 2024 Honorees and Design Award Winners. Your 3-day ArchEx registration now includes your ticket to the big celebration!
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The COTE Corner
Register for the Energy Modeling 3-part Virtual Workshop this Fall! In addition, check out the national COTE newsletter by Michelle Amt.
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Annual Membership Meeting
Join us on November 6th at Noon for the annual membership meeting.
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PAC Competition Ends Soon
There is a tie at the top of the leaderboard for the PAC Giving Award. Give to the AIA Virginia PAC before October 11, 2024 for a chance to win $1,000 for your chapter.
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Historic Tour: Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Please join the Historic Resources Committee (HRC) in Lynchburg for a tour of the award-winning historical restoration of Poplar Forest.
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EDI Resources & Mental Health Month
The AIA Virginia Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Committee would like to share some resources with you and ask for your help in recognizing Mental Health Month.
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Save the Date for Resiliency Week 2025
Please save the date for AIA Virginia Resiliency Week 2025 taking place Monday, April 21-Friday, April 25, 2025.

Newly Licensed
Congratulations to the following member for passing their exams and gaining licensure.
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Amber Book
Are you ready to get licensed? AIA Virginia offers associate members a 60-day subscription to the Amber Book for only $99.
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Meet the Fellows
Which Fellow from AIA Virginia is currently reading Comfortable with Uncertainty, by Pema Chödrön: 108 teachings on cultivating fearlessness and compassion?
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In Memoriam: Bob Boynton, FAIA
Robert A. (Bob) Boynton, FAIA passed away unexpectedly recently. At AIA Virginia our hearts are sad – but also grateful. Bob was an exceptionally active and impactful member of the AIA.
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Upcoming Educational Opportunities:
www.aiava.org/events

Featured Job Listings
Dills Architects – Project Architect https://www.aiava.org/project-architect-dills-architects/
Dills Architects – Architectural Designer/Technician https://www.aiava.org/architectural-designer-technician-dills-architects/

AIA Membership and (UN)Retirement – What You Need to Know
As we approach membership renewal season, some of you may find yourself wondering what to do with your AIA membership if you are planning to retire in the coming months. Others may have already retired and find themselves needing to return to the workforce for one reason or another.
More>>

2024 Design Awards Announced

AIA Virginia is pleased to announce the 2024 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 143 entries, only 19 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
A committee of esteemed architects chaired by Mark Cavagnero, FAIA, Principal and Design Leader at Mark Cavagnero Associates Architects in San Francisco, California, judged the entries for AIA Virginia’s 2024 Awards for Excellence in Architecture. Joining Cavagnero on the jury were Craig Hartman, FAIA, Curtis Clay, AIA, Paul Woolford, FAIA, and Bill Leddy, FAIA.

From the jury: In summary, our jury members have all been involved in architectural design for many years. There were many that were very close in our consideration, but the final call was to honor these 19 projects as just slightly more worthy of our accolades and acknowledgment. As a team we thoroughly enjoyed seeing and considering the extremely high-quality designs submitted. Well done, Virginia!

Celebrate these winning designs and designers at Visions for Architecture, on Nov. 7th at the Downtown Richmond Marriott.


In the ARCHITECTURE category

In their deliberations, the jury considers aesthetics, adherence to the client program, proven and projected building performance, and concept development.

Award of Honor

Stead Park Recreation Center (Washington, D.C.)

Image courtesy of VMDO Architects. Photo by Tom Holdsworth.

Architecture Firm: VMDO Architects
Owner: DC Department of Parks + Recreation
Contractor: GCS SIGAL
Photographer: Tom Holdsworth

Jury Comments: The jury unanimously found this project elegant, handsome, and thoughtful. We discussed its beautiful proportions and its strong, clear diagram.  The Net Zero aspect was also very well appreciated. One juror called this project the one true Home Run in the competition, leaving the group with very little need to spend much time reviewing it beyond accolades and appreciation.

Awards of Merit

U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad, India

Image courtesy of HGA. Photo by Gabe Border.

Design Architect: Richard Kennedy Architects
Associate Architect: HGA
Contractor: Caddell Construction Co., LLC
Photographer: Gabe Border

Jury Comments: The jury found this to be a generally very handsome statement of civic presence and cultural architecture. The systems’ explanation in the submittal was well-appreciated. Jurors admired the lobby particularly.

UVA Softball at Palmer Park (Charlottesville, Va.)

Image courtesy of VMDO Architects. Photo by Tom Holdsworth.

Architecture Firm: VMDO Architects
Owner: University of Virginia
Contractor: Jamerson-Lewis Construction
Photographer: Holdsworth Photography

Jury Comments: The jury saw this as a strong and clear architectural form. The base is well detailed and the canopy above is a beautiful form.


In the CONTEXTUAL DESIGN category

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.

Citation

Folly & Utility at the MSV (Winchester, Va.)

Images courtesy of Reader & Swartz Architects, P.C.

Architecture Firm: Reader & Swartz Architects, P.C.
Owner: Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
Contractor: Howard Shockey & Sons Inc.
Photography: Beth Reader, FAIA, Chuck Swartz, FAIA, Caleb Snyder, AIA

Jury Comments: The jury appreciated the way the architect clarified the earlier Michael Graves’ project without overshadowing it. The horticultural center was particularly well received as a sophisticated response to the context. Overall the counterpoint was subtle, clear, and in-balance.


In the 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.

Award of Merit

Canal Window (Washington, D.C.)

Image courtesy of Cunningham Quill Architects.

Architecture Firm: Cunningham Quill Architects
Owner: Hingham Savings Institution
Contractor: AllenBuilt Inc.
Photographer: Anice Hoachlander Photography, LLC

Jury Comments: The jury saw this as an exemplary piece of workplace architecture and a clever way to engage a historic structure and give it new life. The stair was particularly well received.

Citations

The Historic Douglass High School Education & Development Campus (Leesburg, Va.)

Image courtesy of Beyer Blinder Belle. Photo by Sam Kittner.

Architecture Firm: Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners
Owner: Loudoun County Public Schools
Contractor: Gilbane Building Company
Photographer: Sam Kittner

Jury Comments: The jury, once again, was impressed by the sensitivity and understanding the architects’ displayed in handling such a culturally significant building and all it represents to the community.

The University of Virginia: Renovation of Gilmer Hall (Charlottesville, Va.)

Image courtesy of Perkins&Will. Photo by Lincoln Barbour

Architecture Firm: Perkins&Will
Owner: University of Virginia
Contractor: The Whiting Turner Contracting Company
Photographers: Todd Mason and Lincoln Barbour

Jury Comments: The jury discussed the care and restraint involved the project execution. It was seen as a very strong example of architects understanding one of our important roles- of maintaining, preserving and communicating the cultural heritage of artifacts entrusted to us.


In the HISTORIC PRESERVATION category

The historic preservation category focuses specifically on excellence in strategies, tactics, and technologies that advance the art, craft, and science of preserving historically significant buildings and sites. The jury takes into consideration adherence to local, state, and national criteria for historic preservation.

Awards of Honor

Michigan Central Station (Detroit, Mich.)

Image courtesy of Quinn Evans.

Architecture Firm: Quinn Evans
Owner: Michigan Central, Ford Motor Company
Contractor: Christman/Brinker
Photographers: James Haefner, Justin Maconochie, Jason Keen

Jury Comments: The jury found the historic building to be a joyous expression of civic architecture and realized that its preservation was an enormous effort worthy of such a building. The discussion also praised the government entities who found the funding to commit to such a restoration and realization of architecture’s cultural significance within a community.

Renovation of Richmond’s Old City Hall (Richmond, Va.)

Image courtesy of Quinn Evans. Photo by Joseph Romeo.

Architecture Firm: Quinn Evans
Owner: Virginia Department of General Services
Contractor: Grunley Construction
Photographer: Joseph Romeo Photography

Jury Comments: The jury also found great effort and skill in the resolution of such a complex project. Like the Michigan Central Station, the jury discussed with excitement the wonderful level of commitment it took to not only design and build this but to find the funding to execute it. These projects were really inspiring to the jury for what architects can do with their skill, determination and energy in the 21st Century to carry forward our earlier aspirations and realizations.

Award of Merit

The Kanawha (Washington, D.C.)

Image courtesy of Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS. Photo by Anice Hoachlander.

Architecture Firm: Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS
Owner: Hedden Residential Property Trust
Contractor: Harbor Builders
Photographer: Anice Hoachlander

Jury Comments: The jury appreciated the careful preservation of the street façade and the beautifully detailed contemporary rear face which relates to the historic structure through its sense of scale, craft and care.

Citation

Georgetown University Gaston Hall Balcony Reinforcement (Washington, D.C.)

Image courtesy of Hord Coplan Macht. Photo by Anne Chan.

Architecture Firm: Hord Coplan Macht
Owner: Georgetown University
Contractor: The Christman Company
Photographer: Hord Coplan Macht, Anne Chan

Jury Comments: The jury appreciated the hard work and clever determination involved in relocating the columns to celebrate the historic balcony form. The craft and care is very evident.


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.

Award of Honor

Embassy of Australia (Washington, D.C.)

Image courtesy of KCCT. Photo by Joe Fletcher

Architect of Record: KCCT
Lead Designer: Bates Smart
Owner: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Contractor: Clark Construction Group, LLC
Photographer: Joe Fletcher

Jury Comments: The jury found the interiors to be stunning and strong in their cohesion. It was seen as a jewel-box in the city, reflecting a level of care and materiality not existing around it. Though submitted as an architecture candidate, the jurors thought the interiors were the strongest of any project submitted and so decided to recategorize the project as such, allowing it to achieve a higher award level.


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

Citations

North Adams House (Arlington, Va.)

Image courtesy of Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect. Photo by Anice Hoachlander.

Architecture Firm: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect
Contractor: Washington Landmark Construction
Photographer: Anice Hoachlander

Jury Comments: The jury enjoyed seeing a home without a huge budget developed into a cheerful, light-filled, and well-organized structure. The plan is logical yet reveals quite a bit of spatial interest throughout.

Sister Cities Pavilion (Philadelphia, Penn.)

Image courtesy of StudioMB Architects. Photo by Sahar Coston-Hardy.

Architecture Firm: StudioMB Architects
Owner: Center City District
Contractor: Bittenbender Construction
Photographer: Sahar Coston-Hardy

Jury Comments: The jury found this project to be clever, thoughtful, and quite simple. There is delight in a small but important urban intervention. It reminded one juror of 20th-century pocket parks in its ability to take a small space and create a large engagement.

Projects up to $150,000

Award of Honor

Sylvan Scrapple (Columbus, Ind.)

Image courtesy of After Architecture, LLC. Photo by Hadley Fruits.

Architecture Firm: After Architecture, LLC
Owner: Landmark Columbus Foundation
Contractor: Before Building Laboratory
Photography: Leonid Furmansky, Hadley Fruits for Landmark Columbus Foundation, and After Architecture, LLC

Jury Comments: The jury found this project delightful in the unique combination of humility and budget versus beauty and impact. The submittal was very clearly put together as well. The plan is both rigorous and playful and charming in the way it engages the landscape. The use of materials was also discussed as very clever and well done.

Citation

Studio.mp.2 (Washington, D.C.)

Image courtesy of Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect. Photo by Anice Hoachlander.

Architecture Firm: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect
Contractor: Ruben Cabrerra
Photographer: Anice Hoachlander

Jury Comments: The jury found this project to be an excellent example of an architect re-purposing smaller elements and fabrics. Nooks and crannies are all utilized to high advantage. It is part of a larger story about clever ways to densify our community without losing character.

Projects up to $500,000

Award of Merit

CUSHNER (Washington, D.C.)

Images courtesy of David Jameson Architect. Photo by Paul Warchol Photography.

Architecture Firm: David Jameson Architect, Inc.
Contractor: Ally DC, LLC
Photographer: Paul Warchol Photography

Jury Comments: The jury appreciated the way two small structures were used to create a third element- the garden as the space between. The structures themselves were simple, clear and worked together strongly.


In the UNBUILT WORK category

Unbuilt work was considered, as long as it was commissioned by a client as opposed to hypothetical work completed in the mode of research or academic training.

Citations

Agricultural Retreat (Churchville, Va.)

Image courtesy of ARCHITECTUREFIRM

Designers: Adam Ruffin, Danny MacNelly

Jury Comments: The jury found this project to be sensitive and emotive in ways not typically seen. One juror was impressed with the development of vernacular forms into a strong contemporary expression.

The Shockoe Project (Richmond, Va.)

Image courtesy of Baskervill.

Designer: Burt Pinnock, FAIA, NOMA

Jury Comments: The jury found it handsome, lyrical and restrained. One juror appreciated it moving beyond more common African prototypes in its expression. Another jury was happy to see architecture highlighting an important part of history.

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. We will also be celebrating our newly licensed architects, emeritus members, new fellows, award winners and honorees for 2024. Earn 2 AIA LU|Elective. The meeting will be held after the keynote address at Architecture Exchange East, Nov. 6 starting at noon at the Downtown Richmond Marriott.

Register for the annual meeting through the ArchEx registration site here>>

Agenda>>
Minutes from the 2023 Annual Membership Meeting>>
Bylaws update>>
Bylaws motion>>

The Board of Directors proposes the following slate for 2025:

For election:
President-Elect: Bill Hopkins, AIA (Coastal Virginia)
At-Large Director: Kendall Nicholson, Assoc AIA (Richmond)

For election, to serve the remainder of her predecessor’s term:
Treasurer: Amber Hall, AIA (Coastal Virginia)

For re-election, to a second term:
Secretary: Karen Conkey, AIA (Northern Virginia)

Additionally:
Meagan Jancy, AIA (Northern Virginia) elevates from 2024 President-Elect to 2025 President
Kelly Callahan, AIA (Central Virginia) progresses from 2024 President to 2025 Past President

Motion for Election of slate of officers>>

AIA Virginia members can attend the annual membership meeting for free. If you are not attending anything else at ArchEx, but would like to attend the annual meeting, email cguske@aiava.org

News from the YAF

As we transition from summer—hopefully with a few pool or beach days behind you—I hope you’re feeling refreshed and ready for an exciting fall. There are some fantastic opportunities on the horizon, especially for young architects and emerging professionals.

Erin Agdinaoay, AIA, NOMA

First, I highly recommend attending the 2024 ArchEx. Caitlin Morgan, Virginia’s STAR and the newly announced 2024 AIA Virginia Associates Award winner, and I are thrilled to be presenting and helping with the programming. We’re excited to connect with colleagues from across the industry and hope to see many of you there! The local YAF teams have been working hard to organize some great programming for students, emerging professionals, and young architects, so keep an eye out for a detailed guide soon.

On a national level, the Young Architects Forum (YAF) is exploring whether it’s time for a rebrand to better reflect the evolving identity of architects within their first 10 years of licensure. With more flexible paths to licensure available, the term “young” does not fully capture the diversity of this group, as licensure can occur at any age, especially as more-and-more barriers to licensure get removed. Over the past year, YAF has conducted research and surveys to explore a potential name change. In talking with other state Young Architect Representatives, many of us have noticed that while the YAF’s national role is focused on recently licensed architects, local engagement often blends with Emerging Professionals and Associates. This overlap can help boost engagement through density of shared interests, but it also raises the question: how do we maintain a focus on architects in their first 10 years of licensure at every level of the AIA? YAF is working closely with AIA National on this renaming effort, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to email me at erin@wparch.com.

In other exciting news, nominations are now open for the AIA National Young Architects Award! This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight someone you know who is doing exceptional work deserving of recognition at the national level. I’d love to see a Virginia architect win this year, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need assistance.  The nomination period is open until November 15, 2024. For inspiration, you can learn about some of this year’s winners here.

Lastly, if you’re not already following the YAF on social media, I highly recommend doing so. It’s an easy way to stay informed on the latest news, events, and resources.

Looking forward to seeing many of you soon!

Best,
Erin

Follow the YAF:

Stay up to date on the latest news:

PAC Competition Ends Soon

The AIA Virginia PAC is one of the sharpest tools in our advocacy toolkit. The AIA Virginia PAC Award celebrates the engagement and commitment of a local AIA component that supports the advancement and mission of the PAC. The winning component goes home with $1,000 cash for Architecture Week/Month and the award trophy at Architecture Exchange East in November. AIA Blue Ridge took home the cash and trophy for 2023.

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.

Current Leaderboard:
AIA Blue Ridge – 60 points
AIA Central Virginia – 60 points
AIA Coastal Virginia – 40 points
AIA Richmond – 10 points
AIA Northern Virginia – 0 points

Points are allocated as follows:

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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

Scoring will be closed on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

From the President’s Desk

Ah, September is here, and with it, the cool, crisp days of autumn have arrived! As we’ve mentioned, AIA Virginia leadership has been traveling around our Commonwealth, hosting Town Hall happy hours to enjoy some face time with each of the (5) local chapters. A few weeks ago, we hosted one in my home chapter of Central Virginia at Three Notch’d Brewing in Charlottesville. It was a beautiful and joyful evening with many attending including our emerging professional group which regularly gathers on the first Thursday of each month. Join us on October 3rd for the Northern Virginia Town Hall! We also hosted a warm reception for our local ELA alumni. This group continues to give back to their architectural community, (applications for the class of 2025 are now being accepted!). Our Allied Members at The Garland Company hosted a lunch for those actively leading and volunteering in AIA Central Virginia. It was a wonderful week reconnecting with friends, hearing about emerging programs, and meeting new members eager to step up!

Upon careful consideration of AIA national’s 2025 dues increase of 3.9%, and considering current economic expectations, the AIA Virginia board of directors voted unanimously to hold the state-level dues steady for 2025. As we continue to hone and improve the organization’s impact by elevating and expanding our membership, we are grateful to each of you.

On a more solemn note, we recognize with sadness the passing of Bob Boynton, FAIA, who was a dear friend and inspiration to many and who, for decades, served the AIA at all levels.

Looking forward to November, registration is now open for ArchEx 2024! It is with the greatest hope of seeing all of you there that I offer the following encouragement:

Top 5 reasons to attend Architecture Exchange East 2024

#5          Re-connect with friends

Let’s face it, we don’t keep in touch with people because, well, we’re just too busy. Take a few days to spend some down time with old friends, fellow alumni, and colleagues. And while you’re here, we promise that you’ll make a few new friends who share your path or your passions.

#4          Earn those pesky CEUs

This is a chance to earn all your 2024 CEUs in one glorious event! Choose between dozens of sessions to quench your curiosities, hone your technical knowledge, or glean a new process or product to take back to your work.

#3          Delve into immersive experiences

 Whether it’s a building tour, a community workshop, or an urban sketching excursion, you can engage in hands-on experiences around our capital city. CNN Travel just named RVA as the #1 town in America to visit in 2024! C’mon, what are you waiting for?

#2          Attend the Awards Gala. It’s free!

Yep, this year, a ticket to Thursday night’s Visions Awards Gala is included in your ArchEx 3-day ticket price. It promises to be an evening of fun, frolicking, and celebration, while we recognize and honor the people and projects that inspire us most.

#1          Be inspired by our keynote speakers

This year’s theme of “Adapt” will frame the content as we delve into what it means to adapt to changes in our practices, our profession, and our planet. And Jeffrey Mansfield of MASS Design will headline a keynote not to be missed.  

Have other reasons that you’re attending? Share your ‘Why’ on our Instagram feed!

Kelly D. Callahan, AIA
2024 President, AIA Virginia

Newly Licensed

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!

Caleb Snyder, 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

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

New Architect Members
Blake Massie, AIA (Northern Virginia)
Qingyang Yu, AIA (Northern Virginia)

New Associate Members
Thomas Asbery, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Schilona Gain Boco, Assoc. AIA (Coastal Virginia)
Elizabeth Criss, Assoc. AIA (Coastal Virginia)
Yousra Essaadi, Assoc. AIA (Blue Ridge)
Thomas Gelb, Assoc. AIA (Coastal Virginia)
Megan Hagberg, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Catie Mallon, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Anna Orlando, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Abbey Partika, Assoc. AIA (Central Virginia)
Ipsha Patel, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Despina Plakantonaki, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Elizabeth Reese, Assoc. AIA (Coastal Virginia)
Emily Scognamillo, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Kamar Shafeeha Shagul Hameed, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Deandra Smith, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Aliyah White, Assoc. AIA (Coastal Virginia)
Mohammad Saleem Zaheer, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Edul Gebre, Intl. Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)

Transferred In
Vladyslav Bobuskyi, Assoc. AIA (Central Virginia) from AIA Indiana
Bianca Briscoe, Assoc. AIA (Richmond) from AIA|DC
Daniel Cryer, AIA (Central Virginia) from AIA Pennsylvania
Ronald Davis, AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Florida
Jacob Johnson, AIA (Richmond) from AIA North Carolina
Musa Kanneh, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA New York State
Christopher Leppert, AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA|DC
Andi Pretlow, Assoc. AIA (Central Virginia) from AIA North Carolina

New/Renewed Allied Members
View all of the AIA Virginia Allied members

Architectural Designer/Technician | Dills Architects

We are searching for a creative and dedicated Architectural Designer with a commitment to sustainable and innovative design. Candidates who have experience designing renovations, additions, new construction projects, and federal projects are urged to apply. As an integral member of the team, you will be responsible for preparation of drawings and sketches using Revit and related BIM software. You will evaluate and resolve problems by applying appropriate solutions and will actively promote overall quality of the design and project deliverables.
Work is based in our Virginia Beach office.

Qualifications:

  • 3+ years of experience in architectural design
  • Technical school degree or equivalent experience
  • Experience with various project types (cultural, civic, k-12, commercial, federal)
  • Proficiency in Revit, SketchUp, AutoCAD
  • Rendering experience preferred
  • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Bluebeam Revu
  • Project management experience a plus

Responsibilities:

  • Create architectural models, drawings, and sketches
  • Develop conceptual models based on direction or sketches
  • Manage and incorporate design changes
  • Conduct field investigations
  • Adhere to project schedule, budget, and quality standards
  • Coordinate with related disciplines
  • Ensure quality and compliance with design standards

Incentives

  • Generous 6-week PTO package
  • Competitive compensation and salary package
  • Employer paid premium option for Health/Dental Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Growth Opportunities
  • Remote work flexibility

If interested, please email your resume to info@dillsarchitects.com with “Architectural Designer Position” in the subject line. We look forward to hearing from you!