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 will be presented at Architecture Exchange East in November.
And the winner for 2025 is … AIA Coastal Virginia. Congratulations!!!
Final Results: 90 points AIA Coastal Virginia 60 points AIA Central Virginia 20 points AIA Blue Ridge 20 points AIA Richmond 0 points AIA Northern Virginia
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.
As you know, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Virginia State Representative on the National Small Firm Exchange (SFx) for the past three years. It has been an honor and a truly rewarding experience, but it’s time to hand over the reins to another member who can benefit from this great opportunity.
The mission of the AIA Small Firm Exchange is to advance the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms. Its objectives are threefold:
Advocate for the value of small firms, the national SFx, and local SFx groups—both within the AIA and to the public.
Curate and share the most relevant resources and information from the AIA and beyond that benefit small firms.
Inform the AIA of current issues facing small firms and highlight areas where additional resources or information are needed.
Application Requirements AIA Membership – Applicant must be an AIA member in good standing within AIA Virginia (AIA Blue Ridge, AIA Central Virginia, AIA Coastal Virginia, AIA Northern Virginia, and AIA Richmond).
Letter of Interest – From Applicant. Indicate understanding of the position, qualifications/experience, and reasons for seeking appointment. Limit one page.
Letter of Recommendation – From an AIA member. Indicate the Nominee’s qualifications for the position. Limit one page.
Letter of Support – From Employer. A Principal (or Officer) within the candidate’s firm must commit to supporting the candidate in fulfilling the role’s obligations. Limit one page on company letterhead.
Resume – Indicate education, employment history, organizations, activities, honors, and awards. Limit two pages (It is NOT in the applicant’s best interest to simply submit a firm resume with project experience).
Timeline Prospective candidates should send their application materials to EVP Paul R Battaglia, AIA at pbattaglia@aiava.org no later than Wednesday, 12 November 2025. The Board of Directors will review candidates and make an appointment to a two-year term commencing 1 January 2026.
I’m happy to answer any questions if you are interested in serving. Thank you again for allowing me to represent small firm architects and serve as a bridge between our state and the national organization. It’s been a wonderful experience.
Autumn is beginning to make itself known. I enjoy the wistfulness of the season. And the appreciation of the harvest that results from past and continuing labor, which is made more poignant when shared collectively.
I look forward to us being together at Architecture Exchange East and Visions for Architecture – to fete and applaud our awardees and honorees, to share what we have learned and experienced, to be fortified by our collegiality, to recall what has been accomplished, and to gear up for what needs to be done.
Associates constitute almost twenty percent of AIA membership nationwide; twenty-three percent in Virginia. The National Associates Committee (the NAC) is the voice of Associate members. State/Territory Associate Representatives (StARs) serve on the NAC promoting excellence, providing information and leadership, fostering inclusiveness, representing and advocating for both mainstream and non-traditional associates, and encouraging professional development. Aidan Brown, Assoc. AIA has been appointed StAR by the AIA Virginia Board of Directors to succeed Caitlin Morgan, Assoc. AIA, who has been serving so well in that position. Gratitude to both of you. We sincerely appreciate your service.
How AIA Virginia Addresses Procurement Violations through Violation Letters
AIA Virginia plays a critical role in advocating for fair and lawful procurement practices across the Commonwealth. Among its most effective tools for addressing questionable or illegal language in Requests for Proposals (RFPs) is the procurement violation letter – a discreet yet impactful mechanism for safeguarding the rights of architectural professionals.
The Problem: Procurement Violations in RFPs
AIA Virginia is routinely alerted by vigilant members (thank you!) to RFPs that appear to violate the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA). These violations often involve:
Fee-based selection criteria for professional services – as opposed to Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS)
Indemnification or duty-to-defend clauses that place undue legal and financial burden on design professionals
Such language directly conflicts with Virginia law, which explicitly prohibits procurement of architectural and engineering services based on fee and renders indemnification/duty-to-defend requirements illegal and unenforceable.
Most violations stem from a misunderstanding of Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS). QBS mandates that professional services (like architecture) must not be procured based on fee. When fee becomes a factor, or when RFPs contain clauses requiring architects to indemnify or defend the client, AIA Virginia steps in.
Our Approach: Discreet, Effective Advocacy
When alerted to a problematic RFP, AIA Virginia prepares a procurement violation letter – sent without attribution to the reporting member. These letters are direct, legally grounded, and educational in tone. Their purpose is twofold:
To inform the issuing body that certain clauses in their RFP likely violate Virginia law
To encourage swift amendment or reissuance of the RFP in compliance with the VPPA
Results: Compliance
In many cases, a violation letter is enough to trigger a quick correction. This most often takes the form of a revised RFP or an addendum. However, compliance is not always immediate, especially when it involves duty-to-defend clauses, which are more contentious and less understood by some procurement officers.
From Advocacy to Law: Legislative Wins
Our advocacy doesn’t stop with letters. The power of AIA Virginia’s advocacy is evidenced by real change, including the successful passage of legislation strengthening the enforcement of QBS principles and eliminating indemnification requirements in professional service contracts.
Thanks to these efforts:
Indemnification and duty-to-defend clauses are not only improper, but they are in fact illegal and unenforceable under Virginia law.
Firms encountering such terms in RFPs or contracts can stand firm, knowing the law is on their side.
Guidance to Firms: What You Can Do
If you receive or review an RFP that contains questionable language:
Alert AIA Virginia immediately. Your report will remain confidential.
If selected for award, and a contract includes illegal indemnification language, strike those clauses during negotiation.
Be confident: the law supports your position, and AIA Virginia stands behind you.
Final Word: Advocacy Works and It’s Ongoing
While violation letters may seem simple, they represent a powerful form of professional advocacy – one that protects firms, elevates the profession, and ensures public procurement adheres to the law. Thanks to AIA Virginia’s continued efforts, members can rest assured that their rights are being defended – one letter at a time.
Voting is one of the most powerful ways to make your voice heard and help shape the future of your community, your state, and your profession. Citizen-Architects vote. And every vote contributes to decisions that impact us all. If you’re eligible, take a few minutes to check your registration, learn about the issues, and make a plan to vote. Whether early, by mail, or on Election Day — your participation matters.
Key Dates for the 4 NOV 2025 Elections in Virginia
Friday, Oct. 24: Last day to register to vote (or update your registration)
Friday, Oct. 24: Deadline to request voting by mail
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 architect!
Henry Mahns, AIA (Northern Virginia)
Have you recently passed the ARE? Change your membership to Architect at me.aia.org
Are you ready to get licensed? AIA Virginia has discounted 60-day Amber Book subscriptions. Read more about it here>>
Support our Associate members on their path to licensure with your support of the discounted Amber Book subscription. Donate to the AIA Virginia Foundation
Have questions about licensure? Contact AIA Virginia’s State Licensing Advisor, Gina Robinson, AIA, at gina.robinson@hdrinc.com
Transfers into AIA Virginia Ashley Paytas, Assoc. AIA (Richmond) from AIA Florida Kimberly Wojcik, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Washington DC
New/Renewed Allied Members Donnie Yancey, Technical Sales Rep II, Dryvit Temco CPG Inc.
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.
