Sponsors – 1 ticket available
New Fellows – 1 ticket + guest available
2025 Fellows Fête
Saturday 29 March 2025
6 p.m.
BLACK TIE
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation Brock Environmental Center, Virginia Beach
Tickets $150/person
FÊTE 2025 – SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 2025
12:00 pm LUNCH/GATHERING @ King Neptune Statue at 31st Street Hilton on the boardwalk.
Those who desire can grab lunch at one of the oceanfront cafes and / or walk along the Boardwalk. Weather pending, we can eat outside. Please indicate your RSVP on the signup form so that we can keep up with who might be joining us.
2:00 pm Atlantic Park Construction Tour
One of few surf parks in the world, Phase 1 is scheduled to open this summer so this will be a near completion construction tour. Alec Yuzhbabenko, AIA, David Keith, FAIA & WM Jordan will provide an overview and a tour. (An interesting fun fact is Alec’s thesis (VT) was a surf park on this site)
6:00 pm Dinner – Brock Environmental Center (Cocktails, Group Photos, Dinner) A member of the Brock Center Team will provide an overview of the Center.
SUNDAY, MARCH 30, 2025
8:15 am Optional Brunch at the Cavalier, self-pay with individual checks.
Becca’s restaurant in the Cavalier.
Please indicate your RSVP on the signup form so we can reserve enough seats.
9:30 am +/- Cavalier Hotel Tour
Restoration completed in 2017 and officially opened in 2018.
Greg Rutledge, FAIA, preservation and renovation Architect will provide the tour along w WM Jordan.
(We will gather at 9:30am, so those coming for breakfast should arrive no later than 9:30am).
2025 General Assembly Bills: Monitoring
AIA Virginia is watching bills placed in this category. Often, we are watching bills because they are of interest and we want to remain informed. When this is the case, it is often another organization taking the lead due to its specific expertise and political relationships. If amendments are introduced that make a bill in this category detrimental to our profession, then it is moved to the SUPPORT or OPPOSE list and we engage. There are some bills that AIA Virginia does not take a position on. An example of this would be bills that define “small business”. Because of the composition of our membership, we would not want to take action that would hurt any of our members.
If you have any questions, please contact Paul Battaglia, AIA at pbattaglia@aiava.org
HB 1561 – Classification of land and improvements for tax purposes; localities.
Status: Failed
HB 1570 – Virginia Public Procurement Act; project labor agreements.
Status: Failed
HB 1579 – License taxes; local gas road improvement and Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority tax; sunset.
Status: In Committee
HB 1580 – Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Fund; Tobacco Region Revolving Fund; eligible localities; Planning District 4.
Status: Failed
HB 1616 – Offshore Wind Industry Workforce Program and Fund; established, report, sunset.
Status: Passed House
HB 1658 – Board of Housing and Community Development; USBC; stakeholder group to evaluate temperature regulation.
Status: Failed
HB 1708 – Access to Housing Task Force; report.
Status: Failed
HB 1743 – License taxes; deduction for out-of-state receipts, effective date, report.
Status: In Committee
HB 1755 – Sales and use tax on services and digital personal property.
Status: Failed
HB 1789 – Procurement; cancellation of bids.
Status: Failed
HB 1822 – Electric utilities; construction of certain electrical transmission lines, advanced conductors.
Status: In Committee
HB 1835 – Geologists; regulation, licensure, penalty.
Status: In Committee
HB 1866 – Corporate income tax; sourcing of sales other than sales of tangible personal property.
Status: Failed
Notes
2025 monitor: would affect various member firms variously; “market-based sourcing” = the destination of the service revenue, rather than where the revenue was earned, is the relevant location, as regards taxation
HB 1963 – Virginia Military Community Infrastructure Grant Program; guidance and criteria for awarding grants.
Status: Passed House
HB 2000 – Dam Safety Act; powers and duties of DCR, rights and requirements of dam owners, civil penalty.
Status: Passed House
Notes
2025 monitor: providing multiple technical amendments to improve bill
HB 2024 – Virginia Public Procurement Act; environmental protection and product safety standards.
Status: Passed House
Notes
2025 monitor: generally support approach; intended to apply to specific issue/manufacturer
HB 2046 – High-risk artificial intelligence; development, deployment, and use by public bodies, report.
Status: In Committee
Notes
2025 monitor: need to exclude design services? private consultants incorporated into public body through contract
HB 2050 – Occoquan Reservoir PFAS Reduction Program; established.
Status: In Committee
HB 2059 – Virginia’s Great Outdoors Act; land preservation distributions and appropriations.
Status: Failed
HB 2094 – High-risk artificial intelligence; development, deployment, and use, civil penalties.
Status: In Committee
Notes
2025 monitor: need to exclude design services?
HB 2150 – Virginia Public Procurement Act; contract terms inconsistent with Virginia law.
Status: In Committee
Notes
2025 monitor: does not apply to pro services as written, but establishes good/useful precedent
HB 2212 – Stormwater management regulations; localities outside Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Status: Failed
HB 2331 – Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas; acceptance of signed & sealed plan in lieu of local plan review.
Status: Failed
Notes
2025 monitor: opposed by others; asking for substitute language as geologists and soil scientists are not trained, educated, and tested to prepare site plans; might allow bypass of municipal review, which is a basic requirement for minimum CBPA code compliance; await substitute offered to allay concerns
HB 2426 – Small renewable energy projects; amends definition, permit by rule.
Status: In Committee
HB 2503 – Virginia coordinate systems; federal updates.
Status: Passed House
Notes
2025 monitor: providing clarifications to improve bill
HB 2533 – Counties, cities, and towns; comprehensive plan may include use of accessory dwelling units.
Status: In Committee
HB 2537 – Energy storage requirements; Department of Energy, et al., to develop model ordinances, reports.
Status: In Committee
Notes
2025 monitor: patrick can have PEs (EE and FPE) included in workgroup
HB 2570 – Uniform Statewide Building Code; installation of natural gas leak detectors in residential building.
Status: Failed
HB 2572 – Direct experience recruitment policy; DHRM to develop a statewide policy.
Status: Incorporated
HB 2588 – Virginia Public Procurement Act; discrimination prohibited, military spouse-owned businesses.
Status: Failed
HB 2641 – Statewide housing targets; requires localities to increase their total housing stock.
Status: In Committee
HB 2676 – Electric utilities; renewable energy definition and facilities.
Status: Failed
HB 2682 – Building permit and certificate of occupancy processes; work group to identify certain changes.
Status: Failed
HB 2693 – Electric utilities; regulation, development of renewable energy facilities.
Status: Failed
HB 2711 – Water & wastewater utilities; eligible infrastructure replacement and enhancement.
Status: Passed House
HB 2741 – Va. Public Procurement Act; local public bodies to issue an invitation to bid for small purchases.
Status: Failed
Notes
2025 monitor: pro services; lines 67ff, 73ff
HB 2781 – Affordable housing; counties with executive form of government.
Status: Passed House
SB 757 – Trespass with an unmanned aircraft system; contracted defense facility, penalty.
Status: In House
SB 769 – Consumer Data Protection Act; controller privacy notice; cookies; consumer consent.
Status: Failed
SB 788 – Workers’ compensation; injuries caused by repetitive and sustained physical stressors.
Status: Failed
SB 803 – Workers’ compensation; injuries caused by repetitive and sustained physical stressors.
Status: Incorporated
SB 826 – Predetermination for licensing eligibility; prior convictions.
Status: In Committee
SB 839 – Zoning; by-right multifamily development in areas zoned for commercial use.
Status: Failed
SB 857 – Dam Safety Act; powers and duties of DCR, rights and requirements of dam owners, etc.
Status: In Committee
Notes
2025 monitor: providing multiple technical amendments to improve bill
SB 962 – Virginia Public Procurement Act; competitive sealed bidding.
Status: In Committee
Notes
2025 monitor: ensure bill continues to apply to construction/sealed build projects, and excludes professional services
SB 1173 – Virginia coordinate systems; updates several references in Code.
Status: In Committee
Notes
2025 monitor: providing clarifications to improve bill
SB 1180 – Workforce Development and Advancement, Department of; powers and duties.
Status: Failed
SB 1214 – High-risk artificial intelligence; development, deployment, and use by public bodies, report.
Status: Passed Senate
SB 1218 – Labor and employment; covenants not to compete prohibited, low-wage employees, exceptions, civil pen
Status: In Subcommittee
SB 1299 – Workers’ compensation; compensation to dependents or beneficiaries of an employee killed.
Status: In Committee
SB 1342 – Low income households; Dept. of Energy to identify barriers to reducing energy-related costs.
Status: In Committee
SB 1434 – Solar photovoltaic project; decisions of localities, regional energy plans.
Status: Incorporated
SB 1456 – Income tax, corporate; sourcing of sales other than sales of tangible personal property.
Status: Failed
Notes
2025 monitor: would affect various member firms variously; “market-based sourcing” = the destination of the service revenue, rather than where the revenue was earned, is the relevant location, as regards taxation
SB 1477 – Disaster Assistance Fund; established.
Status: Failed
SB 1491 – School crossing zones; institutions of higher education.
Status: Passed Senate
SJ 260 – Transportation infrastructure; JLARC to study Department of Transportation’s policies and funding.
Status: Failed
Counts: HB: 37 HJ: 0 SB: 18 SJ: 1
AIA Virginia Newsletter: January 2025
Launching into 2025
As we step into 2025, I am filled with hope and enthusiasm for the year ahead. Architects and designers, by our very nature, are optimists. Every project we undertake embodies the belief that we can create something better, more meaningful, and more enduring.
More>>
Art of Practice Registration Now Open
The biennial Art of Practice conference will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Tower Club Tysons Corner. Get your ticket(s) now!
More>>
The Political Outlook in Virginia and DC
This week the 2025 Virginia General Assembly began in earnest, having been delayed, as many of you know all too well, by the issues with the water supply in and around Richmond.
More>>
2024 By the Numbers
Take a look at what we accomplished together in 2024.
More>>
It’s Time to Renew Your Membership
Your 2025 dues payments are due today. You can quickly and easily confirm your renewal, renew online or via phone by (800) 242-3837 (select option 2). And remember, you can always take this task off your plate for the future by setting up an annual auto-renewal.
AIA Virginia Prize
The 2025 competition takes place over the January 31 weekend. Faculty at Virginia Tech WAAC are finalizing the brief for the students of UVA, Virginia Tech, WAAC, Hampton, JMU, and William & Mary.
More>>
Emerging Leaders in Architecture
The 2025 class of Emerging Leaders in Architecture launched their year of leadership development sessions last week. Meet these exceptional young leaders.
More>>
ELA Scholarship Awarded
The R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA Scholarship has been awarded to a member of the 2025 class of Emerging Leaders in Architecture.
More>>
Newly Licensed
Congratulations to the following members for passing their exams and gaining licensure.
More>>
Welcome These New Members
We are always excited to welcome new members to Virginia. The following members recently joined AIA Virginia.
More>>
Amber Book
Ready to get licensed? AIA Virginia offers Associate AIA members a discounted 60-day Amber Book subscription.
More>>
Meet the 2025 Board of Directors
Led by President, Meagan Jancy, AIA, these volunteers are ready to accomplish many goals for 2025.
More>>
2025 AIA National Photography Competition
The AIA National Photography Competition is open to AIA Members, Registered Architects, and Architecture Students of Accredited Universities and the top photographs will receive CASH PRIZES. All recognized photographs of the competition will be promoted by our media sponsor Architecture Record Magazine and will also be displayed at the Architecture Record booth at the upcoming AIA25 Conference on Architecture & Design in Washington, D.C. More information and entry details can be found on the AIA St. Louis website using the following link – https://www.aia-stlouis.org/page/PhotoCompetition
Dues Installment Option
The Dues Installment Program from AIA is no longer available. However, as an alternative, AIA is offering an offline solution in the interim for members who wish to pay their 2025 dues in installments. This flexible option allows members to divide their payment into two equal installments of 50%, with no service fee. Members interested in this option can contact the Member Support Center at (800) 242-3837, option 2, or membersupport@aia.org.
PAC opt-out
If you would like to opt-out of contributing to the AIA Virginia PAC with your 2025 dues payment, click here>>
Upcoming Educational Opportunities:
www.aiava.org/events
Launching into 2025
As we step into 2025, I am filled with hope and enthusiasm for the year ahead. Architects and designers, by our very nature, are optimists. Every project we undertake embodies the belief that we can create something better, more meaningful, and more enduring. This year, that optimism feels particularly resonant as we embrace our role shaping narratives not just through our designs but also through the way we engage with our communities, our profession, and the world around us.
This is an ideal moment to amplify our voices and share the stories behind our work—stories of collaboration, resilience, innovation, and impact.
As I begin my term as President of AIA Virginia, I am deeply grateful for the visionary leadership of those who paved the way. I extend my heartfelt thanks to President Callahan for her incredible leadership, dedication, mentorship, and friendship. Thanks to her efforts and those of past boards, AIA Virginia is financially strong and well-positioned to serve our members through purposeful advocacy, meaningful programming, and expanded opportunities for connection and recognition. Building on this solid foundation, our 2025 Board of Directors has the privilege of focusing on initiatives that advance our profession and strengthen our communities.
Central to our work this year is the celebration and empowerment of the next generation of leaders. I am humbled to be a part of and surrounded by a community of capable, engaged, talented, and collaborative architects who bring fresh perspectives and dedication to our profession. I’m continually amazed by the abundance of talent, weaving narratives of equity, sustainability, and innovation into their projects. Through programs like the Mid-Career Professionals, we look forward to having the opportunity to strengthen and support leaders across Virginia, inspiring them to shape the future of architecture.
Virginia architects have long been leaders in the profession, setting benchmarks for exemplary design and innovative thinking. We have a unique opportunity to lead by example, equipping firms across the Commonwealth with the tools and resources to implement sustainable practices and illuminate the path to a carbon-neutral future. This work is more than a technical achievement; it is a narrative of responsibility and stewardship, one that has the power to inspire change far beyond our state’s borders.
As we embark on this journey together in 2025, I invite you to share your insights, ideas, and aspirations. Your voice is an essential part of our collective story, and together we can craft a narrative that reflects the transformative power of architecture.
It is an honor to serve as your President. Here’s to a you, our members, and a year of furthering the power of architecture, collaboration, and progress.
Meagan W Jancy, AIA, LEED AP bd+c
President
AIA Virginia
The Political Outlook in Virginia and DC
This week the 2025 Virginia General Assembly began in earnest, having been delayed, as many of you know all too well, by the issues with the water supply in and around Richmond. The delay impacted the filing and posting of bills, which have been slow to emerge. The Joint Legislative Committee (the JLC) has commenced with its review of those (relatively few) bills. We will issue our first Legislative Update at the end of this week, which is expected to be fairly busy.
There are a few advocacy items to share in the meantime.
First, let’s acknowledge and thank the members of the JLC. AIA Virginia’s interests are represented admirably by Rebecca Aarons-Sydnor, Assoc. AIA, Edward Gillikin, AIA, Lauren Sughrue, Assoc. AIA, Stephen Weisensale, AIA, and myself. We are joined by members of ACEC-VA, our common ally Joseph Cooch of Lee/Shoemaker PLLC, and of course, our beloved lobbyist Patrick Cushing, Hon. AIA Virginia of Fall Line Strategies. Each year we review several hundred bills to determine if we need to take a position, and if we do, what that position should be. We may reach out if we need additional counsel or subject matter expertise. And you should please proactively offer assistance when you feel you can.
Second, I can offer the observation that the political landscape in Virginia is fairly settled. Save a few special elections, the composition and the hierarchy of the General Assembly has not changed in the last year. The players are familiar and, with special thanks to our PAC, we have invested some quality time between sessions cultivating our relationships with legislators, the administration, and other stakeholders.
Third, we are running bills this year which directs DPOR to develop a program that will allow an applicant for architectural licensure to meet the educational requirement through professional experience under the direct supervision of a licensed architect. Importantly, the existing conventional pathway to initial architectural registration (which allows an applicant to meet the educational requirement through a NAAB-accredited architectural degree), and the process for those seeking comity/reciprocity will remain unchanged. And all candidates will still be required to complete the AXP and pass the ARE, ensuring that only qualified applicants are licensed and that the paramount interests in health, safety, and welfare remain protected. But providing the additional lane to meet the education requirement will provide several benefits:
- Candidates will be offered an alternative to the costs and limitations of higher education
- Candidates will hold paid positions (rather than incurring the expense/debt of higher education)
- Contributions to the workforce and economic growth will be expedited
- Additional modes of acquiring expertise and knowledge will be accommodated
The bill further provides for a retroactive enactment period during which candidates (particularly those who might have benefitted from such a program, had it existed) can submit the experiences they accrued in past years for consideration.
All of this is ordered towards not only increasing the number of qualified architects but also increasing the diversity of those architects, by affording an additional pathway to those who may be denied, discouraged, or otherwise inhibited by the difficulties they encounter along the course currently required.
It should be noted that no less than 17 of the 55 U.S. jurisdictions allow multiple pathways to become an architect, typically by substituting additional experience in lieu of a professional degree. As some of you may remember, Virginia allowed that for decades until decades ago – and may yet again when our efforts are successful.
On the federal level, we are beginning to prepare for AIA Leadership Summit and our annual Hill Day (Wed 26 Feb 2025). While we await topics and talking points from AIA (National), I will remind that we are always anxious to incorporate items that emerge from our members – the architects and firms right here in Virginia. (To wit, repealing the required amortization of tax credits.)
In the interest of ensuring that we are aware and attentive to the issues that concern you – at either the state or the federal level – I ask that you please contact me to express those interests.
And while we’re reviewing standing invitations, please know that you are very welcome to meet me for a day at the Virginia General Assembly. I am there representing our interests most days; usually until sometime after crossover (which is expected Tues 4 Feb 2025). It would be my honor to show you around. We could take in some (sub)committee meetings, perhaps offer testimony or voice opposition or support, perch in the galleries to survey the majesty of it all, and confer with legislators and/or other stakeholders/lobbyists. Just drop me a line, and we can get that coordinated.
Paul Battaglia, AIA
pbattaglia@aiava.org
Newly Licensed
We 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. This is great news that thrills all of us and we are so proud to call you an architect!
Hermeet K. Kathuria, AIA (Northern Virginia)
Danielle R. Granger, AIA (Central Virginia)
Juan A. Espinoza Onofre, AIA (Northern Virginia)
Nicholas Campbell, AIA (Richmond)
Veronica Guzman, 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>>
Support our Associate members on their path to licensure with your support of this discounted 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
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
Judy Cole, AIA (Northern Virginia)
Gabriela Mesa, AIA (Richmond)
Kevin M Neese, AIA (Central Virginia)
New Associate Members
Talia R. Moore, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Thae Thae Su San, Assoc. AIA (Central Virginia)
Genalize Satterwhite, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Allison Ta, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Transfers into AIA Virginia
William T. Ardolino, AIA (Richmond) from AIA Vermont
Christopher Bovee de Soto, Assoc. AIA (Richmond) from AIA New York
Nelson Edwin Cates, AIA (Richmond) from AIA Washington DC
Tamara L. Hopkins, AIA (Coastal Virginia) from AIA Maryland
Arushi Mathur, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Washington
Shelly O. Schmidt, AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA New Mexico
Abigail Tanner, AIA (Central Virginia) from AIA South Carolina
Kalkidan Zerfu, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Connecticut
New/Renewed Allied Members
Brian Stanley, Principal, Dunbar
Jessica Witherow, Sales, Ames & Gough
View all of the AIA Virginia Allied members
2024 By the Numbers
Thanks to our volunteer leaders and collaborators, here’s what we accomplished in 2024.
2,582 members of AIA Virginia (2.3% increase over 2023)
98 new architecture graduates joined for free
26 associates became licensed architects
204 attendees at the Virginia Design Forum XVI (30 year anniversary!)
391 attendees at our annual convention (Architecture Exchange East)
86 professional development courses offered to our members
3,707 AIA LUs credited to our members
6 firm-size and career-stage roundtables met twice
5 member townhalls – one in each local chapter area of the Commonwealth
15+ visits with legislators on Capitol Hill
8 members appointed by the governor to serve on boards and committees
Met with ALL of the Virginia delegates and senators at caucuses
6 individuals or firms honored with AIA Virginia Honors
19 firms honored with Awards for Excellence in Architecture (Design Awards)
5 programs of architecture included in the AIA Virginia Student Prize competition (now open to non NAAB-accredited programs)
4 members elevated to Fellowship
25 Associate members supported on the path to licensure with discounted Amber Book subscriptions
15 members and students participated in the 15th annual Emerging Leaders in Architecture leadership development program
1 foundation launched (AIA Virginia Foundation) to serve our members and industry
Want to get involved in the work of AIA Virginia? email us at info@aiava.org
2025 Board of Directors
Here is your 2025 Board of Directors for AIA Virginia
President
Meagan Jancy, AIA
First Vice President/ President-Elect
Bill Hopkins, AIA
Secretary
Karen Conkey, AIA
Treasurer
Amber Hall, AIA
Immediate Past President
Kelly Callahan, AIA
Executive Vice President
Paul Battaglia, AIA
Directors
Nicholas Wade, AIA
Shawn Mulligan, AIA
Jonathan Hiser, AIA
Sonia Jarboe, AIA
TJ Meehan, AIA
Derek McCalla, AIA
Phoebe A. Crisman, AIA Ex-officio University of Virginia
Robert Dunay, FAIA Ex-Officio Virginia Tech
Daya Irene Taylor, Ph.D., AIA, NOMA Ex-Officio Hampton University
Associate Director
Ashleigh Walker, Associate AIA
At-Large Director
Kendall A. Nicholson, Ed. D., Assoc. AIA