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!
Dills Architects is searching for a creative and dedicated Project Architect with a commitment to sustainable and innovative design. We are looking for senior-level candidates who are licensed and have the motivation to learn and take on a variety of projects. Candidates who have experience designing renovations, additions, new construction projects, and federal projects are urged to apply.
Work is based in our Virginia Beach office.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in architecture
5+ years of experience in architectural practice
Registered Architect
Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, SketchUp, MS Office
Strong understanding of building codes, standards, construction, and structures
Experience in Construction Administration
Federal and/or municipal project experience preferred
LEED Accredited Professional a plus
Project management and cost estimating skills
Experience writing specifications
Responsibilities:
Lead architectural projects from concept to completion
Collaborate with team members and clients
Ensure project adherence to budget, schedule, and quality standards
Provide construction administration services
Foster sustainability and equity in design
Incentives
Competitive compensation and salary package
Employer paid premium option for Health/Dental Insurance
401(k) Plan
Growth Opportunities
Remote work flexibility
Generous 6-week PTO package
If interested, please email your resume to info@dillsarchitects.com with “Project Architect Position” in the subject line. We look forward to hearing from you!
Donna thrives at giving the ordinary – extra attention to obtain extraordinary results. This has been a career-long journey, executed one day at a time, in the art of growing a meaningful and productive creative practice. Her clients are exceptional people, and the exchange of ideas and knowledge with them affords her the audience and fellowship she enjoys today. As VIA’s founding principal she has learned that creativity is not a talent but rather is a way of operating. This is her art and the genesis of her design energies.
Donna Phaneuf, FAIA
She guides the firm’s strategic planning efforts and has transitioned VIA design into a firm in which clients seek out. Her work portfolio, inclusive of many building types, includes those within the ecology of urban redevelopment, the exploration of twenty-first-century research and learning environments, and the complexity of waterfront floodplain sites. Her passion for these 3 forward-thinking focuses has positioned VIA as a leading firm in the industry. To this note, VIA defines resilience differently than most, as their inspirations and motivations are focused on the future and “next time” with the notion of doing it better to last longer.
Donna is a known leader within her community and the architectural profession and she is recognized as such with an AIA Fellowship. Her commitments and influences are evident in the many positions held as Chair of multiple civic boards, arts boards, AIA committees, and City Council-appointed boards. She drives a positive firm culture and the vision for the firm’s future-forward as a business model. She is often called to make inspirational presentations on firm ownership and speak at industry conferences to demystify the value of the design profession. Her passion and relentless pursuit of design excellence continues to lead to AIA jury invitations for the work of students, design professionals, and civic design awards programs. “I’ve always enjoyed the endless pursuit of doing what you love and the resilience it brings as leadership is not about having great ideas; it is about ensuring light is brought to the best ideas and they are allowed to emerge.”
Where did you go to architecture school? Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bachelor of Architecture, 1983.
What do you think it takes to be an architect? Behavioral Practices:
A constant keen awareness of your surroundings and an aptitude for patience with the notion of making the built environment different
A creative, flexible mind willing to take risks
The ability to tease out the unspoken intentions of key objectives
Intuition
Grit and “stick-to-it-ness”
Humility
Humor
Compassion
Good Energy
A laser-sharp future focus
Is there an architect that particularly inspires you? Alvar Aalto. His work is masterful with form, light, and finish. Studying his work while in school hugely inspired my early career and I still find that influence emerging in various projects today.
What are you currently reading? I am continually in the middle of several writings that help me organize my current thought trends and stimulate future ones: A Clearing in the the Distance, by Witold Rybczynski, illuminates Frederick Law Olmstead’s role as a major cultural figure at the epicenter of nineteenth-century American history. I have been an outdoor sportsman: fishing, hunting, hiking, and observer of the patterns and beauty of nature on any given day or in any weather condition. These landscapes, through seasonal change, fascinate me; so does the life story of Olmstead. His story and influences are powerful in that he was a landscape architect before the profession was established. Moon Magic, by Diane Ahlquist: Clearly, the Moon is much more than something interesting to look at in the sky! It is powerful and impactful, mystical, and an influence to pay very close attention. Comfortable with Uncertainty, by Pema Chödrön: 108 teachings on cultivating fearlessness and compassion.
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had? There is continually one more “best ever” occurrence. Frankly, I have lost track! My husband and I love to cook, experiment in the kitchen, and test-drive new recipes on our family and friends. Our outdoor-adventuring lifestyle procures all the game and seafood that lands on our table without exception or waste. To this notion, managing our 3 freezers provide a diverse array of fowl, seafood, and large game. Our feathered friends are duck, brandt, geese, doves, quail, pheasant, and rails. Our antlered friends are white-tail and mule deer, elk, antelope, caribou and moose. We have even ventured with musk ox and grizzly from the more extreme hunts. The fin and shellfish catches are eaten mostly fresh to avoid too much locker time of which may include, striper, trout, tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, blue crab, and clams. With all this, I do believe our local dish called “Crab Norfolk” trumps all! Our home has thus been nicknamed “Hook Hoof & Claw” and our table guests are always on standby.
Why do you volunteer with AIA? I returned home from my first architectural work experience at Bürgin & Nissen in Basel, Switzerland in 1984. At that time, I did not have any local architectural friends or established pathways to connect with other architects. A TGIF event introduced me to the AIA, and this was the beginning of my new network. Through this connection, my eyes were opened to the greater possibilities within our profession, leadership opportunities, meaningful social exposures and influences, and the concept of building my tribe of mentors. I was on my way because of the AIA. I appreciate and I am grateful for the constant voice which protects and upholds the importance of our role in our communities and in volatile political arenas. Double standards are not welcome and all are encouraged to continually raise the bar in professional performance and service. The separation between professional and private life is basically a blur when you are an architect and the AIA grooms and promotes model citizen behavior to help you calmly align this journey. Their Code of Ethics has been a guiding light in my career and I have always received more than I have given by adhering to this Canon. Thank you AIA!
Robert A. (Bob) Boynton, FAIA passed away unexpectedly over the weekend.
At AIA Virginia our hearts are sad – but also grateful.
Bob was an exceptionally active and impactful member of the AIA. If there was a position on any council or committee – at either the state or the local level – Bob had likely held it.
Bob was a Fellow, a recipient of the William C. Noland Medal (AIA Virginia’s highest honor). Bob served as President of AIA Virginia and also as the national President of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Bob served on and presided over the APELSCIDLA Board; and was continuing that service as a special advisor.
A graduate of Virginia Tech, Bob was a proud hokie. Over his career, Bob collaborated in a number of firms before becoming a founding partner of Boynton, Rothschild, Rowland Architects PC.
I know many of you knew Bob well, you have my sincere condolences. For those who did not, I know you have encountered the manifold benefits of his dedicated service, as have we all.
We send our deepest sympathies to his wife Helen and daughter Jennifer. And we offer profound gratitude and respect for Bob and all of his accomplishments.
Join us for the 37th Architecture Exchange East (ArchEx) annual conference where we delve into the transformative theme of “Adapt” in architecture. As society evolves, so must our approach to design, sustainability, and the integration of diverse perspectives. The ability of architects and architecture to adapt and innovate is more crucial than ever and this year’s conference promises valuable insights, networking opportunities, and collaborative discussions to improve the quality of the built environment.
AIA Virginia’s annual Architecture Exchange East will take place at the Richmond Marriott in Richmond, VA this November 6-8, 2024!
Online registration is now closed. Register onsite starting November 6, 2024.
Honorary Membership is bestowed upon a person of esteemed character who is not eligible for membership in the AIA Virginia but who has rendered distinguished and exemplary service, over a sustained period of time, to architecture and the built environment in Virginia. Stewart Roberson will be recognized by AIA Virginia with Honorary Membership for his sustained commitment and tireless work on behalf of the Commonwealth’s architects.
Stewart Roberson has significantly impacted the architecture profession through his transformative leadership at Moseley Architects, where he served as President, CEO, and Chair of the Board. Under his stewardship from 2011 to 2023, the firm experienced remarkable growth, with annual gross revenue increasing by 153% and its geographical footprint expanding from Virginia and North Carolina to a broader mid-Atlantic presence. His strategic vision led to the firm’s expansion into senior living and multifamily housing projects, a notable rise in the firm’s service portfolio, and the establishment of a robust design excellence culture. Roberson’s initiatives, including the “One Firm” approach and the Moseley2025 strategic plan, revitalized the firm’s operations and culture, emphasizing team engagement and design quality.
In addition to his leadership at Moseley Architects, Roberson’s contributions extend to significant professional and community engagement. His roles in various civic and educational boards, including the Virginia Board of Education and the Virginia Commission on School Construction and Modernization, underscore his commitment to advancing educational and architectural standards. His efforts in founding the Academy to Envision Tomorrow’s Schools highlight his dedication to integrating educational insights into architectural design. Roberson’s extensive involvement in professional organizations and his advocacy for emerging leaders in architecture further exemplify his enduring influence and dedication to the field.
For his service to the profession, Stewart Roberson will be honored with Honorary Membership at the Visions for Architecture event on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at the Richmond Downtown Marriott.
The Virginia Emerging Architect Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers, whether through design, service, education, or advancement of social justice, equity, diversity, or inclusion. For 2024, Krystal Anderson, AIA, and Sheena Mayfield, AIA, will receive the award.
Krystal Anderson is a senior architect in Gresham Smith’s Richmond Aviation studio. She has 13 years of experience with project types ranging from historic rehabilitation and multi-family housing to aviation.
Krystal has been heavily involved in the AIA at both the state and local levels. Over the years, she served on both AIA Virginia’s board and AIA Richmond’s board. Through her time serving within AIA, she has contributed to the profession and community in multiple ways and capacities. She has been instrumental in many programs and initiatives that have elevated the AIA membership experience and have had a positive impact on the community.
Within the office, Krystal has focused on mentoring the next generation, cultivating office culture, and advancing the profession and design through the projects she works on. Through her volunteering and engagement outside of the office, she can build on those experiences and enhance her leadership within the firm.
Sheena Mayfield, AIA, NCARB, stands as a leading figure in architectural innovation and community-focused design, celebrated for her transformative work in affordable housing. Her project, The Planet Apartments, not only garnered acclaim with the Golden Hammer Award from Historic Richmond and Storefront for Community Design but also set a precedent as the sole affordable housing project in the award nominations. Her recent elevation to Associate at Baskervill reflects her outstanding contributions and visionary approach, which seamlessly blend thoughtful design with a deep understanding of community needs. Sheena’s ability to create spaces that resonate on both personal and collective levels underscores her significant impact on the field.
Beyond her design achievements, Sheena is profoundly committed to education and community service. Her leadership in initiatives like Baskervill Ask[U], which introduces high school students to STEAM careers, and her role as an Adjunct Faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University, demonstrate her dedication to nurturing the next generation of architects. Her volunteer work with organizations such as Art180 and Storefront for Community Design further exemplifies her commitment to inclusivity and social justice. Through her diverse contributions, Sheena Mayfield has not only advanced architectural practice but has also empowered marginalized voices and inspired future leaders, cementing her legacy as a transformative force in both her profession and community.
For their contributions to the profession, Krystal Anderson and Sheena Mayfield will be recognized with the Emerging Architect Award at the Visions for Architecture event on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at the Richmond Downtown Marriott.
The Virginia Associates Award recognizes the accomplishments of individual Associate AIA members for being outstanding leaders and creative thinkers for significant contributions to their communities and the architecture profession. For 2024, this award is given to Caitlin Morgan, Associate AIA.
Caitlin Morgan, Assoc. AIA, CSI-EP, began her career at the height of the 2020 global pandemic and has since found her passion for advocating for emerging professionals across architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). Her roles at the local, state, and national levels for professional organizations exemplify her desire to work with industry leaders to ensure that future architecture professionals receive the education and mentorship they require for a successful career serving their communities. Caitlin experienced hardships in architecture upon graduating from college in 2020 when all professional networking and development opportunities were placed on indefinite holds. Not wanting to delay her goal of becoming a licensed architect, she set her sights on creating virtual networking opportunities through her local CSI and AIA chapters where she formed connections that would shape the future of her career.
Throughout the pandemic, Caitlin continued to pursue professional development and networking opportunities, culminating in a position on the AIA Virginia Board of Directors as the 2021-2023 Associate Director. Her experience in this role reminded her of how diverse the Associate membership is within the AIA, consisting of experience levels ranging from recent graduates to seasoned design professionals. Through this lens, she has tailored her passion for emerging professional advocacy to include a wider network of AEC professionals and, in 2021, co-founded Emerge AEC, a virtual networking platform with a mission to improve communication between emerging professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction by building community, supporting career growth, and elevating AEC as a whole.
Since co-founding Emerge AEC as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Caitlin has forged strong relationships with professionals across the country despite global conditions that risked setting her back in her professional development. Caitlin continues to pursue roles where she can work with and advocate for emerging professionals who find themselves at risk of deviating from architecture career paths – Her passion for strengthening the pipeline of successful future architects and designers continue to fuel her drive for a more accessible and diverse industry.
For her service to the profession through AIA and CSI, service to the community, advancing education initiatives, and fostering industry discourse and collaboration, Caitlin Morgan will be honored with the Associates Award at the Visions for Architecture event on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at the Richmond Downtown Marriott.
The T. David Fitz-Gibbon Virginia Architecture Firm Award is the highest honor bestowed by AIA Virginia to a Virginia-based architecture firm and is intended to recognize a firm that has consistently demonstrated outstanding and continuous contributions to the profession, to the community, and are known for the quality of their work. VIA design architects of Norfolk, Virginia will be honored with this award for 2024.
Founded in 1991 by visionary architect Donna Phaneuf, VIA has consistently remained ahead of the curve. As their vision statement states, “VIA isn’t just about designing spaces; it’s about shaping the future. We are guided by three core principles that define our approach: future-focused, client-centric design, and community-driven initiatives. These principles are embodied in every project we undertake, from innovative sustainable practices to nurturing the next generation of architects.”
As stated by their nominator for this award, “VIA design sees things that don’t exist and makes them happen. They always have. They created a woman-owned firm, embracing the change they wanted to see in architecture and in society… a diverse, equitable practice. They incorporated environmental stewardship in their projects even before it became the clarion call of a generation; and, they never stop learning… from their work, from their clients and from their colleagues… evolving from what they learn. VIA design exemplifies 21st Century practice, yet, their practice is very personal, a matter of the heart. Theirs is a strong culture of talented collaborators, working in a positive, respectful, and collegial environment, upholding the adage “excellent design matters.” And, they practice what they preach, developing the next generation of architects as the leaders who will create the future of the profession… and of the society we serve. VIA design elevates the profession… consistently producing distinguished architecture… and embodies the very principles of the T. David Fitz-Gibbon Architecture Firm Award.”
To celebrate their successful practice, leadership development, design excellence, and civic engagement, VIA design architects will be honored with The T. David Fitz-Gibbon Virginia Architecture Firm Award at the Visions for Architecture event on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at the Richmond Downtown Marriott.
The William C. Noland Medal, as the highest award bestowed on a member architect, is intended to honor a distinguished body of accomplishments sustained over time that spans a broad spectrum of the profession and transcends the scope of normal professional activities. For 2024, the medal is awarded to Kathryn T. Prigmore, FAIA.
As the Director of Operations at Moody Nolan’s D.C. office, Kathryn exemplifies visionary leadership, placing the human experience, environmental sustainability, and historical context at the forefront of her architectural endeavors. Her steadfast belief in the transformative power of dynamic architecture and urban design has reshaped communities and left an indelible mark on the built environment.
Kathryn’s design philosophy, rooted in academia and shaped by her extensive experience, prioritizes the harmonious integration of form and function to create spaces that are not only aesthetically captivating but also functionally effective and socially impactful.
Her illustrious career is punctuated by many award-winning projects, ranging from federal and private developments to defense installations. Notable among these are the National Operations Center, the Pentagon, and the Level IV Department of Homeland Security US Customs and Immigration Services Headquarters, each a testament to Kathryn’s mastery of design, engineering, and project management.
Beyond her architectural achievements, Kathryn’s dedication to education and mentorship is exemplary. As an esteemed educator in architecture, engineering, and sustainable design, she has inspired countless students through her role as an adjunct professor at Howard University and Virginia Polytechnic & State University’s Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center. Ms. Prigmore truly advocates for minority architects and takes pride in developing the next generation of architects and leaders.
A distinguished Fellow of the AIA, and a member of prominent organizations such as the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and the Society of Building Science Educators (SBSE), Kathryn’s influence extends far beyond her professional accomplishments, enriching both the architectural community and society at large.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, unwavering leadership, and enduring legacy, Kathryn T. Prigmore, FAIA, will be presented with the Noland Medal at the Visions for Architecture event on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at the Richmond Downtown Marriott.
