AIA Virginia Newsletter: August 2024

Posted on by cguske

Things You Can and Cannot Yet See
Much is happening at AIA Virginia.
More>>

Keynote Speaker Announced: ArchEx ‘24
You are not going to want to miss our ArchEx keynote, Jeffrey Mansfield of MASS Design Group!
More>>

2021 VCC Significant Changes Event
Join us in Alexandria for our fifth and final code 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.
More>>

ELA Applications Open
Applications are now open for the 2025 class of Emerging Leaders in Architecture. Who will you encourage to apply? or step up and start your own application today!
More>>

Charlottesville Town Hall
Join AIA Virginia Leadership on September 5th in Charlottesville for a chance to socialize and discuss updates/highlights, opportunities to engage, programs and events, advocacy efforts and the PAC, state-level partners, and items of local interest.
More>>

Welcome These New Members
We are always excited to welcome new members to Virginia. The following members recently joined AIA Virginia.
More>>

Overview of the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program
Join the AIA Virginia Historic Resources Committee (HRC) and Carolyn Zemanian with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources for a webinar presentation and Q&A to learn more about historic preservation tax credits.
More>>

The COTE Corner
Join us for an Energy Modeling 3-part Virtual Workshop this Fall!
More>>

PAC Award Update
There is no change at the top for the 2024 PAC Award Competition. But there is a tie for second! Give to the AIA Virginia PAC today and win $1,000 for your chapter.
More>>

Historic Tour: The Villages at Staunton
Plan to join the AIA Virginia Historic Resources Committee (HRC) in Staunton, VA for a historic tour of The Villages of Staunton with Robin Miller.
More>>

J.E.D.I. Resources & Mental Health Month
The AIA Virginia Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee would like to share some resources with you and ask for your help in recognizing Mental Health Month.
More>>

Newly Licensed
Congratulations to the following members for passing their exams and gaining licensure.
More>>

Colley Reappointed to APELSCIDLA
We are very happy to announce that Tim Colley, AIA was recently reappointed by the Governor to the APELSCIDLA Board.
More>>

Historic Tour: Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Please join the AIA Virginia Historic Resources Committee (HRC) in Lynchburg, VA for a tour of the award-winning historical restoration of Poplar Forest.
More>>

Mantra Inspired Furniture’s Unity Table Collection Wins Multiple Awards at NeoCon 2024
Mantra Inspired Furniture (Mantra IF), a leading commercial furniture manufacturing and design company based in Norfolk, Virginia, proudly announces that its Unity Table Collection has been awarded multiple prestigious awards at NeoCon 2024.
More>>

Reserve Your Spot at WLS 2024!
Registration is now open for the 2024 Women’s Leadership Summit, taking place in Chicago this October 8-10.
More>>

Announcing the Winners of VAxDesign
The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design has announced the 2024 winners of their annual awards program that celebrates visionary thinking and patronage in the design fields that broaden recognition and appreciation for architecture and design throughout Virginia.
More>>

Upcoming Educational Opportunities:
www.aiava.org/events

Featured Job Listings
Senior Architect>>

Mantra Inspired Furniture’s Unity Table Collection Wins Multiple Awards at NeoCon 2024

Posted on by cguske

An AIA Virginia Allied Member Spotlight

Mantra Inspired Furniture (Mantra IF), a leading commercial furniture manufacturing and design company based in Norfolk, Virginia, proudly announces that its Unity Table Collection has been awarded multiple prestigious awards at NeoCon 2024. Recognized for excellence in design and sustainability, the Unity Table Collection has emerged as a standout at North America’s premier commercial furniture trade show, held from June 10-12 at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.

The Unity Table Collection received the following honors:

  • Best of NeoCon 2024 Sustainability Award in the Furniture Category, Café Tables
  • Best of NeoCon 2024 Sustainability Award in the Furniture Category, Occasional Tables
  • Best of NeoCon 2024 SILVER Award in the Furniture Category, Café Tables
  • Best of NeoCon 2024 Business Impact Award in the Furniture Category, Café Tables

“We were overwhelmed by the response and support of our new Unity Table Collection.  Our answer to the ability of producing an American made solid wood commercial table series that is authentically sustainable was received with much positive energy!  We are excited to see where Unity takes us next!”, said Susan Pilato, CEO and Founder of Mantra Inspired Furniture.

The Unity Table Collection introduces an innovative flat-pack design, revolutionizing the shipping and installation process. Crafted from solid wood—available in walnut, white oak, cherry, or maple—the tables boast durability and timeless elegance. The base effortlessly slides together, and the top is secured firmly in place, making installation straightforward and cost-effective for end-users. This versatility makes the Unity table ideal for collaboration areas, meeting rooms, and conference settings, adapting to various spatial requirements.

Every component of the Unity Table Collection, from its 1 ¼” solid wood construction to its streamlined design, meets Mantra Inspired Furniture’s high-quality standards. With a 10-year warranty, it ensures long-lasting durability. The collection’s solid wood construction supports a circular economy by reducing packaging materials and shipping space. Designed for longevity and potential for reuse and refinishing, it embodies environmental responsibility.

For more information on the Unity Table Collection, please visit https://www.mantrainspiredfurniture.com/unity. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

About Mantra Inspired Furniture

Mantra Inspired Furniture (MantraIF) was founded in 2018 by Susan Pilato, principal of Norfolk-based PC&A Business Environments. The name is inspired by 8 simple codes, or “mantras” to live by, passed down from Pilato’s late father, John Clayborne Compton, Jr.

Mantra Inspired Furniture is a grassroots community of designers and makers propelled to create timeless, enduring, investment grade designs. Our strength lies in our abilities as an agile disrupter and our promise to Mother Earth to bring to the marketplace furniture that sequesters carbon and embraces the cyclical ability to repair, restore and renew. With enthusiasm and optimism, Mantra is dedicated to products made in America by American craftspeople. Mantra Inspired Furniture is doing authentic sustainability now.

Mantra Inspired Furniture has collaborated with designers and architects to furnish its commercial collections across the United States. 

Press Contact:
Blitzer & Company
sabrina@blitzerandcompany.com

PAC Award Update

Posted on by cguske

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 – 80 points
AIA Central Virginia – 40 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.

Make your investment today at www.aiavapac.org

New Members

Posted on by cguske

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

New Architect Members
Michael Juriga, AIA (Richmond)
Jong Youn Kim, AIA (Northern Virginia)
Leslie Shepherd, AIA (Northern Virginia)

New Associate Members
Dylan Carter, Assoc. AIA (Coastal Virginia)
Indhu Lakshmi Chowdry Makkena, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Mia Craig, Assoc. AIA (Coastal Virginia)
Lindsy Custer, Assoc. AIA (Blue Ridge)
Victoria Douthat, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Sean Festa, Assoc. AIA (Coastal Virginia)
Katherine Fogash, Assoc. AIA (Coastal Virginia)
Clayton Greer, Assoc. AIA (Coastal Virginia)
Prakhyaa Mukesh Jain, Assoc. AIA (Central Virginia)
Jayce Murnen, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Peter Ngau, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Sarah Noah, Assoc. AIA (Coastal Virginia)
Annetta Osvold, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Amanda Pinkos, Assoc. AIA (Blue Ridge)
Snow Sosnowski, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Rishabh Suvarna, Assoc. AIA (Coastal Virginia)
Jennie Wells, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Andrea Maggi, Intl. Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)

Transferred In
Michelle Borde, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA New York State
Pamela Leonard Patrick, AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Mississippi

New/Renewed Allied Members
Patrick Cushing, Partner, Fall Line Strategies
Frederick Perry II, Director of Design, Foodservice Solutions Design Consultants

View all of the AIA Virginia Allied members

Colley Reappointed to APELSCIDLA

Posted on by cguske

We are very happy to announce that Tim Colley, AIA was recently reappointed by the Governor to the APELSCIDLA Board. The Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA) examines, licenses, and regulates approximately 35,000 individuals and related business entities in Virginia. Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA and Erik Bootsma, RA continue their dedicated service as the other architects on that board. Gratitude to each and all of them. Your service is much appreciated.

Things You Can and Cannot Yet See

Posted on by cguske

Much is happening at AIA Virginia.

Several activities are cycling through each of the local chapters. These include firm visits, seminars addressing the recent changes to the building code, and town halls with state-level leaders and resources. We’ve enjoyed seeing you there and look forward to encountering those who attend the remaining events.

We are also making progress on various items that will surface later.

The Honors Committee, the Design Awards jury, and the Nominations Committee have all been busy.

We are finalizing the plans and logistics for ArchEx and Visions for Architecture (6-8 November in Richmond).

We are formulating a new development program for mid-career professionals.

We are increasing the value and impact of our communications.

We are engaged in the due diligence required to establish and prioritize the planks of our advocacy platform.

We are replenishing the Political Action Committee (PAC) war chest.

And we are preparing for the launch of our newly established 501c3 charitable organization, the AIA Virginia Foundation.

Stay tuned for additional announcements and opportunities to engage. We anticipate great things. And we look forward to our future collaborations and achievements.

Paul Battaglia, AIA
EVP, AIA Virginia

Newly Licensed

Posted on by cguske

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!

Michael Steinmetz, AIA (Northern Virginia)
Perry Hammond, AIA (Richmond)
Taro Matsuno, AIA (Central 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

Newly Licensed Member Benefit

Posted on by cguske

Congratulations on your recent licensure!

We know the hard work and dedication required to reach this important career milestone and wanted to let you know how proud we are of you at AIA Virginia.  Hopefully, you have had an opportunity to celebrate this magnificent achievement.

As a small gift to celebrate your accomplishment, AIA Virginia will reimburse you up to $30 for your State of Virginia digital or physical stamp. You can complete this form to submit it for reimbursement.

Newly Licensed Stamp Reimbursement

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name
Mailing Address(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Max. file size: 12 MB.
upload a PDF or image of your receipt.

Senior Architect, BB&E | Norfolk

Posted on by cguske

BB&E is seeking a licensed senior architect to support BB&E’s A&AS contract, assist NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic, and support facilities design and construction projects on-site at Marine Corps Norfolk, VA.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provide timely, professional architectural support, services, and consultation for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of facilities for the Navy, Marine Corps, and other Supported Commands, including specific projects, special projects, military construction (MILCON), demolition, maintenance, space utilization, and facilities development.
  • Participate in conferences with project stakeholders and collaborate with other engineering and architectural disciplines to ensure system coordination and integration with specific project requirements.
  • Support services include, but are not limited to, input and feedback on third-party designs, and recommendations with respect to programming, space planning, concept design, development, sustainable practices, and codes compliance assurance to include analysis of furnished drawings and specifications, review of cost estimates and other required services.
  • The professional services provided will be part of a Navy team that supports the following facility types: housing; community support facilities (dining hall, clubs, fitness centers, child development centers); medical facilities; education/training facilities; maintenance shops; industrial facilities; hangars; administration buildings; operations buildings (command and control centers); and other shore installation facilities.
  • Provide timely, professional architectural support, services, and consultation for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of facilities for the Navy, Marine Corps, and other Supported Commands, including specific projects, special projects, military construction (MILCON), demolition, maintenance, space utilization, and facilities development.

To apply email smoegelin@bbande.com

Call for At-Large Director

Posted on by cguske

At its June 2022 meeting, the AIA Virginia Board of Directors created an At-large Director position, seeking applicants to serve in this leadership role.

At-large Director Position

The At-large Director is a vital link in the two-way communication between constituents of the American Institute of Architects in Virginia and the state organization. Individuals will be elected to serve on the AIA Virginia board because of their experience, contributions to the profession, and understanding of the organization, all of which should be shared with other members of the Board of Directors.

An At-large Director should bring the viewpoints of their colleagues; moreover, they have a responsibility to advise the members and stimulate them to work for results on which AIA Virginia has chosen to focus. As a member of the Board of Directors, the At-large Director’s viewpoints should be statewide in scope while at the same time representing the unique interests of each chapter’s geographic region. The term of office for this director is two years (non-renewable; non-consecutive terms). 

Candidate Declaration  

Any member-in-good-standing may declare their candidacy by informing the Secretary, through the Executive Vice President, of their intention to run for the At-large Director position.

Candidate submissions are due by 5:00 p.m. EDT Monday, August 5, 2024, to Paul R Battaglia, AIA | Executive Vice President at pbattaglia@aiava.org.

Candidates must submit the following:

  • A candidate’s resume, headshot, and statement of philosophy. The statement of philosophy is limited to 250 words.
  • A declaration indicating that the individual’s firm does not employ unpaid labor on projects.
  • A statement of acknowledgment from the local AIA component that the candidate will stand for election.
  • A letter of support from three different AIA Virginia members in good standing.

Voting for Candidates

Any member-in-good-standing may participate in the election of Directors. Voting will occur during Architecture Exchange East (ArchEx) at the Annual Meeting of the Membership on Wednesday 6 November 2024.