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

Dr. Nathan Blinn, AIA (Richmond)
Shubham Chuhadia, AIA (Northern Virginia)
Lauren Illeieff, AIA (Richmond)

New Associate Members

Enrique Angulo, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Mariya Anwar, Assoc. AIA (Hampton Roads)
Nicholas Campbell, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Haemoon Hong, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Heather Kennedy, Assoc. AIA (Hampton Roads)
Kayla McKinney, Assoc. AIA (Blue Ridge)
Jason Norfleet, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Andrew Schulman, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Zoque Wahid, Assoc. AIA (Hampton Roads)
Ahmed Abdelazim, Intl. Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
JAMES II DELFINADO, Intl. Assoc. AIA (Central Virginia)

Transferred In

Davis Byars, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Alabama
Richard Chenoweth, AIA (Richmond) from AIA Mississippi
Elizabeth Doane, AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Ohio
Michael Ferrari, AIA (Hampton Roads) from AIA Oregon
Jennifer Matthews, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Washington DC
Angelo Messina, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Wisconsin
Jacalyn Prasnikar, AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Pennsylvania
William Townes, VI, AIA (Blue Ridge) from AIA Mississippi

New/Renewed Allied Members

Gloria Johannessen, Mgr. of Business Operations, Phoenix Noise & Vibration, LLC
Anna Lee Bamforth, President, Bamforth Engineers + Surveyors
Paxton Whitmore, Territory Manager, The Garland Company
David Weber, Regional Sales Manager, Epic Metals

View all of the AIA Virginia Allied members

Newly Licensed

Posted on by cguske

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!

Alisa Chirachaturaphak, 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

Amt, Ford, Price, and Wardell Elevated to Fellowship

Posted on by cguske

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is elevating four AIA members from AIA Virginia to its prestigious College of Fellows, AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. The 2024 Jury of Fellows is elevating 96 members this year to the College of Fellows.

The fellowship program was developed to elevate those architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level.

As many of you know, the College of Fellows is AIA’s highest membership honor, with only 3% of members achieving this distinction. The bar is justifiably high, and the jury deliberates for days on the hundreds of applicants. If you’re new to AIA or interested in understanding the process better, you can learn more about the nomination and criteria, which includes fellowship objects, here.

The newly elevated fellows from AIA Virginia are:

  • Michelle Amt, FAIA of VMDO Architects (Central Virginia)
  • Edward Ford, FAIA of Edward R. Ford Architect-Author (Central Virginia)
  • Mel Price, FAIA of Work Program Architects (Hampton Roads)
  • Bruce Wardell, FAIA of brwarchitects, p.c. (Central Virginia)

New fellows will be honored at the AIA Virginia Fellows Fête, March 16, 2024 at Barboursville Vineyards.

New fellows will be honored at the AIA Awards Gala, June 7, 2024, at the National Building Museum in Washington D.C. Learn more about fellowship on AIA’s website.

Chief of Staff

Posted on by cguske

Work Program Architects | Norfolk

WPA is looking for a Chief of Staff to join our team of architects, urban designers, graphic designers, community engagement and educational specialists. Our mission is to strengthen community through a collaborative design process. We do this by focusing on projects that build social, economic, and coastal resilience. The primary role of this position is to provide high-level administrative support to the CEO. The Chief of Staff will also support the firm’s leadership team by managing administrative activities as needed. We are looking for a candidate with a passion for building relationships within our firm and who can foster trust with our diverse clients and community members. We can’t wait for you to join us in our studio at Assembly, located in Downtown Norfolk; a space designed to connect ideas and the people who make them.
The ideal candidate for this role will have exemplary oral and written communication skills and the ability to provide welcoming and friendly customer service. They will adapt easily to a fast-paced work environment and will have strong organizational skills to include administrative tasks and overall support for the CEO as well as secondary support for the leadership team. The Chief of Staff will be the CEO’s trusted partner, serving as both their right hand and a second set of eyes and ears. The Chief of Staff job is to make sure the CEO has what they need to guide the company.
Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experienced working with executive-level management
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and related platforms
  • Detail-oriented and able to handle multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Strong interpersonal communications and teamwork skills
  • Professional (punctual, reliable, trustworthy)
  • Trustworthiness and discretion required for confidential projects
  • Finely tuned emotional intelligence, judgement, diplomacy, and political acumen
    Full details are available on our website: wparch.com/hiring.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to sharon@wparch.com

Architectural intern/Entry-level architect

Posted on by cguske

Architectural intern/Entry level architect
Longhouse Architects | Purcellville

Longhouse Architects, established in 2019, is a young and growing design-oriented practice focused on sustainability, based in Purcellville, Virginia. We enjoy a range of work from historic to modern designs in the residential and commercial fields. We believe that good buildings can enrich lives, build community, and create strong connections between inhabitants and the land they inhabit. As a small firm, we offer a supportive environment where curiosity and professional development will flourish. We’re on the lookout for an architectural intern/entry level architect with 0-5 years of experience who enjoys working in a team setting on all phases of the design process. The ideal candidate would have a long term interest in cultivating an architectural practice in the Loudoun Valley and growing into a leadership position with our firm.

What we offer:

  • Opportunity to help build a sustainability-minded architecture practice
  • Flexible work schedule with work in the office at first with option to work hybrid later
  • Mentorship from well-seasoned architects committed to your professional development
  • Healthcare and retirement benefits
  • Help with licensure
  • Low-stress small town work experience
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience level
  • Bottomless coffee (like IHOP but better)

What we want:

  • Creative thinking
  • Production-oriented work ethic
  • Self motivation
  • A compatible teammate as we grow our small practice together
  • Ability to manage projects and handle multiple projects simultaneously
  • Experience with Sketchup, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, social media and marketing
  • Enjoys working with clients

What we need:

  • B.Arch or M.Arch degree from an accredited architecture program
  • Revit and AutoCAD experience
  • Collaborative spirit
  • Enthusiasm for learning and professional growth, with a proactive attitude towards continuing education and skill development

Email resume and portfolio to hello@longhousearchitects.com

AIA Virginia Newsletter: February 2024

Posted on by cguske

Rolling Into the New Year
The calendar year is rolling. It’s February already! And this is a short month!
More>>

Advocacy Town Hall this Friday
An overview of our advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels will be offered during a Zoom town hall on Friday. 1 LU|elective.
More>>

Register Now for the Virginia Design Forum XVI!
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from Billie Tsien, Ted Flato, Rick Joy, and Dwayne Oyler who will challenge assumptions and define new boundaries along the spectrum of craft and design.
More>>

ArchEx 2024: Call for Presentations
Architecture Exchange East will be held Nov. 6-8, 2024, in Richmond. Submit your presentations by April 30th to be considered for this year’s program.
More>>

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

Disaster Assistance Committee
Since 1972, the Disaster Assistance Program (DAC) has prepared members to take on leadership and volunteer roles in assisting communities nationally and internationally.
More>>

Associated Thoughts: New Beginnings
As a newly appointed AIA Virginia Board Member, I find myself contemplating the idea of “new beginnings” throughout the start of the new year. My focus has been on not only how to represent the current group of AIA Virginia Associate members, but who am I representing?
More>>

Opportunities to Connect Across the AEC Community
The VEC provides a forum to connect and collaborate, provide continuing education and necessary training, and promote partnerships with state agencies and resources.
More>>

AIA Virginia Prize Weekend Complete
Over the first weekend of February, students across the Commonwealth participated in the Virginia Prize. And we were thrilled to have JMU’s Architectural Design program join competitors from Hampton University, UVA, and Virginia Tech (Blacksburg and the WAAC) in addressing the challenge.
More>>

Advocacy Update
The gears of government are turning, and our advocacy efforts are making a difference.
More>>

Loomis Honored
Paula Loomis, FAIA, honored with the AIA Award for Excellence in Public Architecture 2024.
More>>

The COTE Corner
The Virginia Committee on the Environment (COTE) is planning for an engaging and impactful 2024!
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
Are you ready to get licensed? AIA Virginia offers associate members a 60-day subscription to the Amber Book for only $99.
More>>

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
AIA Virginia events>>
Check out the statewide events calendar here>>

Featured Job Listings
BRW – Architectural Staff (Production, Construction Administration)
VIA Design – Senior Project Leader
VIA Design – Architect
Two Street Studios – Junior Architect
RDC – Senior Job Captain

Associated Thoughts: New Beginnings 

Posted on by cguske
Ashleigh Walker, Associate AIA

As a newly appointed AIA Virginia Board Member, I find myself contemplating the idea of “new beginnings” throughout the start of the new year.  My focus has been on not only how to represent the current group of AIA Virginia Associate members, but who am I representing? Who are my colleagues, and what are their backgrounds? What are the different aspirations we as a collective group share for growth in the profession, and what are we looking to get out of our AIA memberships? Above all, how can I help support these goals and requests, and better serve as an ambassador to young professionals in Virginia?  

The task at hand is not easy or simple, but as complex and unique as the group of individuals represented. I am reminded of the ever-present motto from my alma mater, Virginia Tech, as “Ut Prosim” or “That I May Serve”, and hope over these next 2 years as your Associate Director, I can do my part to serve.   

To better understand how I can achieve this, I need to look outside of myself and go directly to the source – Associate members! – and ask “What can I do for you?”. At our recent Board of Directors meeting, we discussed goals for the year as well as challenges facing the chapter, the state, and the profession at large. Over the 2 days of collaboration and problem-solving, my mind kept wandering to my specific task at hand – make sure Associate members are represented, and feel that they are heard, valued, and helped. 

I begin my journey with a simple set of 15 questions for Associates (or non-Associate members) to fill out, and hope it can start me in a direction toward growth and service. 

Will keep you posted! – A

Advocacy Update

Posted on by cguske

The gears of government are turning and our advocacy efforts are making a difference.

At the federal level, you likely heard that HR7024 passed. That omnibus tax bill addresses many issues, including the current requirement that Research & Development (R&D) expenditures be amortized over five years. The proposed legislation allows taxpayers to take the full credit for R&D expenses in the year they are incurred, retroactive to 2022 and through 2025. Many thanks to the firms and members that answered the call to engage and asked your Representative to support the legislation. One hurdle crossed. On to the Senate; where the Resolution is likely to need help. Stay vigilant.

Here in Virginia…

You might have heard about the effort to reopen the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code pursuant to the recent Notice of Intended Regulatory Action (NOIRA) for the purpose of complying with Executive Orders One and 19 (2022). Executive Directive Number One (2022), directs Executive Branch entities under the authority of the Governor “…to initiate regulatory processes to reduce by at least 25 percent the number of regulations not mandated by federal or state statute, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, and in a manner consistent with the laws of the Commonwealth”.  Executive Order 19 (2022) requires every regulatory agency “to review all existing regulations…to reduce the overall regulatory burden on the public.” AIA Virginia was one of 33 signatories to a letter voicing opposition to the proposal to apply these requirements to the Building Code. During its meeting on Wednesday 31 January 2024, the Board of Housing and Community Development voted against reopening the 2021 code cycle; the vote was 10-3. Our comments, both written and oral, were recognized by the Board during the Codes and Standards meeting.  The Board’s motion, as passed, also recognized the successful past work on the 2021 code cycle and recommended that the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development develop a plan for the 2024 code cycle with consideration for compliance with ED One (2022) and EO 19 (2022). Further action on the 2024 cycle will require discussion in a future meeting. We will be ready.

The Virginia General Assembly is well underway. Bills are working their way through, or succumbing to, the process. We have been issuing frequent reports on the bills we are tracking. Please join me in expressing gratitude to the members of the Joint Legislative Committee (the JLC) for their attention and diligence. The AIA Virginia delegation includes Rebecca Aarons-Sydnor, Assoc AIA, Ed Gillikin, AIA, Lauren Sughrue, Assoc AIA, and Stephen Weisensale, AIA; they are joined by ACEC Virginia delegates Kristina Preisner, Executive Director of ACEC, Eric Burke, Hugh Cannon, Nancy Israel, R Reaves, Glenn Rehberger, Don Rissmeyer, Chris Stone; our lobbyist Patrick Cushing, Esq, Hon AIA Virginia, and our loyal ally Joe Cooch, Esq.

No advocacy update is complete without an appeal to please support the AIA Virginia PAC – one of the sharpest instruments in our toolbox. And if you are supporting the PAC, we thank you.