AIA Virginia Newsletter: March 2024

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All of This in Our First 60 Days
In my first 60 days as President, together with the board of directors, state and local component leaders, and the staff of AIA Virginia, I’m delighted that we’ve already taken steps to achieve our top goals for 2024.
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Registration Closes March 22nd for the Virginia Design Forum XVI!
The 16th Virginia Design Forum will be held on Friday, April 5-Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU in Richmond.
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A Call for Service – and a Zoom Session on Gubernatorial Appointments with Secretary Gee
If you would like to know more about the opportunities, the eligibility requirements, and the application process, join us for this virtual session.
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Amt, Ford, Price, and Wardell Elevated to Fellowship
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.
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2021 VCC Significant Changes
Join us on April 25th for an in-person look at and panel discussion about the changes to the 2021 Virginia Construction Code. Earn 2 LU|HSW pending.
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Advocacy Update; the Virginia General Assembly
It ain’t over ‘til it’s over. And we still have eggs, rather than chickens – with one exception. But the soprano is beginning to hum her scales.
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ArchEx 2024 Call for Presentations
Architecture Exchange East is the annual thought-leadership conference and expo bringing together the brightest minds and most engaging speakers!
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Small Firm Exchange
The latest SFX All Call was on “How to leverage your small firm’s technology and creativity using AI (for renderings and presentations to clients).” See the notes and view the video here>>

Advocacy Update; Hill Day in DC
Our efforts in the Commonwealth were complemented by our work in DC.
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The COTE Corner
See what the AIA Virginia Committee on the Environment (COTE) is planning for an engaging and impactful 2024.
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Resiliency Week 2024 – Save the dates!
Join AIA Virginia for an exploration of resiliency in the built environment and discover why investing in resilient solutions can help protect us all – from Monday, April 22-Friday, April 26.
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Historic Resources Committee
HRC is planning to do 5 tours and 2 webinars throughout the year with a Craftsperson’s Crawl at ArchEx in November and ending the year with the traditional HRC Trivia night in December.
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Welcome These New Members
We are always excited to welcome new members to Virginia. The following members recently joined AIA Virginia.
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Discovery Elementary School
A Concrete Achievement in Sustainable Design, nearly a Decade Later.
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A Review of the Recent Changes to the ARE 5.0
Virginia licensing advisor, Gina Robinson, AIA, shares a quick review of the small changes NCARB is making.
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Newly Licensed
Congratulations to the following member for passing their exams and gaining licensure.
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Tri-State AIA Virtual Small Firm Symposium + Your Firm: A Perfect Combination
Join this virtual 2024 Small Firm Symposium covering firm transition, strategic visibility, AI, and business development.
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The 2024 AIA Virginia Prize Jury Announced
AIA Virginia is pleased to announce the jury for the 2024 AIA Virginia Prize.
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Amber Book
Are you ready to get licensed? AIA Virginia offers associate members a 60-day subscription to the Amber Book for only $99.
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Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
AIA Virginia events calendar: https://www.aiava.org/events/
Check out the statewide events calendar here: https://inform-magazine.com/events/

AIAISC’24 – AIA International Spring Conference
Decarbonizing Construction: From Material Production to Preservative Adaptive Reuse
March 14-16, 2024
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Featured Job Listings
WPA Chief of Staff
Longhouse Architects Architectural intern/Entry-level architect
VIA design architects Marketing Director

A Review of the Recent Changes to the ARE 5.0

Posted on by cguske

If you’re a current licensure candidate or AXP supervisor, you’ve probably heard about recent changes to the ARE 5.0. If this is news to you, fear not – NCARB is only making some small changes based on industry updates and data they’ve gathered – it’s not a complete overhaul of the exam. The changes include:

International Code Council Version Update

All ARE 5.0 exams will now reference the 2021 ICC family of codes and include all codes that the current version of the International Building Code references. The intent of this change is to keep the exam items consistent with current professional practice, as many jurisdictions have adopted the 2021 code. Keep in mind that the exams do not require (or even expect) candidates to memorize the building code, but you do need to understand the content and be able to interpret and apply any references provided within the exam.

Quantitative Fill in the Blank (QFIB) Item Retirement

No more transcribing numbers into a blank answer box! ARE Candidates will still be required to complete calculations in order to answer exam items, but you will no longer have to type a number from the calculator into a box in order to answer the item. All of the other item types will still be included in each of the exams, including multiple-choice, check all that apply, hotspot, and drag and place. This change comes directly from NCARB’s industry research which has found that the other item formats are more consistent and effective. Everything else about the exam format will stay the same.

Exam Security Enhancements

If you have taken a division of the ARE, you know that NCARB and the testing centers they work with are serious about exam security. It might seem a little over the top to sign the ARE Candidate Agreement and roll up your pant legs for inspection, but all the implemented security measures are intended to ensure the validity of the ARE. The content of each exam division is confidential (and copyrighted) and sharing or discussion of specific ARE items is prohibited by the Candidate Agreement. You may have seen that just last month, three ARE Candidates were reprimanded by NCARB for Seeking or Failing to Report Disclosed ARE Content, and their names were shared publicly. An official reprimand is often accompanied by invalidated test results, suspended testing authorization, or denial of an NCARB Certificate. Reprimands are also shared with licensing boards, who may revoke the candidate’s license. The updated Exam Security and Candidate Misconduct section of the ARE 5.0 Guidelines has more information. These tests are tough for a reason, so don’t risk delaying or losing your opportunity to get licensed by looking for a loophole.

These three changes went into effect just a few weeks ago on February 27, 2024. If you’re an ARE candidate who has exams scheduled and has started studying, don’t let these changes discourage you. The content of the items and overall format of the exam is not fundamentally changing, and you do not need to re-study information if you’re already comfortable with it. NCARB has also updated its free practice exams to reflect the 2021 ICC and QFIB changes.

If you’d like to learn more about these updates, NCARB has a recorded webinar on their YouTube page which includes a deep dive into the exam security updates and a Q&A with Candidates. There’s also a post on their press page with links to the resources you’ll need.

As always, your questions about AXP, the AREs, or NCARB in general are always welcome and encouraged. Happy studying and good luck with your exams,

Gina Robinson, AIA
Architect Licensing Advisor – Virginia
gina.robinson@hdrinc.com 

All of This in Our First 60 Days

Posted on by cguske

Friends –

It’s already March, and I’m grateful to see the bursting bulbs and blossoms and to feel the promise of spring. If you read nothing further, please register and join us for AIA Virginia’s Design Forum at the Institute for Contemporary Arts at VCU in Richmond on April 5th and 6th! 

Kelly D. Callahan, AIA
2024 President, AIA Virginia

In January, your state and local component leaders gathered for an inaugural leadership roundtable. The immersive conversation centered around our collective challenges, what’s working well, and how we can better help one another. And the collaboration and connections were so relevant that we unanimously agreed (rather than waiting a year) to do it again in six months!

In late February, leaders from Virginia joined over 400 architects who met with Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill to lobby on behalf of our profession and the built environment. We spoke to them about the Research and Development Tax Credit’s impact on our businesses’ bottom lines, the Democracy in Design Act which ensures our ability to design federal buildings that reflect their time, place, and community’s values, and we spoke frankly about how to correct common misinterpretations of a federal 6% fee cap.

In the following days at the AIA Leadership Summit, leaders from the state and (yep, all five!) of our local components gathered in DC to connect with peers and gain insight from experts on board logistics, expanding our impact, honing our efforts, and leading through our passions. Your local leaders are very fine folks indeed, and I encourage you to step up (host an event at your firm, offer a project for a building tour, share your wisdom on a panel discussion, join a committee or the board) and serve alongside them.

As a relator (not a realtor), I recognize the ongoing need to strengthen connections and communication between the (continually evolving and largely volunteer-led) state and local components. And everyone likes beer and food, right?! So, we’ll be hosting local Town Halls + Happy Hours throughout the year at each component. Please watch for announcements from your local component, and I look forward to seeing many of you in person!

Finally, I just want to say CONGRATULATIONS to our Virginia colleagues Ed Ford, Bruce Wardell, Michelle Amt, and Mel Price on being elevated to the 2024 College of Fellows!

Hang in there, only nine more days till the equinox…
Kelly D. Callahan, AIA
2024 President, AIA Virginia

Discovery Elementary School: A Concrete Achievement in Sustainable Design, Nearly a Decade Later

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By Jeff Slagle, President, Virginia Ready Mixed Concrete Association

Discovery Elementary School
5241 36th St N
Arlington, VA 22207

In the heart of Arlington, Virginia, Discovery Elementary School is a model for the future of sustainable educational environments. Completed in 2015 and encompassing 97,588 GSF, this landmark project, envisioned by AIA Virginia member VMDO Architects, represents a pinnacle of eco-friendly construction within the K-12 educational sector.

A Vision of Sustainability and Collaboration

As the Mid-Atlantic’s first zero-energy school and the largest of its kind in the United States, Discovery Elementary embodies the ambitious goal of merging sustainability with educational excellence. The project’s success is a product of the collaborative synergy between visionary architects, dedicated contractors, and the innovative use of concrete, highlighting the material’s pivotal role in achieving energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Innovative Design and Concrete’s Role

Designed to support 650 students from Pre-K through 5th grade, Discovery Elementary integrates 1,706 rooftop solar panels, a geothermal well field, solar pre-heating for domestic water, and 100% LED lighting. Central to its design, the strategic use of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) and high thermal mass concrete walls significantly reduce the building’s energy needs and contribute to its zero-energy status.

Awards and Recognition

The project has garnered numerous accolades, reflecting its impact and innovation in sustainable design:

  • 2016 Project of Distinction by the Association for Learning Environments
  • 2016 Honor Award by AIA Central Virginia
  • 2016 Honorable Mention by Learning by Design
  • 2015 Award of Excellence by Design Arlington Awards

Sustainability in Action

The Arlington Public Schools’ Energy Report Card for FY 2019-2023 highlights Discovery Elementary’s exceptional energy performance, with an EUI significantly lower than the district average. This achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of concrete’s thermal properties and the school’s integrated approach to sustainability.

Looking Forward

Discovery Elementary serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when innovative design meets the versatility and efficiency of concrete. It stands as a model for architects, emphasizing the role of concrete in creating energy-efficient, environmentally responsible educational environments.

VRMCA is here to help Virginia’s architects learn about the benefits of concrete in their design – for any and all project types. You may contact Hessam Nabavi at (703) 966-6743 or via email at hessam@vrmca.com for any questions or information about the role concrete can play in your design.

250 West Main Street
Suite 100
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
http://www.vrmca.com/

Photos courtesy of Hessam Nabavi with VRMCA

Marketing Director

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VIA design architects, pc | Norfolk, VA

We are currently seeking a Marketing Director. This candidate will have the ability to
strategically attract desired client and project opportunities through increased exposure and
awareness of the industry and communities we serve. This candidate will produce and coordinate
proposal and presentations, including information from our teaming partners, scheduling project
milestones and reviews, and will work with Principals and Project Managers to ensure that quality
material is being submitted and delivered. They will develop and maintain marketing systems and
records, while also producing sales and public relations materials. This candidate will lead the firm’s
marketing and publication efforts, special event planning, including client relations, public
outreach, and web presence to promote and enhance VIA’s competitive edge.

Candidates who align with these position requirements will also possess:

  • Clear presentation and graphic skills
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Strategic thinker with a forward-thinking mindset
  • The ability to function in a team setting and take direction from colleagues, as well as
    provide direction to others
  • A collaborative approach and flexibility to work in a multidisciplinary design environment
  • Fluency in Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office software
  • Can-do attitude, flexible, and able to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven atmosphere.

VIA design offers a competitive salary and package of traditional benefits as well as some non-traditional
perks, such as core office hours and a Flexible Work Strategy.

If you are interested in this position, please submit a letter of interest, resume, and digital portfolio to Blair Valdivieso by email bval@viadesignarchitects.com

Advocacy Update; Hill Day in DC

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Our efforts in the Commonwealth were complemented by our work in DC.

Thanks to those who stomped the hill on Wednesday 28 February during the AIA Leadership Summit. Our delegation included representatives from across Virginia; from both the state level and each of the local chapters.

We advocated for three primary issues. 

The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (HR7024) includes provisions to allow businesses to deduct R&D costs fully in the year they are incurred (rather than being required to amortize them), restores the 12.5% increase and lowers the tax-exempt bond financing requirements of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, and also allows “pass-through” entities to deduct up to 20% of qualified business income to bring parity with reduced corporate income tax rates.

The Democracy in Design Act (HR964/S366) seeks to prohibit a national design style – as had been proposed through an Executive Order issued by the previous administration.

We also asked our elected officials to contact the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Council and request that they issue a policy clarification stipulating that the 6% fee limitation applies only to cost-plus-a-fixed fee contracts, and that A/E services ought to be negotiated in accordance with the Brooks Act of 1972, which established Qualification Based Selection (QBS), and provides the basis for negotiating fair and reasonable fees with the most qualified firm.

We also took the opportunity to inform the members of our congressional delegation about our considerable resiliency efforts across the Commonwealth.

We are developing plans to return to DC long before the next Leadership Summit and to maintain connections with our federal officials in-district – to keep those relationships vibrant and active.

Advocacy Update; the Virginia General Assembly

Posted on by cguske

It ain’t over ‘til it’s over. And we still have eggs, rather than chickens – with one exception. But the soprano is beginning to hum her scales.

The Virginia General Assembly adjourned sine die on 9 March 2024.  Gratitude is due to the members of the JLC; Rebecca Aarons-Sydnor, Assoc AIA, Ed Gillikin, AIA, Lauren Sughrue, Assoc AIA, and Stephen Weisensale, AIA, the delegation from ACEC Virginia, and our faithful partner and counsel Patrick Cushing, Esq. Additional gratitude to those who asked questions and shared your expertise and perspective along the way.

The bills that have passed are now being considered by the Governor; who may either sign them into law, amend them, or veto them. While the Governor issued a statement to say “[t]hank you to all 140 legislators that made the huge commitment, sacrificing time away from their families, their careers and their livelihoods, to serve the Commonwealth and all Virginians,” he added “[t]he General Assembly sent me more than a thousand bills plus backward budgets that need a lot of work. We’re going to have a busy 30 days going into the reconvene session.” That reconvene session would run 17 to 24 April. So we shall see.

Some notes on a few of the bills we were tracking more closely…

We (lightly) opposed SB409. This bill sought to allow a locality to adopt more stringent energy efficiency and climate requirements. And these are generally good things. But it sought to do so through a legislative rather than a more appropriate regulatory process, and, as a “stretch code,” it ran contrary to the uniformity of the Uniform Statewide Building Code. The bill failed in committee before crossover.

We supported several bills that preserve and promote the historic integrity of the built environment.  HB1415 allowed for the adoption of a civil penalty for the razing, demolition, or moving of a building or structure that is located in a historic district or that has been designated by a governing body as a historic structure or landmark. HB1395 provided that the filing of a historic designation application shall keep a locality from issuing any permit to raze or demolish a proposed historic landmark, building, or structure.  HB960 and SB556 proposed an increase to the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HRTC). After some minor drama, the amended versions of the bills increase the HRTC from $5M to $7.5M without adding a cap to the overall program. These bills have all passed and await action by the Governor.

You may recall the workgroup that was conducted over the summer to contemplate recommendations to procurement law concerning the CMAR delivery method.  In response to those recommendations, a number of bills were filed.  HB1108 and SB18 contained the least undesirable of those proposals. We supported those bills early in the session and then monitored developments as the coalition strained and became more fragile. Ultimately, the coalition held and those bills passed. They await action by the Governor.

HB368 and SB195 directs the Board of Housing and Community Development to convene a stakeholder advisory group, including firefighting professionals, to evaluate and recommend revisions to the Uniform Statewide Building Code to permit Group R-2 occupancies to be served by a single exit, provided that the building has not more than six stories above grade plane. We supported these bills and have lobbied to have an architect included in the advisory group. These bills have passed and await action by the Governor.

We also supported two bills that proposed changes to our regulatory boards; DPOR and APESLCIDLA.  HB350 reduced the quorum required to continue to conduct the progress of the board; an unfortunate but recurring issue. This bill passed and awaits the Governor’s signature. HB120 permits a distinction amongst the actions of the board such that certain suspensions, such as bouncing a check when renewing a license, are not bluntly reported as a disciplinary action – which could be construed as a more serious and substantial violation. That bill has been signed by the Governor and is now law; effective 1 July 2024.

Our role in defeating the NOIRA that sought to reduce regulations in the Building Code by twenty-five percent can also be numbered among our achievements.

We were afforded a particular opportunity when we were asked to participate in a meeting of the NOVA caucus. We were included in a panel to discuss affordable housing. I am grateful to the members who provided their expertise and experience so graciously – and on short notice – and learned me up so I could give voice to our positions and perspectives.

All in all – a good outing [so far]. Thanks to all who contributed; both directly and indirectly. Make your donation today at www.aiavapac.org

New Members

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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

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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