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.

A Call for the DAC: a particular and impactful form of service

Posted on by cguske

The members of AIA Virginia emphasize and celebrate the contributions of architects and the importance of architecture in enriching the quality of life in local communities and the well-being of society. There may be no more impactful contribution than serving individuals and communities in times of intense and immediate crisis.

Since 1972, the Disaster Assistance Committee (DAC) has prepared members to take on leadership and volunteer roles in assisting communities nationally and internationally. The program strengthens readiness and fosters mutually beneficial relationships with jurisdictions and the larger disaster-response community. This includes the administration of the Safety-Assessment Program (SAP) training which provides architects, engineers, and building inspectors with the knowledge to provide evaluations of facilities and buildings in the aftermath of a disaster. A special debt of honor and gratitude is due to those who stand ready to serve in this capacity. If you would like to join their ranks, and in particular, would like to chair this committee, please communicate your interest to Paul Battaglia, AIA pbattaglia@aiava.org.

AIA Virginia Prize Weekend Complete

Posted on by cguske

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.

This year’s competition was authored by Hampton University. Professor Stanford Britt, FAIA, Professor Carmina Sanchez-de-Valle, RA, and Associate Professor Marci Turner developed a brief that invited students to design a “bookless” public library as a community public room on a corner site at the intersection of N. Mallory Street and E. County Street in Phoebus, Virginia.  The project is intended to complement the offerings of the traditional “book-filled” branch library located across the street. And requires students to organize the required indoor and outdoor programmatic elements so that site is building, and building is site, while also addressing resiliency issues such as flooding.

The entries are now being judged by the institutions and selected entries will be forwarded for consideration by the competition jury. We look forward to sharing and celebrating the results.

Rolling Into the New Year

Posted on by cguske

The calendar year is rolling. It’s February already! And this is a short month!

I have been willingly whisked into the winds of advocacy. The Joint Legislative Committee (JLC) convenes weekly to confer on the bills and confirm (or adjust) our positions. I am spending lots of quality time at the General Assembly monitoring bills – nothing too concerning so far – and connecting with Senators and Delegates to communicate our interests and concerns.

The month will conclude with a trip to the “Big Hill” in DC to address issues at the federal level during the annual AIA Leadership Summit.

Speaking of leadership summits… the new year presents an important opportunity to (re)consider aspirations, objectives, and priorities. I am grateful to those who participated in seizing two of those opportunities recently.

Delegations from each of the components in Virginia – the five locals and the state – participated in a Leadership Summit on Wednesday 17 January 2024 in Richmond. We had a very candid and collegial discussion about how and where we can collaborate, and complement each other’s efforts; and, no less importantly, how we can avoid or reduce competition and conflict.  That was a tremendously beneficial meeting. We are committed to continuing those conversations and cooperating more effectively.

The directors of AIA Virginia convened during a Board Retreat at the Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg on Friday and Saturday 26 and 27 January 2024.  We established our priorities for the coming year(s) in consideration of what each member of the board has to offer, and how they want to grow and develop. We learned a lot from, and about, each other.

I am grateful for and encouraged and inspired by, all those who lead so well. I look forward to what we discover and accomplish together.

Paul Battaglia, AIA
EVP, AIA Virginia

Newly Licensed

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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 architects!

Elizabeth Morgan, AIA (Northern Virginia)
Casey Servis, AIA (Central Virginia)
Katlin Honbarrier, AIA (Richmond)
Kevin Gilmour, AIA (Richmond)
Daniel Banker, AIA (Blue Ridge)

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

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

Belilta Asfaw, AIA (Northern Virginia)
Gerald Hendricks, AIA (Richmond)
Gregg Lewis, AIA (Blue Ridge)
Gordon Lindberg, AIA (Northern Virginia)
Grant Thrower, AIA (Northern Virginia)

New Associate Members

Briana Allen, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Hunter Caine, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Sabiya Davis, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Christian Galindo-Torres, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Miriam Hossaini, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Zaoqing Liu, Assoc. AIA (Central Virginia)
Shelby Pollack, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Bethany Pritchard, Assoc. AIA (Central Virginia)
Sholeh Salimi, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Wenhui Sang, Assoc. AIA (Blue Ridge)
Nicholas Warmington, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)

Transferred In

Valerie Amor, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA New York State
Sarah Brummett, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA California
Eliezer Lee, AIA (Hampton Roads) from AIA Washington DC
Ronald Lucas, AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Illinois
Daniel Porter, AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Washington DC
Allison Pride, AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Washington
Jeffrey Sperling, AIA (Hampton Roads) from AIA North Carolina

New/Renewed Allied Members

Dan Longenderfer, Director of Marketing, York Building Products

View all of the AIA Virginia Allied members

Senior Job Captain

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Senior Job Captain
RDC | Reston, VA

Salary: $72,000-$90,000

RDC is an award-winning architectural firm with a diverse portfolio of work. We are currently seeking a Senior Job Captain to work in our office in Reston, Virginia, one of the most active communities in the DMV area. The ideal candidate will have experience working on retail and commercial projects. The position requires digital graphics experience, good communication skills, and an ability to thrive in a team environment.

Position Summary:
The Senior Job Captain is competent in all conventional aspects of architectural practice with an emphasis on the technical implementation of the project design. Performs work requiring independent judgment and critical thinking. Adapts standards and criteria to project requirements and possess a diverse working knowledge of related disciplines. The Senior Job Captain is responsible for coordination of the Contract Documents and provides support and guidance to other technical staff as needed to successfully deliver contracted work.

Qualifications include:

  • Bachelor’s degree in architecture from an accredited program preferred.
  • 8 or more years of experience in architectural practice with focus on construction and roll out documentation preferred.
  • Extensive knowledge of architectural detailing and current construction standards.
  • Advanced understanding of architectural design and related fields.
  • Advanced proficiency in CAD, REVIT and other business software and their application to contract documents.
  • Extensive knowledge of codes, consultant’s coordination (civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural), and ability to successfully complete the permitting process with minimal aid and supervision.
  • Extensive knowledge of construction contract administration processes.
  • Has the ability to lead communication efforts with client and development team.
  • Instructions on how to apply (include links, email, etc.)

Apply at https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=7b04d6a8-4ea4-42d4-9e5e-abb8f24d71c9&ccId=125197548_3003&jobId=35375&lang=en_US

Junior Architect

Posted on by cguske

Junior Architect
Two Street Studio | Richmond and Charlottesville, VA

Two Street Studio is a young, energetic, award-winning firm with lots of growth potential. We are looking for team members who embrace challenging tasks with steep learning curves, possess a curiosity and passion for learning, possess experience with Revit, and thrive in a collaborative environment.

We are looking for an entry-to-junior-level designer with 1-4 years of experience to work primarily on single and multi-family residential projects. The position includes experience in all aspects of residential design and construction management including conceptual design, design presentations, production of construction documents, client meetings, and site visits. Expect to gain a deep understanding of residential design and construction methods on projects of varying sizes and styles.

A successful applicant will demonstrate the following:

  • B.Arch or M.Arch degree from an accredited architecture program
  • 1-4 years of experience
  • A strong interest in single-family residential design
  • Experience in Revit
  • Proficiency with real-time rendering software, preferably Enscape3D
  • Experience producing construction drawings and presentation materials is a plus
  • Ability to stay organized and on track across multiple projects

Seeking applicants for our Charlottesville and Richmond offices – please indicate your preference. Competitive salary plus benefits.

To apply for this position, please send a cover letter, resume and work samples to jobs@twostreet.c

Pressing for a Fix to the Amortization of the R&D Tax Credits

Posted on by cguske

If the House of Representatives does not pass HR 7024, the tax liability of #architecture firms of all sizes will be dramatically impacted, limiting their ability to grow and hire talent. Read more: https://bit.ly/3um7W6O #AIA

AIA and partner organizations have spent months engaging with Congress and the Administration, pressing for a fix to the current requirement that R&D (Research & Development) expenditures be amortized over 5 years. On January 19th, House Ways & Means voted HR 7024 – which includes the fix we have been working toward – out of committee by a vote of 40-3. 

The proposed change would allow taxpayers to take the full credit for R&D expenses in the year they are incurred. The provision is retroactive to 2022 and runs through 2025. 

Please take a moment to call your Representative and ask for a yes vote! If you are not sure who your Representative is, you can look it up here: https://www.house.gov/representatives. 

Once you know, just call 202-224-3121 and ask for your Representative’s office. There is a script below that you can use when you call. 

Thank you in advance for your participation. 

Sincerely, 
Alexander Cochran  
Chief Advocacy Officer  
AIA

Phone Call Script 

I am calling to ask Representative [name] to vote “yes” on H.R. 7024, the tax package that was recently agreed upon by leadership in both the House and Senate. The bill includes an important fix to the current rules for the R&D tax credit that has caused significant financial strain for me/my firm/architectural firms across the country. Some firms have had to institute a hiring freeze or even lay off employees to cut costs so they can afford to pay significantly higher tax bills due to the R&D tax credit rule change. The change is costing us jobs and, in some cases, may cause small businesses to close altogether. Vote YES when the bill comes to the floor.  Thank you!