The Hermitage Museum Garden Loos

Posted on by Delaney Ogden

The Hermitage (c1908) grounds boast of breathtaking vistas out to the expanses of the Lafayette River and Elizabeth River. The Hermitage is a bucolic experience only minutes from downtown and home to a nationally recognized art collection spanning 5,000 years, changing indoor and outdoor exhibitions. Originally a home, the architecture including the associated out-buildings are stunning examples of the American Arts & Crafts movement. The home’s historic carriage house is home to the Visual Arts Studio.

In addition to providing an exceptional context for indoor and outdoor art installations, The Hermitage is heavily sought for weddings and special events including several outdoor festivities and con­certs, attracting sizable crowds. What do crowds require? Toilets!

The facility’s needs of the crowds could not be accommodated in the home architecturally, func­tionally or in a code compliant manner. Even as a single out-building proximate to the events, the provision for publicly accessible restrooms with interior circulation, appropriate lavatory and mirror space required a building footprint that would easily overpower the gentle scale and form of the home and gardens. 

The solution is a contextual response to the porta-potty. Creating small code compliant gender inclusive / single use stalls and bundling them to a scale that extends the graceful scale of the grounds. Set in the context of the Hermitage’s renowned English gardens and seamless with the natural woodlands, the new facility was named ‘The Garden Loos.’  The wooded site is also an educational wetland, which presented the design challenges of a major flood zone. The design incorporated flood proof construction for the first three feet above finish floor and flood gates at the  two flanking exterior walls, so the building can withstand a major flooding event.

Like a geode, the exterior responds to the context and the interior is full of surprises and delight. A polished stainless-steel wall reflects the garden to those who walk by and is a mirror for guests to enjoy the opportunity for selfies and personal expression, not to mention a bride adjusting her veil!  The integration of the Loos into the garden included preserving a brick and ironwork garden wall, a striking feature of the Loos’s interior architecture, where splashes of garden colors create a simple, artistic and memorable interior to each restroom.

The Hermitage Museum Garden Loos
Firm: Hanbury
Project Team: Jane Cady Rathbone, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C and Jeffrey G. Butts, Jr., Assoc. AIA

New Mid-Career Professional Program: Leaders in Architecture & Business

Posted on by Delaney Ogden

Applications Now Open!

Each year, a cohort of experienced architects will learn essential skills for managing people, time, finances, and firms – while building an enduring community of peer support. Over 8 months, content-experts will provide a comprehensive overview of the business and management practices architects need to manage creative teams and build stronger, more profitable firms. Sessions will be held monthly on Fridays from 9:30a.m. – 5:00p.m.

Are you an architect ready to elevate your career?

The Leaders in Architecture & Business (LAB) program is a comprehensive business management training initiative designed specifically for experienced architects like you, who are transitioning from hands-on production to leadership roles – whether as managers, firm owners, or entrepreneurs.

What is LAB?

LAB is an intensive, cohort-based program that provides you with the essential business acumen and leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic architectural world. Through expert-led sessions, hands-on workshops, and real-world case studies, you’ll gain practical knowledge and build a powerful network of peers and industry leaders to help you succeed.

Who Should Attend?

LAB is ideal for AIA members who:

  • Have around 10+ years of experience in the field.
  • Currently manage projects and people – or aspire to.
  • Current or future leaders in their firm or organization.
  • Are considering starting their own architectural practice.
  • Want to enhance their leadership capabilities and advance their career.

What You’ll Gain:

LAB will equip you with practical tools and knowledge to:

  • Lead and Manage High-Performing Teams: Master effective communication, delegation, and conflict resolution strategies to build more collaborative and productive teams.
  • Win work & attract the right clients: Learn to identify and attract your ideal client, and communicate your value to win more of the right kind of work.
  • Navigate Firm Finances with Confidence: Understand financial management principles for effective accounting, budgeting, projections, and performance analysis.
  • Optimize Time and Maximize Productivity: Develop effective time management techniques and strategies to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and achieve work-life balance.
  • Grow, Change, or Start a Firm: Learn from industry experts how to manage, grow, change, or start a firm through business development strategies, marketing and sales techniques, and operations management best practices that enhance firm performance.
  • Enhance Business Acumen: Develop skills in risk management, contracts, and negotiation.

Program Highlights:
LAB participants meet monthly over 8 months, and learn from a variety of content experts, within and outside the architecture profession. Through a variety of in-person classes, workshops, and case studies, you will gain the practical skills you need to lead. The program offers:

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering essential business management topics tailored for architects.
  • Expert-Led Sessions: Learn from industry leaders, business experts, and seasoned architects.
  • Cohort-Based Learning: Build a strong network of peers through collaborative workshops and group discussions.
  • Practical Application: Apply new skills and knowledge to real-world scenarios through case studies and hands-on activities.
  • Lasting Connections: Forge valuable relationships with peers and industry experts that extend beyond the program.

Key Dates

These are key dates for Leaders in Architecture & Business class of 2025:

  • Applications: Applications are open from March 6 to April 18, 2025.
  • Sessions occur every 3-4 weeks over 8 months on Fridays from 9:30a.m. – 5:00p.m. with three (3) social hours within the 8 months. Session will be held in-person throughout the Commonwealth.
  • Applicants will be notified of acceptance by Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Invest in Your Future

More than just business training, LAB is an investment in your future success. By developing your business and leadership skills, you’ll be better equipped to lead teams, manage projects, control your finances, and drive innovation within your firm.

Ready to take your career to the next level?

Applications for the LAB program are now open! Apply here by April 18th.

Don’t miss this opportunity to become a true Leader in Architecture & Business!

ArchEx 2025: Call for Presentations

Posted on by Delaney Ogden

Architecture Exchange East is the annual thought-leadership conference and expo curated by AIA Virginia. The conference will be held Nov. 5-7, 2025, in Richmond at the Richmond Marriott. Our goal is to bring together the brightest minds and most engaging speakers to present talks that are future-focused on a wide range of subjects, to provoke important conversations among design professionals, and to promote networking, relationship building, and collaboration.

This year’s theme is: Design the Future: Advancing Technology, Community & Business.

Celebrating its 38th year, ArchEx has always strived to help push the profession forward. We are looking for exciting and engaging topics and speakers to make this year unforgettable.

We value sessions that encourage conversation, connections, and collaborative learning. Think workshops, roundtables, tours, and interactive panels. Many of our session slots will be 60 minutes, but we can consider reserving longer time slots for more in-depth explorations. 

To propose an offering, complete and submit the Presentation Proposal Form by April 30, 2025. Your proposal will be reviewed, and you will be contacted no later than July 2024. Incomplete forms will not be accepted.

Requirements

  • Submit a completed proposal form online
  • Proposals must be received by the deadline date.
  • Expert speakers with public speaking experience are preferred
  • Presentation content must be sufficient for the proposed length of the session

Deadline is 11:59 p.m., April 30, 2025

Decision Process

All proposals are evaluated by AIA Virginia’s Education Advisory Council to ensure they address the educational needs of the audience and that the program is well-balanced. The submission review process will begin in May and will continue until the end of June.

If you would like to be a part of the Education Advisory Council and help shape the ArchEx program, please contact Delaney Ogden at dogden@aiava.org.

Suggestions and Questions

Suggestions for potential speakers or questions about the conference can be directed to Delaney Ogden, Director of Education at dogden@aiava.org.

Suggested Topics

  • Sustainable Design
  • Tours — Projects of interest, in progress or recently completed, restoration, redevelopment, urban planning, art installations, artist studios, creatives, historical architecture, etc.
  • Tours/experiences of cultural, historical, and artistic interest
  • Workshops/experiences that involve community design/engagement
  • Business planning
  • Excellence in Design
  • New Uses of Technology
  • Codes
  • Accessibility
  • Leadership
  • Office management
  • Residential design
  • Healthcare and wellness

We encourage interactive presentations (panel discussion, live Q&A/audience participation, slide show/visual presentation etc.) and those that qualify for HSW credit. We also encourage presentations to tie to this year’s theme of – Design the Future: Advancing Technology, Community & Business.

2025 ArchEx Call for Presentations

Posted on by Delaney Ogden

Historic Tour: The Old Mill at Waterford

Posted on by Delaney Ogden

Historic Tour: The Old Mill at Waterford

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2025 AIA Virginia Prize Jury Announced

Posted on by Delaney Ogden

AIA Virginia is pleased to announce the jury for the 2025 AIA Virginia Prize. The competition — which took place over the weekend of January 31-February 2 —challenged students to design a public toilet for the local municipality of Alexandria, Virginia in the vicinity of the King Street Metro Station. The facility should serve to support and further the city’s identity and image, creating an environment that elevates the program into an architecturally significant design.

Each school’s faculty reviewed the submissions and sent up to 10 finalists for final consideration by the jury which is chaired by Julie Nelson, AIA.

About the Jury

Julie Nelson, AIA, Partner

Julie became a Partner at BKSK in 2009. Her work ranges across typologies and disciplines – distinguished by design ambition that celebrates place, community, and environmental stewardship. As Partner in Charge and Lead Designer, she has been responsible for the design and construction of many of BKSK’s architecturally ambitious and complex civic and institutional projects. Julia was an Adjunct Professor at the City College Spitzer School of Architecture, teaching Design Studio and Professional Practice. An advocate for women in practice, Julia has been an active participant in mentoring through the AIANY Women in Architecture Committee. Julie holds both Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees in Architecture from the University of Virginia.

Todd Poisson, AIA, Partner

Todd became a Partner at BKSK in 2009 and has over 30 years of experience in the architecture profession. As Partner in Charge and Lead designer, he has been responsible for the design and construction of many of BKSK’s most architecturally and technologically ambitious projects, ranging between institutional, residential, hospitality, and mixed-use types. Todd received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, and has enjoyed interviewing aspiring architectural students for admission in the program for 20 years.

David Kubik, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Partner

David Kubik joined BKSK in 2003 and was named Partner in 2018. He plays a strong role in the design of both institutional and development projects, and pays careful attention to details in both custom interior work and base building new construction. David has extensive experience coordinating large consultant teams on complex projects. David has served as Adjunct Assistant Professor at City Tech’s program for Architectural Technology.  He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of Maryland, where he was awarded the Thesis Citation.

Harpreet Dhaliwal, AIA, LEED AP, NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects), Partner

Since joining BKSK in 2004, and being named Partner in 2025, Harpreet has overseen a variety of Public, Institutional, and Non-profit projects that weave together sustainability, community, and mission. Through her experience working with the NYC Department of Design and Construction, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, NY State Parks, and Queens Public Library, among others, she has developed a deep understanding of public agency process, requirements, and standards. Harpreet received her Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia.

Click here to learn more about a recent Hanbury project that addressed challenges of public restrooms at the Hermitage Museum in Norfolk, VA.

Art of Practice Detailed Agenda Announced

Posted on by Delaney Ogden

PROGRAM SPONSOR: ITEK Construction + Consulting, Inc.

Seasoned and emerging leaders, from practices of all sizes, sole proprietors, allied organizations, educators, etc. from across the Commonwealth will converge on March 14, 2025, at the Tower Club Tysons Corner for the Art of Practice forum. The program is intended to cultivate strong leaders, identify solutions to common business challenges, advance business practices, and fuel collaboration across the profession.

Registration is now open for the day-long event in Northern Virginia. Space is extremely limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged. Tickets are available to members and non-members. Participants can earn 6 learning units.

Art of Practice is currently sponsored by:
ITEK Construction + Consulting, Inc. (PROGRAM SPONSOR)
Moseley Architects (Lunch Sponsor)
O’Hagan Meyer (Lunch Sponsor)
ASSA ABLOY (Reception Sponsor)
Ames & Gough (Coffee Sponsor)
Keith Fabry (Signage Sponsor)

If you would like to sponsor Art of Practice, please contact Jody Cranford

About the Program

10:00 a.m. Winning Work: Storytelling and the Value in Architecture
Effective communication skills are critical to the success of any business leader. Take part in an intensive presentation — developed specifically for architects — to understand how and why people make decisions, how to craft messages that communicate your value, and how to move clients to choose you.
Speaker: Kelly O’Keefe, Founding Partner and CEO, Brand Federation

11:00 a.m. Rethinking the Future of Work: Neurodiversity in Design
Participants will learn how fostering an inclusive environment and accommodating environment for neurodiverse people can enhance holistic design outcomes and boost productivity through practical, actionable strategies.
Speakers: Corrie Cohen, Assoc. AIA, Architectural Designer at WPA and Alison Allred, CID, IIDA, Senior Interior Designer at WPA

12:00 p.m. Lunch sponsored by Moseley Architects and O’Hagan Meyer

1:00 p.m. Broad Perspectives: Macroeconomics
Review Macroeconomics 101, discuss local/national economy’s impact on the profession, how the major sectors of the economy are influenced/affected by interest rates and recognize the economic forces/factors that govern public and private funding sources.
Speakers: Terry Clower, Ph.D., Director, Center for Regional Analysis, Stephen S. Fuller Institute, George Mason University and Keith Waters, Assistant Director, Stephen S. Fuller Institute, George Mason University

2:00 p.m. Peer Panel: Strategic Planning for Strong Firm Culture
Failing to plan is planning to fail. Whether your firm is facing the retirement of a key leader, a merger, or simply considering how to nurture the next generation of principals, leadership transitions can often take years — even with advance planning and management. Hear how your colleagues faced a host of issues and positioned their firms for success in the face of change.
Speakers: Donna Phaneuf, FAIA (VIA design), Andrew McKinley, AIA (VIA design), Susan Pryor, AIA (Quinn Evans), Mel Price, FAIA (Work Program Architects), Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA (The Three Aspens)

3:00 p.m. Break

3:15 p.m. Firm Size Roundtable Discussions
Taking a cue from the most popular part of AIA Virginia’s Firm Size and Non-Traditional Practice Roundtable meetings, we’ve reserved time for peer-to-peer learning. Discuss key themes from the day, discover best practices and share your experiences with colleagues.
Speakers: Maggie Schubert, AIA, (small), Andrew McKinley, AIA, (mid-size), Charles Piper, AIA (large), Bill Conkey, AIA (non-traditional)

4:15 p.m. Roundtable Report-Out
4:45 p.m. Closing Remarks
5:00 p.m. Cocktails and Networking

Register

Tickets
AIA members: $175
Assoc. AIA member: $135
Non-member: $200

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON MARCH 3, 2025 at 8:00 PM – Get your tickets now!

Lodging
Below are two hotels within walking distance of Tower Club:
Tysons Corner Marriott
Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner

About the Art of Practice
The biennial Art of Practice was launched in 2017 with the purpose of providing current and aspiring firm leaders and with timely, relevant, actionable advice on how to grow and sustain their businesses.

Read the key takeaways from the 2017 event and see the photo gallery.

2025 AIA Virginia Prize Weekend Complete

Posted on by Delaney Ogden

Over the January 31-February 3 weekend, the 2025 AIA Virginia Prize competition kicked off with students around Virginia. We were thrilled to have William & Mary join competitors from Hampton University, UVA, Virginia Tech (Blacksburg and the WAAC), and JMU in addressing the challenge.

The first round of submissions is juried at the university level and up to 10 finalists from each school will be sent to be juried at the state level by the competition jury. We look forward to sharing and celebrating the results.

2025 AIA Virginia Prize Challenge

Background

Inequality in access to public toilets has taken on an increasingly urban/suburban divide. In suburbia, bathrooms in privately owned businesses such as gas stations, fast-food restaurants, or big-box stores stand in for public toilets. In contrast, fewer establishments in the city allow access to toilet facilities, particularly for non-customers. Disparate constituencies such as cab or delivery drivers, unhoused individuals, or those with medical conditions often find themselves in urgent need of toilet facilities while away from home. Many have pointed out the way in which public toilet access historically has facilitated participation in public life for women, workers, tourists, and many others. More recently, bathroom access has become a lightning rod for controversies over the inclusion of trans and nonbinary people in the public sphere. Today, cities like Tokyo are reinvesting in the public toilet, or the “comfort station,” as a form of branding and placemaking, often including additional amenities such as bike racks, benches, shade. Most importantly, they offer those in need a safe, clean, comfortable, and often beautiful facility designed with provocative forms, materials, or graphics.

The Challenge

Design a public toilet for the local municipality of Alexandria, Virginia in the vicinity of the King Street Metro Station. The facility should serve to support and further the city’s identity and image, creating an environment that elevates the program into an architecturally significant design. It must accommodate three to five visitors at a time and include a custodial service room. The design should consider the needs of the following: the differently abled, infants, young children, and their caregivers, the full spectrum fo gender identity, environmentally sustainable features and/or technologies, and potential suitability for prototyping.

About the AIA Virginia Prize

Conducted simultaneously at Hampton University, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech (both in Blacksburg and at the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center/the WAAC), William & Mary, and James Madison University, the competition is a design charrette that engages students across the Commonwealth. Students receive the competition program on a Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. They work over the weekend to create a design solution and submit it by 9 a.m. the following Monday.

Launched in 1980, the competition is intended to promote collaboration between the profession, students, and professors in Virginia.

Development of the competition brief rotates between the schools annually — the 2025 Prize challenge was developed by the WAAC.