AIA Virginia has named Ava Helm, AIA, as one of two recipients of the 2025 Virginia Associates Award, recognizing exceptional Associate AIA members for outstanding leadership, creative thinking, and significant contributions to their communities and the architecture profession.
A 2022 graduate of Syracuse University, Helm began her full-time career at KGD Architecture, following years of active involvement in the architecture community through internships and volunteer efforts. She played a pivotal role in revitalizing AIA Northern Virginia’s Young Architects Forum post-pandemic, serving as Vice Chair in 2023, and was a participant in the AIA Virginia Emerging Leaders in Architecture program, where her team designed resiliency hubs that included pet care support in crisis planning.
Helm’s leadership extended to Canstruction events in 2023 and 2024, raising substantial food and funds for the Arlington Food Assistance Center, highlighting how architectural skills can be leveraged for tangible community benefit.
Her dedication to mentorship, thoughtful design, and community engagement embodies the transformative power of architecture and the evolving role of architects in society.
Helm, who is now a licensed architect, will be formally recognized at the Visions for Architecture celebration on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Richmond Downtown Marriott. Tickets go on sale September 2, 2025, at www.aiava.org.