The Virginia Associates Award recognizes the accomplishments of individual Associate AIA members for being outstanding leaders and creative thinkers for significant contributions to their communities and the architecture profession. In its inaugural year, the award is presented to Brian C. Gore, Assoc. AIA. Gore, a staff designer at Quinn Evans in Richmond, is particularly active in the profession’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as in the mentorship of young people who show interest in architecture.
Gore currently serves on AIA Virginia’s J.E.D.I. Committee and was a member of the organization’s 2022 Emerging Leaders in Architecture class. A West Virginia native who grew up as a minority in primarily white spaces, he is passionate about advocating for minorities seeking to enter the profession and served as a mentor with the Richmond chapter’s ACE Mentorship Program.
Gore is active in the Virginia Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (VANOMA) and serves as a liaison to NOMAS chapters at the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Hampton University, and James Madison University, strengthening the organization’s relationship with students across the Commonwealth. He earned his own degrees at Fairmont State University (B.Arch.) and Virginia Tech (M.Arch.).
“Through his involvement with these various organizations and programs,” wrote one endorser of his nomination, “Brian desires to push the profession of architecture forward in design and advocacy, especially when it comes to increased representation of diverse and inclusive voices.”
Gore is committed to the “Each one, teach one” philosophy of mentorship, asserting that every architecture professional should feel a personal responsibility to mentor the next generation of architects. “I take great joy in the organic relationships that lead to mentorship opportunities,” he notes. Gore has critiqued portfolios, helped students understand studio concepts, and advised emerging professionals on navigating the transition into the professional world.
As one grateful student notes, “Brian’s dedication to advocating for underrepresented architects and promoting diversity within the profession is truly inspiring.”
Gore will receive the award at the Visions for Architecture event on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, at the Hippodrome Theatre in Richmond.