Join us in person to hear about vital developments with your professional society, elect officers, and conduct other business at the AIA Virginia Annual Meeting of the Membership. We will also be celebrating our newly licensed architects, emeritus members, new fellows, award winners and honorees for 2024. Earn 2 AIA LU|Elective. The meeting will be held after the keynote address at Architecture Exchange East, Nov. 6 starting at noon at the Downtown Richmond Marriott.
Register for the annual meeting through the ArchEx registration sitehere>>
For election, to serve the remainder of her predecessor’s term: Treasurer: Amber Hall, AIA (Coastal Virginia)
For re-election, to a second term: Secretary: Karen Conkey, AIA (Northern Virginia)
Additionally: Meagan Jancy, AIA (Northern Virginia) elevates from 2024 President-Elect to 2025 President Kelly Callahan, AIA (Central Virginia) progresses from 2024 President to 2025 Past President
AIA Virginia members can attend the annual membership meeting for free. If you are not attending anything else at ArchEx, but would like to attend the annual meeting, email cguske@aiava.org
As we transition from summer—hopefully with a few pool or beach days behind you—I hope you’re feeling refreshed and ready for an exciting fall. There are some fantastic opportunities on the horizon, especially for young architects and emerging professionals.
Erin Agdinaoay, AIA, NOMA
First, I highly recommend attending the 2024 ArchEx. Caitlin Morgan, Virginia’s STAR and the newly announced 2024 AIA Virginia Associates Award winner, and I are thrilled to be presenting and helping with the programming. We’re excited to connect with colleagues from across the industry and hope to see many of you there! The local YAF teams have been working hard to organize some great programming for students, emerging professionals, and young architects, so keep an eye out for a detailed guide soon.
On a national level, the Young Architects Forum (YAF) is exploring whether it’s time for a rebrand to better reflect the evolving identity of architects within their first 10 years of licensure. With more flexible paths to licensure available, the term “young” does not fully capture the diversity of this group, as licensure can occur at any age, especially as more-and-more barriers to licensure get removed. Over the past year, YAF has conducted research and surveys to explore a potential name change. In talking with other state Young Architect Representatives, many of us have noticed that while the YAF’s national role is focused on recently licensed architects, local engagement often blends with Emerging Professionals and Associates. This overlap can help boost engagement through density of shared interests, but it also raises the question: how do we maintain a focus on architects in their first 10 years of licensure at every level of the AIA? YAF is working closely with AIA National on this renaming effort, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to email me at erin@wparch.com.
In other exciting news, nominations are now open for the AIA National Young Architects Award! This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight someone you know who is doing exceptional work deserving of recognition at the national level. I’d love to see a Virginia architect win this year, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need assistance. The nomination period is open until November 15, 2024. For inspiration, you can learn about some of this year’s winners here.
Lastly, if you’re not already following the YAF on social media, I highly recommend doing so. It’s an easy way to stay informed on the latest news, events, and resources.
Ah, September is here, and with it, the cool, crisp days of autumn have arrived! As we’ve mentioned, AIA Virginia leadership has been traveling around our Commonwealth, hosting Town Hall happy hours to enjoy some face time with each of the (5) local chapters. A few weeks ago, we hosted one in my home chapter of Central Virginia at Three Notch’d Brewing in Charlottesville. It was a beautiful and joyful evening with many attending including our emerging professional group which regularly gathers on the first Thursday of each month. Join us on October 3rd for the Northern Virginia Town Hall! We also hosted a warm reception for our local ELA alumni. This group continues to give back to their architectural community, (applications for the class of 2025 are now being accepted!). Our Allied Members at The Garland Company hosted a lunch for those actively leading and volunteering in AIA Central Virginia. It was a wonderful week reconnecting with friends, hearing about emerging programs, and meeting new members eager to step up!
Upon careful consideration of AIA national’s 2025 dues increase of 3.9%, and considering current economic expectations, the AIA Virginia board of directors voted unanimously to hold the state-level dues steady for 2025. As we continue to hone and improve the organization’s impact by elevating and expanding our membership, we are grateful to each of you.
On a more solemn note, we recognize with sadness the passing of Bob Boynton, FAIA, who was a dear friend and inspiration to many and who, for decades, served the AIA at all levels.
Looking forward to November, registration is now open for ArchEx 2024! It is with the greatest hope of seeing all of you there that I offer the following encouragement:
Let’s face it, we don’t keep in touch with people because, well, we’re just too busy. Take a few days to spend some down time with old friends, fellow alumni, and colleagues. And while you’re here, we promise that you’ll make a few new friends who share your path or your passions.
#4 Earn those pesky CEUs
This is a chance to earn all your 2024 CEUs in one glorious event! Choose between dozens of sessions to quench your curiosities, hone your technical knowledge, or glean a new process or product to take back to your work.
#3 Delve into immersive experiences
Whether it’s a building tour, a community workshop, or an urban sketching excursion, you can engage in hands-on experiences around our capital city. CNN Travel just named RVA as the #1 town in America to visit in 2024! C’mon, what are you waiting for?
#2 Attend the Awards Gala. It’s free!
Yep, this year, a ticket to Thursday night’s Visions Awards Gala is included in your ArchEx 3-day ticket price. It promises to be an evening of fun, frolicking, and celebration, while we recognize and honor the people and projects that inspire us most.
#1 Be inspired by our keynote speakers
This year’s theme of “Adapt” will frame the content as we delve into what it means to adapt to changes in our practices, our profession, and our planet. And Jeffrey Mansfield of MASS Design will headline a keynote not to be missed.
Have other reasons that you’re attending? Share your ‘Why’ on our Instagram feed!
Kelly D. Callahan, AIA 2024 President, AIA Virginia
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!
Caleb Snyder, 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
Transferred In Vladyslav Bobuskyi, Assoc. AIA (Central Virginia) from AIA Indiana Bianca Briscoe, Assoc. AIA (Richmond) from AIA|DC Daniel Cryer, AIA (Central Virginia) from AIA Pennsylvania Ronald Davis, AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA Florida Jacob Johnson, AIA (Richmond) from AIA North Carolina Musa Kanneh, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA New York State Christopher Leppert, AIA (Northern Virginia) from AIA|DC Andi Pretlow, Assoc. AIA (Central Virginia) from AIA North Carolina
Donna thrives at giving the ordinary – extra attention to obtain extraordinary results. This has been a career-long journey, executed one day at a time, in the art of growing a meaningful and productive creative practice. Her clients are exceptional people, and the exchange of ideas and knowledge with them affords her the audience and fellowship she enjoys today. As VIA’s founding principal she has learned that creativity is not a talent but rather is a way of operating. This is her art and the genesis of her design energies.
Donna Phaneuf, FAIA
She guides the firm’s strategic planning efforts and has transitioned VIA design into a firm in which clients seek out. Her work portfolio, inclusive of many building types, includes those within the ecology of urban redevelopment, the exploration of twenty-first-century research and learning environments, and the complexity of waterfront floodplain sites. Her passion for these 3 forward-thinking focuses has positioned VIA as a leading firm in the industry. To this note, VIA defines resilience differently than most, as their inspirations and motivations are focused on the future and “next time” with the notion of doing it better to last longer.
Donna is a known leader within her community and the architectural profession and she is recognized as such with an AIA Fellowship. Her commitments and influences are evident in the many positions held as Chair of multiple civic boards, arts boards, AIA committees, and City Council-appointed boards. She drives a positive firm culture and the vision for the firm’s future-forward as a business model. She is often called to make inspirational presentations on firm ownership and speak at industry conferences to demystify the value of the design profession. Her passion and relentless pursuit of design excellence continues to lead to AIA jury invitations for the work of students, design professionals, and civic design awards programs. “I’ve always enjoyed the endless pursuit of doing what you love and the resilience it brings as leadership is not about having great ideas; it is about ensuring light is brought to the best ideas and they are allowed to emerge.”
Where did you go to architecture school? Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bachelor of Architecture, 1983.
What do you think it takes to be an architect? Behavioral Practices:
A constant keen awareness of your surroundings and an aptitude for patience with the notion of making the built environment different
A creative, flexible mind willing to take risks
The ability to tease out the unspoken intentions of key objectives
Intuition
Grit and “stick-to-it-ness”
Humility
Humor
Compassion
Good Energy
A laser-sharp future focus
Is there an architect that particularly inspires you? Alvar Aalto. His work is masterful with form, light, and finish. Studying his work while in school hugely inspired my early career and I still find that influence emerging in various projects today.
What are you currently reading? I am continually in the middle of several writings that help me organize my current thought trends and stimulate future ones: A Clearing in the the Distance, by Witold Rybczynski, illuminates Frederick Law Olmstead’s role as a major cultural figure at the epicenter of nineteenth-century American history. I have been an outdoor sportsman: fishing, hunting, hiking, and observer of the patterns and beauty of nature on any given day or in any weather condition. These landscapes, through seasonal change, fascinate me; so does the life story of Olmstead. His story and influences are powerful in that he was a landscape architect before the profession was established. Moon Magic, by Diane Ahlquist: Clearly, the Moon is much more than something interesting to look at in the sky! It is powerful and impactful, mystical, and an influence to pay very close attention. Comfortable with Uncertainty, by Pema Chödrön: 108 teachings on cultivating fearlessness and compassion.
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had? There is continually one more “best ever” occurrence. Frankly, I have lost track! My husband and I love to cook, experiment in the kitchen, and test-drive new recipes on our family and friends. Our outdoor-adventuring lifestyle procures all the game and seafood that lands on our table without exception or waste. To this notion, managing our 3 freezers provide a diverse array of fowl, seafood, and large game. Our feathered friends are duck, brandt, geese, doves, quail, pheasant, and rails. Our antlered friends are white-tail and mule deer, elk, antelope, caribou and moose. We have even ventured with musk ox and grizzly from the more extreme hunts. The fin and shellfish catches are eaten mostly fresh to avoid too much locker time of which may include, striper, trout, tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, blue crab, and clams. With all this, I do believe our local dish called “Crab Norfolk” trumps all! Our home has thus been nicknamed “Hook Hoof & Claw” and our table guests are always on standby.
Why do you volunteer with AIA? I returned home from my first architectural work experience at Bürgin & Nissen in Basel, Switzerland in 1984. At that time, I did not have any local architectural friends or established pathways to connect with other architects. A TGIF event introduced me to the AIA, and this was the beginning of my new network. Through this connection, my eyes were opened to the greater possibilities within our profession, leadership opportunities, meaningful social exposures and influences, and the concept of building my tribe of mentors. I was on my way because of the AIA. I appreciate and I am grateful for the constant voice which protects and upholds the importance of our role in our communities and in volatile political arenas. Double standards are not welcome and all are encouraged to continually raise the bar in professional performance and service. The separation between professional and private life is basically a blur when you are an architect and the AIA grooms and promotes model citizen behavior to help you calmly align this journey. Their Code of Ethics has been a guiding light in my career and I have always received more than I have given by adhering to this Canon. Thank you AIA!
Robert A. (Bob) Boynton, FAIA passed away unexpectedly over the weekend.
At AIA Virginia our hearts are sad – but also grateful.
Bob was an exceptionally active and impactful member of the AIA. If there was a position on any council or committee – at either the state or the local level – Bob had likely held it.
Bob was a Fellow, a recipient of the William C. Noland Medal (AIA Virginia’s highest honor). Bob served as President of AIA Virginia and also as the national President of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Bob served on and presided over the APELSCIDLA Board; and was continuing that service as a special advisor.
A graduate of Virginia Tech, Bob was a proud hokie. Over his career, Bob collaborated in a number of firms before becoming a founding partner of Boynton, Rothschild, Rowland Architects PC.
I know many of you knew Bob well, you have my sincere condolences. For those who did not, I know you have encountered the manifold benefits of his dedicated service, as have we all.
We send our deepest sympathies to his wife Helen and daughter Jennifer. And we offer profound gratitude and respect for Bob and all of his accomplishments.
Honorary Membership is bestowed upon a person of esteemed character who is not eligible for membership in the AIA Virginia but who has rendered distinguished and exemplary service, over a sustained period of time, to architecture and the built environment in Virginia. Stewart Roberson will be recognized by AIA Virginia with Honorary Membership for his sustained commitment and tireless work on behalf of the Commonwealth’s architects.
Stewart Roberson has significantly impacted the architecture profession through his transformative leadership at Moseley Architects, where he served as President, CEO, and Chair of the Board. Under his stewardship from 2011 to 2023, the firm experienced remarkable growth, with annual gross revenue increasing by 153% and its geographical footprint expanding from Virginia and North Carolina to a broader mid-Atlantic presence. His strategic vision led to the firm’s expansion into senior living and multifamily housing projects, a notable rise in the firm’s service portfolio, and the establishment of a robust design excellence culture. Roberson’s initiatives, including the “One Firm” approach and the Moseley2025 strategic plan, revitalized the firm’s operations and culture, emphasizing team engagement and design quality.
In addition to his leadership at Moseley Architects, Roberson’s contributions extend to significant professional and community engagement. His roles in various civic and educational boards, including the Virginia Board of Education and the Virginia Commission on School Construction and Modernization, underscore his commitment to advancing educational and architectural standards. His efforts in founding the Academy to Envision Tomorrow’s Schools highlight his dedication to integrating educational insights into architectural design. Roberson’s extensive involvement in professional organizations and his advocacy for emerging leaders in architecture further exemplify his enduring influence and dedication to the field.
For his service to the profession, Stewart Roberson will be honored with Honorary Membership at the Visions for Architecture event on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at the Richmond Downtown Marriott.
The Virginia Emerging Architect Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers, whether through design, service, education, or advancement of social justice, equity, diversity, or inclusion. For 2024, Krystal Anderson, AIA, and Sheena Mayfield, AIA, will receive the award.
Krystal Anderson is a senior architect in Gresham Smith’s Richmond Aviation studio. She has 13 years of experience with project types ranging from historic rehabilitation and multi-family housing to aviation.
Krystal has been heavily involved in the AIA at both the state and local levels. Over the years, she served on both AIA Virginia’s board and AIA Richmond’s board. Through her time serving within AIA, she has contributed to the profession and community in multiple ways and capacities. She has been instrumental in many programs and initiatives that have elevated the AIA membership experience and have had a positive impact on the community.
Within the office, Krystal has focused on mentoring the next generation, cultivating office culture, and advancing the profession and design through the projects she works on. Through her volunteering and engagement outside of the office, she can build on those experiences and enhance her leadership within the firm.
Sheena Mayfield, AIA, NCARB, stands as a leading figure in architectural innovation and community-focused design, celebrated for her transformative work in affordable housing. Her project, The Planet Apartments, not only garnered acclaim with the Golden Hammer Award from Historic Richmond and Storefront for Community Design but also set a precedent as the sole affordable housing project in the award nominations. Her recent elevation to Associate at Baskervill reflects her outstanding contributions and visionary approach, which seamlessly blend thoughtful design with a deep understanding of community needs. Sheena’s ability to create spaces that resonate on both personal and collective levels underscores her significant impact on the field.
Beyond her design achievements, Sheena is profoundly committed to education and community service. Her leadership in initiatives like Baskervill Ask[U], which introduces high school students to STEAM careers, and her role as an Adjunct Faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University, demonstrate her dedication to nurturing the next generation of architects. Her volunteer work with organizations such as Art180 and Storefront for Community Design further exemplifies her commitment to inclusivity and social justice. Through her diverse contributions, Sheena Mayfield has not only advanced architectural practice but has also empowered marginalized voices and inspired future leaders, cementing her legacy as a transformative force in both her profession and community.
For their contributions to the profession, Krystal Anderson and Sheena Mayfield will be recognized with the Emerging Architect Award at the Visions for Architecture event on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at the Richmond Downtown Marriott.
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. For 2024, this award is given to Caitlin Morgan, Associate AIA.
Caitlin Morgan, Assoc. AIA, CSI-EP, began her career at the height of the 2020 global pandemic and has since found her passion for advocating for emerging professionals across architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). Her roles at the local, state, and national levels for professional organizations exemplify her desire to work with industry leaders to ensure that future architecture professionals receive the education and mentorship they require for a successful career serving their communities. Caitlin experienced hardships in architecture upon graduating from college in 2020 when all professional networking and development opportunities were placed on indefinite holds. Not wanting to delay her goal of becoming a licensed architect, she set her sights on creating virtual networking opportunities through her local CSI and AIA chapters where she formed connections that would shape the future of her career.
Throughout the pandemic, Caitlin continued to pursue professional development and networking opportunities, culminating in a position on the AIA Virginia Board of Directors as the 2021-2023 Associate Director. Her experience in this role reminded her of how diverse the Associate membership is within the AIA, consisting of experience levels ranging from recent graduates to seasoned design professionals. Through this lens, she has tailored her passion for emerging professional advocacy to include a wider network of AEC professionals and, in 2021, co-founded Emerge AEC, a virtual networking platform with a mission to improve communication between emerging professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction by building community, supporting career growth, and elevating AEC as a whole.
Since co-founding Emerge AEC as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Caitlin has forged strong relationships with professionals across the country despite global conditions that risked setting her back in her professional development. Caitlin continues to pursue roles where she can work with and advocate for emerging professionals who find themselves at risk of deviating from architecture career paths – Her passion for strengthening the pipeline of successful future architects and designers continue to fuel her drive for a more accessible and diverse industry.
For her service to the profession through AIA and CSI, service to the community, advancing education initiatives, and fostering industry discourse and collaboration, Caitlin Morgan will be honored with the Associates Award at the Visions for Architecture event on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at the Richmond Downtown Marriott.
