Reflections on Art of Practice: The Future of Work

Last month’s Art of Practice brought together a vibrant cross-section of the profession—firm leaders, emerging leaders, architects who work for contractors, and owner’s representatives—for a day that felt both timely and timeless. Framed around the theme of “The Future of Work,” the gathering invited us not only to look ahead, but also to pause and take honest stock of where we are now.

Our planning committee member’s reflections below:

“Organizing Art of Practice with Delaney Ogden and two members of the Leaders in Architecture and Business (LAB) Task Force – Erin Agdinaoay, AIA, and Gina Robinson, AIA – was an exciting way to demonstrate the impactful business and management training curriculum we developed for LAB. Based on member feedback, it was a huge success!

Personal highlights included: Kelly O’Keefe’s master class on understanding client needs, communicating value, and securing the right kind of work; Keith Waters’ insightful analysis of economic trends in Virginia and the DC region; and the inaugural meeting of the Non-Traditional Roundtable provided a much-needed platform for diverse perspectives within the profession.

I was especially proud to organize and moderate the Peer Panel: Strategic Planning for Strong Firm Culture, which addressed one of architecture’s most pressing challenges—leadership transitions. Architects are aging – the average architect is 51 years old – and these transitions are critical to ensuring the long-term health of firms and our profession. Consider these statistics:

  • 70% of architects are over 40 years old, with an average age of 51.
  • More architects are over 60 than under 40
  • Other industries are younger: tech (35), finance (40), structural engineering (40), construction (42), electrical engineering (44)

The panel featured an exceptional lineup of leaders: Susan Pryor, AIA (Principal at Quinn Evans, AIA Firm of the Year), Donna Phaneuf, FAIA, and Scott Campbell, AIA (VIA Design, AIA Virginia Firm of the Year), and Mel Price, FAIA (Work Program Architects, one of Fast Company’s 2025 Most Innovative Companies). Beyond designing award-winning projects, these leaders have built firms with enviable cultures, impressive growth, and thoughtfully planned leadership transitions. As Susan Pryor aptly stated during the discussion: “Our staff come for the projects and stay for the people. Building your firm is building your people.”

The panelists shared a range of experiences—from completing a 15-year transition plan, to buying-in to a firm at 29, initiating a new strategic plan, and navigating a national merger —all underscored by key themes:

  • Trust your community: Empower staff early by recognizing talent and advancing leaders quickly. Be open and transparent about how your company works. Granting autonomy fosters buy-in and often leads to surprising results.
  • Duty of care: Build well-organized businesses that will last, enabling future generations to meet challenges and reach new heights.
  • Internal coaching and external sponsorship: Do all you can to coach. Invest time in mentoring your team one-on-one and encourage the driven individuals in your network to grow and achieve.
  • Building your firm is building your people: Taking care of your people is paramount. Workplaces where staff feel supported enhance productivity, creativity, and loyalty. Practice “unreasonable hospitality” to shift your interactions from transactional to relational – where trust and connection are foundations of success.

It’s important to note that these three award-winning firms, with exemplary cultures and strategic planning, are led by women architects whose dedication to their teams and communities is evident in their success. Their focus on “the work that makes work possible” is a model for all firms aspiring to thrive.

While I’m proud of what we accomplished this year, my only regret was that more members couldn’t join us. I hope to see even more participants at the next Art of Practice as we continue building connections across Virginia’s architectural community.” Shawn Mulligan, AIA

“One idea emerged early in the day and seemed to echo across every conversation, “What is your desired state, and where are you now?”  Posed as both a personal and organizational reflection in the Kelly O’Keefe’s presentation at the start of the day, this question grounded the day’s discussions in a productive tension between vision and reality. Whether exploring leadership, culture, the economy, or strategic planning, speakers and conversation repeatedly returned to this idea, not as a challenge, but as a compass. Throughout the event, there was a shared sense that the future of architectural practice won’t be defined by a single innovation or shift, but rather by the clarity of our intentions and the alignment of our actions. From mingling lunch or coffee conversations to panel discussions, it was clear that many in the profession are asking similar questions, and more importantly, are eager to shape the answers together. Art of Practice reminded us that the future is not a fixed point on the horizon. It’s a reflection of what we value, what we design into our daily work, and how bravely we’re willing to evolve through the everyday decisions that we make today and tomorrow.” Erin Agdinaoay, AIA, NOMA

“This year, I had the opportunity to not only attend but to help organize the Art of Practice. A behind the scenes perspective really made it clear all the preparation and coordination that goes into an event like this, and I hope our team’s work came through to the other attendees. As a member-led organization, I think it’s so important that AIA Virginia is open and welcoming of our input, and that we have the ability to shape all the different ways we can engage with fellow architects and our communities. The speakers at Art of Practice come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, but one of my biggest takeaways from the day is that we’re all grappling with the same issues – just on different scales. As professionals, we all have to face uncertainty – about the economy, a new project or client, the future of our practice – and we all process that uncertainty in different ways. Just being in conversation with people who are going through or have been through the things that are also on your mind is reassuring.” Gina Robinson, AIA, WELL AP

COTE Corner

Support AIA’s Climate Action Goals: AIA 2030 Commitment and A&D Materials Pledge

As part of AIA’s ongoing commitment to strategic plan goals for climate action, AIA’s pledge programs (AIA 2030 Commitment and A&D Materials Pledge ) offer a call to action for AIA members to directly engage in tracking firm progress towards pledge targets, while improving design practices. This enables AIA to advocate and communicate the impact the architecture profession is making toward achieving a zero carbon, equitable, healthy, and resilient built environment. Deadlines for reporting are March 31 for the 2030 Commitment and May 31 for the Materials Pledge.
 
The AIA 2030 Commitment and Materials Pledge Open Office Hours offers education and technical assistance to firms in their reporting journey. The AIA Climate Action Pledge Program You Tube channel features new video testimonials on the value of pledge participation for firms, and recorded help sessions and webinars on a variety of support and educational topics. 

Questions may go to 2030committment@aia.org or materials@aia.org.

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

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.

A Look into the Program:

People Management (3 sessions)
1. Design Your Career + Work/Life Balance May 16, 2025 – Charlottesville
2. Effective Communication + Decision Making June 13, 2025 – Virginia Beach
3. Firm Culture + Effective Teams July 11, 2025 – Richmond
Financial Management (1 session)
4. Basic Accounting August 1 – Northern Virginia
Time Management (2 sessions)
5. Time Management for Individuals + Teams August 29 – Roanoke
6. Project Management Best Practices September 19 – Norfolk
Firm Management (3 sessions)
7. Winning Work: Marketing + Business Development October 17 – Charlottesville
8. Contracts, Negotiations, + Risk Management November 5-7 – Richmond, Architecture Exchange East
9. Strategic Planning & Leadership Transitions December 5 – Northern Virginia

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

The Leaders in Architecture & Business program is generously sponsored by:

Pella Windows & Doors
The Garland Company

If you would like to sponsor the LAB program, please contact Jody Cranford.

Art of Practice Detailed Agenda Announced

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

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.

Art of Practice Registration and Agenda Announced

Every other year, AIA Virginia convenes a diverse cadre of decision-makers, from practices of all sizes. This one-day forum is intended to cultivate strong leaders and advance business practices. With a focus on creating and fostering a healthy firm culture, both seasoned and emerging leaders will come together to share and learn best practices, be challenged, and be celebrated by their peers.

The 2025 Art of Practice will take place on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 9:45am-5:00pm at Tower Club Tysons Corner in Vienna, VA. This year the theme will revolve around the concept of, “The Current and Future State of Work.”

Registration is now open for the day-long event in Northern Virginia. Space is extremely limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged. Participants can earn 6 AIA LUs.

Take a look at what the day holds on March 14 below:

Morning

  • Breakfast and Welcome
  • Winning Work: Storytelling and Value in Architecture presented by Kelly O’Keefe (Brand Federation)
  • Rethinking the Future of Work: Neurodiversity in Design presented by Corrie Cohen, Assoc, AIA (WPA) and Alison Allred, CID, IIDA (WPA)

Midday Lunch

Afternoon

  • Broad Perspective: Macroeconomics presented by Terry Clower and/or Dr. Keith Waters (George Mason University)
  • Panel discussion: Strategic Planning for Strong Firm Culture featuring:
    • Donna Phaneuf, FAIA (VIA Design)
    • Andrew McKinley, AIA (VIA Design)
    • Susan Pryor, AIA (Quinn Evans)
    • Mel Price, FAIA (WPA)
    • Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA (The Three Aspens)
  • Firm Size Roundtable Discussions and Report Out, led by
    • Maggie Schubert, AIA, (small)
    • Andrew McKinley, AIA, (mid-size)
    • Charles Piper, AIA (large)
  • Networking and Cocktails

Register today for Art of Practice 2025!

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

Art of Practice is generously sponsored by Moseley Architects.

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

ELA Scholarship Awarded

The R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA Scholarship

R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA was in the inaugural ELA class of 2009. Corey has served at local and state AIA components and now is the AIA Senior Vice President, Knowledge & Practice. Corey is a strong believer in increasing diversity in the profession and offering opportunities for all to gain knowledge and advancement in their careers.

In 2022, AIA Virginia established a scholarship in Corey’s name to honor his dedication to emerging professionals and provide financial assistance to those interested in participating in the ELA program.
The R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA ELA Scholarship is available to any ELA applicant with financial need, either to cover tuition or travel expenses for their class year.

The scholarship is awarded to 2025 class member Andi Pretlow, Associate AIA, an Architectural Designer III at Passero Associates. In her application for the scholarship, Pretlow commented “I hope to become that voice for younger designers and lead our profession to a progressive future that is larger than just one project or individual, and that by investing in the growth and success of others, you’re strengthening the entire community. I believe this program would help me excel in so many ways in my professional career and I would love the opportunity to participate.”

Congratulations, Andi!

Donations to the R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA Scholarship can be made through the new AIA Virginia Foundation here.

Meet the ELA Class of 2025

Meet the Emerging Leaders in Architecture class of 2025! This year’s class of 15 comprises of associates from around the state and students from Hampton University. We will be traveling around the state throughout the year for our educational sessions and focusing on the Norfolk, Virginia area for this year’s class project.

Would you like to support the class as they travel around the state? Contact Delaney Ogden, dogden@aiava.org for more information. Be sure to follow the ELA Instagram account at ela_aiavirginia to follow their progress throughout the year!

Tom Becherer, Associate AIA
Bianca Briscoe, Associate AIA
Aidan Brown, Associate AIA (AIA Blue Ridge nominee)
Brendon Glover, Associate AIA (AIA Coastal Virginia nominee)
Fatin Hameed, Associate AIA
Malia Hayes, AIAS (Hampton University)
Amira Jones-Faggins, AIAS (Hampton University)
Sheinya Joseph, Associate AIA (AIA Northern Virginia nominee)
Bhargavi Murthy, Associate AIA (AIA Central Virginia nominee)
Monica Ocampo, Associate AIA
Anna Orlando, Associate AIA (AIA Richmond nominee)
Andi Pretlow, Associate AIA
Ayesha Shaikh, Associate AIA
Brett Shifflett, Associate AIA
Benjamin Sturkie, Associate AIA

Also pictured, Ashley Montgomery, Assoc. AIA, Chair of 2025 ELA program

Art of Practice Registration Now Open

Every other year, AIA Virginia convenes a diverse cadre of decision-makers, from practices of all sizes, sole proprietors, allied organizations, educators, etc. This one-day forum is intended to cultivate strong leaders and advance business practices. With a focus on creating and fostering a healthy firm and team culture, both seasoned and emerging leaders will come together to share and learn best practices, be challenged, and be celebrated by their peers.

The 2025 Art of Practice will take place on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 9:45am-5:00pm at Tower Club Tysons Corner in Vienna, VA. This year the theme will revolve around the concept of, “The Current and Future State of Work.”

Registration is now open for the day-long event in Northern Virginia. Space is extremely limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged. Participants can earn 6 AIA LUs.

Take a look at what the day holds on March 14 below:

Morning

  • Breakfast and Welcome
  • Winning Work: Storytelling and Value in Architecture presented by Kelly O’Keefe (Brand Federation)
  • Rethinking the Future of Work: Neurodiversity in Design presented by Corrie Cohen, Assoc, AIA (WPA) and Alison Allred, CID, IIDA (WPA)

Midday Lunch

Afternoon

  • Broad Perspective: Macroeconomics presented by Terry Clower and/or Dr. Keith Waters (George Mason University)
  • Panel discussion: Strategic Planning for Strong Firm Culture featuring:
    • Donna Phaneuf, FAIA (VIA design)
    • Andrew McKinley, AIA (VIA design)
    • Susan Pryor, AIA (Quinn Evans)
    • Mel Price, FAIA (WPA)
    • Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA (The Three Aspens)
  • Firm Size Roundtable Discussions and Report Out, led by
    • Maggie Schubert, AIA, (Chestnut Knoll Studio) (small)
    • Andrew McKinley, AIA, (VIA design) (mid-size)
    • Charles Piper, AIA (Quinn Evans) (large)
  • Networking and Cocktails (5:00-7:00pm)

Register today for Art of Practice 2025!

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

Art of Practice is generously sponsored by Moseley Architects, and O’Hagan Meyer.

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

The Interactive Wall at ArchEx: Architecture and Adaptation

This year’s ArchEx, themed Adapt, featured an interactive wall that asked a profound question: “How will architecture adapt to future societal needs?”

That’s undeniably a big question, but asking big questions is central to architecture; thought-provoking questions, questioning future scenarios and projections, questions for the sake of questioning…

Some questions are easy to answer, requiring no hesitation. Others are answered with a margin for error. And then there are questions that carry more weight than the answers themselves. Instead of focusing on reaching an answer, the process of how we get there and what that process entails becomes more significant. Perhaps the question posed by the interactive wall was one of those—a big question seeking a well-considered process design.

As Jaspers said, “Philosophy means to be on the way. Its questions are more essential than its answers, and every answer becomes a new question.”* The interactive wall aligns with this ethos, with the big question creating a space for dialogue rather than finding a single definitive answer. It’s a journey of exploration, not just of reaching a conclusion, but of understanding the way forward.

When we design, we envision structures that will stand for at least fifty years. Every decision we make today shapes that future. The responses from the wall can be seen as calls to action, urging us to start building a better tomorrow. Key themes emerged from the collective input:

Inclusivity: Designing with equity, listening, and fostering communication.

Technology: Embracing machine learning, AI, automation, and research to redefine the possibilities of design.

Environment: Using renewable energy, designing for longevity, and reimagining material use and reusing structures.

Architecture adapts today for its future self, for what it is becoming. As we move forward, the journey will be defined by the questions we ask and the processes we design to answer them.
Let us remain curious, reflective, and always on the way.

Irem Sezer, Assoc. AIA
Coastal Adaptation & Resilience Design
Post-Graduate Research & Development Fellow

*Karl Jaspers, 1951. Way to Wisdom: An Introduction to Philosophy. p.12.