“Architecture itself is a profession of going against the grain.” At Design Forum 2026, Marlon Blackwell, Patricia Gruits, Ronald Rael, and Michael Reynolds reminded us that our theme for the weekend, Against the Grain, is in our DNA as architects. The lectures, discussion, and questions asked brought us closer to that origin story. The theme is abstract and difficult to define. The Design Forum committee referenced the dictionary, Shakespeare, and woodworking in our prompt to the speakers to gesture towards the idea. The hand of fate intervened, or a form of alchemy, because the abstraction of the term led each speaker towards a singular truth – that extraordinary practice comes from a deep love of the ordinary.
“Tension leads us to the task of strangeness”. Marlon Blackwell of Marlon Blackwell Architects began his lecture by reminding us that the Latin root of radical means rooted. Abstraction does not remove us from reality but instead allows us to take what the world is giving us and reinterpret it. The projects he showed ranged in use, location, and construction type but were united in their consistent point of view. Mr. Blackwell referred to architecture as a stream bed – by itself it has no value. His love of people is shown in the presence of porches on every project, a southern staple for gathering on hot days, which he calls a proscenium for life to happen. A sense of specificity in each building is present across every scale, from the custom automotive paint that allows beveled fins to glimmer like trees in sunlight to the Gee’s Bend quilts translated into a facade. In a world of standardization and efficiency through repetition, he reinforced the concept that architecture should be not just in a place but of a place and for a place.
“The problem with making sensible decisions is that so will everyone else.” Patricia Gruits also kicked us off with redefining a word central to her practice at MASS. Abundance is not the state of having more than you need, but rather having exactly enough. She showed work that proved that architecture can be an act of service towards the ideal of abundance for all. This includes the Earth: how can we design a world where people and the planet thrive? Each project she shared was extraordinary in form and proportion but the focus of her narrative was on the site. She sees the site as the source of the project, not a location. This source material is scaleless and infinite inspiration. Patricia inspired us to recontextualize ambition as a drive to find an extraordinary path for the betterment of all.
“Beauty and equity comes from the same act, the act of making.” Ronald Rael of Rael San Fratello showed a practice unbound by definition. His work exists along many spectrums, from ancient to modern, art to architecture, object to place. We saw homes for coral seeds and installations along the US Mexico border, adobe abodes and ovens for baking bread. His work shows a reverence for the existing that goes beyond inspiration. As Ronald explained his evolving process for building with 3d printed earth, it became clear that his imagination was as unmatched as his capacity for invention. How much richer would the world be if we all used the resources available to us? Ronald showed research that explored the realms of ancestral knowledge, craftsmanship, and activism. He challenged us to see beyond the constraints to something new.
“Sometimes I think I’m the luckiest guy in the world because I want the things you don’t want. I want your garbage and I want your sewage.” Michael Reynolds of Earthship Biotecture shared a career that has worked to reframe architecture as a practice of designing buildings that grace the earth and support people through the reuse of refuse and recyclables in construction. The building is a machine, a spaceship, that contains everything a resident needs for life. So deeply grounded in site that the earthships are embedded in it, they create a self-sustaining ecosystem that keeps temperatures stable, reuses all water, and grows food. The core of the idea comes from the acceptance that trash is, at this point, a native building material on Earth. The resulting projects span the globe, adjusting the science to reflect each unique site, and prove that to find new opportunities for brilliance we need to reframe our perspective.
“We, as a discipline, are capable of designing the future we want.” At our closing panel, all four speakers reflected on the thoughts shared over the weekend. Although their practices vary in region, program and scale they were more united than different. Each speaker’s practice is deeply rooted in craft, specificity, context, material, empathy, and ecology. Design Forum feels like a gift, a rare opportunity to immerse ourselves in inspiration. I left Blacksburg after the final panel floating on air, excited and refreshed to get back to work, dig deeper, and look for opportunities beyond the expected. Thank you to everyone who joined us, we’ll see you in two years!
AIA Virginia’s award-winning Emerging Leaders in Architecture (ELA) program was developed in 2009 to jump-start the careers of young professionals. Conceived of and lead by a passionate steering committee of successful architects (ALL past ELA alumni!), the program was designed to share the things they wished they had learned in architecture school.
Each of the seven day-long sessions focuses on developing essential skills like community engagement, collaboration, firm creation, financial management, advocacy, public service, and much more. The remaining monthly sessions are dedicated to their class project from a region around the commonwealth.
Want to be a member of this elite group of leaders? The application for the 2027 class will be available in August. Contact Delaney Ogden for information on how to nominate an emerging leader or with any questions about the program.
We asked members of the ELA class of 2026 the same five questions. Get to know them better by reading their inspiring answers.
Rebecca Barker, AIA
What Building evoked a strong reaction from you recently – either positive or negative? During ELA’s Charlottesville session, we were able to walk around the Lawn and see the Rotunda at the University of Virginia. Though I’ve experienced the Rotunda before, each time I am drawn to it’s impact as a central gathering spot. Set at the center of the academic village, the configuration reminds of the plazas in Europe that create a place for community connection. This is along Jefferson’s intention though as he modeled the Rotunda after the Pantheon in Rome. I appreciate that Jefferson paid great attention to the detailing of his designs – from the scale and proportion of the classical orders to the layout of the University of Virginia.
What was the last book you read? I recently acquired The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. The concept of releasing stress over things I can’t control and focusing on what I will do next is a concept I’m trying to grasp as I grow as a Project Manager.
How did you discover your passion for Architecture? As a child, I was drawn to design through an interest in making dioramas and watching Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. In High School, my interests in art and math helped me recognize my calling to the field of architecture. However, coming from a small town, I did not fully comprehend the vastness of the profession until college. My passion for architecture truly ignited while studying abroad in Europe. Through getting to observe and experience various architectural styles, I developed an interest in the architecture of place and how the built environment can bring people together. Now, as a practicing professional, my passion thrives in developing solutions from programmatic adjacencies and conceptual massing all the way through to the smallest of details – all aspects are important and meaningful.
What is your favorite thing to do to relax? My personal time involves getting lost in nature whether that be hiking mountain trails or running 5Ks in new places. Of the evenings, I can frequently be found going for a walk in my neighborhood. While I’m out and about, I never stop analyzing architecture as I’m constantly looking at the built environment to study and learn what others have done before.
What advice do you have for aspiring architects? As the field of architecture has so many areas of influence, it’s to your own benefit to explore the various areas to find what interests you the most. When you are passionate about what you do, you will go farther in your career. With each new project, approach it as a learning opportunity so that you always seek new solutions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially as you are staring out. I’ve found both as a mentee and a mentor that asking and answering questions can be just as beneficial for the answerer as the one asking the questions. Through my experience, I’ve developed my own motto to “Never stop learning!”
Mars Ben, Assoc. AIA
What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative? Traveling to Cambodia with my family and seeing the Angkor Wat up close meant more to me than I expected. Feeling its scale, seeing the building material up close, and sitting with the weight of its history made the moment deeply reflective. In many ways, that experience solidified my understanding of how important architecture is.
What is the last book you read? Strange Houses by Uketsu, translated by Jim Rion. Architectural mystery + horror!
How did you discover your passion for architecture? I learned I loved design when I spent way too many hours building houses in The Sims as a middle schooler.
What is your favorite thing to do to relax? I love playing video games, watching Anime, and playing DnD or board games with friends!
What advice do you have for aspiring architects? Be humble and kind! Good architecture grows from a person who is always learning, always refining, and still able to stand by their ideas with confidence. Kindness feels like a given, but in the corporate world I sometimes have to pause to remind myself that the work we do carries real weight that touches all forms of life. I believe practicing humility allows you to reflect on these decisions every day so you can better serve the world around you.
Pei Lin (Adeline) Chen, Assoc. AIA
What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative? I would say it is probably the Palace of Fine Arts. I believe that when architecture is devoid of physical function and people, yet attempts to evoke emotion, it has to challenge the human senses. The Palace of Fine Arts feels almost like a pure architectural object. It certainly serves as a physical function, but functionality never seemed to be its primary purpose. In some ways, it feels no different from a monumental sculpture.
Nothing around is natural; walking through it makes people feel incredibly small. Combined with the surrounding atmosphere and the sunset, the entire scene almost resembles an oil painting. It even reminds me of Romanticism landscape paintings depicting explorers wandering through ancient ruins.
The emotions it evokes are probably more neutral, but if I had to choose between positive and negative, I would describe the experience as positive.
What is the last book you read? I am currently reading Atmospheres by Peter Zumthor, and expect to finish it by the time this introduction is published.
The book reads almost like a narrative or a piece of prose: calm, reflective, and inspiring. After I start working, I realize how difficult it is to sit quietly and truly read a book. Work never really ends, and there always seems to be something happening around you. It often feels as if you stop for even a moment, you risk falling behind. That constant pace can feel exhausting sometimes. I occasionally wonder when life will finally feel stable enough to simply breathe, slow down, and read a book in peace again…..
How did you discover your passion for architecture? Through travels. Before coming to the United States for my undergraduate studies, I visited 20 countries.
A culture cannot be created overnight, but a building can be (compared through a timeline). Architecture becomes one of the physical traces through which culture continues to exist across time.
Growing up in an environment with limited access to resources (really jealous of what people back home could have access to these days), the range of careers I could meaningfully understand was relatively narrow. Architecture felt like the most natural path for someone drawn equally toward art, engineering, and the visualization of ideas.
As physical beings, humans shall not live entirely in the spiritual world, yet we cannot deny the importance of the mental world. Even though we are constantly constrained and may not be able to change much in the end, that does not prevent us from appreciating beauty, creating it, and pursuing ideals. And that is architecture, not merely building.
What is your favorite thing to do to relax? Honestly, I really enjoy sleeping and reading manga. Sometimes I also relax through sports like skiing, ice skating, K-pop, and boxing, all of which I love. I also enjoy making things with my hands. Interestingly, while answering these questions, I realized how focused and calm I become when reflecting and creating in this way. It has been extremely harsh for the past year, still now, but finding things to do has really helped with recovery.
What advice do you have for aspiring architects? You do not need to spend more than half of your entire life in architecture….. Life and people in general can be much more diverse than that. Many people in this field are talented and hardworking, but a lot of things ultimately come down to wealth and luck as well. At the end of the day, most of us are just ordinary people, and architecture has never been something accomplished by a single individual. Because of that, there is no need to overly idolize one person.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and fail. When you are young, you have the privilege to be outspoken. Don’t give up the things you genuinely love and that power you, even if they do not bring any financial or growth benefits; believe in the kindness the world and the people around you have for you. Those are the things that give you the strength to stand up again after setbacks. These are also things that I have been telling myself on my recovery journey.
Atheeni Menon Eacharath, Assoc. AIA
What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative? Vadakkumnathan Temple, Kerala, India
Revisiting this temple during my recent trip to India, after spending a long time away, made me experience the space in a very different way. Beyond its layout, spatial planning, and intricate woodwork, what truly struck me was the sanctity and aura of the place.
What fascinated me most is how this temple sits at the center of a busy roundabout, yet feels completely detached from that chaos. Inside, it is calm and quiet, filled with birds, long-rooted banyan trees, and the sound of people chanting prayers. There is an energy to the space that is hard to explain but deeply felt, something that seems to have transcended through generations. ‘ Aura’ of a building has so much to do with the people occupying it and this was a beautiful realization.
What is the last book you read? The Ministry for the Future by Kin Stanley Robinson.
How did you discover your passion for architecture? Growing up, I used to watch Bob the Builder on the PoGo channel with my sister, and I think that’s where the initial curiosity of “building things” really began. I started falling in love with the process of building things later as I grew up as it was a fun thing to do with my sister, dad and mom. It became family time , just a like ‘Bob’ and it later grew into this strong passion for architecture. Even now, I sometimes find myself revisiting that cartoon – it brings a sense of nostalgia and reminds me of how something so simple played a role in shaping the profession
What is your favorite thing to do to relax? To unwind, I find myself drawn to the sun and the outdoors. . I enjoy getting lost in a good book, often pausing to jot down lines that resonate and reflect on how they connect to the rhythms of city life – the urban fabric. And as a dancer, I continue to learn and evolve while staying rooted in my classical training. It may not always look like rest, but it has its own kind of release, helping me quiet an overactive mind and return to a sense of balance.
What advice do you have for aspiring architects? I would say , don’t chase firms, chase skills. Take a moment to understand what skills you want to develop and then seek out the people, places, or environments that will give you that opportunity. The people you meet- your peers, mentors, collaborators—become an integral part of your story. Those connections, built with sincerity and care, often shape your path in ways you could never have planned.
Amanda Harlow, Assoc. AIA
What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative? I recently visited the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, Netherlands. It’s a bowl-shaped art depot covered in reflective glass, so as you walk toward it, you see the city skyline and yourself mirrored on its surface. It gave me a literal moment of reflection, where I felt part of the landscape and an immediate sense of place. Inside, as you move from space to space, the use of glass for the walls, railings, elevators, and displays makes the whole building feel connected and gives you a look behind the scenes of how the collection is stored and preserved.
What is the last book you read? Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
How did you discover your passion for architecture? I’ve always been interested in the intersection between community, art, and design, but I didn’t realize architecture was the path for me until I heard a professor at my college open house describe its impact on the built environment. The studio experience in school deepened my passion as I began thinking more critically about architectural history, light, materiality, and connection. Traveling abroad was also life-changing because it showed me how architecture shapes different parts of the world and it continues to shape how I see my own surroundings.
What is your favorite thing to do to relax? On a nice sunny day I want to be outside on a walk or on my bike. On a rainy or cold day, I want to be inside crafting (painting or knitting) or at a cozy coffee shop.
What advice do you have for aspiring architects? Stay true to yourself and enjoy the process rather than focusing on the product. The world of architecture is broad and not linear, so don’t be discouraged if your path is meandering. It’s important to listen and be curious about the community and context in which you build in. Be inspired by other creatives and professions, we’re all interconnected.
George Hiss, AIA
What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative? Positive – Earthships by Michael Reynolds. I had heard about these buildings when I was in school, but I recently attended a lecture by him about his life and process, and I thought it was amazing. His buildings are objectively beneficial in terms of energy use, efficiency, and carbon footprint, but they do not conform in many ways to the standards written into the building code, which highlights their rigidity that may cause more harm than good.
What is the last book you read? Fahrenheit 451 – Much more enjoyable than being forced to read it in 8th grade.
How did you discover your passion for architecture? Originally I had a dream to work in the automotive industry in design, but in high school I took an architectural drafting class that changed my mind. I’m more function over form, and I get enjoyment from designing comfortable and useful spaces that people want to inhabit.
What is your favorite thing to do to relax? Scenic drive or swimming, both of which I probably don’t do enough.
What advice do you have for aspiring architects? Architecture as a practice is more than just design, and you don’t need to be a star creative to be successful. Keeping organized (both time and information), public speaking, being responsive and adaptable, or even just writing cohesive emails are valuable skills that don’t require the ‘design gene’ but will make you successful nonetheless.
Sydney Johnson, Assoc. AIA
What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative? Nathelyne Archie-Kennedy Building by Michael Rotondi and HKS.
What is the last book you read? Imagination A Manifesto by Ruha Benjamin
How did you discover your passion for architecture? My grandfather, an architect who took me to a renovation of a diner that he had completed, was the happiest I had ever seen him.
What is your favorite thing to do to relax? I love to go to the beach and sit and look at the water.
What advice do you have for aspiring architects? Work on understanding and growing your own voice and style. The sooner you understand how you approach something, the better you can understand how to move with others.
Hanna Keplinger, Assoc. AIA
What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative? My coworker’s childhood home in Bethesda, MD (very positive).
What is the last book you read? People From My Neighborhood by Hiromi Kawakami. I honestly bought it for its cute cover, but was pleasantly surprised by the whimsical collection of short stories.
How did you discover your passion for architecture? I think my passion really started my first year of college. I was already passionate about things adjacent, like creating art and learning about history, but I don’t think I truly understood what architecture was until then. Although, the fun thing is that I feel like I continue to discover and develop my passion for it every day.
What is your favorite thing to do to relax? Napping, cooking, walking outside when it’s sunny, reading, drawing, shopping, watching YouTube videos, painting my nails – the list goes on, I really like relaxing.
What advice do you have for aspiring architects? Be super curious about everything – whether related to architecture or not. If you are interested in or inspired by something, learn how it works, how to do it, how it started, how it ends, how it effects people, where it comes from, why it exists, who is it for – all the who, what, when, where, why, and hows.
Ramatoulie Sallah Matengu, AIA
What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative? The Virginia General Assembly Building. The details of the building are beautiful, including the Pegasus pilasters.
What is the last book you read? The Eye of the Bedlam Bride in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series
How did you discover your passion for architecture? In my school’s GT program, we had a project to make building models, and I did the Taj Mahal. It’s been a constant pursuit ever since.
What is your favorite thing to do to relax? Afternoon Tea at different locations.
What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Architecture is a marathon, not a sprint.
Pace yourself but understand that the longer you take for the individual steps, the longer it takes to get to the finish line.
You don’t get extra points for doing it under duress.
Book your first exam before you start studying or you won’t take it as seriously.
Talia Moore-O’Neill, Assoc. AIA
What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative? I was riding my bike along a wooded section of the Capital Trail the other day, skirting around a curve, when suddenly the trees parted to reveal a small structure between the trail and the riverbank. The nearby neighborhood has several abandoned industrial buildings stuck in limbo–one of them a frequent news headline for its revitalization potential–but this old pump house sits beyond the fray, tucked along the trail. I was surprised and delighted by the way its dilapidated brick form jumped out at me–as if to say, “Don’t forget about me!”
What is the last book you read? I recently finished the first half of the Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons at my coworker’s recommendation. I’ll be thinking about that story for a while. The two books, published in 1989 and 1990, comprise one narrative arc that imagines a space-faring future for an AI-dependent humanity. Despite being written more than 30 years ago, it feels enormously relevant to this cultural moment. It’s a wacky, unpredictable story, though–if you pick it up (and I do recommend it), know that you’re in for a tale that’s equal parts bizarre and biting.
How did you discover your passion for architecture? I have always been surrounded by the design world, thanks to my architect parents. Our coloring paper, growing up, was the reverse side of draft construction documents, and I remember loving the creative atmosphere of the office whenever I stopped by. When we went on a family vacation, it was usually to see an architecturally significant place (and sketch it). I am grateful to have had such immersive early experiences.
What is your favorite thing to do to relax? If my book review didn’t make it clear, I love to read–though the books I choose aren’t generally relaxing. After a nail-biting book, you’ll find me walking my two very spoiled dogs around the neighborhood or along the James River to wind down.
What advice do you have for aspiring architects? To aspiring architects, I say: start drawing! More specifically, start drawing with a pencil. You can never invest too much in the relationship between your hand and your eye. It’s meditative, grounding, and a great contingency plan for when your computer crashes before a meeting and the client is walking through the door.
Brett O’Brien, Assoc. AIA
What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative? The datacenters in Ashburn that my parents just moved near.
What is the last book you read? The Monster Manual from dungeons and dragons.
How did you discover your passion for architecture? I took a robotics class in high school and learned how to use CAD. The intersection of technology and drawing has always interested me.
What is your favorite thing to do to relax? Rolling die. IFYKYK
What advice do you have for aspiring architects? Find a niche you’re passionate about and explore it.
Hafsa Ramay, Assoc. AIA
Camille Ramirez, Assoc. AIA
What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative? 520 West 28th Street by Zaha Hadid. Its blend of modernism, curvature, and organic structure resonated with me. Many criticize her for breaking classical architectural expectations, but I see that boundary pushing as a strength. As a second‑year student, it inspires me to explore how innovation and code compliance can coexist.
What is the last book you read? Play It as It Lays by Joan Didion
How did you discover your passion for architecture? By noticing what I naturally gravitate toward. I’ve always loved physics and art, I even began college as a physics major. Over time, I realized the science I loved is embedded in the art I admired, and that intersection is architecture.
What is your favorite thing to do to relax? Snowboarding: relaxation becomes adrenaline for me, and it’s my way of resetting.
What advice do you have for aspiring architects? You are a living legacy within your own artistry, translated into the spaces people use every day. Never forget the power of that.
Harshit Verma, Assoc. AIA
What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative? A building that sparked a strong reaction for me was the Centre Pompidou in Paris. What fascinates me is its radical inversion, the way it turns the building inside-out. It is not just a building but a town…a piece of the city. What it really evoked in me were speculative, media-driven, surreal-technological environments, which is my core topic of interest. I also enjoy how it relates to Cedric Price’s work associated with Archigram-era thinking and media/technology visions, and relating architecture with a transparent cultural machine.
What is the last book you read? The last book I read was The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli. It explores the nature of time from a quantum physics perspective, but what intrigued me most is how it blurs the boundaries between science, perception, and existence.
How did you discover your passion for architecture? My journey into architecture didn’t start with buildings—it started with patterns, narratives, and curiosity. Over time, I realized architecture is not just about designing objects; it’s a medium to think about the world. It sits between history and imagination, craft and computation, memory and possibility. That intersection is what drew me in. What keeps me interested is the idea that architecture can operate simultaneously across multiple dimensions—physical, cultural, and even metaphysical—and can translate abstract ideas into spatial experiences.
What is your favorite thing to do to relax? I really enjoy cooking—it’s something I find both relaxing and creative. I like experimenting with different cuisines, especially Asian and Cuban. I also really enjoy going on walks and being outside, but the thing that gives me the most relaxation is spending hours on fun, illogical phone games.
What advice do you have for aspiring architects? I think the most important thing is to develop a way of thinking, not just a set of skills. Architecture today exists beyond its traditional boundaries—it intersects with technology, philosophy, culture, science, and logistics. The more you allow yourself to explore those overlaps, the more meaningful your work becomes. Also, don’t rush to find answers. Architecture is not just about solving problems—it’s about asking more questions. Over time, you start to realize that architecture is less about creating objects and more about constructing relationships—between enterprise, people, ideas, and experiences.
Taylor Wypyski, Assoc. AIA
What building evoked a strong reaction from you recently—either positive or negative? Habitable lantern by Untitiled Architects and Freddi Mamani’s Radical Repair in El Alto, both are extreme opposites, but are human-oriented in nature. Both show the ability of architects to thoughtfully design for others in vastly different architectural languages, context, scale, and typology. Both care.
What is the last book you read? I am currently reading The Eyes of the Skin.
How did you discover your passion for architecture? I went to a summer camp at Virginia Tech, and a week later my parents said they picked up a different kid. Growing up in Mississippi, I was lucky enough that 4 years later when I applied I got into VT and had a bit of homecoming to finding myself as an architect.
What is your favorite thing to do to relax? I really love to go on hikes with my friends, as well as crochet or paint while listening to music.
What advice do you have for aspiring architects? Advocate for yourself. Surround yourself with those you find comradery with and are filled with compassion; those who challenge you to be a better person so you design for people as your first priority.
Join us for the AIA Virginia COTE 2026 Sustainability Summit on Thursday, May 28, 2026 in Richmond, VA.
The Virginia COTE Sustainability Summit brings together design professionals across Virginia committed to advancing sustainability throughout our practices. This full-day summit is structured to spark inspiration, elevate practitioner insight, and produce tangible next steps for the profession.
An opening keynote will frame the urgency and opportunity before us. Short, focused presentations by practitioners will highlight critical topics, innovations, and on-the-ground experiences to set the stage for more in depth discussion. Participants will then engage in breakout sessions centered on key sustainability issues — the specific focus of these breakouts will ultimately be defined by the attendees, but at a high level topics are anticipated to include policy and legislation, energy innovations, the AIA Materials Pledge, and resilience imperatives across the state. Each group will identify strategic priorities and actionable recommendations before sharing insights with the broader audience. The day concludes with a collective synthesis session, where themes are refined and distilled into a focused set of priorities to guide our shared work in the coming year.
Draft Agenda for the day:
8:30-9:00am: Arrival/check in & networking 9:00-9:30am: Opening keynote 9:30-9:50: Three 5-minute presentations by practitioners 9:50-10:15: Define 3-5 subtopics for breakouts/bio break/networking break 10:15-11:15: Breakout discussion sessions 11:15-11:45: Report out 12:00-1:00: Lunch 1:00-1:30: Three 5-minute presentations by practitioners 1:30-1:45: Define 3-5 subtopics for breakouts 1:45-2:45: Breakout discussions 2:45-3:15: Report out 3:15-4:00: Closing session – review priorities established during breakouts and confirm COTE priorities moving forward 2026-2027
Please join us for the upcoming Design Forum XVII on Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. You will hear from Marlon Blackwell, FAIA (Marlon Blackwell Architects), Patricia Gruits, AIA, LEED AP (MASS Design), Michael Reynolds (Earthship Biotecture), and Ronald Rael (Rael San Fratello).
FRIDAY (2 AIA LU) 1:00 p.m. Meet and Greet, Registration Opens 2:00 p.m. Virginia Tech Architecture School Studio Walk (This tour is at capacity) 4:00 p.m. Welcome and Moderator Remarks | Ronald Rael 4:40 p.m. Speaker 1: Marlon Blackwell, FAIA 6:00 p.m. Reception 7:00 p.m. Reception ends (attendees out on your own)
SATURDAY (5.5 AIA LU) 8:30 a.m. Check-in and Light Breakfast 9:10 a.m. Speaker 2: Patricia Gruits, AIA 10:30 a.m. Speaker 3: Ronald Rael 11:50 a.m. Lunch & Networking 1:30 p.m. Speaker 4: Michael Reynolds 3:00 p.m. Moderator Remarks and Speaker Panel 3:45 p.m. Closing Remarks 4:00 p.m. Tour of the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech
Meet the Emerging Leaders in Architecture class of 2026! This year’s class of 15 comprises of architects and associates from around the state and students from Hampton University and Virginia Tech. We will be traveling around the state throughout the year for our educational sessions and focusing on the Richmond, 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 and please be sure to follow the ELA Instagram account at ela_aiavirginia to follow their progress throughout the year!
Atheeni Eacharath, Assoc. AIA Brett O’Brien, Assoc. AIA George Hiss, AIA Hafsa Ramay, Assoc. AIA Mars Ben, Assoc. AIA Ramatoulie Matengu, AIA Rebecca Barker, AIA Amanda Harlow, Assoc. AIA (AIA Central Virginia Nominee) Hanna Keplinger, Assoc. AIA (AIA Northern Virginia Nominee) Harshit Verma, Assoc. AIA (AIA Blue Ridge Nominee) Adeline (Pei Lin) Chen, Assoc. AIA (AIA Coastal Virginia Nominee) Talia Moore-O’Neil, Assoc. AIA (AIA Richmond Nominee) Camille Ramirez, AIAS (Hampton University) Sydney Johnson, AIAS (Hampton University) not pictured Taylor Wypyski, AIAS (Virginia Tech)
Not pictured: Chris Brown, AIA, Chair of 2026 ELA program.
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 2026 class member Atheeni Eacharath, Associate AIA, Community Planning + Design Manager at Pillars Development.
In her application for the scholarship, Eacharath commented “I am committed to pursuing licensure and being active in both APA and AIA, yet the pathway for urban designers is not always direct. Our work sits between planning and architecture, requiring additional time, investment, and mentorship—resources that are not always equitable or accessible. Still, I am determined to bridge that disciplinary space. The ELA program offers a structure to deepen this commitment—to build a web of relationships among architects, planners, policymakers, and community members so our decision-making systems become more collaborative, resilient, and humane. This scholarship would allow me to fully participate, engage in conferences, connect with mentors, and continue growing as a community-centered designer—grounded, hopeful, and dedicated.”
Congratulations, Atheeni!
Donations to the R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA Scholarship can be made through the AIA Virginia Foundation here.
Join AIA Virginia for our Procrastinator series – a series of Lunch-n-Learn sessions for those who still need LUs and specifically HSW credits before December 31, 2025.
We hope you’ll join us below:
(click the subject below to be taken to registration link)
Join us at the 38th Annual Architecture Exchange East, Nov. 5-7, 2025, in Richmond. Design the Future: Advancing Technology, Community & Business
ArchEx 2025 brings together visionary leaders and practical strategies to help you adapt, thrive, and lead in a rapidly changing world. You’ll gain actionable insights to future-proof your practice, connect with a community of innovators, and discover how to shape a built environment that is sustainable, inclusive, and ready for tomorrow’s challenges. Join us to turn today’s uncertainty into opportunity.
Need to edit an existing registration? click here>>
Online Registration is now closed. You can register onsite beginning at 8 a.m. on November 5th (on-site registration will be a higher price).
Are you an Associate AIA member or an emerging professional, and wondering what you should attend at ArchEx? Hear from our Associate Director, STAR, and YAR, about what they are excited to attend and then register for ArchEx!>>
Ashleigh Walker, Associate AIA AIA Virginia Associate Director
Ashleigh Walker, Associate AIA
Kickoff + Keynote Panel Discussion: Uncertainty to Opportunity: Designing Resilience in a Changing World
Designing for Heroes
AI + The Future of Practice
New Realities to Today’s Economic, Social & Political Challenges
Architectural Mad Libs
AI + You Workshop
The Bread & Butter of Specifying – Building a Sandwich in 3 Parts
Visions for Architecture Cocktail Reception & Gala
Learning by Design: Creative Futures at the Intersection of Arts
Experience RVA: Best of Richmond Bakeries
Craftsperson’s Crawl
Erin Agdinaoay, AIA, NOMA Young Architect Representative (YAF)
Erin Agdinaoay, AIA, NOMA
ArchEx is a great opportunity for EPs and Young Architects to connect and grow. If EPs and Young Architects are not able to attend the entire conference, Thursday’s schedule is designed to offer the a jam-packed day for EPs and Young Architects.
See the ELA Architecture Class Project Presentation – see the current class’ work, and consider applying for next year’s class
Coffee Networking – A great opportunity to meet fellow emerging professionals and young architects for networking and mentorship
Career Stage Roundtables – ArchEx has the most dynamic roundtable discussions, and I expect nothing less for this year. I always leave with something new to think about.
AI + You Workshop – This workshop fits the theme of ArchEx and is going to be an engaging way to think about AI for yourself and your role in the profession!
Caitlin Morgan, Associate AIA State Associates Representative (StAR)
Caitlin Morgan, Associate AIA
First-Timer’s Breakfast – Connect with fellow first-time attendees and learn how to maximize your first ArchEx conference!
AI-Accessibility: Modeling the Future of Inclusive Design (Wednesday) – See how technology and hands-on creativity can aid designers in making the world more accessible.
Design Your Career: Navigating Growth and Balance (Wednesday) – Prepare for professional growth using personal development strategies!
Resilience through Adaptation and Innovation: Rural Housing (Thursday) – Hear from two JMU Architectural Design professors about the intersection of research and design.
Architectural Mad Libs (Thursday) – Time for some creative teamwork!Network with fellow designers in a relaxed session and experience different creative processes.
ELA is an intensive program of educational sessions structured around presentations, discussions, team exploration, analysis, consensus-building, collaboration, and case study activities undertaken over the course of a year by a small cadre of participants selected for their potential to be outstanding contributors to the profession and the community. Facilitators and mentors who are established leaders in the building, finance, non-profit, development, university, legal, consulting, and design professions and in the community at large develop and deliver the sessions, designed to provide participants with advanced knowledge and skills related to specific areas of leadership and practice.
The program consists of monthly, day-long seminars, work sessions, or class project presentations, culminating with a presentation at Architecture Exchange East in November.
The seminars are interactive, drawing on real examples and actively involving participants. They rotate among sites in Roanoke, Charlottesville, Richmond, Alexandria, and Norfolk in conjunction with each area’s firms, schools, and the local AIA component.
The class project for 2026 will be in Richmond, so many sessions and the project workdays will be located in the Richmond area.
How to Apply The committee seeks applicants from three categories:
Component Nominees: Each of the five AIA Virginia local component Boards may nominate one or more individuals for admission to the program. One participant will be selected from each component for a total of five. If interested, please contact your local AIA chapter representative. Each chapter sets its own deadline and application requirements for these positions.
Student Nominees: Any student enrolled in a Virginia architecture program or a professional architecture degree program may apply. A maximum of 2 student participants will be selected each year for the class.
Open Applications: Applicants may apply independently or be nominated by someone else. Participants will be selected from among these applicants to fill the class.
