AIA Virginia

Board of Directors Strategic Planning Retreat
2026-02-06 08:00 - 2026-02-07 17:00 (America/New_York) | Hotel Madison, 710 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia, 22801
The AIA Virginia Board of Directors will meet in Harrisonburg, Virginia, for a 2-day board retreat.

AIA Virginia Hill Day
2026-02-03 | Virginia State Capital, 1000 Bank Street, RIchmond, Virginia, 23219
Participants will observe and participate in the legislative advocacy process by spending the day at the Virginia General Assembly. The itinerary will include meeting with elected officials and lobbyists, observing proceedings during the House/Senate Floor Session(s), and witnessing/participating in House/Senate (Sub)Committee Meetings.
Earns 6.5 LUs
Proposed Agenda for the Day>>
REGISTER>>
Learning Objective 1:
Define legislative advocacy and its role in influencing policy.
Learning Objective 2:
Explain the importance of advocacy and legislation and its impact on communities.
Learning Objective 3:
Differentiate between direct lobbying, testimony, and other advocacy strategies.
Learning Objective 4:
Understand the Legislative Process: how bills are referred to and reported from committees, and debated and voted on during a Floor Session.
Learning Objective 5:
Identify the roles of legislators, committee chairs/members, lobbyists, and constituents in the legislative process.
Contact pbattaglia@aiava.org for more information

LAB Informational Zoom Call
2026-01-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
Join us on Zoom to learn more about the Leaders in Architecture & Business (LAB) program, hear testimonials from past participants, and ask questions.
Register for the zoom call here.

Member Services Advisory Council
2026-01-22 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
The Council is responsible for the delivery of exceptional services to the membership, which in return, influences membership growth. Goals and strategic planning are executed to increase diversity and inclusion within the profession, engage state universities, and ensure that the AIA Virginia membership pipeline is consistently being nurtured.
For information on this advisory council or any other council or committee, contact Cathy Guske or email info@aiava.org

J.E.D.I. Committee Meeting
2026-01-21 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-11-19 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-15 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-17 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
The AIA Virginia Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Committee promotes diversity within the profession and the association by developing implementable strategies to help serve and support more diverse and inclusive audiences.
See our recommended EDI Resources here>>
For more information or to serve on this or any other AIA Virginia committee, contact Cathy Guske or email info@aiava.org.

SFx Virginia Meeting
2026-01-21 12:30 - 13:30 | Virtual – Online
The first National SFx meeting of the year will be on Thursday, January 15th, and we will follow up with a Commonwealth-wide meeting the following Thursday, January 22nd, at 12:30 PM. We will continue to hold Commonwealth-wide meetings one week after each National meeting and will start by using their agenda to inform our own meetings. For the time being, we will host SFx VA meetings on Microsoft Teams until we can implement a more official communication tool with the assistance of AIA Virginia. Below are the meeting credentials; feel free to distribute this to any other small firms that may be interested. Please feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any questions, comments, or ideas.
C.J. LaMora, AIA, NCARB, CDT, CSI
cj@circlesquarecross.com
January 22nd meeting:
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 223 290 501 820 52
Passcode: [REDACTED]

PAC Board of Trustees
2026-01-20 14:30 - 15:30, 2025-11-18 14:30 - 15:30 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
To stimulate persons engaged in the practice of architecture, their employees and others with similar interests to take a more active and effective role in governmental affairs. To solicit and receive from persons engaged in the practice of architecture, their employees and others with similar interests contributions into a fund to be used to assist candidates for public office who support the profession of architecture.
For information on this Board of Trustees or any other advisory council or committee, contact Paul Battaglia, AIA or email info@aiava.org

Advocacy Advisory Council
2026-01-13 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-09 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-11 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-14 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
The Advocacy Advisory Council is responsible for reviewing, advising, and coordinating activity in the broad area of government affairs, whether on legislative, regulatory, code, or other issues at the state level.
For information on this advisory council or any other council or committee, contact Paul Battaglia, AIA or email info@aiava.org

Procrastinator's Series: An Innovative Approach to Commercial Roofing with Garland
2025-12-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
Join AIAVA for our Procrastinator series – a series of Lunch and Learn sessions for those of us who couldn’t get around to it before now. These sessions are for you if you happen to be running behind on your learning units for the year or waiting till the last minute, because we get it.
We hope you’ll join us!

1 AIA LU | HSW
REGISTER
Description:
TBD
Learning Objectives:
TBD

Procrastinator's Series: Design Beyond Glass: Branding, Performance, and Safety Through Architectural Film Applications in Modern Workspaces with Decorative Films
2025-12-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
Join AIAVA for our Procrastinator series – a series of Lunch and Learn sessions for those of us who couldn’t get around to it before now. These sessions are for you if you happen to be running behind on your learning units for the year or waiting till the last minute, because we get it.
We hope you’ll join us!

1 AIA LU | HSW
REGISTER
Description:
This course explores how architectural films transform glass and other surfaces to enhance privacy, elevate design, and express brand identity within modern work environments. Participants will learn how decorative, branded, solar, safety, exterior, and bird-safety films support productive, visually cohesive spaces while also offering opportunities for improved comfort, sustainability, and occupant well-being. Emphasis is placed on responsible design practices, including the use of film as a retrofit strategy that gives existing glass new life—reducing waste, extending material longevity, and supporting environmentally conscious building improvements. The course highlights creative applications, emerging trends, and best practices for using film as a strategic medium to enrich user experience, strengthen identity, and deepen consumer connection through narrative-driven and emotionally resonant design.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify how architectural films can enhance privacy, aesthetics, and overall spatial quality to support productive and visually cohesive work environments, and how retrofitting existing glass with film can extend material life and reduce waste.
2. Understand the ways decorative, branded, and custom film applications contribute to expressing identity, strengthening brand storytelling, and improving consumer connection while facilitating healthier, safer, and environmentally responsible building outcomes.
3. Discuss how various film types—including solar, safety, exterior, and bird-safety films—can offer additional opportunities for improved comfort, environmental responsibility, and occupant well-being when incorporated thoughtfully into design solutions.
4. Apply best practices for selecting and specifying film solutions that align design intent, privacy needs, branding goals, and broader environmental or performance considerations within modern architectural spaces.

2025 & 2026 Board of Directors Meeting
2025-12-12 09:30 - 15:00 | Richmond TBD
The Board of Directors meets 6 times a year.
All BOD Meetings will be in-person, unless noted otherwise
For information about serving on the AIA Virginia Board of Directors, contact Paul Battaglia, AIA or email info@aiava.org

Procrastinator's Series: Embodied Carbon with The Beauty of Block
2025-12-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
Join AIAVA for our Procrastinator series – a series of Lunch and Learn sessions for those of us who couldn’t get around to it before now. These sessions are for you if you happen to be running behind on your learning units for the year or waiting till the last minute, because we get it.

We hope you’ll join us!

1 AIA LU | HSW
REGISTER
Description:
This is the first course in our CMU embodied carbon series, focusing on how concrete masonry units (CMU) differ from traditional wet-cast concrete in terms of carbon impact. We will set the stage for the concrete and carbon sequestration discussion by looking at the larger geologic carbon cycle and greenhouse gas emissions; and how it all relates to climate change. We will then look at the concrete carbon cycle and recent CMHA sequestration research and testing which demonstrates the accelerated sequestration rates substantially reducing the overall embodied carbon of dry-cast CMU construction.
Learning Objectives:
1. Explore how concrete masonry construction offers interconnected sustainability strategies.
2. Explore the relevant similarities and differences between dry-cast concrete masonry units (CMU) and wet-cast concrete. These differences are why CMU assemblies have lower embodied carbon and increased carbon sequestration rates.
3. Define terms that describe how concrete masonry construction fits into the climate change conversation and explain why concrete sequesters carbon dioxide.
4. Review sequestration research conducted by the Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association (CMHA) that separates CMU from other types of concrete when evaluating embodied carbon

Procrastinator's Series: Waterproofing Roof Decks and Balconies with Walkable PVC Membranes with Duradek
2025-12-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
Join AIAVA for our Procrastinator series – a series of Lunch and Learn sessions for those of us who couldn’t get around to it before now. These sessions are for you if you happen to be running behind on your learning units for the year or waiting till the last minute, because we get it.
We hope you’ll join us!

1 AIA LU | HSW
REGISTER
Description:
Provides an overview of walkable, waterproof roof deck membranes and roofing systems, including a discussion of the key principles of deck design, design considerations, and how to install and specify roof deck membrane systems. This program will be extremely beneficial to architects, specifiers, and contractors involved in single and multiple-family homes that include decks, balconies, and rooftop decks.
Learning Objectives:
1. Types of walkable roof decks, various waterproofing options, and their common problems.
2. The characteristics, advantages, and applications of walkable roof decks and outdoor flooring systems.
3. Important design concepts and considerations for walkable roof decks, balconies, and walkways.
4. Walkable roof deck and waterproof outdoor flooring system common details and installation considerations.
5. Understanding of key specification issues for roof deck membranes.

Historic Resources Committee Trivia Mixer
2025-12-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
Join AIA Virginia’s Historic Resources Committee for our annual Virtual Trivia Mixer!
Mix up a cocktail (or mocktail) and join us for a night of trivia and fun. Connect with the preservation community in Virginia and test your knowledge of the built environment.
Register online.
BYO Cocktail/Mocktail
Grumpy Old Man
The “Grumpy Old Man” is a simple, modern bourbon cocktail (bourbon, ginger ale, and lime juice). The name “Grumpy Old Man” appears to be a modern, playful label that alludes to the drink’s bold, unapologetic flavor profile and its simple, old-school ingredients, rather than complex or trendy mixers. The name is meant to be endearing and a little cheeky, suggesting a simple drink for someone who knows what they like and is perhaps “grumpy” about modern fads. The drink’s history is tied to its simplicity (just bourbon, ginger ale, and lime). It is a twist on a Moscow Mule (which uses vodka) or a Kentucky Mule (which uses bourbon), providing a familiar but distinct flavor:
An Old Fashioned glass
Ice
Burbon
Lime Juice
Lime Wedge
Ginger Ale
Cranberry-Ginger Fizz Mocktail
2 oz. sweetened cranberry juice
2 oz. ginger beer
2 oz. sparkling cider, such as Martinelli’s
Lime slice, for garnish

Procrastinator's Series: Basic Hardware Quiz with Allegion
2025-12-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
Join AIAVA for our Procrastinator series – a series of Lunch and Learn sessions for those of us who couldn’t get around to it before now. These sessions are for you if you happen to be running behind on your learning units for the year or waiting till the last minute, because we get it.
We hope you’ll join us!

1 AIA LU | HSW
REGISTER
Description:
Learning doesn’t have to come in the form of a lecture! This course is delivered in a fun interactive game format. It discusses the basic hardware requirements for specifying door hardware along with some of the code requirements that determine what hardware that must be specified to comply with building and fire and life safety code.
Learning Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course participants will be able to:
Describe locking hardware that can be used to secure an opening that will meet the owner’s needs while still complying with codes.
Define “knowing act” switches, when/where they can be used, and list code requirements that pertain to them.
Describe door protection hardware and how code requirements affect your choices.
Specify opening hardware that best fits the use of the opening, while remaining code compliant.

Procrastinator's Series: Prefabricated Fireproof Columns with Fire-Trol
2025-12-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
Join AIAVA for our Procrastinator series – a series of Lunch and Learn sessions for those of us who couldn’t get around to it before now. These sessions are for you if you happen to be running behind on your learning units for the year or waiting till the last minute, because we get it.

We hope you’ll join us!

1 AIA LU | HSW
REGISTER
Description:
Structural fire protection guards essential structural components from the devastating effects of fire. This course examines the various active and passive fireproof methods that are available, with a focus on the features, types, and design considerations of Fire Trol structural columns designed for exposed exterior and interior load-bearing columns. This course is designed for structural architects and engineers, CM’s, GC’s and building owners.
Learning Objectives:
1. Explain the difference between active and passive fire protection and strategies used in commercial building.
2. Define the applications, composition, shapes, features, and standards related to the Fire Trol column.
3. Understand lifetime cost savings that can be realized by utilizing Fire Trol columns vs. other passive forms of fire protection.
4. Comprehend design and erection considerations related to Fire Trol columns.

Procrastinator's Series: Drainage and Drying with Benjamin Obdyke
2025-12-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
Join AIAVA for our Procrastinator series – a series of Lunch and Learn sessions for those of us who couldn’t get around to it before now. These sessions are for you if you happen to be running behind on your learning units for the year or waiting till the last minute, because we get it.

We hope you’ll join us!

1 AIA LU | HSW
REGISTER
Description:
Determining the best system for managing moisture can be challenging. Many factors such as climate, cladding, and cost should be considered when designing a sustainable wall. This course explores those factors, as well as trends in building codes and best practices
Learning Objectives:
1.Recognize the integral role of a gap within the exterior wall
2.Understand the performance characteristics of a drainable house wrap & rainscreen systems
3. Understand the selection criteria when designing for moisture management in wall systems
4. Understand how products are installed to achieve optimum performance

Visions for Architecture
2025-11-06 17:30 - 21:00 | Downtown Richmond Marriott, 500 E Broad St., Richmond, Virginia, 23219
AIA Virginia Design Awards and Honors Gala
Visions for Architecture

Annual Membership Meeting
2025-11-05 12:00 - 14:00 | Downtown Richmond Marriott, 500 E Broad St., Richmond, Virginia, 23219
Join us for our Annual Membership Meeting
More information and registration here: https://www.aiava.org/annual-membership-meeting-3/

Architecture Exchange East
2025-11-05 08:00 - 2025-11-07 17:00
Annual Convention of AIA Virginia
Event details here>>

ELA Informational Zoom Call
2025-10-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom Virtual Meeting
Join us on Zoom to learn more about the Emerging Leaders in Architecture leadership program, hear testimonials from past participants, and ask questions.
Register for the zoom call here.

Board of Directors Meeting @UVA
2025-10-17 09:30 - 15:00 | University of Virginia

Historic Tour: Tangier Island History and Vernacular Architecture Tour
2025-10-04 10:00 - 15:45 | Tangier Island, 16070 Main Ridge Rd., Tangier, VA, 23440
Visit the island of Tangier, Virginia with AIA Virginia’s Historic Resources Committee to learn about the community’s long history and insights about its built environment. Lincoln Lewis, Climate Equity Doctoral Fellow with the University of Virginia’s Equity Center where he works on the Coastlines and People (CoPe) project for Virginia’s Eastern Shore, will be leading the tour. As part of HALS, he documented the Tangier Island Watermen Working Landscape.
Tangier is a unique island community that is experiencing dynamic environmental change in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. Storms, erosion, and subsidence have reduced the low-lying island’s area by more than two-thirds since 1850. The community of about 300 residents have found ways to prosper and have adapted their own form of vernacular architecture to suit the environment. Participants of the day trip will ride a round-trip ferry to the island from either Reedville (Virginia), Onancock (Virginia), or Crisfield (Maryland). While coming into Mail Boat Harbor participants will see the vernacular crab houses and then have an opportunity to eat lunch at a local restaurant. A 30-minute golf cart tour will provide an overview of the island and participants will see the historic Swain Memorial Methodist Church along with other vernacular buildings. Free time will be available for participants to visit the Tangier Island Museum and Interpretive Cultural Center along with other sites.
1.5 AIA LU | HSW
AIA Member: $15
Non-Member: $30
Register Here>>
*Registration closes on October 1.
Schedule:
10:00 – Depart from Ferries (Reedville, VA, Onancock, VA)
11:30 – Arrive at Tangier’s Thomas main dock
11:35 – 12:05pm Golfcart Tour (30-minute)
12:10 – 1:10 Lunch (1-hour)
1:10-1:30 Walk together to Swain Memorial Methodist Church, continue walking together to the museum (meet the Mayor)
1:30-2:15 Free time (talk more with Mayor, go into museum [$3 entry], visit gift shops, or wander around; museum is about 7 minutes walk back to docks)
2:15 – Depart Tangier for Reedville
(departure is 3:30 for Onancock, VA)
Costs

AIA Virginia tour fee of $15 (AIA member) or $30 (non-member)
Ferry roundtrip $35 (each person needs to confirm and pay the ferry company themselves depending on which port they are traveling from)
Golf cart 30-minute tour $10 (each person pays the tour provider individually, CASH is preferred)
Lunch on your own at Lorraine’s Seafood Restaurant

Ferry Links
(MAKE YOUR RESERVATION IN ADVANCED. FERRIES CAN SELL OUT)
Reedville, VA: https://tangiercruise.com/

Departs Reedville: 10:00am
Departs Tangier: 2:15pm

Onancock, VA: https://www.tangierferry.com/

Departs Onancock: 10:00am
Departs Tangier for Onancock: 3:30pm

*Please note – The event is contingent on weather and you are required to stay in contact with the ferry to understand if the ferry might be canceled.
