The Emerging Leaders in Architecture (ELA): An Honors Academy of the American Institute of Architects Virginia (AIA Virginia), develops future leaders in architecture firms, communities, and the profession. The goal is to accelerate the growth of emerging architects and provide the tools and experiences needed to advance their careers and serve society as leaders in the community. The program is fully executed by alumni of the program (over 200 total!), with leading experts in the indicated educational topics.
The program is designed to:
- Examine the evolving roles of architects and firms
- Expand writing and presentation skills
- Consider the fundamental legal, ethical, and societal responsibilities of architects
- Develop a peer network to serve as an ongoing resource.
Monthly meeting topics include:
- Inheritance and Inspiration – a look at the history of architecture and the role architects play in the creative environment
- CliftonStrengths Talent Assessment – explore your top 5 strengths and how to maximize your effectiveness in teams
- Community Engagement best practices
- Working together – collaborations with design professionals, the public, and community leaders
- Business and professional communications including public relations, presentations, writing, and professional speaking
- Firm Management & Culture
The program consists of monthly, day-long seminars, work sessions, and class project presentations, culminating at a presentation at Architecture Exchange East in November.
The session locations rotate among sites in Roanoke, Charlottesville, Richmond, Alexandria, and Norfolk in conjunction with the firms, schools, and the local AIA component in each area.
The class project for 2025 will be in Norfolk, Virginia, so many sessions and the project workdays will be located in the Coastal Virginia 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 an architecture degree program (UVA, VT, Hampton, WAAC, or JMU) 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.
Download the 2025 ELA Class Application>>
The application deadline is November 13, 2024.
Financial support is available from your local AIA Chapter and by submitting an essay for the R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA ELA Scholarship (information in ELA application.)
If you have any questions about ELA, please contact Delaney Ogden, Education Director at dogden@aiava.org
Want to donate to the R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA Scholarship? Click here>>
Are you an alumnus of the ELA program? Here’s how you can stay involved