As the seasons shift and we move into fall, I find myself reflecting on the deeper reasons we each chose this profession. Architecture asks much of us as many of my previous letter cover – patience, persistence, and resilience. Yet, at its core, it is driven by something more personal: our “why.” That spark that first drew us in, whether it was the joy of sketching, the inspiration of a favorite building, or the belief that design can change lives.
Revisiting that purpose not only grounds us, it reinvigorates us as we navigate the ever changing profession. It reminds us that the challenges we face today, from housing affordability and infrastructure needs to navigating new tools like AI, are also opportunities to reimagine how we serve. When we lead with humility and creativity, we design not just buildings, but better futures for our communities.
This spirit of reflection and forward momentum will come alive again at Architecture Exchange East, in Richmond. This year’s theme, Design the Future: Advancing Technology, Community & Business, builds directly on our shared “why.” It invites us to think boldly about how we embrace the new technology. Further exploration and more knowledge to discover how it empowers us, how business practices sustain us, and how community always anchors us. It’s a chance to gather, share, and reignite the passion that brought us here in the first place. Register by Friday night for the best rates!
So as you step into September, I encourage you to reconnect with your own story of purpose. Ask yourself: what is my “why,” and how can I carry it forward in the work I do today? I look forward to connecting with you at ArchEx. Together, we’ll keep designing the future, grounded in imagination, inspired by purpose, and fueled by community.
Warmly,
Meagan W. Jancy, AIA, LEED AP bd+c
President
AIA Virginia