Dreiling to Become Chief Executive Officer in 2015

Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA
Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA

On June 6, 2014, the Board of Directors unanimously accepted the recommendation of the Search Committee to appoint Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA, to the position of Executive Vice President/CEO of the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects upon the retirement of the current EVP John Braymer, Ph. D., Hon. AIA, at the end of the year. Her contract was signed during the Sept. 17 meeting of the Board of Directors on the Society’s centennial anniversary.

“The Virginia Society AIA has a history of developing responsive and innovative programs for its members and the profession,” says Dreiling. “I look forward to continuing that legacy of leadership, with a focus on enriching the member experience while elevating awareness of architects and architecture.”

Dreiling — who is an accomplished architect and Fellow of the AIA — has followed a career path largely beyond the bounds of traditional architectural practice. She has worked in several not-for-profit settings including The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and as a staff Vice President for The American Institute of Architects in Washington, D.C.

Her service to the profession is significant and remarkable. She is a past president of AIA Blue Ridge and recipient of their Award for Distinguished Service. Dreiling is also a Virginia Society AIA past president, a Noland Medalist, and Distinguished Achievement Award recipient. Her service at the national level includes 2014 President; Past 1st VP, Secretary, VP, and Regional Director. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Virginia Center for Architecture, a position she will continue to hold.

Throughout her AIA experience, Dreiling visited dozens of AIA local and state components, facilitating member town hall meetings, helping to resolve challenges, and assisting in the restructuring of numerous Component Boards. This work gave her deep insight into the strengths and weaknesses of a wide range of AIA Components.

Her professional background and volunteer service provide her with substantial non-profit management experience, uniquely suited to the role of EVP/CEO of the Society.

AIA and ABC Announce Contract Document Agreement

The American Institute of Architects and Associated Builders and Contractors recently announced a marketing partnership agreement, designed to foster a greater understanding and exchange of ideas between architects and contractors in the construction community.

“We see this as the beginning of a larger, long-term partnership between the AIA and ABC,” said AIA President, Clark Manus, FAIA. “For more than 100 years, the AIA has been committed to promoting greater industry collaboration among architects, owners and contractors, and this partnership is a natural extension of this work. ABC’s decision to partner with the AIA speaks volumes about the fair and balanced nature of AIA documents and their universal acceptance in the industry.”

“We believe this partnership will provide value to ABC members by giving them access to more resources to help them win work and deliver that work safely and productively,” added ABC President and CEO Mike Bellaman. “This partnership will allow for a healthy exchange of best practices and enhance relationships between architects and contractors, as well as bring more value to the industry.”

AIA offers more than 100 documents including contractor/subcontractor agreements and forms; owner/contractor agreements; application and certificate for payment; and change order forms. AIA Contract Documents are revised as necessary in order to remain current with trends and changes in the industry and law, and to balance the interests of all parties. AIA solicits counsel from more than a dozen industry groups when creating or updating documents, including Associated Builders and Contractors, which, under the partnership, will have increased involvement with the AIA Contract Documents program.

As part of the partnership, AIA will provide a number of benefits to ABC members, including a discount on the purchase of any retail-priced AIA Contract Document software license and access to AIA Contract Documents education programs.