Raising Architects: How IPAL Transforms Students, Firms, and the Profession

Posted on by cguske

by Hayley Owens, Assoc. AIA, and Jonathan Hiser, AIA, on behalf of AIA Virginia’s J.E.D.I. Committee

Have you heard of IPAL?

Back in 2014, NCARB was grappling with two long standing issues – the average time it took for an architect to get licensed was over 13 years and the profession was continuing to struggle to increase diversity. The Integrated Path to Architectural License, best known as IPAL, was born to improve the accessibility of licensure by creating a pathway that harkens back to a tradition of the past – apprenticeship as an integral part of the education of an architect. Schools that participate in the IPAL program partner their students with architecture firms for internships that last throughout the student’s time in school. Participation in IPAL allows students to accrue their required experience hours and start taking the licensure exams before they graduate while they still have the supportive school environment.

In Virginia, Hampton University (HU) is the first and only school to offer IPAL. HU leadership saw the program as a unique way to enhance the education they offer, but also to answer the urgent need to support students of color on their journey to licensure. Offering a reminder for the importance of these efforts, the recently published 2025 NCARB by the Numbers Report reveals that the number of African American architects is holding steady at 2% for the last five years. Hampton adopted the program with the initial goals to better prepare their students for licensure, give them a sense of the rigor of the profession while immersed in their education, and build a strong, vibrant exchange between academia and the practice in firms.

To learn more about how IPAL is going at Hampton, the AIA Virginia J.E.D.I. Committee sat down for a conversation with folks who represent a range of perspectives on the program: Leanna Humphrey, an assistant professor at Hampton University who coordinates the IPAL program; Isaiah Bailey, a Hampton student participating in IPAL; and two leaders of firms participating in IPAL, Robert Easter, FAIA, former Hampton University Director and Principal at KEI; and Rob Reis, FAIA, a Principal at Hanbury. Together, their voices offer a rich picture of the success and challenges of the program.

“Interning this early has opened my eyes to the profession.” Isaiah Bailey

Isaiah, now entering his fourth year at Hampton, has been an intern for the past three summers at HGA in the DC area. He shared his appreciation for how welcoming the firm has been, immediately helping to create a sense of belonging despite being young when he first joined. Isaiah noted how his experience interning not only has been great for improving his graphic and technical skills but also how he has had the chance to practice and grow as a presenter. His repeated internships with the office have allowed him to see projects through multiple stages, for example, this past summer Isaiah was in charge of designing and coordinating a mock-up that is now near completion. Leanna added that the IPAL students are noticeably mature from their internship experiences and, though a small cohort at Hampton, they end up changing the whole department by sharing the knowledge and skills they bring back. They especially know “how to do group work.” Those of us working in the profession understand this sentiment! 

Pictures from Isaiah’s intern experience.
Images courtesy of Isaiah Bailey

At Hampton, students who are interested in participating in IPAL apply for the program during their first year and, once accepted into a limited number of seats, will interview with firms to secure an internship. Just like the participating firms will make a commitment to the same intern for the duration of their education, students make a commitment to participating in this rigorous program from early in their education. This naturally attracts driven and focused students, especially since participating in IPAL means taking a gap year to immerse themselves in their full-time internship and exams before returning for their final year of schooling. Leanna works very closely with this small group of students and participating firms to make sure that the program is meeting everyone’s expectations and offering support as is necessary. 

“It is not a tremendous time burden; it is just a matter of tracking the student and making sure they get the right experience, and all for such a worthy cause.” Rob Reis, FAIA

Without a doubt, IPAL is a valuable program for both students and firms. However, one of the main challenges Hampton faces is the need for awareness and participation from firms so that more students are able to participate. Rob Reis, FAIA, shared how Hanbury came to be involved with IPAL, and that from the outset of their involvement, their interns have been very effective in the office. From Rob’s perspective, it is a very small commitment on the side of the firm: “It is not a tremendous time burden; it is just a matter of tracking the student and making sure they get the right experience, and all for such a worthy cause.” Rob is excited to see some very robust enrollment numbers of students in IPAL at other schools like SCAD, whose Master’s program has over 100 students enrolled. He sees this as evidence of the potential Hampton’s program has here and the importance of firm support, sharing that “it is going to take energy from all of us to build the momentum.”

Schools participating in the IPAL program. Image courtesy of NCARB.

How can firms get involved?

The committee had some questions that I’m sure several of intrigued firms and firm leaders may have, so Robert Easter, FAIA, graciously answered some FAQs:

  • Are only local firms with a connection to Hampton University able to participate?
    NO! There are ways for firms anywhere, of any size, to connect with IPAL participants and even Hampton University students. That’s right, you do not have to be based in the Hampton area or even in the student’s home area. Robert Easter mentioned that there are two HU students from Mississippi placed in Richmond firms. IPAL is a national program and firms and students can be based anywhere. 
  • But isn’t this only for large firms?
    NO! Firms of any size are accepted, the only requirement is to have a heart for making an impact on the next generation of students. Easter sums this up as well, in that he’s “not afraid of someone who doesn’t know something, [rather] afraid of someone who doesn’t care to learn.” Any firm looking for a reliable summer intern for several years can be involved and help to mold the next generation of architects. 
  • Isn’t there a big time commitment to participate?
    Not any more than mentoring a new hire! Like with any new hire, it helps to have a firm or individual within the firm willing to champion the program at their firm. Keep in mind that committing to a student for the program is a multi-year commitment, which is really an amazing opportunity to shape an architect in the image of your firm, as Easter sees it. After graduation, these students will be licensed architects and ready to continue to productively contribute to the firm.
  • Is this a program for Hampton University only?
    NO! Any NAAB accredited program can adopt this program as long as they also show that students will make significant progress towards their AXP hours, provide an opportunity to take each division’s NCARB practice exams prior to graduation, and appoint an IPAL advisor. For full requirements, check out this link on NCARB’s website.

We asked these leaders for tips on implementing IPAL at your office:

  • A firm / individual willing to champion the program at their firm
  • Assigning a mentor to do regular check ins on the IPAL students
  • A desire to mentor / teach the next generation of architects
  • Support open, transparent communication between the student, the school, and the firm
Pictures from Isaiah’s intern experience.
Images courtesy of Isaiah Bailey
IPAL interns at Hanbury sharing project work.
Images courtesy of Hanbury

Many thanks to our interview participants for sharing their stories and experiences. Each looks forward to opportunities to share more and welcomes you to reach out. If you have questions about     Hampton’s IPAL program or want to learn more, you can reach Leanna Humphrey at leanna.humphrey@hamptonu.edu.

Isaiah Bailey: Isaiah.bailey@my.hamptonu.edu
Robert Easter, FAIA: reaster@keiarchitects.com
Rob Reis, AIA
Rob Reis, FAIA: rob.reis@hanbury.design

The 2025 Virginia Prize Awarded

Posted on by cguske

Public toilets in the vicinity of the King Street Metro Station

“Inequality in access to public toilets has taken on an increasingly urban/suburban divide. In suburbia, bathrooms in privately owned businesses such as gas stations, fast-food restaurants, or big-box stores stand in for public toilets. In contrast, fewer establishments in the city allow access to toilet facilities, particularly for non-customers.” So states the brief for this year’s Virginia Prize, written by faculty from Virginia Tech’s Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (the WAAC), which afforded students the opportunity to design a public toilet for the local municipality of Alexandria, Virginia in the vicinity of the King Street Metro Station.

The brief was distributed to students at Hampton University, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech (both in Blacksburg and at the WAAC), William & Mary, and James Madison University at 5 PM on Friday 31 January. Submissions were due at 9 AM Monday 3 February. Over those scant sixty-four hours, students developed their entries.

Each school selected no more than ten of their best entries for further consideration by a jury consisting of Julie Nelson, AIA, David Kubik, AIA, Harpreet Dhaliwal, AIA and Todd Poisson, AIA from the New York City-based firm BKSK Architects.

BKSK Architects is an accomplished firm designing across a broad range of markets with expertise in sustainability, preservation, community impact, and planning. Their projects include Battery Playscape, an intentionally flexible framework that supports open-ended play informed by the local ecology, which was nominated for the Best Public Playground in the United States. Principal Julie Nelson, who received Honorable Mention in a past edition of the Virginia Prize while studying at UVA, offered that the firm “has a surprisingly large portfolio of public restroom facilities including several in New York City Parks and a large restroom project at the Bellevue Men’s Shelter,” and suggested that it was “great to see this program as the focus of a design competition and the care the students put into the design solutions.”   

The jury “appreciated submissions that were easy to understand graphically, particularly those that had a legible site plan and floor plan.  This allowed us to understand how the proposed projects engaged with the context, the Metro station and the plaza.” They were “drawn to designs where the form grew out of site conditions and program, rather than being a predetermined form that ‘landed’ on the site.” And they “appreciated those submissions that considered the project holistically, thinking about not only form-making but also the user experience and environmental impact.”

As a result of their deliberations, the jury commended “the variety of responses and the thoughtfulness that the students brought to the brief, despite the short weekend timeframe” and awarded the following prizes.

  

First Prize: Taylor Wypyski (VT) “Washington D.P(ee)” – $3,000

The jury appreciated that this project was ambitious in its design while intelligently addressing functionality.  The connection to the existing Metro at two levels and the use of stormwater runoff from the large station roof to serve the bathrooms was particularly notable.  The inventive form marked a gateway to the station while serving the variety of functions required by the program.   The color of the finish material was found to be sympathetic to the surrounding context and a nod to the color of Virginia clay.

  

Second Prize: Ethan Turner (UVA) “King Street Comfort Station” – $1,500 

This project was considered to be thoughtful in its urbanistic approach and in its execution.  The jury appreciated not only the presentation, but also the siting, which used the bathroom structure to create a transition between Old Town and the Metro Plaza.  Its circulation was considered to be particularly successful – circulation both directly through the structure and along the paths that accessed the restrooms, lavatories, and bike parking.  The use of recycled materials was found to be sympathetic to the context while reducing environmental impact.

  

Third Prize: Eleanor Dedrick (UVA) “Go with the Flow” - $1,000 

The jury discerned that the design solution grew out of an understanding of the commuters’ existing circulation patterns.  They appreciated how the colorful palette and playful forms enlivened and successfully engaged with the existing concrete structure.  They also enjoyed the addition of the swirling light fixtures and confetti, noting that these simple design elements add to the sense of play.  And they noted that the written description of this submission was clear and effective in conveying the design intent.

  

Honorable Mention: 

Kristina Dickey (UVA) “Tree Toilet”

This project was described by the jury as “the restroom we would most like to use.”

Addison Mainer (Hampton) “The Hive” 

The jury noted that “anyone who has been in the DC Metro knows the signature floor tiles used throughout the system.  We loved that these served as the point of departure for this proposal.”

Rifat Mostofa (VT – WAAC) “Social Lounge”

“We loved the energy of this scheme and the way the interventions permeated the site, inside and out.  The bathroom facility layout was well done.”

Marie Zenzie (VT) (no title)

“The project was notable for its quality of presentation and clarity of idea.” The pencil drawings of the curvilinear glass block scheme were “simple yet evocative.”

Congratulations to those who were recognized. Gratitude to the jury. And appreciation to all who entered. 

2024 AIA Virginia Prize

Posted on by cguske

The AIA Virginia Prize is a design charrette that engages students at all of the architecture programs in Virginia.  Conducted simultaneously at each institution, students are given the competition program Friday at 5 p.m. They work over the weekend to create a board presenting their design solution by 9 a.m. the following Monday.  The competition is intended to promote collaboration between the profession, students and professors in Virginia.

The first round of submissions is juried at the university level and up to 10 finalists from each school will be sent to be juried at the state level.

The 2024 competition takes place over the Feb. 2-4 weekend. Faculty at Hampton University are finalizing the brief. The challenge brief will be posted to this page at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2 and submissions are due to the school at 9 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 5.

We wish the participating students a pleasant outing and look forward to considering and celebrating their proposals.

At The April Board Meeting

Posted on by cguske

MEETING RECAP

AIA Virginia | 2022 Board of Directors
April 1, 2022
Hampton University

Motions Made and Approved:

The Board of Directors of AIA Virginia voted as follows:

  • Appointments to the 2022 Disaster Assistance Committee
  • Approval of Revisions to the T. David Fitz-Gibbon Architecture Firm Award in the Rules of the Organization
  • Appointments to the Pathways into the Profession Inclusivity Study Task Force
  • Appointments to the 2022 Nominating Committee
  • Approval of Revisions to Director Counts in the Rules of the Organization
  • Appointment to the 2022 PAC Board of Trustees

Written reports were provided for the following consent agenda items:

  • Advisory Council Updates
  • Strategic Planning Update                                                                 
  • PAC Update                                                                                                   
  • General Assembly Update
  • Secretary’s Advisory Committee Update
  • Membership Update
  • Amber Book Program Update           
  • Emerging Leaders in Architecture Update
  • Operation Reach, Retain, and Develop Update
  • AIA National Conference on Architecture
  • HousingX Conference Partnership
  • Mayor’s Innovation Project – Town of Blacksburg
  • Advisory Council Rosters                                                                              
  • Proposed Amendments to AIA National Bylaws                                                                                           

Members may request a copy of these written reports by emailing AIA Virginia Executive Vice President, Corey Clayborne, FAIA at cclayborne@aiava.org.

The next meeting of the AIA Virginia Board of Directors will be held virtually on June 17.

John H. Spencer Recognized as the 2020 Noland Medalist

Posted on by cguske

John Henri Spencer, FAIA, has been recognized with the William C. Noland Medal by AIA Virginia for his leadership within architectural education beyond the status quo to create opportunities for generations of architecture students. As the highest honor bestowed by AIA Virginia to an architect, the Noland Medal is intended to honor a distinguished body of accomplishments, sustained over time, spanning a broad spectrum of the profession, and transcending the scope of normal professional activities. The honor is in memory of William C. Noland, FAIA, one of the founders of the AIA in Virginia, its second president, and Virginia’s first member to be elevated to fellowship.

Spencer is a pioneering leader for Black architects in America, a distinguished teacher who influenced thousands of students, and a committed educational administrator who created countless programs, initiatives, and pathways for growth and mentorship. Under his leadership, the study of architecture at Hampton University evolved through focused curricular development, fundraising, and academic excellence–the pinnacle of a 63-year career of service in education, in the public arena, and to the profession of architecture. Spencer was born in Monrovia, Liberia to missionary parents serving at the Suehn Industrial Mission, which influenced his philosophy for teaching, community and professional service and social action. After high school in Huntington, West Virginia, John enrolled in the architectural engineering program at the Agricultural and Technical College (now university) in Greensboro, North Carolina. His education was interrupted by service in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and, upon discharge, John transferred to Hampton Institute (now University) graduating in 1956 with highest honors.

Spencer joined the faculty of the School of Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he co-founded the Committee for the Collegiate Education of Black Students (CCEBS) with support from the Ford Foundation to increase the number of Black students enrolled at the school. The first group recruited by CCEBS arrived in 1968 and of the original 128 students, 90 graduated four years later in 1972–more than the total number of Black graduates of Amherst combined in its 105 years. In its first decade, CCBES recruited and Amherst graduated more than 2,000 Black students. At Amherst, he also led efforts to provide volunteer tutoring for Black students and led the Amherst Human Relations Council and Fair Housing Committee, and established Black history education in high schools that brought about positive change in the town of Amherst and beyond.

In 1970, Spencer returned to the Hampton Institute as Chair of the Department of Architecture, where he encouraged students to look beyond the campus gates and involve themselves in the larger community. Notably, he initiated a student exchange program between Hampton and Amherst, and a broader travel program soon followed, growing out of a need to strengthen the fifth-year planning studio. It began with trips to large American cities supported by alumni who provided housing and meals at no cost. With the support of faculty, Spencer revised and expanded the program to require a two-week travel module to foreign cities, from Europe to Asia, and from Africa to Latin America. Since then, he has always led by example, becoming the first Black architect elected to the National Architectural Accrediting Board, first Black architect appointed to the Virginia Licensing Board, and assuming numerous other local and national positions of influence within the profession.

In his nomination letter, Professor and Dean Emeritus of Howard University, Harry G. Robinson III, FAIA, noted, “His consistent leadership has contributed to the strength of the African American narrative in architecture and has increased the richness and stability of the Hampton University Department of Architecture. If the Noland Medal is the pinnacle of recognition, the contributions of Professor Spencer are nearly unmatched and exceeded most.”

The William C. Noland Medal will be presented at Visions for Architecture on Thursday, Oct. 8 in an online awards ceremony beginning at 4:30 p.m. The program is free but registration is required.

At the April Board Meeting

Posted on by cguske

MEETING RECAP
AIA Virginia | 2019 Board of Directors
April 12, 2019
Hampton University | Bemis Laboratory

Motions Made and Approved:

The Board of Directors of AIA Virginia voted as follows:

  • Approval of the February 15, 2019 Meeting Minutes
  • Approval of the Nominations for Appointment of the Disaster Assistance Committee
  • Approval of Candidate Endorsement for APELSCILDA Gubernatorial Appointment
  • Approval of Appointment of Virginia Architect Licensing Advisor

Written reports were provided for the following consent agenda items:

  • Blueprint for Better – National Mall Initiative
  • Art of Practice Review
  • PAC Update
  • Inform Update
  • Membership Update
  • Architecture Exchange East 2019 Update
  • ACE Update
  • Formation of Honors Committee Diversity Task Force
  • Grassroots Visit Response from Sen. Kaine

Questions regarding the written reports were answered to provide additional clarification.  Members may request a copy of these written reports by emailing AIA Virginia Executive Vice President, Corey Clayborne, AIA at cclayborne@aiava.org.

Jeffrey Butts, Assoc. AIA explained his role as the Regional Associate Director which is to serve as the informational conduit between Virginia/West Virginia and the Institute on issues impacting the Associate membership.  He attended a meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico where he was a part of a work group that focused on how technology and equity are impacting the practice of architecture.

AGENDA ITEMS BASED ON STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:

Position Architects as vital contributors to our built environment:

  • A motion was presented by the Government Advocacy Advisory Council recommending appointments to the AIA Virginia Disaster Assistance Committee.  The motion passed unanimously.
  • A motion was presented by the Government Advocacy Advisory Council to endorse the reappointment of Mel Price, AIA to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (APELSCIDLA).  The motion passed unanimously.
  • It was noted that Kathy Galvin, AIA is running for the Virginia House of Delegates 57th District seat.

Become a model of a strong non profit and vibrant membership organization:

  • The draft Memorandum of Understanding between AIA Virginia and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) for the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program partnership was reviewed and discussed.  The draft document will be sent to the Deputy Commissioner of DVS for review and comment.  The Board empowered the Executive Committee to oversee the finalization of the MOU.
  • A motion was presented by the Member Services Advisory Council recommending appointment of Michael Hammon, AIA as Virginia’s Architect Licensing Advisor.  The motion passed unanimously. Jeanne LeFever, AIA recused herself from the vote.
  • A summary was provided of key takeaways of the Member Satisfaction Survey responses.  In March 2019, the survey was sent to 2,338 AIA Virginia members and allied members and received a 19.5% response rate.  The survey inquired about membership satisfaction, perception of organizational effectiveness, and membership value.  A discussion was held about how to engage the media more frequently at events and how to communicate our advocacy work more effectively.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Treasurer’s Report:

The organization’s Balance Sheet indicates the cash and cash equivalents is approximately $88k greater than at this point last year. Expenses are currently at 75% of the budget.  To date, the organization has an excess of revenue over expenses of $253,857.  This funding is used for operations during the spring and summer months when program revenue is minimal.

The draft 2019-2020 budget was reviewed and discussed.  It was noted that the digital release of Inform was not yet depicted in the budget.  There was a consensus that the draft budget was tracking successfully toward a final submission.

EVP Report:

It was shared that the staff is continuing to work on budget preparation while exploring a contingency plan in the event of an economic downturn.

President-Elect’s Report:

A joint task force consisting of AIA Virginia and Branch board members was formed at the beginning of 2019 to look to the future, determine recommended collaboration strategies, identify tactics, and develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that can be supported by both boards.  At its February meeting, the task force identified the key items of inclusion for the document. 

New Business:

  • The Branch will celebrate the Virginia by Design Awards on April 27 with “Brunch at the Branch”.
  • A discussion occurred regarding the 2019 Candidates for National Office.
  • The Region of The Virginias breakfast will be held at A’19 on Friday, June 7.

The next meeting of the 2019 AIA Virginia Board of Directors will take place Friday, June 21, 2019, in Richmond.

Student Competition Winner Announced

Posted on by cguske

AIA Virginia is pleased to announce the students recognized as honorees in 2019 AIA Virginia Prize competition.

AIA Virginia Prize
The top award and $3000 prize goes to Jackson Reed a student at Virginia Tech for the submission “Frames of Reference.” The jury recognized the elegant way the structure could be both unveiled and packed away, noting that there was “a kind of magic to how it captured the light.” The submission displayed a technical superiority and a “completeness” to its presentation. The jury appreciated the fresh approach to a shipping container building, particularly in the way the volume could be reconfigured.

"Frames of Reference" by Jackson Reed, Virginia Tech was awarded the AIA Virginia Prize.
“Frames of Reference” by Jackson Reed, Virginia Tech was awarded the AIA Virginia Prize.

Special Jury Award and Hampton University Best of School
The Best of School Award for Hampton University goes to Julian Washington for “Veggie Soul.” The jury appreciated that the submission was rooted in its cultural context as well as its inventive placement inside an existing building. They found the rendering particularly evocative, giving a true sense of the concept and placement. The jury found this submission particularly notable and elected to make a Special Jury Award of $500.

Veggie Soul" by Julian Washington, Hampton University - The Best of School Award and Special Jury Award
“Veggie Soul” by Julian Washington, Hampton University – The Best of School Award and Special Jury Award

University of Virginia Best of School
The Best of School Award for University of Virginia goes to Taha Suhrawardy for “Sic Parvis Magna Café.” They jury enjoyed the design’s informality counterbalanced with its placement within a formal setting. Its lightweight characteristics and structural creativity were interesting. The approach to mobility was notable.

“Sic Parvis Magna Café” by Taha Suhrawardy, University of Virginia – Best of School Award

Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center Best of School
The Best of School Award for the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center goes to Meredith Sattler for “Deadrise Oyster Bar.”  This entry expressed what the environment has to offer in a really simple, pleasurable way. The jury found the response to the tidal condition interesting.

“Deadrise Oyster Bar” by Meredith Sattler, Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center – Best of School Award

The following were recognized with an Honorable Mention

  • “The New Taste of Flow” submitted by Mengzhe Ye from University of Virginia
  • “The Hangout” submitted by Gary Garner from Hampton University
  • “King St. Pop Up Café” submitted by Juan Urey Fernandez from WAAC
  • “The Fulcrum” submitted by Andy Merida from Virginia Tech
  • “untitled” submitted by Anna Fletcher from Virginia Tech
  • “Boba — A Pop Up Bubble Tea Shop” submitted by Kirt Hilker from Virginia Tech


“The New Taste of Flow” submitted by Mengzhe Ye and Weiran Jing from University of Virginia
The jury appreciated the graphic approach. They found the innovative and thoughtfully-considered user experience notable.

“The Hangout” submitted by Gary Garner from Hampton University
The jury found the idea of using readily-available swing equipment to create seating and a dining environment refreshing.

“King St. Pop Up Café” submitted by Juan Urey Fernandez from the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center
The jury was pleased with the clean, comprehensive design. The site placement was clear and precise — there was little missing.

“The Fulcrum” submitted by Andy Merida from Virginia Tech
The jury appreciated the elegant simplicity of this submission and its implied invitation to engage your imagination.

“Boba — A Pop Up Bubble Tea Shop” submitted by Kirt Hilker from Virginia Tech
The jury delighted in the submission’s imaginative approach that was truly representative of a “pop up” café.

“untitled” submitted by Anna Fletcher from Virginia Tech
The jury found this entry and its story gripping. The graphics beautifully captured the mood and emotional context of the narrative.


About the Challenge

The competition — which took place over the weekend of Jan. 25–28 — challenged students to design a pop-up diner with a small kitchen, short-term supply storage, and a dining counter for standing and sitting customers. Students were asked to consider the energy, water, and waste flows in their solutions. [Read the full competition brief.]

About the AIA Virginia Prize

Conducted simultaneously at Hampton University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center, the competition is a design charrette that engages students at all of the accredited schools of architecture in Virginia. Students are given the competition program on a Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. They work over the weekend to create a design solution and submit it by 9 a.m. the following Monday. The top submission wins a $3000 prize.

Launched in 1980, the competition is intended to promote collaboration between the profession, students, and professors in Virginia. Historically, the charrette has taken place in January, however over the last several years, the competition has been hosted in September to accommodate an ongoing scheduling conflict at one of the schools. Now that the conflict has been resolved, the Prize weekend has shifted back to the spring semester to better align with the demands of the academic calendar.

Development of the competition brief rotates between the four schools annually — the 2019 Prize challenge was developed by Virginia Tech.

About the Jury

Each school’s faculty reviews the submissions and sends up to 10 finalists to Richmond for final consideration by the following Jury.

Nick Serfass, FAIA, Executive Director, RVATECH | Jury Chair

Burt Pinnock, FAIA, Chairman, Baskervill

Lori Garrett, FAIA, Senior Principal & Director of Higher Education Studio, Glavé & Holmes

Patrick Thompson, Assoc. AIA, Associate, Commonwealth Architects

Donna Phaneuf, FAIA, President + Lead Design Principal, Via Design

2017 AIA Virginia Prize Awarded

Posted on by cguske

At 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, students at the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, The Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC), and Hampton University were given a limited time challenge. By 9 a.m. Monday participating students had to turn in their design for a terminus for King Street at the Potomac River waterfront to celebrate its historic role as the origin of Alexandria and the front door of the City. It should be a significant public space that offers a destination, or as was written: ‘where one of America’s great streets meets one of America’s great rivers’. It should provide a counterpoint to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial at the other end of King Street.

2017 AIA Virginia President, Bill Brown, AIA, 2017 AIA Virginia Prize Jury Chair, Rachel Shelton, AIA, 2017 AIA Virginia Prize winner, Erik Styrbjorn Odd Torell from Virginia Tech, and Stewart Roberson, Chairman, President, and CEO of Moseley Architects. photo by Jay Paul

The Honorees

Erik Styrbjorn Odd Torell is the winner of the 2017 AIA Virginia Prize which includes a $1,500 cash prize.

The judges were impressed with the details of the structure, they felt he did an excellent job explaining the different aspects of the design on his board, and enjoyed how open the view was and especially enjoyed how the view was framed differently depending on which direction you were looking. They felt that this was a great design for an all year, any weather community space.

Best of School

Jonathan Legaspi received the Best of School for Hampton University.
Yuchao Xu received the Best of School for Virginia Tech.
M. Ryan Delaney received the Best of School for the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center. He also received the Runner-Up award.

Notable

Aneela Jain, Virginia Tech
Chris Cheng, Virginia Tech
Hannah McDorman, Virginia Tech
Minh Do, Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center
Terry Davis Jr., Hampton University
Victoria D’antone, Virginia Tech

Honorable Mention

Masie Carr, Virginia Tech

AIA Virginia would like to thank Moseley Architects for sponsoring the 2017 AIA Virginia Prize.

Hampton University Celebrates

Posted on by cguske

Seventy-five years ago, Hampton University began offering courses for students wishing to pursue a career in architecture.  Fully accredited by NAAB since 1963, the program offers a five-year Master of Architecture degree.  In addition to providing preparation for successful professional lives, the department has a special commitment to engagement with regional challenges, particularly for urban communities.  It is also committed to teaching sustainable design and to the challenges of building well and sensibly by the water’s edge.

To celebrate this anniversary, the department of architecture is holding a Beaux Arts Ball on 29 April and extends a most cordial invitation to area friends and professionals to join us.  The traditional fiesta of architecture students everywhere, the after-dinner ball will feature costumes related to the theme “Historic Artifacts” for those inclined to such expression, with a $75 prize to the best, selected by a panel of current and former department chairs.  Regional artisanal cheeses, produce, fondues, beer, and champagne punch will be on tap and music will be a mix of the songs that made 75 years of students get up from their desks and dance.

The department also hopes as part of the celebration to raise $75,000 to establish a scholarship fund for fifth-year students who, after clearing undergraduate status, find traditional funding sources like Pell Grants unavailable to them.  As a consequence, many must find jobs during this crucial final year of the program.  We hope many will join us trying to provide this crucial support.

While the department is small and the curriculum dense, we currently run a number of unusual programs within in – we have participated in two Solar Decathlons with ODU as our partner, offer – to the best of our knowledge – the first concentration in adaptation to sea level rise. Our first adaptation elective, done with Wetlands Watch and ODU for the Norfolk Neighborhood of Chesterfield Heights, became the basis for work in the Dutch Dialogues and was awarded $1,100,000 implementation grant in the  The department is one of six members of the National Resilience Institute, a program put together by the Rockefeller Foundation, the Clinton Global Initiative, and the AIA.  We run an urban design travel program overseas; this is orchestrated in part by faculty member Ray Gindroz, FAIA, who also teaches a course in urban design.  We hope to make more of our academic work available to the local community with eligibility for continuing education credit.As the only accredited architectural program in the

As the only accredited architectural program in the region, we are proud to be part of the region and its professional community.  Many of our students stay and pursue careers locally.

Please join us in celebrating our milestone anniversary and supporting our scholarship program.

Tickets and contributions may be managed at https://www.eventbrite.com/myevent?eid=32651911747 by mail to Department of Architecture, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23668, or at the door.  Thanks for your support!