YAF: Advocacy in Action

AIA YAF’s Advocacy group is proud to present the Advocacy in Action Series – a curated collection of resource documents created by young architects, for young architects.

Through this initiative, the Young Architects Forum seeks to amplify the collective knowledge of early to mid-career professionals and create accessible tools that support growth, career resilience, and meaningful engagement in the profession. Each month, new documents will be released, addressing topics that shape the young architect experience, including career development, leadership, self-advocacy and wellness.

Designing workplaces that reduce burnout and support wellbeing is a two document break out designed to show an ideal workplace environment and a scorecard to gauge your existing experience.  The goal is to reflect current conditions and spark conversations about workplace wellbeing at all stages of your career.

If you are interested in contributing to this series, please reach out to Tanya Kataria, YAF 2026 Advocacy Director at tanya.kataria@gmail.com

Redesigning Wellness Policies

Designing for wellbeing – Modern design is shifting from “checking the box” to a human-centric approach. By focusing on Predictability, Peace, Focus, and Flow, we create environments that act as a silent intervention for stress reduction.

This month’s documents on Redesigning Wellness Policies are provided by Arti Verma, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, ALA. Arti is a PM at Dynamik Design in Atlanta, GA, Licensed Architect, and a certified breathwork and meditation instructor.

Statewide Resources McKenna and Robinson

John McKenna, AIA

During its August 2025 meeting the AIA Virginia Board of Directors appointed John McKenna, AIA as the Young Architect Representative (YAR) and reappointed Gina Robinson, AIA as State Licensing Advisor.

As YAR, John McKenna will serve as a liaison between AIA Virginia and the Young Architects Forum (YAF), focusing on issues that concern Emerging Professionals (EPs; architects in the early stage of their careers).

Gina Robinson, AIA

Gina Robinson, AIA was reappointed to an additional term as the State Licensing Advisor. Gina will continue to assist licensure candidates and architects as they navigate the path to licensure and reciprocity. Architect licensing advisors provide guidance throughout the licensure process by facilitating the flow of information to architecture students, licensure candidates, and architects. The program is led by NCARB and jointly supported by the American Institute of Architects.

And it looks like we are poised to catch a StAR – an announcement on that appointment is anticipated in the very near future.