PAC Award Update – August

Posted on by cguske

The AIA Virginia PAC is one of the sharpest tools in our advocacy toolkit. The AIA Virginia PAC Award celebrates the engagement and commitment of a local AIA component that supports the advancement and mission of the PAC. The winning component goes home with $1,000 cash for Architecture Week/Month and the award trophy presented at Architecture Exchange East in November.

Current Leaderboard:
AIA Blue Ridge – 80 points
AIA Hampton Roads – 60 points (only Board of Directors at 100%)
AIA Richmond – 30 points
AIA Central Virginia – 20 points
AIA Northern Virginia – 0 points

Points are accrued in three areas: local component Board participation, the percentage of local component’s membership who have invested in the PAC, and the total amount of money invested by the members of the local component.

Points are allocated as follows:

  1. Local component Board participation
    a. Did 100% of the Board of Directors invest in the AIA Virginia PAC?
    i. Yes = 20 points
    ii. No = 0 points
  2. Percentage of local component members who have invested in the AIA Virginia PAC
    i. Component with highest % = 40 points
    ii. Component with second highest % = 20 points
    iii. Component with third highest % = 10 points
  3. Average investment per member from the total local component membership
    i. Component with highest average investment/member = 40 points
    ii. Component with second highest average investment/member = 30 points
    iii. Component with third highest average investment/member = 20 points
    iv. Component with fourth highest average investment/member = 10 points
    v. Component with fifth highest average investment/member = 0 points

Scoring will be closed on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Make your investment today at www.aiavapac.org

PAC Award Update

Posted on by cguske

The AIA Virginia PAC is one of the sharpest tools in our advocacy toolkit. The AIA Virginia PAC Award celebrates the engagement and commitment of a local AIA component that supports the advancement and mission of the PAC. The winning component goes home with $1,000 cash for Architecture Week/Month and the award trophy presented at Architecture Exchange East in November.

Current Leaderboard:
AIA Hampton Roads – 90 points (only Board of Directors at 100%)
AIA Blue Ridge – 60 points
AIA Central Virginia – 20 points
AIA Richmond – 20 points
AIA Northern Virginia – 0 points

Points are accrued in three areas: local component Board participation, the percentage of local component’s membership who have invested in the PAC, and the total amount of money invested by the members of the local component.

Points are allocated as follows:

  1. Local component Board participation
    a. Did 100% of the Board of Directors invest in the AIA Virginia PAC?
    i. Yes = 20 points
    ii. No = 0 points
  2. Percentage of local component members who have invested in the AIA Virginia PAC
    i. Component with highest % = 40 points
    ii. Component with second highest % = 20 points
    iii. Component with third highest % = 10 points
  3. Average investment per member from the total local component membership
    i. Component with highest average investment/member = 40 points
    ii. Component with second highest average investment/member = 30 points
    iii. Component with third highest average investment/member = 20 points
    iv. Component with fourth highest average investment/member = 10 points
    v. Component with fifth highest average investment/member = 0 points

Scoring will be closed on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Make your investment today at www.aiavapac.org

An Update on the Virginia General Assembly, and other advocacy activities

Posted on by cguske

While AIA Virginia did not propose any legislation in the Virginia General Assembly this year, we have been vigilant in monitoring the bills that were proposed by others. When proposed legislation does, or might, affect us, we have developed an appropriate response: supporting or opposing those bills – or, in some cases, working to see that they are amended to our satisfaction.

Having just passed the midway point of Virginia’s legislative session – after which the bills “crossover” to the other chamber – we will remain attentive to the progress of the surviving legislation. We will monitor how each bill advances; whether it is passed, or amended, by the other chamber; how, if amended, it is resolved by a Committee of Conference; whether it is accepted, vetoed, or amended, by the Governor; and how, if amended or vetoed, it is received by the General Assembly.

In the meantime, we have a sizeable delegation headed to DC for AIA Leadership Summit 2023. Next week’s program includes sessions on Leadership, Advocacy, Engagement, and the role of the Citizen Architect. There will be opportunities to network with AIA members from across the country. And Hill Day will afford the opportunity to connect with our elected officials at the national level to discuss issues of interest to AIA nationally – as well as some items of local interest that could be affected by federal legislation.

There is certainly plenty of good work being done. I applaud those who are active in advocacy.

This work requires consistent action. It is never finished. It requires constant engagement, and education, at the local, state, and federal levels.

Soon after the current legislative sessions end, we will turn our attention to considering how we can better coordinate and organize our various advocacy programs and increase the impact of our legislative and regulatory activities. Stay tuned for additional information about that.

And please invest in the PAC. The PAC is a powerful tool in our advocacy toolbox. We will need your help to keep this, and all our tools, sharp.

PAC Award Update

Posted on by cguske

With only 48 hours remaining, AIA Central Virginia continues their lead in the “Rumble in the Jungle” for the AIA Virginia Political Action Committee Award

AIA Central Virginia continues to be slightly ahead of AIA Hampton Roads with 70 and 60 points respectively. AIA Blue Ridge has 30 points and AIA Richmond has 20 points. AIA Northern Virginia has not scored any points yet (come on Northern Virginia!) AIA Central Virginia is the only local component Board of Directors at 100% participation as of this date. As we have seen in past years, the leaderboard can change overnight when $1,000 is on the line!

The AIA Virginia PAC Award looks to celebrate the engagement and commitment of a local AIA component that supports the advancement and mission of the PAC. The Award has historically been presented at Architecture Exchange East to the local component’s Board of Directors who will accept the award on behalf of its respective members. The award criteria is based on a point total calculation based on three areas: local component Board participation, percentage of local component’s membership who have invested in the PAC, and the total amount of money invested by the members of the local component.

Below outlines point allocations:

  1. Local component Board participation
    a. Did 100% of the Board of Directors invest into the AIA Virginia PAC?
    i. Yes = 20 points
    ii. No = 0 points
  2. Percentage of local component’s members who have invested in the AIA Virginia PAC
    i. Component with highest % = 40 points
    ii. Component with second highest % = 20 points
    iii. Component with third highest % = 10 points
  3. Average investment per member from the total local component membership
    i. Component with highest average investment/member = 40 points
    ii. Component with second highest average investment/member = 30 points
    iii. Component with third highest average investment/member = 20 points
    iv. Component with fourth highest average investment/member = 10 points
    v. Component with fifth highest average investment/member = 0 points

Scoring will be closed on Friday, October 14, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Make your investment today at www.aiavapac.org

PAC Award Update

Posted on by cguske

AIA Hampton Roads Still Leading the “Rumble in the Jungle” for the AIA Virginia Political Action Committee Award

The defending champions, AIA Hampton Roads is currently leading the competition comfortably with 80 points. AIA Central Virginia has jumped up to second place with 60 points. AIA Blue Ridge is currently third with 40 points and AIA Richmond is fourth with 10 points. AIA Northern Virginia has not yet scored any points (come on Northern Virginia!) AIA Central Virginia is the only local component Board of Directors at 100% participation as of this date. Like we have seen in past years, the leaderboard can change overnight when $1,000 is on the line!

The AIA Virginia PAC Award looks to celebrate the engagement and commitment of a local AIA component that supports the advancement and mission of the PAC. The Award has historically been presented at Architecture Exchange East to the local component’s Board of Directors who will accept the award on behalf of its respective members. The award criteria is based on a point total calculation based on three areas: local component Board participation, percentage of local component’s membership who have invested in the PAC, and the total amount of money invested by the members of the local component.

Below outlines point allocations:

  1. Local component Board participation
    a. Did 100% of the Board of Directors invest into the AIA Virginia PAC?
    i. Yes = 20 points
    ii. No = 0 points
  2. Percentage of local component’s members who have invested in the AIA Virginia PAC
    i. Component with highest % = 40 points
    ii. Component with second highest % = 20 points
    iii. Component with third highest % = 10 points
  3. Average investment per member from the total local component membership
    i. Component with highest average investment/member = 40 points
    ii. Component with second highest average investment/member = 30 points
    iii. Component with third highest average investment/member = 20 points
    iv. Component with fourth highest average investment/member = 10 points
    v. Component with fifth highest average investment/member = 0 points

Scoring will be closed on Friday, October 14, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Make your investment today at www.aiavapac.org

AIA Hampton Roads Wins the AIA Virginia PAC Award for the Second Time

Posted on by cguske

For the second time in four years, AIA Hampton Roads won AIA Virginia’s annual PAC Award termed the “Rumble in the Jungle”. As the winner, the local component will receive $1,000 from AIA Virginia for use during its 2022 Architecture Week to enhance its public outreach efforts. AIA Hampton Roads was the only team to have 100% investment participation from its Board of Directors which was the difference between winning and losing. In addition, 5.4% of its total membership was invested [the 2017 statewide participation rate was roughly 2%], and the average contribution per member out of the total component membership of 352 individuals was $24.25.

The AIA Virginia PAC Award looks to celebrate the engagement and commitment of a local AIA component that supports the advancement and mission of the PAC.  The award criteria are based on a point total calculation based on three areas: local component Board participation, percentage of local component’s membership who have invested in the PAC, and the total amount of money invested by the members of the local component.

Invest at www.aiavapac.org

AIA Virginia is thankful for the following 2021 PAC Investors:

$2,500 to $4,999

Hanbury
PMA Architecture
VMDO Architects

$1,000 to $2,499

Glave & Holmes Architecture
LeMay Erickson Willcox Architects
Quinn Evans
VIA Design Architects

$500 to $999

MG2 Corporation
MTFA Architecture
William “Bill” Brown, AIA
Jeremy Maloney, AIA

$200-$499

Conkey Architects
Frazier Associates
Galvin Architects
Anonymous 
Scott Campbell, AIA
R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA
Eric Keplinger, AIA
David King, AIA
Jeanne LeFever
Carolyn Rickard-Brideau, AIA
J. Mitch Rowland, AIA
Elisabeth Sloan, AIA
Lou Wolf, AIA

$100-$199

Alloy Architecture & Construction
Architecture AF
Colley Architects
Galvin Architects
Kerns Group Architects
KGD Architecture
Powe Studio Architects
Reader & Swartz Architects
r4 llc
Colin Arnold, AIA
JW Blanchard, AIA
Robert Dunay, FAIA
Rebecca Edmunds, AIA
Thomas Ellis, AIA
Eliza Engle, AIA
Nathaniel McCormick, AIA
Rob Reis, AIA
James Scruggs, AIA
Nick Serfass, FAIA
Michael Spory, Assoc. AIA
Chris Venable, AIA
Nick Vlattas, FAIA
Steve Wakeman, AIA

Up to $99

B. Grace Design, LLC
MSStudioarchitecture, LLC
Anonymous [ 9 ]
Ryan Alkire, AIA
Krystal Anderson, AIA
Ron Anderson | Nello Wall Systems, Inc.
Kelly Batchelder
Scott Boyce, AIA
Debbie Burns, Hon. AIA
John Burns, FAIA
Phoebe Crisman, AIA
April Drake, AIA
Maggie Dunlap, Assoc. AIA
Robert Easter, FAIA
Braden Field, AIA
Rhea George, Hon. AIA VA
John Glenn, AIA
Cathy Guske, Hon. AIA VA
Charles Hendricks, AIA
Stephen Kulinski, AIA
Michael Lawson, AIA
Roland Lemke, AIA
Spencer Lepler, AIA
Joe McCoy, AIA
Joshua McKenrick, AIA
Shawn Mulligan, AIA
Marci Parrish
Kathryn Prigmore, FAIA
Gareth Ratti, AIA
Maury Saunders, AIA
Amanda Schlichting, AIA
Kristen Smith
Mark Treon, AIA
Nick Wade, AIA
Chris Warren, AIA
Ed Weaver, AIA
Rob Winstead, AIA

2022 Membership Dues

Posted on by cguske

Over recent years, AIA Virginia has undertaken significant steps to improve member value while reducing organization expenses. In 2020, Supplemental Firm Dues were completely eliminated! This means there are no other dues obligations outside of individual membership dues.

You spoke loudly—the most important thing we at AIA Virginia do for you is advocacy. You expressed a desire for us to be more proactive on issues that elevate the importance of architects and good design. We heard you.

The AIA Virginia PAC supports legislators who understand our agenda and support our goals without regard to political party affiliation. By speaking with a unified voice, architects can influence legislation affecting our profession and the quality of life in our communities. For more information regarding the AIA Virginia PAC, please click here to read the FAQs.

How much of my 2022 dues payment will go to the AIA Virginia PAC?
$5 for Associate AIA members
$10 for Architect members
$10 for International Associate members

If this investment is acceptable, no action is required on your part. If you wish to divert your 2022 PAC allocation to our general operating account, please let us know by going to https://www.aiava.org/2022-dues-pac-opt-out/.

If you have any questions, please contact Corey Clayborne, FAIA, NOMA, MBA at cclayborne@aiava.org. Thank you for believing in what we do.

Let’s Welcome Our New PAC Investors!

Posted on by cguske

We cannot have an influential voice without having relationships with our state legislators. As such, the PAC allows us the opportunity to build these necessary relationships through attending various fundraisers. Since May 15, the following individuals and firms proudly invested in our PAC:

Architecture AF
Frazier Associates
Hanbury
KGD Architecture
LeMay Erickson Willcox Architects
PMA Architecture
VIA Design Architects
Ryan Alkire, AIA
Colin Arnold, AIA
Maggie Dunlap, Assoc. AIA
Robert Easter, FAIA
Mitch Rowland, AIA
Maury Saunders, AIA
Nick Serfass, FAIA
Elisabeth Sloan, AIA
Ed Weaver, AIA
Lou Wolf, AIA

2021 Political Outlook in Virginia

Posted on by cguske

On January 13th, the Virginia General Assembly will gavel into the 2021 session during an unprecedented time. As Virginia grapples with the impacts of COVID-19, legislators convened for a 65-day regular session and 84-day special session last year resembling traits of a full-time legislature. And as COVID-19 continues to snatch lives, the Virginia Senate was not immune. Senator Ben Chafin (R-Lebanon) recently succumbed to his battle with the virus.

In odd-numbered years, the General Assembly convenes for a “short session” which is 30 days as prescribed by the Constitution. Since the Constitution was amended in 1971, both political parties have voted to extend “short sessions” to 46 days. This year, Republicans announced that they will not vote for the extension which requires two-thirds approval from both chambers. In response, the Governor has stated he will call a special session at the conclusion of the 30-day regular session to finish any necessary business.

What we know is that the House of Delegates will continue to meet virtually for all its meetings and the Senate will meet in person at the Science Museum of Virginia. This adds a sharp complexity to advocacy as impromptu meetings with legislators in the hallway and office visits to discuss issues are now eliminated.  As a replacement, elbowing for Zoom meeting slots, texting, and emailing legislators will be the unfortunate norm this year as modes of communication. In conclusion, it will be paramount to make each “touch” with a legislator count and being judicious on how often we hit the “send” button on any email or text message.

Please note the following key dates of session:

  • January 13 – General Assembly session convenes
  • January 22 – Bill cut-off
  • February 9 – Bill crossover
  • February 27 – Sine die
  • April 7 – Reconvene session

AIA Virginia’s Legislative Priorities

This year, legislators will have tighter limits on the number of bills that can be submitted. Members of the House will be limited to seven bills while members of the Senate may submit 12 bills. This, combined with lawmakers meeting virtually and offsite, have led to a change in advocacy strategy this year. Due to these challenges, AIA Virginia will not file any bills this year. However, please be on the lookout for weekly General Assembly updates on the bills we are actively engaging and monitoring once session commences.

Instead, we will use this year to relentlessly focus on connecting legislators with their architect constituents – thus positioning you and our profession as a valuable resource to them. The result is that our elected officials will have a face to go with the terms “architect” and “architecture”. The AIA Virginia Advocacy Advisory Council is working on a virtual program to deploy in 2021 that will accomplish this goal. Stay tuned!

We tested this concept successfully on January 6 with Senator Ghazala Hashmi (D-Richmond). In conjunction with the American Council of Engineering Companies of Virginia, AIA Virginia held a one-hour industry roundtable discussion that covered the environment, infrastructure, schools, affordable housing, and energy. The result is that Sen. Hashmi recognizes AIA as a valuable asset on any of these topics.

Special thanks to the following roundtable participants who either live or work in Sen. Hashmi’s district:

Lori Garrett, FAIA: Senior Principal at Glave & Holmes Architects
Stephen Halsey, AIA: Principal at Moseley Architects
Burt Pinnock, FAIA: Chairman of the Board at Baskervill
Jacob Sherry, AIA: Architect at 510 Architects

These individuals were joined by Advocacy Vice President, Kathy Galvin, AIA.

Also, please support our advocacy efforts by investing in our PAC at Virginia American Institute of Architects PAC.  We can’t do the great work we are doing without your support.

PAC Pin Design Contest Winner

Posted on by cguske

Last fall, AIA Virginia’s Government Advocacy Advisory Council and the PAC Board of Trustees engaged the membership in the creation of an updated PAC pin.

Historically, members who invest in AIA Virginia’s Political Action Committee (PAC) have received a lapel pin that can be worn to demonstrate his/her support of our legislative efforts. The existing pin had become dated as it used the organization’s past name of VSAIA (Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects).

We were pleased to announce at Architecture Exchange East last November that Allison Ewing, AIA, LEED AP, Founder & Partner at Hays + Ewing Design Studio has won this design contest and her pin design is now ready to be worn by AIA Virginia members statewide who give to the AIA Virginia PAC.

Join these donors and support the candidates who understand the architecture profession and receive the new PAC pin.

About Allison
As an architect and leader, Allison Ewing has advanced sustainability through design, implementation, and advocacy – both within and beyond the architectural profession — by modeling change in the building industry with solutions both visionary and practical. Working on commercial, institutional, residential, and mixed-use projects at both large- and small-scale, Allison Ewing’s architectural experience spans twenty-five years and three continents. Ms. Ewing’s work seeks transformation – of site, of workplace, of living environment. She pursues design excellence at all scales, from site to building to detail – an approach which encompasses meeting client’s goals while arriving at elegant solutions that embody sustainable best practices.

Prior to forming her own firm HEDS with partner Chris Hays, Ms. Ewing was Partner at William McDonough + Partners, and design associate at the Italian firm of Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Her work experience also includes the offices of Cesar Pelli & Associates and Mitchell Giurgola Architects.

Ms. Ewing has been a speaker at a number of national and international events related to sustainable design and her work has been published in EcoHome, USA Weekend, Dwell, Custom, and the Washington Post Home. She has received many design awards, including “Custom Home of the Year Award” from Custom Home Magazine. The Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center of Virginia received the top Virginia AIA award in 2018.

Ms. Ewing received her Masters in Architecture from Yale University Graduate School of Architecture. She was the recipient of a Monbusho Fellowship to Japan where she studied Japanese housing.

“Allison Ewing ranks high among the first-generation of architects leading our industry toward sustainability over the past 30 years, and her name, work, voice, and lasting influence in this crucial field stand alongside those of visionary peers like William McDonough, Ed Mazria, Bob Berkebile, and Mary Ann Lazarus.” – Rick Schwolksy, Senior Fellow, Architecture 2030