A different rhythm for ArchEx 2023 – Visions is on Thursday this year

Posted on by cguske

Registration is now open for ArchEx 2023. I certainly hope you have reserved the dates of Wednesday 1 November to Friday 3 November and that you remain alert for our forthcoming announcement that the site is open for registration.

And while you are gearing up to plan your itinerary more precisely, please be aware of some important changes at this year’s conference. The event will open mid-morning Wednesday with plenary sessions including the “Kick Off and Keynote(s)” and will continue with our Annual Membership Meeting, sessions, tours, and workshops.

Thursday will begin with Coffee Conversations and Round Tables followed by the lunchtime Expo, afternoon sessions, and the Connections Happy Hour in the Exhibit Hall. Visions, our annual Honor and Awards gala, will be hosted at the Hippodrome on Thursday evening.

There will be more sessions and workshops on Friday morning before the majority of the program draws to a close around lunchtime.

We look forward to having you join us to connect across the Commonwealth, compare perspectives, and celebrate the achievements of our members, our colleagues, and our organization. I look forward to seeing you there.

Paul Battaglia, AIA
Executive Vice President
AIA Virginia

Exploring Ideas and Connections

Posted on by cguske

The Art of Practice was held late last month in Charlottesville. Thank you to Sonya Ravindranath Waddell (Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond), Matt Laird (Atlantic Union Bank), and Joseph Cooch (Lee|Shoemaker) for the intriguing presentations. Thank you to Stephen Halsey (Moseley Architects), Jeanne LeFever (Glave & Holmes Architecture), and Charles Piper (Quinn Evans) for a thoughtful and candid panel discussion. Thank you to Maggie Schubert (Chestnut Knoll Studio), Andrew McKinley (VIA design), and Charles Piper (Quinn Evans) for moderating the firm-size roundtables. Thank you to our sponsors: Bamforth, Gropen, Keith Fabry, Lee|Shoemaker PLLC, McGriff Insurance, Moseley Architects, and O’Hagan Meyer PLLC. Thank you to Common House for providing an enjoyable and intimate venue. And thank you to those who attended and engaged. View a photo gallery here>>

As an organization, we continuously strive to provide rich experiences, programs, and events with relevant and engaging content, and opportunities to connect as peers and colleagues. To explore ideas, exchange perspectives, and (re)consider our positions.

We rely on your feedback and suggestions. If you have a suggestion for an event or a program, please reach out to me at pbattaglia@aiava.org. We welcome any and all comments, criticisms, and recommendations. And we look forward to seeing you soon.

Paul Battaglia, AIA
Executive Vice President
AIA Virginia

Here We Go. Together.

Posted on by cguske

Like many of you, I spent some time recently “planning” for the coming year – considering what I need to start doing, what I need to keep doing (albeit more effectively), and what (for various reasons) I need to stop doing.

In my particular case, these reflections coincide with having recently assumed a new role as EVP of the organization. This is an opportunity that I take seriously, for which I am grateful, and that I meet with a mixture of humility, optimism, and enthusiasm.

Paul Battaglia, AIA

The perspective afforded by this new role has not only confirmed but also quickened my appreciation for:

  • the professionalism, diligence, and dedication of the staff team
  • the volunteerism, passion, and stewardship of the leadership
  • the skills, talent, and collegiality of the membership
  • the contributions and collaborative spirit of our allies and strategic partners

I am increasingly grateful for and inspired by the impact of our profession, our organization, our members, and our leaders – both past and present. The legacy of our organization provides a substantial source of confidence. There is much of which we can be justifiably proud. There is also much yet to be done (i.e., realizing the potential and the promise of our current strategic plan).

I have been enjoying getting to work and joining in and finding my way. I have even been enjoying getting or staying, out of the way.

I relish the opportunity to participate in and further our collaborative efforts. And I anticipate our collective satisfaction as we fructify the opportunities and challenges that lie before us: some of which we are pursuing intentionally, many of which have yet to reveal themselves.

As befits your particular circumstances, and on behalf of the organization, our members, and myself:

  • I thank you for your contributions and support
  • I encourage you to sustain, or (re)commence your engagement
  • I ask that you remain vigilant in recognizing potential allies
  • and that you invite and encourage them to join and remain with us

I wish you, each of yours, and all of us, nothing but the very best for the new year.

Here we go! Together!

Paul Battaglia, AIA
Executive Vice President
AIA Virginia