Meta R. Braymer, Ph.D., and Brian J. Ohlinger, P.E., will be recognized with Honorary Membership in the Virginia Society AIA at this year’s Visions for Architecture gala on Nov. 4, 2011 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Honorary Membership may be bestowed upon individuals not eligible for membership in the Society, but who have rendered distinguished and exemplary service, over a sustained period of time, to architecture and the built environment in Virginia.
For more than 25 years, Meta Braymer has exhibited a sincere and abiding commitment to the ideals of the profession of architecture. As Vice President for Economic Development and Regional Engagement with the University of Mary Washington, she oversees the Center for Economic Development and its affiliation with the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance — organizations that share parallel tenets with the profession. She and her husband John, Executive Vice President and CEO of the Society, are among the top private financial supporters of the Virginia Center for Architecture. From philanthropy supporting the formation of the Virginia Center for Architecture, to ongoing advocacy on behalf of architects and the built environment, she has shown an understanding and appreciation of the profession. “Meta has been an ambassador for architecture beyond any others that I know,” exclaimed one Honors Committee member.
Since assuming responsibility for Virginia Commonwealth University’s Facilities Management Department in 1997, Brian Ohlinger has been responsible for a 325-member Facilities Management team with an annual operating budget of $40 million. Under his close direction, VCU has led the state in delivering nearly $2 billion in new construction, leveraging cutting-edge technologies including Construction Manager at Risk and Building Information Modeling. He also served the Commonwealth of Virginia through two gubernatorial appointments to the State Art and Architectural Review Board, and was elected Board Chair in his second term. During his terms with the AARB, he exhibited unyielding dedication to the highest design standards. “The magnitude of the work he’s been involved with is astounding,” said one Committee member. “His work at VCU coupled with his work in the AARB, has unquestionably elevated the level of good design in Virginia,” he continued.