VMDO Architects named 2025 recipient of the T. David Fitz-Gibbon Virginia Architecture Firm Award

Posted on by cguske

AIA Virginia is proud to announce that VMDO Architects will receive the 2025 T. David Fitz-Gibbon Virginia Architecture Firm Award, the highest honor it bestows on a Virginia-based architecture firm. This prestigious recognition celebrates firms that have made outstanding and sustained contributions to the profession, the community, and the quality of the built environment. VMDO is notably the first-ever two-time recipient of this honor, having previously earned it in 2003.

Founded in 1976, VMDO Architects has offices in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Washington, DC. The firm is known for its unwavering commitment to designing community-centered environments that foster human connection and elevate the human experience. VMDO’s work is deeply rooted in the belief that architecture has the power to educate, inspire, and uplift.

VMDO stands apart in its exclusive focus: since its inception nearly 50 years ago, the firm has dedicated its entire practice to educational and community-focused institutions. Its portfolio does not include private residences, commercial developments, or speculative projects—instead, VMDO channels its creativity and expertise into schools, universities, and spaces that support learning and community.

The firm’s designs have received widespread acclaim, earning international and national recognition from the AIA Committee on Architecture for Education (AIA CAE), the Society for College and University Planners (SCUP), and the Association of College Unions International (ACUI). VMDO’s commitment to environmental responsibility is also reflected in its receipt of two AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) Top Ten awards, among the most prestigious honors in sustainable design.

To celebrate VMDO’s legacy of excellence and its continued impact on the profession and society, the T. David Fitz-Gibbon Award will be presented during Visions for Architecture on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Richmond Downtown Marriott. Tickets will be available starting September 2, 2025, at www.aiava.org.

Project Manager – Higher Education

Posted on by cguske

Project Manager
VMDO Architects | Charlottesville

VMDO is seeking a creative and energetic project manager to work with our Higher Education team. This candidate will lead large projects for college and university clients. Demonstrated experience managing complex projects with sophisticated clients is critical. This role is based in our Charlottesville, Virginia office, and will work directly with project teams and Higher Education market leaders.

Responsibilities:

  • Manages large projects for Higher Education clients. Residence Life / Student Housing projects is preferred but not mandatory.
  • Prepares framework for project success
  • Coordinates project efforts, administrative and technical, to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective execution of assigned projects
  • Serves as the primary client liaison to bring the schedule, budgets, and scope of work to completion and to the client’s satisfaction
  • Actively manages client budgets, schedules, and programs; project communications and documentation; office administrative tasks; and project team assignments

Qualifications:

  • Undergraduate or Graduate degree from a NAAB-accredited Architecture program
  • 8+ years of professional experience in the field of architecture
  • Architectural license required, LEED AP and/or another high-performance credential required

Skills and Qualities:

  • Excellent communication skills with a variety of project stakeholders
  • Demonstrated ability to handle sophisticated client relationships.
  • Ability to develop and mentor junior staff in a collaborative environment.
  • Interest in sustainable design practices.
  • Enthusiasm for continued growth, especially in business development. Interest in the residence life sector preferred.
  • Familiarity with project management software such as Microsoft Project is a plus.
  • Experience managing teams working in Revit.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to visit and traverse construction sites, which may include uneven terrain and overnight travel.

Visit https://www.vmdo.com/job-listings.html and apply with our online application. Email joinus@vmdo.com with any questions.