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AIA Virginia > Membership News > A’23 Recap and What’s Ahead

It is hard to believe that June has arrived so quickly. The last five months of “spring” have passed in a blur.

I am sitting here in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, reflecting on the past few days at A’23, (AIA National Convention). A’23 felt like Architecture Exchange East (ArchEx) on steroids. It was exciting to see old friends and make new ones; to share a laugh and a memory with colleagues. I feel melancholy knowing that it is time for me to leave this “escape”, friends, colleagues, and experiences.  As I reflect, on the last few days, here are just a few quick observations.

  • After participating in the business meetings and elections, there is no doubt that the Institute is in a position to continue leading.
  • Issues of climate change, advocacy, social equity & diversity, and generational transitions are at the forefront of the Institute’s mission.
  • It was a great honor to see Robert L. Easter, FAIA (2022 AIA Virginia President) receive the Whitney M. Young Jr. and to witness Robert V. Reis, FAIA (2019 AIA Virginia President) invested into the College of Fellows. The opportunity was especially exciting since I have had the opportunity to serve with both and know that each is very deserving!
  • The leadership training and education opportunities were robust and stimulating.
  • The keynote speakers were engaging and inspiring.

At the end of it all there is no doubt that Institute is moving forward with, promoting the fact that architects are well-positioned to address those issues which confront both the profession and the world in which we live.

As I look forward I am reminded that June is a busy month for AIA Virginia.

  • AIA Virginia Honor Nominations are due June 16th, 2023.
  • AIA Virginia Design Awards Submissions are due June 28th, 2023.
  • The 2023 Art of Practice will take place on Friday, June 23rd, 2023 at Common House Charlottesville. This is an event that deals directly with the practice of architecture. We’ve kept registration open through Friday, so register today>>

Right around the corner is ArchEx, which is scheduled for November 1-3, 2023, in Richmond. And a special note – we’ll celebrate our Design Award winners and AIA Virginia Honorees at Visions for Architecture on THURSDAY night, November 2nd this year.

As I close this note, I hope everybody has an opportunity to take some time off and enjoy life over the next couple of months. I look forward to seeing everybody at the Art of Practice at the end of June.

Mitch Rowland, AIA
2023 President
AIA Virginia