AIA Virginia is on the move…literally. After much deliberation at both the Executive Committee and Board levels, your Board of Directors voted unanimously at the August meeting to relocate our organization’s offices to a new location in 2019. This was a difficult decision taken very seriously by the leadership. It represents the next step toward mutual independence between AIA Virginia and The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design and is expressed in both organizations’ strategic plans. The Branch House was purchased by the Virginia Center for Architecture Foundation in 2003 and has served as the physical home for the Virginia Society AIA/AIA Virginia for nearly 15 years. The relationship between these two organizations has been intimate, multi-faceted, and mutually supportive for decades. This move will allow The Branch Museum to continue its growth in a variety of ventures and endeavors that publicly promote architecture and design throughout Virginia.
Among other important initiatives, our 2017-2020 Strategic Plan calls for AIA Virginia to become a model of a strong nonprofit and vibrant membership organization, further focusing on the implementation of a financial model that is less dependent on dues revenue and calling for the elimination of supplemental dues. This member-focused commitment to eliminate supplemental dues will be complete at the end of 2019. The result is a reduction to our annual budget of approximately $225,000, which equates to a value in excess of 15%. This requires the implementation of increasingly greater fiscal responsibility for both revenues and expenses. Over the last three years, the Board and staff have evaluated and enacted staff reductions, program adjustments that do not compromise member value, reduction of leased space, and a combination of the aforementioned. This particular decision is just one component of various moving pieces that allow our organization to be sustainable for years to come. Currently, AIA Virginia is negotiating a lease for space in a location close to The Branch. I can assure the membership that our new offices will be of a standard and quality that we can all feel good about.
At The Branch, the mission has grown substantially over the years, where public outreach relating to architecture and design is now accomplished in myriad ways. The organization functions as a foundation for charitable donations, a museum/exhibit hall, host of design events and architecture camps for kids, along with a variety of other activities. Ownership of the Branch House necessitates that their leadership place equal focus on the responsible stewardship of the 27,000 SF, nearly 100-year-old historic structure. Preservation efforts require continuous fundraising along with additional revenues from various events and programs hosted in the building and on the beautiful grounds. Another tenant will occupy our fine space and continue to positively contribute to The Branch Museum’s mission.
AIA Virginia remains deeply committed to supporting The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design. Our missions are aligned in many respects, and much of what each organization focuses on — and advocates for — is of a similar nature, pointed toward common and cohesive goals. We look forward to hosting events at The Branch, continuing our public presence at the inspired building, and maintaining opportunities for the membership to experience the significance of the structure both inside and out. Architects from throughout Virginia will continue to serve on its Board of Trustees, guiding its direction into the future; we will continue to take advantage of its 501(c)(3) status for charitable donations, attend its well-curated exhibits, and admire the historic quality of its design. As the Foundation celebrates more than 60 years of existence, AIA Virginia will look forward to its continued growth and mission success.
Our Executive Vice President, Corey Clayborne, will hold open office hours from 4:00–5:00 p.m. every business day between October 1 and 12. During that time, you can call (804) 677-0463 with any questions you may have on this anticipated transition. Depending on how many members utilize this offer, the dates may be extended.
Wishing you the best,
Eric Keplinger, AIA
2018 AIA Virginia President