The end of the year is often a period of transition and AIA Virginia shares in the Janus-faced tradition of this portion of the calendar.
As we celebrate the contributions of those departing the Board of Directors, we welcome the new members and anticipate all that will be accomplished during the next term.
Our profession reminds us that the best results are achieved through a collaborative process – that principle certainly applies to AIA Virginia. We are proudly and beneficially “member-driven”. Our organization is fortunate to have skilled, passionate, and dedicated volunteers.
Opportunities to engage and be involved abound; many of our committees and councils seek new members. They are listed, along with a description of their scope and focus, on our website here.
Join us. We invite you to engage. If interested, you can self-nominate yourself. Simply send a brief letter of interest and resume to me at pbattaglia@aiava.org. I’d be happy to discuss possibilities and integrate you into our efforts. If this service opportunity isn’t right for you at this time, please do share it with others. Fresh voices are welcome and encouraged to serve!
Paul Battaglia, AIA Executive Vice President AIA Virginia
Architectural Intern/Architect 1 Wolf Ackerman | Charlottesville, VA
We are looking for talented and passionate emerging young architects to join our team. Candidates must have an accredited undergraduate degree in architecture and professional office experience between 1-5 years (equal to that of AIA Intern / Level 1 Architect; unlicensed or licensed). Proficiency in SketchUp, InDesign, Photoshop and Revit are required. Hand drawing / sketching skills are desired, and a basic understanding of building codes and construction detailing is highly valued. This position will involve working directly with principals on a variety of schematic and conceptual designs and presentations, overseeing design development and managing document coordination as well as routine client and consultant interactions on projects.
WOLF ACKERMAN is an award-winning firm in Charlottesville, VA working on a variety of project types, scales and budgets that make an impact in our local community and beyond. We offer competitive pay and excellent benefits. If you are looking for a small, dynamic, design-oriented office environment that provides career mentorship and growth opportunities while also balancing a healthy live / work lifestyle – contact us.
The ideal candidate would reside in Richmond or Charlottesville, VA.
Are you an ambitious, independent individual with a competitive drive that has a proven track record of developing new business and nurturing lasting professional relationships? Are you a current Architect or Designer looking for a career change?
If so, we need to talk to you! Pella Corporation is looking for an Architectural Sales Consultant to join our Virginia Sales Team. We need a confident, persuasive individual who is focused on precision and thrives on the challenge of progressing a sale. We provide independence and an exciting, fast-paced, and fun work environment. We look for you to provide a competitive drive, an outgoing nature, and the will to be the best in the industry.
We offer:
Competitive salary plus commission-based compensation and bonus opportunities
Use of smartphone, laptop computer and product samples
Full Benefits package includes Medical, Dental, and Profit-Sharing plans.
Quality-engineered product solutions that are unmatched in the construction industry
Excellent Training programs and career development opportunities
Reputation of the Pella Brand Job Responsibilities:
Develop long-lasting relationships with architects/Designers and trade organizations.
Capture new business relationships through networking, referrals, and face-to-face meetings.
Achieve sales goals using a solution-based selling approach and market expertise.
Partner with clients to help them grow their business.
Strategically manage more complex and lengthy sales cycles
Leverage internal quoting & CRM resources.
Continually strives for 100% “Very Satisfied” business partners.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree from four-year College or University in a related field; or 3 to 4 years related
Join Me At ArchEx As I sit here, on this rain-soaked Saturday afternoon, I find myself thinking about the upcoming AIA Virginia event annual convention, Architecture Exchange East (ArchEx). This is one of my favorite yearly AIA Virginia events. More>>
Discount Registration for ArchEx ends Friday Save money on your Architecture Exchange East registration when you register by October 20, 2023. Register>>
Design Awards Announced AIA Virginia is pleased to announce the 2023 Design Awards. These honors celebrate projects no older than seven years that contribute to the built environment and are clear examples of thoughtful, engaging design. More>>
Tickets for Visions Celebration Available Until October 23rd Celebrate the 2023 AIA Virginia Design Award winners and honorees on Thursday, Nov. 2. More>>
COTE AIA 2030 Challenge Series The AIA 2030 Commitment is an actionable climate strategy that gives us a set of standards and goals for reaching net zero emissions in the built environment. Learn how to use an actionable framework for getting to carbon neutral. This 10-week series is brought to you for FREE by AIA Virginia COTE through a Knowledge Community (KC) grant. More>>
Introducing Irem Sezer: our AIAVA-VASG Resiliency Fellow As a direct result of our ongoing and substantial strategic partnership with Virginia Sea Grant (VASG), we are pleased to welcome Irem Sezer as the AIA Virginia VASG Resiliency Fellow. More>>
Welcome These New Members We are always excited to welcome new members to Virginia. The following members recently joined AIA Virginia. More>>
ELA Applications Due November 10 Applications for the 2024 class of the Emerging Leaders in Architecture are due November 10, 2023. Who do you know who should be in this distinguished program? More>>
An Update From Our New Licensing Advisor Hello and happy autumn, Candidates, Supervisors, and fellow Advisors! I am so excited to take on the role of Architect Licensing Advisor for the Commonwealth and to help you along your career journey, no matter the season. More>>
PAC Award Winner We have a winner! See which chapter is taking home $1,000 for Architecture week/month activities. More>>
Newly Licensed Congratulations to the following member for passing their exams and gaining licensure. More>>
Aligning our Advocacy Efforts With special thanks to the Advocacy Advisory Council and particular gratitude to the Chair, Maggie Dunlap, Assoc AIA, we can report that the good work to coordinate and increase the effectiveness of our advocacy efforts continues. More>>
Amber Book Are you ready to get licensed? AIA Virginia offers 25 associate members of AIA Virginia a 60-day subscription to the Amber Book for only $99. More>>
One of the first steps of effective advocacy – Voter Registration To be an impactful citizen-architect, one needs to be not only an architect (or on their way to becoming an architect) but also an engaged citizen. The most fundamental way to be an engaged citizen is to be registered to vote, and to vote. More>>
Annual Meeting and Slate of Officers Announced Join us in person on Nov. 1st at ArchEx to hear about vital developments with your professional society, elect officers, and conduct other business at the AIA Virginia Annual Meeting of the Membership. More>>
SFx newsletter Read the latest news from the Small Firm Exchange. More>>
Featured Job Listings Architect: VIA Design Architects More>> Architect: Work Program Architects More>>
Deep Dive: A free AIAU webinar on this year’s 2030 By the Numbers (RY22) report is being held on October 31, 2 p.m. ET. Learn about key high-level findings from the report, including where we are succeeding as an industry and where we can still improve based on the reported data. More>>
AIA Virginia is pleased to announce the 2023 Design Awards. These honors celebrate projects no older than seven years that contribute to the built environment and are clear examples of thoughtful, engaging design. Within each of the award categories, consideration was given to sustainability, affordability, social impact, innovation, durability, addressing the natural and built context, and meeting the specific needs of the client.
From a field of 144 entries, only 14 were selected by the jury for recognition. These few projects stood above the rest as particularly notable. Awards of Merit are presented to those projects worthy of recognition and an Award of Honor is reserved for those projects deemed by the jury to be truly exceptional. Consideration is given to aesthetics, social impact, innovation, context, performance, and stewardship of the natural environment — with particular emphasis on the Framework for Design Excellence.
About the Jury A committee of esteemed architects chaired by Ray Calabro, FAIA, judged the entries for AIA Virginia’s 2023 Awards for Excellence in Architecture. Joining Calabro on the jury are Jennifer Devlin-Herbert, FAIA; Omar Gandhi, FRAAC; and Karen Lu, AIA.
In the ADAPTIVE OR CONTINUED USE category
The work of retrofitting, renovating, adapting, and remodeling existing buildings accounts for almost half of U.S. architecture billings. This award celebrates design interventions upon existing buildings that help achieve carbon reduction through creative reuse and adaptation.
Award of Honor
The Assembly (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
Images courtesy of ZGF Architects. Photos by Connie Zhou and Halkin Mason Photography.
Architecture Firm: ZGF Architects Owner: University of Pittsburgh General Contractor: Turner Construction Structural Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti MEP Engineer: Affiliated Engineers, Inc. Photographers: Connie Zhou and Halkin Mason Photography
Jury Comments: We appreciated the significant yet respectful transformation of the existing building, particularly the double-height glazed space. The adaptive reuse of the assembly bays into open, flexible spaces for research is great.
In the ARCHITECTURE category
The jury considers aesthetics, adherence to the client’s wishes, proven and projected building performance, and concept development during its deliberations.
Award of Honor
The Center of Developing Entrepreneurs (Charlottesville, Va.)
Images courtesy of Wolf Ackerman. Photos by Alan Karchmer.
Architecture Firm: WOLF ACKERMAN Associate Architect: EskewDumezRipple+ Owner: CSH Development General Contractor: Hourigan Group Photographer: Alan Karchmer
Jury Comments: We appreciated the attention to design at every level: a clever site response to the Halprin master plan, great massing strategies, and beautiful use of material and detailing at both interior and exterior. We applaud the integration of high sustainability goals/LEED Platinum.
Awards of Merit
Church Hill North – The Kitchens at Reynolds (Richmond, Va.)
Images courtesy of Quinn Evans. Photos by Ansel Olsen.
Architecture Firm: Quinn Evans – Architect of Record O’Neill McVoy Architects – Design Architect Owner: Church Hill North Holdings LLC General Contractor: Hourigan Structural Engineer: Silman MEP Engineer: Valley Engineering Civil Engineer: Timmons Consultant: Clyde Construction Engineering Photographer: Ansel Olsen
Jury Comments: We admired the social program of this building and its response to serving the surrounding community. It has a strong diagrammatic response to the site, and we appreciated the bold forms and use of materials. It will be great to see how it performs after all spaces are inhabited.
Thurston Hall Renovation (Washington, D.C.)
Images courtesy of VMDO Architects. Photos by Alan Karchmer.
Architecture Firm: VMDO Architects Owner: The George Washington University General Contractor: Clark Construction Photographer: Alan Karchmer
Jury Comments: A few simple moves result in a thoughtful yet dramatic renovation to maximize daylight and connection to the outdoors. This is a case study for adapting existing buildings, especially student housing, which is an important component of student wellness and building community on any campus.
In the HISTORIC PRESERVATION category
The historic preservation category focuses specifically on excellence in strategies, tactics, and technologies that advance the art, craft, and science of preserving historically significant buildings and sites. The jury takes into consideration adherence to local, state, and national criteria for historic preservation.
Awards of Merit
Warm Springs Pools (Warm Springs, Va.)
Images courtesy of 3North. Photos by Gordon Gregory.
Architecture Firm: 3North Owner: The Omni Homestead Resort General Contractor: Lionberger Construction Structural Engineer: 1200 Architectural Engineer, PLLC Photographer: Gordon Gregory
Jury Comments: We applaud this gentle restoration of beautiful 19th-century wood bathing structures. The elegance comes from the restraint and what they chose to restore rather than reimagine. Appreciated the clarity of the submission and the photos of the project history.
Renovation of Historic Camping Cabins, Douthat State Park and Fairy Stone State Park
Images courtesy of PMA Architecture. Photos by Yuzhu Zheng and Dave Chance Photography.
Architecture Firm: PMA Architecture Consulting Architect: Stemann | Pease Architecture Owner: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation General Contractor: Thor Construction LLC Photographers: Yuzhu Zheng and Dave Chance Photography
Jury Comments: This project honors the existing historic cabins in a thoughtful way. We appreciated the accessibility story, the highly crafted additions, and treating these modest buildings with a gentle touch.
In the INTERIOR DESIGN category
Interior design projects are judged on mastery of composition, functionality, material and color palettes, and well-integrated adherence to the highest levels of accessibility, health and safety, environmental, and occupant-comfort considerations, standards, and regulations.
Honorable Mention
Symphony Orthodontics (Bristow, Va.)
Images courtesy of OLI Architecture PLLC. Photos by Susuan Stripling.
Architecture Firm: OLI Architecture PLLC Architect of Record: Aurora Architects LLC Owner: Dr. Zahra Heidari General Contractor: Liberty Group LLC Millworkers: Hachi Collections, LLC and Epic Enterprises Inc. Photographers: Susuan Stripling and Cameron Davidson
Jury Comments: We appreciated the commitment of both client and designer to crafting an immersive environment. Appreciate the floor plan and a series of minimal but highly refined and crafted spaces.
In the RESIDENTIAL DESIGN category
Aesthetic appeal and functionality are two long-established criteria for home design, as are affordability and resource efficiency. The jury looks at each submission in its totality toward meeting those goals.
Awards of Merit
Foal House and Studio (Charlottesville)
Images courtesy of Gehrung Graham LLC. Photos by Virginia Hamrick.
Architecture Firm: Gehrung Graham LLC Owner: Audrey & Mark Graham General Contractor: Jobes Builders (phase 1) and Promethean Homes (phase 2) Lighting Design: MSLD Landscape Architecture: JCLA Studio Photographer: Virginia Hamrick
Jury Comments: We applaud this project’s commitment to Passive House design. It is one of the few residential projects to actually provide EUI data and the commitment to sustainability is noteworthy.
Nebo House (Nebo, N.C.)
Images courtesy of Fuller/Overby Architecture. Photos by Paul Warchol.
Architecture Firm: Fuller/Overby Architecture Owner: Katherine Overby Contractor: Cottonwood Development Structural Engineer: Nat Oppenheimer, Silman Mechanical Engineer: Mark Cambria, Fusion Systems Photographer: Paul Warchol
Jury Comments: We liked the unusual forms and the way the house engages with the steep terrain. Despite the modest scale (2600 SF), the interiors are dramatic spaces filled with light. We appreciate the inventive floor plan.
In the SMALL PROJECTS category
Design excellence can be achieved, no matter the size or scope of a project. These awards celebrate projects with modest budgets that have a substantial impact. Small Project Awards are given in three categories, offering opportunities for recognition to a wide range of project sizes and budgets. All projects must demonstrate design achievement, including how the project fits into its environment and how the project connects to the Framework for Design Excellence.
Projects under 5,000 Square Feet
Award of Honor
CASA Playhouse/Play Factory (Richmond)
Photos by Hanbury.
Architecture Firm: Hanbury Owner: Henrico CASA Contractor: DPR Construction Photographer: Hanbury
Jury Comments: We loved the sense of playfulness that pervades every aspect of this modest project. And we appreciated the use of modest, reclaimed/donated materials to achieve a visual richness.
Award of Merit
Episcopal Church of the Resurrection (Alexandria)
Images courtesy of Cunningham Quill Architects. Photos by Allen Russ Photography, LLC.
Architecture Firm: Cunningham Quill Architects Owner: Church of the Resurrection Contractor: Dominion Construction Group Landscape Architect: Campion Hruby Landscape Architects Civil Engineer: Walter L. Phillips, Inc. Structural Engineer: Ehlert Bryan Consulting Structural Engineers MEP Engineer: Interface Engineering, Inc. Lighting Design: MCLA Architectural Lighting Design
Jury Comments: The jury appreciated this project’s focus on developing a sacred space within modest means. The resulting interior space is filled with light and is sensitively positioned on the site.
Projects up to $150,000
Honorable Mention
Tangential Timber (temporary pavilion reinstalled at multiple sites)
Images courtesy of After Architecture, LLC. Photos by After Architecture, LLC.
Architecture Firm: After Architecture, LLC & University of Virginia Before Building Laboratory Owner: University of Virginia Before Building Laboratory Fabrication Team: Sonja Bergquist, Sophie Depret-Guillaume, Cecily Farrell, Abbey Partika, Russell Petro, Emily Ploppert, Jonathan (Yianni) Spears, Jolie Talha, Annabelle Woodcock Photographer: After Architecture
Jury Comments: The jury recognized the proposed use of offcut/waste material into an inventive structural system. This type of thinking/research could be applied to many areas of the building profession.
In the CONTEXTUAL DESIGN category
The awards for contextual design are chosen based on outstanding architecture that perceptibly reflects the history, culture, and physical environment of the place in which it stands and that, in turn, contributes to the function, beauty, and meaning of its larger context.
Award of Honor
U.S. Embassy Campus Niamey (Niamey, Niger)
Images courtesy of Page Southerland Page, Inc. Photos by Amber Renee Design and Kevin Scott.
Architecture Firm/Architect of Record: Page Southerland Page, Inc. Design Architect: Miller Hull Partnership Owner: U.S. Department of State Contractor: BL Harbert International, LLC Geotechnical Engineer: Schnabel Engineering Civil Engineer: KPFF Consulting Engineers MEP Engineer: Mason & Hanger Structural Engineer: Ehlert Bryan Consulting Structural Engineers Blast Engineer: Weidlinger Associates, Inc. Photographers: Amber Renee Design and Kevin Scott
Jury Comments: The jury appreciated the sensitive response of this building to its climate and cultural context. We particularly liked the use of locally sourced materials and the way texture and color are woven into the scheme.
In the UNBUILT WORK category
Unbuilt work was considered, as long as it was commissioned by a client as opposed to hypothetical work completed in the mode of research or academic training.
Honorable Mention
ReGen LA (Los Angeles)
Images courtesy of Tomas Eliaeson.
Designer: Tomas Eliaeson
Jury Comments: We acknowledge the aspirational qualities of the project, which are evident at many levels. Planning principles and sustainability strategies are woven together, demonstrating the need for this type of thinking at all scales of development.
The AIA Virginia PAC is one of the sharpest tools in our advocacy toolkit. The AIA Virginia PAC Award celebrates the engagement and commitment of a local AIA component that supports the advancement and mission of the PAC. The winning component goes home with $1,000 cash for Architecture Week/Month and the award trophy presented at Architecture Exchange East in November.
And the winner for 2023 is … AIA Blue Ridge. Congratulations!!!
Final Results: AIA Blue Ridge – 100 points AIA Hampton Roads – 60 points AIA Central Virginia – 50 points AIA Richmond – 30 points AIA Northern Virginia – 0 points
Points are accrued in three areas: local component Board participation, the percentage of local component’s membership who have invested in the PAC, and the total amount of money invested by the members of the local component.
Points are allocated as follows:
Local component Board participation a. Did 100% of the Board of Directors invest in the AIA Virginia PAC? i. Yes = 20 points ii. No = 0 points
Percentage of local component members who have invested in the AIA Virginia PAC i. Component with highest % = 40 points ii. Component with second highest % = 20 points iii. Component with third highest % = 10 points
Average investment per member from the total local component membership i. Component with highest average investment/member = 40 points ii. Component with second highest average investment/member = 30 points iii. Component with third highest average investment/member = 20 points iv. Component with fourth highest average investment/member = 10 points v. Component with fifth highest average investment/member = 0 points
We understand the dedication and effort required to study for and pass the ARE. Congratulations to the following member for passing their exams and gaining licensure. This is great news that thrills all of us and we are so proud to call you an architect!
Heather Casey, AIA (Northern Virginia)
Have you recently passed the ARE? Upgrade your membership to Architect using this AIA form. or send an email to your Member Services Director, Cathy Guske, cguske@aiava.org
Are you ready to get licensed? AIA Virginia has discounted 60-day Amber Book subscriptions. Read more about it here>>
Have questions about licensure? Contact AIA Virginia’s State Licensing Advisor, Gina Robinson, AIA, at gina.robinson@hdrinc.com
Yoselim Bravo, Assoc. AIA (Richmond) from AIA Florida Adam C. Elsea, Assoc. AIA (Blue Ridge) from AIA Oklahoma Johnathan C. Jackson, AIA (Central Virginia) from AIA Washington DC
Hello and happy autumn, Candidates, Supervisors, and fellow Advisors! I am so excited to take on the role of Architect Licensing Advisor for the Commonwealth and to help you along your career journey, no matter the season. In case you’re wondering why I’m here and what this is all about, here’s a little background on the role.
Architect Licensing Advisors are volunteers who share their time to assist licensure candidates and architects as they work toward initial licensure, reciprocity, supervision, or mentorship. Anyone can be an Advisor and most volunteer with their firms, however, some are appointed by their university or (like myself) their AIA Component. Some Advisors only serve for a few years, and others have done so for decades. The community of Advisors includes students, new graduates, mid-career professionals, educators, licensing board members, and retirees.
No matter how we came to the role of Advisor, or how long we’ve been in it, we all share a commitment to assisting current and aspiring architects as they navigate the sometimes overwhelming path ahead. This could not have been made more clear than at NCARB’s biannual Licensing Advisors Summit, held this summer in Kansas City. Attendees came from all over the US and beyond (one from as far as Guam!) to connect with others, share their ideas and perspectives, and learn about NCARB’s new initiatives, policies, and support they have to offer their members. I have already learned so much from the vast network I connected with at the Summit, and left energized and full of ideas for ways to engage with our AIA Virginia community.
It’s easy to look at a large national organization like NCARB and feel like you’re just a Record Number sending emails and frustration into the void but I promise; they, like us, are real people. And they really are invested in supporting the licensure candidates and architects that they serve. If you ever reach a point where you feel helpless, hopeless, or like you’re going backward instead of forward – that’s where your Licensing Advisor can step in. Advisors have access to our greatest resource, the knowledge and experience of others, and can crowdsource advice or solutions if an answer isn’t readily available.
Thanks to our previous Advisor Michael Hammon, AIA for setting the bar high. I’ll be sharing additional resources and guidance with you during my two-year term. Please feel free to reach out, especially if there’s a topic you’re curious to learn more about, or a resource you think would be helpful to others. Questions about AXP, the AREs, or NCARB in general are always welcome and encouraged. I’m looking forward to connecting with you and supporting your path in any way that I can.
To be an impactful citizen-architect, one needs to be not only an architect (or on their way to becoming an architect), but also an engaged citizen. The most fundamental way to be an engaged citizen is to be registered to vote, and to vote.
It may interest you to know that in these days of instantaneous data analytics (and even before that), legislators are keen to know about those who request meetings. They can quickly determine who is (or is not) their constituent, and, whether or not that individual is a registered voter, and if that individual does indeed vote. They cannot tell how you voted, but they can tell if, and when and how often you voted. Advocacy can be cut off at the knees if the advocate is not a voter. I urge you not to squander an important aspect of your agency.
