AIA Virginia Newsletter: September 2023

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A Different Rhythm for ArchEx 2023 – Visions is on Thursday this Year
Registration is now open for ArchEx 2023. And while you are gearing up to plan your itinerary more precisely, please be aware of some important changes at this year’s conference.
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PAC Award Update
There is a new chapter in the lead! You have 30 days left to make your PAC donation and increase the chances your chapter walks away with $1,000 for Architecture Week activities.
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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.
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Brian Frickie Recognized as 2023 Noland Medalist>>

Dowling is 2023 Recipient of Award for Distinguished Achievement>>

Virginia Emerging Architect Award Goes to Agdinaoay and Gemmer>>

Brian Gore, Associate AIA, Recognized with first Virginia Associates Award>>

Artist Hamilton Glass and Virginia Delegate Sam Rasoul are recognized with AIA Virginia Honors>>

Chesterfield Neighborhood Recognized with AIA Virginia’s Test of Time Award>>

Welcome Our New Director of Education
We are very excited to welcome Delaney Ogden to the AIA Virginia team as our Director of Education.
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Update from YAF
Check out these important updates and links to resources from Carrie Parker, Young Architect Representative for Virginia to the Young Architect’s Forum.
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Calling All YARs
Are you interested in serving other young architects throughout the state? The position of AIA’s Young Architect Representative for Virginia is open for applications.
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Welcome These New Members
We are always excited to welcome new members to Virginia. The following members recently joined AIA Virginia.
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ELA Applications Open
Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 class of Emerging Leaders in Architecture. Who do you know who should apply to be in this distinguished program?
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VANOMA Spotlight
Join VANOMA for their upcoming Spotlight event, featuring Mira Abdalla! Mira is an architectural intern at VMDO as well as an active participant of the AIA Virginia Emerging Leaders in Architecture (ELA) Class of 2023.
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APELSCIDLA Appointees
Applauding those who serve.
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Women’s Rights are Human Rights
The internationally celebrated poster show on gender-based inequality, violence, and discrimination comes to The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design.
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AIA Trust Week is Coming
Join AIA Trust for a FREE full week of daily lunchtime webinars from 1-2 p.m. EDT, September 18-22.
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Code Updates
Review the significant changes included in the 2021 Virginia Building and Fire regulations.
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Newly Licensed
Congratulations to the following members for passing their exams and gaining licensure.
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It’s Time to Update Your AIA Record
An improved user experience and increased self-service options are now available! Log into aia.org, choose “My Account” in the upper right-hand corner, and in the red “Manage” tile, click “Edit” to verify and provide missing information.

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
Architecture Exchange East>>
Check out the statewide events calendar here: https://inform-magazine.com/events/

Brian Frickie Recognized as 2023 Noland Medalist

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The William C. Noland Medal, as the highest award bestowed on a member architect, is intended to honor a distinguished body of accomplishments, sustained over time, that spans a broad spectrum of the profession and that transcends the scope of normal professional activities. For 2023, the medal is awarded to Brian J. Frickie, FAIA.

As senior principal, president, and CEO of Arlington’s Kerns Group Architects, Frickie has helped his firm earn more than a dozen design awards. Within the firm he has institutionalized a practice culture that encourages young professionals to take on leadership roles on projects, in the office, in the AIA, in the profession, and in their communities.

But it is his service to the profession at state, local, and national levels that sets him apart as a worthy recipient of the Noland Medal. As his nomination asserts, “his visionary activism and collaborative, participatory style uphold the profession’s stature, elevate the organization’s relevance, and empower individual architects.” Over four decades, Brian has worked through local, state, regional, and national AIA components and in community organizations to highlight the instrumental roles architects can have in solving society’s most pressing issues.

As president of AIA Virginia, Frickie implemented initiatives to reconnect architects in schools and firms, to rebuild relationships among architects at all levels of the AIA, and to prepare future leaders. As charter member and later chair of the AIA National Small Firm Roundtable (SFRT), Brian refined and refocused the SFRT to… “advance the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms,” and rebranded it as the Small Firm Exchange (SFx). Within the SFx mission, Frickie conceived AIAKinetic, the SFx APP (Architects’ Professional Primer), and served as its program director and managing editor. And, while representing The Virginias on the AIA National Strategic Council, he convened the Professional Development Study Group and chaired the AIA National Strategic Planning Committee in creating AIA’s 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, which is now being implemented.

Frickie has devoted his career to preparing future generations of architects to take on the mantle of creating a better environment for society, becoming more effective leaders, and developing a better profession. His vision of a year-long leadership development academy for emerging professionals came to fruition in 2009 as AIA Virginia’s Emerging Leaders in Architecture (ELA) program, now one of the oldest and longest continuously operating leadership programs for architects in the country.

For his passionate service, Brian Frickie, FAIA, will be presented with the Noland Medal at the Visions for Architecture event on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, at the Hippodrome Theatre in Richmond.

Dowling is 2023 Recipient of Award for Distinguished Achievement

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Shannon Dowling, AIA, principal and learning environments strategist at Ayers Saint Gross in Richmond, will be presented AIA Virginia’s 2023 Award for Distinguished Achievement. The Award for Distinguished Achievement recognizes either a singular achievement by an architect or the work of an entire career in any of the following: design, practice, education, service as a “citizen architect,” service to the profession, or initiatives to advance social justice, equity, diversity, or inclusion.

Dowling focuses on creating research-driven and student-centered learning environments. Equipped with an extensive knowledge of educational trends and challenges, she always works with the physical and psychological needs of students in mind. She collaborates closely with educators, students, and administrators to create inspirational yet functional space in which every student feels comfortable, safe, and ready to succeed.

in 2020 and 2021, as the recipient of a fellowship from the Society for College and University Planning, Dowling worked with students to create a playbook for the planning and design of diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus environments. The playbook, including the voices of more than two dozen institutions and more than 200 students, offers student-informed design strategies to create a more supportive physical environment for historically marginalized students.

Published in 2022, Dowling’s research project entitled Peripheral Vision: Planning and Designing Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Learning Environments – and its accompanying playbook – breaks down simple steps that institutions and designers can take to eliminate barriers to access and make existing and future spaces more welcoming and comfortable for a diversity of student populations. Dowling has written about her research and collaboration with students in numerous national publications and presented it widely. As the SCUP leadership notes, “The project has been far-reaching and impactful, not only for our SCUP constituency but many others who are committed to equitable and inclusive design.”

Dowling’s advocacy has extended to her local community and Richmond Public Schools. She lent her graphic design support to teachers in the Support Our Schools movement, actively contributing to raising awareness about the need for improved facility conditions and better teacher pay. Shannon’s dedication to fostering diversity and equity is evident through her volunteer work with Full STEAM Ahead, introducing middle school females to STEM professions, as well as her participation in numerous Career Fairs at local schools. Additionally, she has taken the initiative to lead camps and workshops, introducing children to the profession of architecture and inspiring the next generation of architects.

For her passionate service, Shannon Dowling, AIA, will be recognized with the Award for Distinguished Achievement at the Visions for Architecture event on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, at the Hippodrome Theatre in Richmond.

Brian C. Gore, Assoc. AIA, recognized with first Virginia Associates Award

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The Virginia Associates Award recognizes the accomplishments of individual Associate AIA members for being outstanding leaders and creative thinkers for significant contributions to their communities and the architecture profession. In its inaugural year, the award is presented to Brian C. Gore, Assoc. AIA. Gore, a staff designer at Quinn Evans in Richmond, is particularly active in the profession’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as in the mentorship of young people who show interest in architecture.

Gore currently serves on AIA Virginia’s J.E.D.I. Committee and was a member of the organization’s 2022 Emerging Leaders in Architecture class. A West Virginia native who grew up as a minority in primarily white spaces, he is passionate about advocating for minorities seeking to enter the profession and served as a mentor with the Richmond chapter’s ACE Mentorship Program.

Gore is active in the Virginia Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (VANOMA) and serves as a liaison to NOMAS chapters at the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Hampton University, and James Madison University, strengthening the organization’s relationship with students across the Commonwealth. He earned his own degrees at Fairmont State University (B.Arch.) and Virginia Tech (M.Arch.).

“Through his involvement with these various organizations and programs,” wrote one endorser of his nomination, “Brian desires to push the profession of architecture forward in design and advocacy, especially when it comes to increased representation of diverse and inclusive voices.”

Gore is committed to the “Each one, teach one” philosophy of mentorship, asserting that every architecture professional should feel a personal responsibility to mentor the next generation of architects. “I take great joy in the organic relationships that lead to mentorship opportunities,” he notes. Gore has critiqued portfolios, helped students understand studio concepts, and advised emerging professionals on navigating the transition into the professional world.

As one grateful student notes, “Brian’s dedication to advocating for underrepresented architects and promoting diversity within the profession is truly inspiring.”

Gore will receive the award at the Visions for Architecture event on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, at the Hippodrome Theatre in Richmond.

Chesterfield Neighborhood Recognized with AIA Virginia’s 2023 Test of Time Award

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Chesterfield County’s Highland Hills neighborhood, designed in the mid-1950s by Charles M. Goodman, FAIA, of Washington, D.C., has been selected to receive AIA Virginia’s 2023 Test of Time award. The award recognizes a structure not less than 25 years from the date of initial construction that still carries out the original program in a substantial manner and stands as originally designed in appearance and in good condition. The award will be presented at the Visions for Architecture event on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, at the Hippodrome Theatre in Richmond.

Highland Hills is home to some of Central Virginia’s finest mid-century architecture. Goodman, the architect, had worked with National Homes Corporation, the country’s largest manufacturer of prefabricated houses, to create several designs, and his firm was hired by local developers to lay out the streets of their new subdivision. Goodman was already known for his similar, but more expensive, homes of Alexandria’s Hollin Hills neighborhood, recipient of Virginia AIA’s 1981 Test of Time Award.

For Highland Hills, Goodman wanted to offer a more affordable home. The three-bedroom homes of 1200 square feet were compact, but filled with floor-to-ceiling windows and situated to emphasize the surrounding landscape. Thus, each home offered an interconnectedness between interior and exterior spaces, including combination carport-patios. And the open land surrounding the houses became a playground for the neighborhood’s children. The homes were also energy efficient, with thermal windows and insulated walls and ceilings that were unusual at the time. Prefabrication made them quick and easy to erect.

Seven decades late, people still live in Goodman’s Highland Hills houses because of their love for the architecture and the design of the neighborhood. The homes continue to be relatively affordable snd the neighborhood retains high integrity. An effort is underway to list Highland Hills on the National Register of Historic Places.

Virginia Emerging Architect Award for 2023 Goes to Agdinaoay and Gemmer

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The Virginia Emerging Architect Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers, whether through design, service, education, or advancement of social justice, equity, diversity, or inclusion. For 2023, Erin Agdinaoay, AIA, and Jessie Gemmer, AIA, will receive the award. Both women are graduates of Virginia Polytechnic Institute.

Agdinaoay, an architect and project manager at Work Program Architects in Norfolk, leads WPA’s hiring process and culture/strategy development. “What truly sets Erin apart is her ability to effect meaningful change,” notes firm principal Mel Price. She led the creation of the firm’s Summer Internship & Scholarship for Diversity Advancement, which has attracted LBGTQIA+ and racially diverse applicants from a dozen universities. She has shared WPA’s success with improving DEI strategies through hiring practices and pay transparency with other firms.

Agdinaoay also mentors students at the K-12 level. An active member of the Virginia Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (VANOMA), she believes the future resiliency of the profession and practice will be led by designers from nontraditional backgrounds.

Agdinaoay’s innovations extend to her abilities as a designer. For example, Agdinaoay took charge of the largest and most complex building design in WPA’s history — the Norfolk State University Science Building, a $122-million project spanning 131,000 square feet. With a team of more than 70 NSU stakeholders and 50 architects, engineers, and specialists, her exceptional leadership skills have been instrumental in navigating the project to its current success.

Since 2022 the principal of Acme Architecture in Richmond, Gemmer has contributed to her community through several volunteer paths, including her work with the Richmond Urban Design Committee and Storefront for Community Design. She has given back to the profession with her service on AIA Virginia’s Design Forum committee and as a juror for AIA Richmond’s Alice Lehman Sunday Prize. Her commitment to education is evident in the classes she has taught at the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design in Washington, D.C., the University of Virginia, as well as the studio critiques at VCU’s interior design department. Teaching led her “to define my thoughts regarding design and architecture and identify the tools and techniques that would develop students into innovative and critical thinkers,” she recalls.

Before opening her firm, Gemmer previously worked with Richmond practices Fultz & Singh Architects and Spatial Affairs Bureau, as well as New York firm Danny Forster Design Studio, for whom she served as designer and project manager on Manhattan’s 31-story Ground Zero Marriott at only 22. The project’s facade addressed the gravity of the site while standing alone as a part of the New York skyline. Her Virginia work ranges from a 1,500-square-foot coffee shop to a 20,000-square-foot corporate headquarters for 200 employees and now includes many residential projects.

For their contributions to the profession, Erin Agdinaoay, AIA, and Jessie Gemmer, AIA, will be recognized with the Emerging Architect Award at the Visions for Architecture event on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, at the Hippodrome Theatre in Richmond.

Artist Hamilton Glass and Virginia Delegate Sam Rasoul are recognized with AIA Virginia Honors in 2023.

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AIA Virginia Honors may be bestowed on non-member individuals or organizations that have inspired, influenced, or complemented the architecture profession in Virginia through practice of an allied profession, research, education, planning, legislation, architectural writing, the arts, or crafts. AIA Virginia Honors recognizes the broader community and its members who contribute to the capabilities of architects to design equitable, healthy, and resilient environments.

Hamilton Glass is a nationally recognized artist who blends community and art through his paintings and his public advocacy. Found in both interior and exterior environments, his murals have enhanced public and private schools, community centers, corporate offices and public/private walls. For more than a decade, Glass has focused his attention on client and community engagement to ensure that all parties involved are engaged during the process.

Using his background in architecture, Glass creates images that reference architectural drafting practices, which are represented in the sharp lines, scale, and balance of the piece. As his nominator noted, “Trained as an architect, Hamilton approaches his work with a thoughtful intention that reflects a deep understanding of scale, proportion, and the power of a line.”

In response to the community unrest following the death of George Floyd, Glass created the groundbreaking public art project, Mending Walls, in the summer of 2020. The project aimed to use art to stimulate social and racial justice conversations that manifest empathy and connection. Mending Walls paired 30 artists of different backgrounds and ethnicities to discuss their experiences and perspectives. In total the project has created 23 mural collaborations across Richmond, Va.

Previously recognized with the 2022 AIA Blue Ridge Honor Award for his service to the Roanoke community and advocacy for its important causes, Del. Sam Rasoul has been committed to building a stronger, safer, healthier and more equitable community for its citizens. Rasoul has led the development of numerous programs that advance equity and foster diversity and inclusivity for all. His leadership and advocacy is providing many benefits across what Rasoul considers “the triple bottom line of social, economic, and environmental values.”

Among his successes on behalf of those he represents are House Bill 753, which increased teacher pay and supported capital investments to make schools safe and equipped for 21st-century learning. HB 753 also requires the Virginia Department of Education to develop effective implementation of social and emotional learning in public schools. He has also championed policies that improve housing opportunities, criminal justice and family care.

Rasoul is a co-sponsor of Virginia’s Green New Deal Act, which lays the groundwork for intersectional policies that will lower energy bills, create 200,000 jobs and improve the quality of life for every community in Virginia. The program advances climate justice at the intersection of economic justice, racial justice, health care justice, and worker justice. As his nominators noted, “his work on behalf of families, businesses, education, the natural environment and individuals is helping our area achieve its aspirations as a healthy and resilient place to live, work and visit.”

These valuable partners will be recognized at the Visions for Architecture event on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, at the Hippodrome Theatre in Richmond.

Welcome to Delaney Ogden, Director of Education

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We are very excited to welcome Delaney Ogden to the AIA Virginia team as our Director of Education.

Delaney arrives with considerable skills and experience in program and project management, client and vendor relationships, and event planning.

We look forward to the impact Delaney will have on our current and future programs. And to the opportunity to introduce you to her in the very near future.

You can reach Delaney at dogden@aiava.org

Delaney is a Richmond native who loves nothing more than LEARNING, creating long-lasting, meaningful relationships, and serving/helping others. She spent the first fifteen years of her career in the financial insurance industry, with positions expanding from Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, and Learning & Development. Through these roles and experiences, Delaney developed a deep passion for people, relationships, learning, and events management. She then spent the next two years in the hospitality industry selling and orchestrating hundreds of seamless events leaving a lasting impression on clients and attendees alike. In her free time, you’ll find Delaney spending time with her husband Jarrod, daughter Kerris, son Beckett, and their pup Ruby, exploring Richmond’s amazing culinary and wine scene, entertaining friends + family, hiking in the mountains (her happy place), traveling for new experiences, and enjoying a fine glass of bourbon (preferably, Buffalo Trace)!

PAC Award Update

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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.

Current Leaderboard:

AIA Hampton Roads – 80 points (only Board of Directors at 100%)
AIA Blue Ridge – 60 points
AIA Richmond – 30 points
AIA Central Virginia – 20 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:

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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

Scoring will be closed on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Make your investment today at www.aiavapac.org

Calling all YARs!

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A YAR is a Young Architect Representative; an AIA member who has been licensed for less than 10 years and who serves as a liaison between the state chapter (in our case, AIA Virginia) and the Young Architects Forum (YAF) focusing on issues that concern Emerging Professionals (EPs; architects in the early stage of their career). For several years Carrie Parker, AIA has been serving, admirably, as our YAR.

Carrie has recently been appointed YAF Strategic Vision Director at the national level. Please join me in congratulating Carrie on that achievement. Having co-authored the recent strategic plan for that group, we look forward to Carrie applying her substantial leadership and project management skills to its execution. And while we celebrate and look forward to Carrie’s achievements, we also realize that this leaves us in need of a new YAR, for a two-year term, beginning 1 January 2024.

Roles and duties of the Young Architect Representative (YAR)

Young Architect Representatives represent young architects within AIA at the state and national level. They are the primary connection between local AIA chapters and the national YAF Advisory Committee (AdCom).

The Young Architect Representative communicates information from AIA National to local emerging professional groups and vice versa by:

  • Maintaining quarterly communication with all YAF chapters within their state
  • Serving as a conduit between local YAF chapters and the AdCom

The Young Architect Representative contributes to the direction and planning of the YAF by:

  • Participating in the YAF Annual Meeting and attending YAF full committee conference calls
  • Working with the AdCom on various national issues through participation in at least one YAF Focus Group
  • Attending AIA Leadership Summit and AIA National Conference, when possible

The Young Architect Representative serves young architects at the state level by:

  • Providing reports regarding the activities of the YAF and emerging professionals groups when requested
  • Maintaining quarterly communication with the following counterparts from their state: National Associates Committee (NAC) state representatives, Strategic Council representatives, and College of Fellows (COF) regional representative
  • Attending monthly AIA Leadership Exchange calls
  • Suggesting or encouraging young architects for nomination for state or national awards, positions or committees/subcommittees.

Young Architect Representatives have the option to represent YAF within the larger AIA National community by serving as a member of or liaison to any of the following: Strategic Council work groups, Knowledge Communities, Board Committees, Member Interest Groups, or Task Forces. These opportunities may vary from year to year.

Additional responsibilities may be required by each respective state. Young Architect Representatives are required to work with their states to ensure that expectations from state leadership are clearly defined and met. The AdCom encourages all applicants to discuss the position with their state leadership (either the state AIA President and/or Executive Director) to fully understand the role and commitment that the Young Architect Representative will have to their respective state prior to submitting an application.

Activities of a YAR

Every month this position will require 4-5 hours of your time. The state representative should expect to participate in the following calls and meetings:

  • Full committee Annual meeting (Q1, travel and lodging paid by AIA National)
  • Bi-monthly Full Committee Calls (2 hours each call)
  • Working group calls (frequency depends on the workgroup and their current load, but assume 1-2 hours a month)
  • Special calls as needed (generally no longer than an hour)
  • AIA Leadership Exchange calls (1 hour quarterly)

Term: Two-year commitment.

Application Requirements
AIA Membership – Applicant must be an AIA member in good standing within AIA Virginia (AIA Blue Ridge, AIA Central Virginia, AIA Hampton Roads, AIA Northern Virginia, and AIA Richmond) and must be licensed not more than 10 years at the time of submission.

Letter of Interest – From Applicant. Indicate understanding of the position, qualifications/experience, and reasons for seeking election. Limit one-page.

Letter of Nomination – From an AIA local or state component Board Member. Indicate the connection between the YAR position and the Nominee’s leadership qualities. Limit one-page.

Letter of Recommendation – From an AIA member. Indicate the Nominee’s qualifications for the YAR position. Limit one-page.

Letter of Support – From Employer. A Principal (or Officer) within the candidate’s firm must commit to supporting the candidate in fulfilling the role’s obligations. Limit one page on company letterhead.

Personal Resume – Indicate education, employment history, organizations, activities, honors, and awards. Limit two pages (It is NOT in the applicant’s best interest to simply submit a firm resume with project experience).

Timeline

  • Completed applications must be submitted by email as a single PDF to Paul Battaglia, AIA, Executive Vice President of AIA Virginia no later than Wednesday, 4 October, 2023.
  • The YAR is selected by the AIA Virginia Board of Directors.
  • Notification/updates of new YARs are sent to the new YAR and the AIA YAF staff liaison by 27 October 2023. 
  • Positions begin in January 2024, with AIA National-paid travel to the 2024 YAF Annual Meeting (date TBD).