The Resilient Design Collaborative (RDC)

The RDC encourages and assists the AEC (architectural-engineering-construction) industry in designing and building high-performance resilient facilities that save money, improve people’s lives, and ensure a sustainable future.

The RDC was conceived in late 2023 by Virginia Architect, Steve Sunderman, because it seemed that there was plenty of “talking the talk”, but not much “walking the walk” concerning resilient design strategies for new architectural projects. So, with assistance from the AIA Virginia and ARISE-US organizations, the RDC was formed to advise and assist architects, engineers, and others in identifying project hazard risks and implementing effective resilient design strategies for their actual projects. To date, this effort has been all volunteer-based.

The Problem: There is no greater blow to sustainability than destruction. Climate change is real and significantly increasing natural hazards, damaging and destroying our built environment and way of life. We cannot afford to keep designing and building the same as we did in the past.

The Solution: The AEC industry must create resilient infrastructure so our communities can be sustainable places to live, work and thrive for this and future generations.

The RDC meets via Zoom on the first Tuesday of each month from 3:00-4:00 PM Eastern time with participants nationwide sharing their sustainable and resilient performative expertise.

The RDC will make a positive impact on our communities as well as the entire planet for generations.

  • RDC VISION: All building projects are designed to create resilient and sustainable communities.
  • RDC MISSION: Work collaboratively with the building design and construction community to promote and create sustainably resilient projects that resist, absorb, recover from, or successfully adapt to manmade and natural hazards.
    • Action Plan 1: Organize a group of architects and others to meet virtually and, when needed, in person, to discuss means and methods to implement appropriate resilient design strategies for their actual projects.
    • Action Plan 2: Create a library of resilient design Case Studies for others to reference as examples to influence their project design efforts.
    • Action Plan 3: Create a network of AEC professionals nationwide to collaborate and create resilient facilities for this and future generations.

Please contact Steve Sunderman if you would like to learn more about our mission and how you too can help us advance resilient design strategies for more sustainable communities.

The COTE Corner

On June 26, AIA Blue Ridge hosted design professionals and elected officials for a collaborative building tour showcasing excellent sustainable design at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in Roanoke, Virginia. The LEED Silver research institute by AECOM serves as a new model for biomedical and behavioral science as part of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute.

This tour was organized in part with Virginia COTE to promote and showcase achievements in sustainable design to local and state elected officials in Virginia. If you have worked on a project that exemplifies sustainable design excellence and would like to organize a building tour please reach out to Delaney Ogden at dogden@aiava.org.

The COTE Corner

AIA Virginia COTE is awarded the AIA Virginia Knowledge Community Grant!  This grant will support a three-part workshop on energy modeling tools, processes, and best practices in October 2024.  This workshop will help members move their organizations towards meeting the 2030 Challenge goal of carbon neutral building by 2030.

This hybrid workshop will explore early-stage concept modeling as well as robust whole building energy modeling with virtual experts and in-person networking and knowledge sharing.  Look for more information and registration soon! 

The VA COTE Steering Committee sincerely thanks the AIA Virginia Member Services Advisory Council for the generous support!

2021 VCC Significant Changes Event (Coastal Virginia)

2021 VCC Significant Changes (Coastal Virginia)

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Architecture Exchange East 2024: Save the Dates + NEW Location

Please save the dates for AIA Virginia’s annual Architecture Exchange East that will take place at the Richmond Marriott in Richmond, VA this November 6-8, 2024!

Architecture Exchange East is AIA Virginia’s annual signature educational event which brings together architects and designers to deliver a highly-curated program of educational sessions. The event features an exhibit hall showcasing the latest products and services from vendors, suppliers, and consultants. Attendees can earn all or most of the 18 required continuing education credits over the course of the three-day program. It also serves as the largest annual networking event for Virginia-based architects. The event also allows architects and educators to share their research and case studies.

Registration will open after Labor Day 2024 and the hotel room block will be available after registration opens.

Join Us and Become a Sponsor

2024 Tabletop & Networking OPPORTUNITIES
Click to view Sponsorship Options
 
Secure your tabletop and networking package early! Space is limited to 38 Sponsors.

Live engagement is more important than ever. 
ArchEx sponsors will have an unparalleled opportunity to connect with Virginia architects through personal engagement during this 2-day event.  Our refreshing, new approach provides the ability to problem solve side-by-side with architects, immersing your sales team in ongoing facilitated workshop discussions, breakout sessions, tours, group dining, social gatherings, and multiple celebrations. 
This is an opportunity to TRULY engage! Need more information? Contact: Jody Cranford, Sponsorship and Advertising Consultant, jcranford@aiava.org

Secure your ArchEx 2024 Sponsorship>>

The COTE Corner: Amplifying Resources

Join VA COTE and AIA Blue Ridge for a building tour of the LEED v4 Silver certified Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in Roanoke, Virginia on June 26, 2024, 4-5 p.m. followed with a happy hour at Star Hill Brewery.

In July of 2020, the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC opened adjacent to the Virginia Tech
Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute. Connected to the medical school and research
institute by an enclosed elevated walkway. This 140,000 square foot research institute serves as a
new model for biomedical and behavioral science. FBRI is a LEED v4 Silver certified building in Roanoke, Virginia.

Location: Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016

For additional information and to sign up, please click here.