Meet Kathryn Bradford Tyler Prigmore, FAIA, NOMAC, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, CDT

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Ms. Prigmore has over 40 years of architectural experience as a practitioner, educator, and regulator. Her strong project management skills include an inimitable understanding of the dynamics that facilitate project delivery. Ms. Prigmore has provided design, technical oversight, and project management for award-winning projects of a wide range of sizes, types, and delivery methods – including those with sensitive and classified defense and federal missions. She has overseen project teams with more than 15 consultant firms and up to 200 staff for clients in the federal, defense, civic, and private sectors. 

Active in professional and civic affairs, Ms. Prigmore has served on AIA and NCARB committees at the national level that serve to bridge the chasm between education and practice. She has been a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) since 1982 and was elevated to Fellowship in 2002.  A member of AIADC for 30 years, she transferred to AIANOVA to help develop the Fellows Committee, a position she held for several years while an AIADC member.

Ms. Prigmore is the Founding Collaborator (with Barbara G, Laurie, AIA – deceased) of Riding the Vortex: African American Women in Practice.  Beginning in 2007, this initiative provides inspiration, mentoring, and public speaking opportunities for African American women at all levels the profession in venues throughout the United States.  Many of the young African American women currently active in the profession are part of the expanding Vortex network.  Prigmore, with several others, is in the process of reviving Black Women in Architecture, an organization with its roots in the early 1980s.

Ms. Prigmore served as a Trustee of the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design and as past Chair of the AIA National Ethics Council; National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Committee on Examination; and the Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects.

Awards and honors bestowed upon Ms. Prigmore include a Lifetime Achievement Award – Women of Color Magazine; President’s Medal – NCARB; Outstanding Faculty Member – Howard University College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences; inclusion in several Marquis Who’s Who publications; and, inclusion among the Outstanding Young Women in America.

Ms. Prigmore is a former Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Architecture for the Howard University School of Architecture and Design. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Building Sciences and a Bachelor of Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, as well as a Master of Science in Engineering from The Catholic University of America. Notably, she was one of the first 20 African American Women registered to practice architecture in the United States, and maintains licenses in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Ms. Prigmore is also a LEED Accredited Professional with a Building Design + Construction specialty; an NCARB certificate holder; and a certified Construction Documents Technologist.

Where did you go to college? 

1981 Masters in Science in Engineering (Engineering Administration) from the Catholic University of America

1978 Bachelor of Architecture (Anthropology/Sociology minor) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

1977 Bachelor of Science in Building Sciences (Architectural History)

What does it take to be an architect of color?

In addition to all that others have written about becoming and being an architect in this compendium, architects of color have to be cognizant of the unconscious biases that continue to prevail in many aspects of the AEC industry.  As we have always done, we need to find (and sometimes nurture) a diverse group of allies to support us in our journeys.  The good thing is that events of 2020 significantly raised the consciousness of this issue worldwide.  AIA National, AIA Virginia and our components have instituted programming to help us maneuver through the painful issues of the past and to formulate solutions for evolving an inclusive future. 

What does it take to be an architect principal or architecture program administrator?

Have the courage to reassess the principles, processes, and decision-making guidelines which have historically guided their organizations in order for them to evolve and thrive as inclusive entities. 

Was there an architect that particularly inspired you?

Like many of my generation, Frank Lloyd Wright inspired my interest in architectural design. All aspects of his work embody the theory that “form follows function”.  The full inclusion of women in his practice continues to give me hope for our profession.  Bruce Goff became my favorite designer when I discovered him in college and Zaha Hadid follows closely behind. 

I must recognize my mentors, for I would not be the architect I am without their advice and unwavering support, no matter what:

  • R. Randall (Randy) Vosbeck, FAIA who hired me in the middle of the 1974 recession and inspired me to serve the profession through the AIA
  • Robert Traynham Coles, FAIA (Buffalo, NY, deceased) who gives me the immense courage I needed to challenge the inequities I encounter as I maneuver through the profession
  • Harry G. Robinson III, FAIA who introduced me to the worldwide network of African American Architects in practice and academia and to the regulatory aspects of our profession

What are you currently reading?

Cast: The Origins of Our Discontent by Isabel Wilkerson
Tough Love by Susan Rice
How to Prevent and Treat Cancer with Natural Medicine by Dr. Michael Murray

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?

Tasting Menu with Wine Pairings at LACROIX, Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

Why do you volunteer with AIA and NCARB?

To inspire others and to facilitate the positive evolution of our profession.

Calling for the Next Generation to Shape our Future

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I was in my mid-thirty’s when I was introduced to leadership in the National Organization of Minority Architects. I was mentored by some of the most historic and accomplished design professionals this nation has known, though many lived in anonymity to the world that ignored their talents and genius. Though the world refused to see them, they made it clear that they saw me, and in me they saw something of value. Because of their trust and guidance, and with their unwavering support,  I served seven years in national leadership, including two as the national President, before I turned 40. My successor was younger than me. I believe that my youthful energy and vision served the organization well. 

Robert Easter, NOMAC, FAIA

As President-elect, I have two primary responsibilities. The first is to continue chairing the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) committee, espousing the values of our profession: to ensure that we work to achieve social, political, racial, and economic justice in our communities, across our Commonwealth, and throughout our nation.  

The second, even more important responsibility, is to chair the Nominating Committee. Like the elders of NOMA, I believe my responsibility is to identify and mentor new bold younger members to take the mantle of leadership and build AIAVA into an even more vibrant and enduring source of good for our profession and our nation. I need you.  

Today, I am much older, slightly wiser, but certainly less energetic. Though my eyes are not as strong, I still have a vision. I see the AIA as an organization of great potential for impacting our profession and our communities. But my vision is not of my accomplishments or dreams; it is a vision of you taking command, exerting leadership, and molding the Institute into a more dynamic, engaged, and relevant organization with an agenda that impacts the social, political, and cultural climate of our nation, our Commonwealth and your communities. My goal is to set the table for you to come and sit, dine and discuss how we make the AIA, AIA Virginia, and our components do the good that is important to you and your future. I need your input. I need your ideas. I need your leadership. I need your voices, your hands, and your heart. I need your commitment. 

With this email, I am inviting you to share your vision for AIA Virginia. Whatever you see the AIA becoming, whatever causes you think we should champion, whatever path you believe we should take, please let me know. More importantly, tell me what you are willing to do to make it happen. If AIA Virginia is to survive and thrive. it will be because of your engagement and your leadership. Like the heroes of my past, I trust you to take this beyond the limits of our imagination. You are trained in creative thinking, rooted in the technology of hope. Let’s plan our future, your future, for AIA Virginia.   

Robert L. Easter, NOMAC, FAIA
Chair, Department of Architecture
School of Engineering & Technology
Hampton University
Hampton, Virginia 23668
Robert.Easter@Hamptonu.edu
(757) 727-5440 (office)
(804) 307-6836 (cell)

Newly Licensed

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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 architects!

James P. Lawyer, AIA (Richmond)
Gabriela Orizondo, AIA (Hampton Roads)
Chris Warren, AIA (Hampton Roads)

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

New Members

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We are always excited to welcome new members to Virginia. The following members recently joined the ranks of AIA Virginia.

New Architect Members

Ms. Stephanie M. Burcham, AIA (Richmond)
Mr. John J. Daly, AIA (Central Virginia)
Mr. Ivan Huber, AIA (Central Virginia)
Mr. Wang Jiang, AIA (Northern Virginia)
Alea C. MacLean, AIA (Richmond)
Mrs. Lauren K. MAGEE, AIA (Northern Virginia)

New Associate Members

Ms. Danielle R. Granger, Assoc. AIA (Blue Ridge)
Mr. John H. Grigg, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Ms. Nupur S. Khadilkar, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Mrs. LaVeesha Rollins, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Mr. Alex M. Sorapuru, Assoc. AIA (Richmond)
Ms. Vidusha Sridhar, Assoc. AIA (Blue Ridge)

AIA Virginia Allied Members

Daniel Corker, President RVA Construction, Inc.
Kevin Franz, Business Develop Manager, Metl-Span

View all of the AIA Virginia Allied members

State Building Code Technical Review Board Update

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The State Building Code Technical Review Board (STRB) consists of 14 citizens appointed by the governor to ensure Virginia’s building code is administered fairly and is well-understood by the residents of Virginia. The organizations represented by the board members are the American Institute of Architects Virginia, Virginia Society of Professional Engineers, the Home Builders Association of Virginia, the Virginia Branch of the Associated General Contractors of America, Virginia Building and Code Officials Association, State Fire Chiefs Association of Virginia, Virginia chapters of the National Apartment Association and the Virginia Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors.

The STRB’s primary purpose is to hear appeals from enforcement actions under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, the Virginia Industrialized Building Safety Regulations, the Virginia Manufactured Home Safety Regulations, and the Virginia Certification Standards.

A secondary function of the State Technical Review Board is to provide interpretations to the provisions of the USBC and SFPC and make recommendations to the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development for future modifications, amendments, or repeals of such provisions. Interpretation requests may be submitted by any code enforcement personnel with approval from the corresponding Building, Maintenance or Fire Official. Records of STRB interpretations can be found here>>

In 2020, the Review Board saw the end of an era as Ms. Patricia O’Bannon resigned from the Board after serving faithfully for more than 23 years representing the Commonwealth at Large.  Her expertise and knowledge, contributed greatly to the Board, and it will be missed.  In the latter part of 2019, E. G. Middleton also resigned from the Board after serving two years representing electrical contractors.  His knowledge and expertise will also be missed. 

Current Review Board Members: Mr. Vince Butler; Mr. Daniel Crigler; Mr. James R. Dawson, Chairman; Mr. Alan D. Givens; Ms. Christina Jackson; Mr. Joseph Kessler; Mr. Eric Mays, PE; Ms. Joanne Monday; Mr. Kenney Payne; Mr. W. Shaun Pharr, Esq., Vice-Chairman; Mr. Richard C. Witt; Mr. Aaron Zdinak, PE

Staff to the Review Board: Justin I. Bell, Esq., Board Counsel; W. Travis Luter Sr., Board Secretary

The Office of the Review Board is in the State Building Codes Office within the Department of Housing and Community Development’s Division of Building and Fire Regulation.  For more information on the Review Board visit https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/index.php/state-building-code-technical-review-board-sbctrb or contact the State Building Codes Office at (804) 371-7150 or sbco@dhcd.virginia.gov

Associated Thoughts: Wintering

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Amid the few blustery storms that blow across Virginia every few winters, most of us have probably spent even more time than normal in our own home office setups, reviewing yet another PDF before yet another virtual meeting while the sun still seems to set before 5 p.m. Even though I have done my best to live out the cold-weather-culture of “wintering” to better embrace this time by bundling up for longer walks, bringing hot drinks wherever I go, and trying to stay active amid these dark pandemic doldrums, I find that something has tilted off-kilter. My daily rhythm of work and rest is misaligned. 

Michael Spory, Assoc. AIA

After almost a year of working from home–who even knows what is “normal” anymore? What does balance look like, when the days are dark? For some, the daily churn of a workday has crept uneasily beyond its typical boundaries, where the pinging emails and responsibilities are only steps away at all times of day–sneaking across personal boundaries that keep us healthy, sane, and energized. For others, the challenge of empty days means the uncertainty of trying to find work, of polishing another resume, of feeling left behind as we try to stretch our resources another week. For students, it’s trying to make do with the suckiness of college life done from small apartments and dorm rooms–and the missing out on a broken promise of what design education was supposed to be. In the cold of winter, nearing the anniversary of a pandemic that has sent us home, I find my personal rhythms disrupted too, with a blurry line between work and overwork, creativity and confusion. 

For designers of all levels, the past year has upended long-established ways that design usually happens, and how design offices usually function. In that churn of change, I wonder how we as young professionals might raise our voices with what we have personally learned and experienced–what has worked and what has not–and push for positive upheaval. I wonder how we might raise our voices to reestablish a better equilibrium between our professional and personal lives. I wonder how new expectations around flexible work might springboard more women into leadership positions and opportunities. I wonder how firms might realize new ways to transfer knowledge that was lost when younger staff were not physically present for that elbow-to-elbow mentorship that happens between neighboring desks. I wonder how, eight months after protests enflamed our nation around the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, we might continue to push ourselves and our firms toward greater institutional impact towards racial equity–and wonder how our architectural policies and practices have changed beyond any book club or public statement. I wonder how this upending might rebalance us, rather than overturn us. 

You will probably read this from your home office, as I am writing in my empty work space as well, and missing the warmth of professional colleagues and the springtime sun. It’s dark out, and there are too many things to do, and too much information coming in the swirling vortexes of our headspaces at this strange moment in time. Deep breaths. A walk. An unpowered phone. Might do us all some good this week. 

In solidarity and action,
Michael Spory, Associate AIA
spory@vmdo.com

New Fellows Regional Representative

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Jane Cady Rathbone is Chairman and Design Principal at Hanbury. Through her 40 years of practice, she has had significant influence on the planning and design of university campuses and the strategic position of the firm, with work represented on more than 150 campuses throughout the United States and abroad. Jane has taught and shared frequently through presentations and teaches issues related to campus architecture, the creative process and the firm’s Legacy Programs, including nine years as an instructor for one of Harvard’s Graduate School of Design Executive Education summer courses.

Jane Cady Rathbone, FAIA

In addition to project and firm engagement, Jane has served on numerous design juries, the board of directors for the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, and several regional arts boards and higher education associations. In 2008 Jane was elevated to Fellowship in the AIA, in 2012 she was named a Senior Fellow of the Design Futures Council, in 2017 she was honored by AIA Virginia with William C. Noland Medal, and in 2019 she received an Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Rhodes College for her leadership in transforming their campus.

Jane believes that architecture is a team sport and great outcomes are the result of great teamwork. As the new regional representative for the Region of The Virginia’s College of Fellows, Jane hopes to explore opportunities to collaborate with the Fellows of the Virginia’s to see how ‘the team’, individually and collectively, can learn from each other, enjoy time together and meaningfully give back to our profession.

Announcing New RAD

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The Board of Directors of the American Institute of Architects Region of The Virginias has selected Sydney Huibregtse, Associate AIA, as Regional Associate Director for the 2021 – 2022 term on the AIA National Associates Committee.

Sydney Huibregtse, Assoc. AIA

Sydney graduated from Auburn University in 2016 and works for KGD Architecture, where she has been since 2019. She previously worked for MTFA Architecture in Arlington, from 2017 to 2019 and studied abroad at the Istanbul Technical University (Istanbul, Turkey) and Unitec Institute of Technology (Auckland, New Zealand). She is a 2019 graduate of AIA Virginia’s Emerging Leaders in Architecture program and was recently awarded the 2020 Service to the Chapter Award by AIA Northern Virginia.

Chief Operating Officer of Little, Charles Todd, AIA describes Huibregtse as a “passionate young professional with great potential as a leader within the AIA and in the community.” Sonia Jarboe, AIA who is the 2021 AIA Northern Virginia President-Elect added that Sydney is “committed to fostering better relationships between AIA and AIAS members and recent graduates as well as AIA Associate members.”

The National Associates Committee (NAC) serves Associate AIA members in the advancing their careers. The NAC wants to be a catalyst by becoming agents of change, by challenging the status quo, by representing a diverse membership, and by promoting mentorship, fellowship, licensure, advocacy, and service.

The Regional Associate Director (RAD) serves as a vital link between Associates and the national organization. RADs work with other association counterparts, are responsible for gathering information about issues facing Associates within their Regions and help disseminate information about national/regional activities and resources for use at the local level.

Where Are My People?

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Dr. Kendall Nicholson, Director of Research and Information for the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture is excited to share the next piece of the Where Are My People? research series that investigates how architecture interacts with race. The third part of the series, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander in Architecture, explores what it means to navigate architecture as a person who is raced and read as Asian in America.

Read it here>>

It’s the third of a longer series exploring the interaction of race and architecture using standard metrics of assessing diversity in architecture and follows the Where are the Women, Where are my People? Black in Architecture and Where are my People? Hispanic & Latinx in Architecture research reports ACSA published in 2020.

Kendall A. Nicholson, EdD, Assoc. AIA, NOMA
Director of Research and Information
Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture
www.acsa-arch.org