In less than 2 weeks, the American people will decide who should be the Commander-in-Chief of the United States for the next four years. During every presidential election, someone almost always says that this is the “most important election of a lifetime”. For many years, there was a segment of our population who were not legally permitted to vote – and when the law was changed – they cast a vote at the risk of losing their life.
R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA, NOMA, MBA
There was a moment where this was made very real to me about five years ago. Every since this interaction, my heart has never been the same on this topic.
My wife and I were traveling to Florida and the route we were taking put us in Birmingham, Alabama for an overnight stay. Less than 60 years ago, the racial tension in this city was so great, it was dubbed the name “Bombingham”. While there, as an interracial couple, we wanted to take a few hours to soak in the history that elders in our lifetime recall vividly. One landmark that we visited was the 16th Street Baptist Church.
This church was sadly enshrined in the pages of history on September 15, 1963. It was a Sunday morning where families and children were gathered inside for worship service. Five young African American girls, ages 14 and under dressed in their Sunday best, were in the restroom located in the church’s basement. Giggling and chatting about school, they were preparing to go upstairs for service. It was just before 11:00 in the morning.
KA-BOOM!
A bomb that had been placed under the church’s steps by local Ku Klux Klan members detonated killing a mass number of people including four out of the five little girls. As my wife and I walked in this church, there was a small shoe encased in masonry rubble on display. It was real and not a recreation. It was the real show of one of the little girls who were killed in the bombing on September 15, 1963. The bomb lifted her out of her shoes and the shoe she left behind has become a reminder of some of our painful past.
This is one of many examples, where people were told their voice did not matter. Even if you were an innocent little girl, your voice nor life mattered. It was on this day that my eyes were truly awakened, and I realized it would be blasphemous to remain silent.
Our vote is our voice.
Make sure you use it. Do your research on the issues and support the candidate that you feel will provide the greatest America. Voting is the one way that all AIA Virginia members can participate in advocacy. Because of the many lives that were lost in the quest for equality, we all can partake in the inheritance provided by our democratic process.
See you at the polls.
R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA, NOMA, MBA Executive Vice President
For the last 200+ days, I have done my job as a designer alone in an empty room. Just me, a second monitor, too many open drafting views in Revit, and several friendly succulents gamely trying to figure out floor plan diagrams, code subpoints, and all the various things that we do in order to get a building designed and built.
Like it has been for many of us, the design process has been almost exclusively virtual, and—if you are anything like me—it has also been quite lonely. No looking over shoulders at whimsical sketches or precedent projects, no chatter about weekend camping excursions and football games, no slouchy staff meetings around conference tables, scratching out to-do lists on complementary graph paper from a window vendor. None of the joy of working alongside more talented coworkers, or seeing someone’s beautiful graphic presentation, or getting help figuring out a key flashing detail or massing option. In this way, the pandemic has snuffed out one of the most important things I love about design—working alongside other designers trying to make our built world more beautiful.
I find inspiration in bouncing ideas off other people, testing my own against thoughts of colleagues much smarter than I. The profession of architecture is inherently collaborative, and for me, the isolation of work-from-home can be a drag on the creative spark that keeps me coming back from the clutches of my warm, comfy bed.
In the creative doldrums of 2020, I am particularly looking forward to our AIA Virginia gatherings over the next few weeks—YAFcon, ArchEX, and Design Forum—even if these sessions will be virtual as well. I’ll be attending talks on storytelling and intentional leadership, and leading a panel on unconventional clients and how to practice with more empathy (come listen in!). Design Forum’s dynamo lineup includes Steven Holl speaking about his design for Richmond’s ICA, alongside discussions about light and shadow from principal leaders at Olson Kundig, LTL Architects, and local design leaders in Richmond. And finally, the intriguing workshops on design analytics, research, the 2030 commitment, and resiliency at ArchEX wrap up this year’s magnificent trio of AIA Virginia’s annual programmed gatherings. It’s not too late to sign up! Come join us. It’ll be great.
I have noticed that my sketchbook has been more empty than normal this year. Here’s to hoping you can join me in finding a little less-lonely inspiration from our corners of Virginia at the virtual Foresight 2020 this year, and share a couple of new sketches of what inspires us to keep working away (at our home desks) towards a more beautiful, just, and equitable future.
In solidarity and action, Michael Spory, Associate AIA spory@vmdo.com
Just a Few Fun Things to Click On
Some pretty buildings: AIA Virginia held its awards gala (complete with virtual cheering) and celebrated some truly awesome projects and people with awards. Check them out here.
A truly remarkable man:John H. Spencer, FAIA, was honored with the William C. Noland Medal for his decades of leadership, advocacy, and mentorship in the architectural profession, particularly for Black students and architects. Spencer is a pioneering leader for Black architects in America, a distinguished teacher who influenced thousands of students, and a committed educational administrator who created countless programs, initiatives, and pathways for growth and mentorship.
A virtual conference worth paying for (it’s not too late!): AIA Virginia’s signature annual events–ArchEx, Design Forum, and YAFCon–are combined under the banner of Foresight 2020 this year, and they’ve gone virtual, with a killer lineup, with lots of discounted options for educational, professional, and networking programs during the next several weeks. Take special note of the speaker lineup for Design Forum on Thursday, November 5–with presentations from partner Kristen Murray from Olson Kundig and David Lewis from LTL Architects, and a keynote from Steven Holl himself.
Something for Virginia emerging professionals: Join us for YAFcon 2020: The Empathic Architect, which is a week-long virtual series of engaging conversations about designing and practicing with intentionality. Join your fellow EPs the week of Oct. 26–Oct. 30 for a daily series of peer-led discussions over lunch, and presentations by purposeful — sometimes unconventional — leaders each evening. Registration is intentionally kept low-cost to make it easy to attend–it’s only ten bucks for students!
*YAFcon is an annual gathering of the Young Architect’s Forum (YAF), which promotes the professional growth and leadership development of emerging professionals, including early and mid-career architects and unlicensed professionals on both traditional and non-traditional career paths.
Some info about the ARE testing updates: Testing in person is coming! NCARB is releasing information that by November 16, 2020, candidates can schedule remote-proctored appointments, while still being able to test in-person at Prometric test centers. The actual ARE content and division structure will not change–but there are tweaks to exam procedure, breaks, scratch paper usage, and question strategy that we should be familiar with. NCARB has released updated ARE Guidelines, ARE Handbook, and a new demo exam in October. These changes will keep the exam’s rigor, while providing candidates with greater flexibility and accessibility. In summer 2021, NCARB is slated to switch to a new test administration vendor, for both in-person and remote testing. Visit NCARB’s website for details, and watch this Q&A session to find answers to some of the more thorny questions related to the changes.
Member Colin Arnold, AIA, and owner of Arnold Design Studio in Christiansburg has been appointed by Governor Northam to the Fair Housing Board. Congratulations, Colin!
Coming out of school and entering the profession of architecture, the thought of spending any more time studying or taking another test was the last thing I wanted to do. Becoming licensed, while a career goal, was not high on the priority list. This changed this past spring when my wife and I learned we would be expecting our first child. I knew that free time would become even more of a limited commodity and if I wanted to become licensed starting the testing process would become harder the longer I put it off. Looking for study materials, I wanted to be efficient with my time and not let the ARE control my life. With the motto of “the highest likelihood of passing in the least amount of time studying” the Amber Book study material seemed to be the best fit. Here are some takeaways that I learned through the process and using the Amber Book material.
Taylor Terrill
Have self-discipline.
There is no way of getting around taking the exams without putting in the effort. I kept hearing terrible stories from colleagues about being chained to their study materials, saying goodbye to their social life for months, and taking and retaking tests. Following the Amber Book curriculum guidelines, you can expect to study about twenty one hours a week for six to seven weeks. Yes, you do have to have the self-discipline to study. No, you don’t have to say goodbye to your friends and family. The content is concise and self-paced. If you get behind one week because life was crazy, you can catch up the following week.
Take all your exams at once, as fast as you can.
I scheduled all six divisions for a marathon six-day adventure at my local testing center. This can seem intimidating at first, but now being on the other side of it, I wouldn’t recommend you do it any other way. You just spent all this time studying in-depth; take all the divisions while the content is still fresh. There is so much overlap in content between sections that it feels like one giant test rather than six individual sections. It was also a nice feeling to be done with the process in a week rather than dragging it out over a year.
You don’t have to know everything.
Set aside the mindset that you have to completely master every subject before testing. You don’t get a letter grade at the end of your test, you just have to pass. The test content can become daunting if you feel like you have to know the finite details of the practice of architecture. Potentially failing an exam can feel like a setback, but so can spending fifty unnecessary hours studying to pass a single section of the exam. The Amber Book curriculum does a good job of giving you enough confidence to say you understand the concept, but not overwhelm you with too many details that are less likely to be on the test.
You know more than you think.
If you have had any experience in the profession of architecture, the course does an excellent job of acknowledging what you most likely already know and spends more time in areas that you may be less familiar with. You quickly will be able to relate content in the teaching modules to what you recently saw on a job site or an interaction with a client. The course prioritizes content based on “yield” meaning you’ll spend more time on areas that are heavily tested and less time on areas that have fewer questions on the exam.
You’ll become a better architect.
This isn’t like studying for the SAT where you memorize unnecessary vocabulary words and learn testing strategies. By the end of the Amber Book curriculum, you will ask better questions. Your field reports will become better. You will have a better understanding of what your MEP consultants are talking about during a conference call. Your email correspondence between contractors will become clearer. Overall, the course not only prepared me for the ARE, it made me a better architect.
My experience lived up to the study material’s motto and in the end, I passed all six divisions within a week on my first attempt. All that’s left is the easy part, to complete my last few remaining APX hours. Taking the ARE is a huge undertaking and should not be taken lightly. But using the Amber Book material equipped me with the best process for studying and fast-tracked my journey in becoming licensed. Plus, I didn’t have to say goodbye to my friends and family.
AIA Virginia still has discounted Amber Book subscriptions available! Click here for more info.
Are you an Associate AIA Member? Are you interested in confronting the issues recent graduates and young professionals face as they navigate the next step in their careers? Would you like to help the National Associates Committee address these issues? Then, you may be just the person we’re looking for.
Every two years, the AIA Region of The Virginias (Virginia and West Virginia) selects an Associate AIA member to represent the Region on the National Associates Committee. Applications are now being accepted for the National Associates Committee 2021 – 2022 Virginias Regional Associate Director.
This is a tremendous opportunity to take on a larger leadership role within the AIA. This rewarding experience will allow you to be actively engaged in shaping the future of the profession and to grow your network with the NAC, YAF, and the AIA both regionally and nationally.
If you think you may be interested, please read on. If you know of an Associate AIA member who may be interested, please forward this information to them.
NAC Purpose
The National Associates Committee (NAC) is dedicated to serving Associate members of the AIA in the advancement of their careers.
NAC Vision
By promoting excellence, providing information and leadership, fostering inclusiveness, and encouraging individual, community, and professional development, the NAC will integrate the growing Associates community of the profession into a strong voice within the Institute. The NAC aspires to be the catalyst for progress within the Institute and the profession:
• We ENGAGE by becoming agents of change
• We INNOVATE by challenging the status quo
• We CONNECT by representing our diverse membership
• We LEAD by example, promoting mentorship, fellowship, licensure, advocacy, and service
The NAC believes its work serves to make AIA membership meaningful to Associates through services that effectively anticipate, meet, and exceed their needs.
NAC Overview
The Regional Associate Director (RAD) works with their counterparts, the YARDs, AIAS Quad Directors, Architect Licensing Advisors, and AIA Regional Representatives. RADs are responsible for gathering information about issues facing Associates within their Regions and disseminating information about
national/regional activities and resources for use at the local level. Of equal importance, RADs serve as a vital link between Associates and the national organization.
RADs are the key to vertical communication, connecting Associate leaders at all levels of the Institute. RADs are also encouraged to work on various issues important to them and their regions through the NAC work groups.
The RAD is the primary connection between local, state and regional AIA components and the National Associates Committee (NAC).
The RAD keeps communication flowing between these groups by:
• Maintaining quarterly communication with all NAC chapters within the designated region.
• Serving as a conduit between local NAC chapters and the AdCom.
• Collecting from and disseminating information to local, state, and regional components.
• Submitting a regional report.
The RAD contributes to the direction and planning of the NAC by:
• Participating in the NAC Annual Meeting.
• Working on various national issues.
• Working on at least one group identified by the NAC annually.
The RAD is a connection at the regional level to other AIA groups by:
• Communicating with COF Regional Representative and Young Architect Regional Director (YARD quarterly about how to work together to support each other’s efforts.
• Suggesting or encouraging young architects for nomination for regional or national awards, positions or committees/subcommittees.
• Attending AIA National Convention, when possible.
• Working within Region of The Virginias to ensure that expectations from regional leadership are clearly defined and met.
• Attendance at regional meetings.
• Applicants are encouraged to discuss the position with their Regional Representative to AIA Strategic Council or the current RAD to fully understand the responsibilities prior to submitting an application.
RAD Commitments
AIA National Commitments (plan for a number of events to be held virtually during pandemic) are as follows:
• NAC & YAF Joint Annual Meeting (Q1)
• NAC Full Committee Conference Calls – 1 hour each TBD estimated quarterly
Region of The Virginias Commitments (plan for a number of events to be held virtually during pandemic) are as follows:
• AIA Virginia’s Architecture Exchange East Conference
• AIA West Virginia’s Expo
• Attendance at Regional Emerging Professional Committee Meetings and Programs
• Regional Reports – written with the assistance of the NAC
Other recommended engagement:
• AIA Grassroots
• AIA Conference on Architecture
NAC Funding
National AIA covers the costs for Regional Associate Director travel, food, and lodging to attend the NAC/YAF Annual Meeting (if in person). In addition, RADs have the opportunity to attend AIA Grassroots and the AIA Convention, but expenses for these events, along with any other costs associated with other travel or conferences, are the responsibility of the RAD.
There are supplemental stipends available from AIA Virginia and AIA West Virginia.
Application Requirements
AIA Membership – Applicant must be an Associate AIA member in good standing within The Region of The Virginias (the State Components AIA West Virginia and AIA Virginia, including AIA Blue Ridge, AIA Central Virginia, AIA Hampton Roads, AIA Northern Virginia, and AIA Richmond) and must not be licensed 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 connection between the RAD position and the Nominee’s leadership qualities. Limit one-page.
Letter of Recommendation – From an AIA member. Indicate Nominee’s qualifications for the RAD 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).
Deadline
Completed applications must be submitted by email as a single PDF to Donna Dunay, FAIA, Region of The Virginias Representative to AIA Strategic Council (ddunay@vt.edu) AND Corey Clayborne, FAIA, Executive Vice President of AIA Virginia NLT Monday, November 30, 2020.
Selection Process
The Region’s nominating committee will prepare nominations to be reviewed and elected by the Board of Directors of the Region in December 2020 and January 2021.
Foresight 2020 kicked off with the annual AIA Virginia Meeting of the Roundtables. At this event, members strengthen their peer network by coming together to discuss best practices and share challenges. This year, nearly 30 firms participated in the facilitated discourse which focused on the following topics: “Returning to the Office”, “General Sense of the Business Climate” and “Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion”.
We would like to thank the following individuals who served as Chair of the respective roundtables during Foresight 2020:
Paul Battaglia, AIA of Clark Nexsen: Chair of the Large Firm Roundtable
Andrew McKinley, AIA of VIA Design: Chair of the Mid-Size Firm Roundtable
Dan Zimmerman, AIA of Alloy Workshop: Chair of the Small Firm Roundtable
Below are some of the key highlights of the discussions:
Large Firm Roundtable
Returning to the Office
Some younger staff are returning to the office (ex: those who might live downtown in a small one-bedroom apartment and want to come in simply to get a change of environment)
Some employees are returning to the office because internet connectivity is better
None of the firms represented have “mandated” employees return to the office
One leader indicated that it would be about 18-months before making such an announcement
One leader shared that they thought about 1/3 of its staff will never return to the office which has office lease renewal implications
One firm indicated that field work is commencing for projects, so some employees will likely return to the office for those duties
A firm indicated that it has a “certification process” which requires employees to “certify” they are coming into the office. This will facilitate COVID exposure notification if such a need were to arise.
One firm indicated that employees who have decided to return to the office are doing so on staggered days to assist with social distancing requirements
Obtaining a General Sense of the Business Climate
Leaders gave positive reviews of the design collaboration platform: Miro
Slack is being used as it is less informal and quicker than email
In order to maintain a similar sense of connectivity with peers that was experienced pre-COVID, it is necessary to meet significantly more in the virtual environment.
One leader indicates that he was meeting with various leadership teams in the company daily which requires changing the agenda structure frequently
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Several firms have established JEDI groups and initiated conversations on topics and/or surveyed employees to identify issues
One leader shared that the firm just invested in the position of a National Diversity Officer
Mid-Size Firm Roundtable
Returning to the Office
A firm indicated that it has a “tracking process” which will facilitate COVID exposure notification if such a need were to arise.
Some firm leaders believe it will be difficult getting employees to come back to work
There was a consensus that flex-scheduling will become more of the norm post-pandemic
The ability to effectively provide mentorship in the virtual environment continues to be a priority and is challenging
One firm indicated that employees are coming back in shifts and are required to where masks when moving around the office
A firm shared that it is filming and broadcasting construction administrative visits firm-wide as a way to stay connected
In general, the decision or desire to work from home versus returning to the office has been personal
Approximately 2/3’s of the firms in attendance were still working remotely
Obtaining a General Sense of the Business Climate
Leaders gave positive reviews of the design collaboration platform: Miro
One firm in Northern Virginia has not seen a slow-down in its multi-family work but has noticed a decline in commercial/office projects
In general, the federal project market reports as steady
A firm in Northern Virginia shared that its work in the religious, daycare, and restaurant industries have sharply declined
A firm in Hampton Roads indicated that it has seen an uptick in its urban design portfolio
One firm in Hampton Roads shared that the science and technology project niche is rapidly growing
Multiple firms reported an increase in single-family home projects
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
One firm undertook the JUST label process which is a transparency platform for organizations to disclose their operations, including how they treat their employees and where they make financial and community investments.
Small Firm Roundtable
Returning to the Office
Many are still working remote with some employees returning to the office
One firm has no plan to go back to the office right now
Many firm leaders stated that masks are required when in the office
Obtaining a General Sense of the Business Climate
One firm had to host a client meeting where the entity would not turn on their cameras – it was noted the difficulty communicating within that environment
Leaders gave positive reviews of the design collaboration platform: Miro
Slack and various other platforms (ex: Google chat, texting, etc.) are being used for inner-office and team communications as it is less formal and quicker than email
In general, there is still an appetite for vendor product presentations, but consideration should be given for shorter time blocks (less than an hour)
Multiple firms reported that the residential project market is going forward and is strong
A discussion was held on the importance of finding the right client match in the residential sector and forming boundaries within the relationship
One firm reported its institutional and commercial project backlog declining
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
A participant recommended a book for reading entitled, “Stamped from the Beginning” by Ibram X. Kendi
One participant stated the need for closed captioning for Zoom is needed as it can be difficult to read lips in the virtual environment
Created in 2018, ACE is a joint venture of the American Institute of Architects, Associated General Contractors, and the American Council of Engineering Companies of Virginia, to educate and promote best practices of the design and construction industry. What has resulted is an improved understanding of what makes projects successful from the perspective of all stakeholders, an intimate forum for business development, and an opportunity to learn about future projects.
On October 14th, ACE held its rescheduled Joint Owner Forum with the Commonwealth’s Department of General Services (DGS). We were joined virtually by DGS Director, Joe Damico and Director of the Division of Engineering and Buildings (DEB), Mike Coppa to hear about the following:
Changes to the planning and construction funds in the current Appropriations Act as a result of the General Assembly Special Session
How the DEB has modified their operations to continue providing effective and timely services during the COVID-19 pandemic through EDR, virtual inspections and on-line interactive meetings
How DEB reviews and permits COVID-19 facility and operational changes to HVAC, plumbing, occupant load with a special (CO-13.3SPC) Certificate of Use and Occupancy
The Job Order Contract (JOC) methodology recently established
Below are highlights from the conversation:
All should check the Appropriations Act to see which capital appropriations remain
In the Budget Bill (HB30), the “Planning: Detail Planning for Capital Projects” line item was reduced from $11.4M to just over $1M during the General Assembly Special Session
Nothing in the House and Senate budgets, to date, have negatively impacted the 2020 VCBA Capital Construction Pool funding. However, it can be expected that the Governor would slow down this funding if deemed necessary for the financial health of the Commonwealth.
Expect a slow-down of CO-2 funding
An agency might move forward with a project with its own funding [and get reimbursed], but DPB has the final word. It seems that this occurs on a case-by-case basis.
Two projects look to be moving forward with DGS: the Supreme Court building and the VEC building
How A/E’s can help DGS with electronic submittals:
Submit 1 pdf for drawings
Submit 1 pdf for specs
Utilize alpha-numeric indicators in labeling sheets
No duplicate sheet numbers
Don’t sign your sheets in Bluebeam software
Work closely with lead DEB reviewers with remote inspections – and be there
Joe indicated that discussions are ongoing about agency office space but cautioned his colleagues about making these types of decisions too quickly since there are cost ramifications.
Mike shared that there is an infectious aerosol paper that has been placed on the DGS website.
Communication between agencies and DEB is critical. The example given was the decision to take toilets out of service to assist with social distancing during COVID. How might that impact the occupant load allowed?
A/E partnerships must have agreements in place and must determine the sole entity that will contract with DGS. DGS must have a clear point of contact legally in these arrangements.
There is not a way to update all CO forms on a predictable basis since the Office of the Attorney General reviews these documents continuously.
May 1 – prevailing wages take effect which will likely impact project costs.
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!
Manojkumar Venkatesan, 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
We are always excited to welcome new members to Virginia. The following members recently joined the ranks of AIA Virginia.
New Architect Members
Mr. Harry C. Kappler, AIA (Northern Virginia) Mr. Jungmin J. Oh, AIA (Northern Virginia) Ms. Christine M. Varela, AIA (Northern Virginia)
New Associate Members
Mr. Aaron A. Betsky, Assoc. AIA (Blue Ridge) Mr. Marcos A. Borjas, Assoc. AIA (Richmond) Mr. James A. Ingle, Assoc. AIA (Northern Virginia)
Transferred In
Ms. Mehraneh Davari, Assoc. AIA from AIA Ohio (Northern Virginia)
AIA Virginia Allied Members
Matthew Lewis, PE from 2RW Consultants, Inc. John Ashikis, Sales Manager from MARVA The Galleria of Stone Zachary Lette, Vice President, from Land Planning and Design Associates, Inc. William Mechnick, President, from Land Planning and Design Associates, Inc. Roland McPherson, Professional Engineer, from McPherson Design PLLC
AIA Virginia is pleased to announce the 2020 Awards for Excellence in Architecture. Also known as the 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. Award categories include Architecture, Contextual Design, Historic Preservation, Interior Design, and Residential Design. Within each of the 5 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 180 entries, only 33 were selected by the jury for recognition. These few projects stood above the rest as particularly notable. A project is recognized with an Honorable Mention for incorporating approaches that advance the profession. Awards of Merit are presented to those project worthy of recognition and an Award of Honor is reserved for those projects deemed by the jury to be truly exceptional.
In the ARCHITECTURE category
The jury considers aesthetics, adherence to the client wishes, proven and projected building performance, and concept development during its deliberations.
Awards of Honor
Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (Blackstone, Va.)
Architecture Firm: KieranTimberlake Owner: U.S. Department of State and the U.S. General Services Administration, Public Buildings Service Mid-Atlantic Region Contractors: Hensel Phelps and Mortenson Construction Photographer: Tim Griffith Drone Photography: AECOM – FASTC Office Rendering: Brooklyn Digital Foundry Jury Comments: This project has inventive qualities. The jury noted that this submission was among the strongest in the category.
Museum at the Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Site / Devil’s Half Acre (unbuilt)
Architecture Firm: SmithGroup Owner: City of Richmond, Va. Consulting Architect, Interior Design: KEi Architects Landscape Architecture: Mikyoung Kim Design Civil Engineering: Greening Urban Archaeology and Cultural Historic Preservation: Gray & Pape Museum Planning and Development: Chora Visitor Experience Planning: Gallagher & Associates Jury Comments: The jury particularly appreciated this design as an appropriate response to the history of the site. They are looking forward to seeing the completed project.
Awards of Merit
The Aya (Washington, D.C.)
Architecture Firms: Studio Twenty Seven Architecture with Leo A Daly (joint venture) Owner: District of Columbia Department of General Services Photographer: Hoachlander Davis Photography Structural Engineer: Silman Associates MEP Engineer: SETTY & Associates Civil Engineer: A. Morton Thomas Geotechnical: ECS Capitol Services Cost Estimate: TCT Cost Consultants Land Use Attorney: Holland & Knight Archeologist: John Milner Associates Acoustical Engineer: Acoustical Design Collaborative Jury Comments: This is a commendable affordable housing project. There is a nice relationship between façade and volume and the standard dwelling units are well designed.
New River Train Observation Tower (Radford, Va.)
Designers: Virginia Tech faculty and students led by Prof. Kay Edge, RA, and Prof. Edward Becker, Intl. Assoc. AIA Owner: Radford Heritage Foundation Contractors: Edward Becker, Intl. Assoc. AIA and Kay Edge, RA Photographer: Kay Edge, RA Jury Comments: As a prototype, this nicely articulates a collaborative, exploratory research-based process. The team is to be commended.
Greer Environmental Sciences Center at Virginia Wesleyan University (Virginia Beach, Va.)
Architecture Firm: VMDO Architects Owner: Virginia Wesleyan University Contractor: Hourigan Construction Photographer: Alan Karchmer Jury Comments: The commitment to sustainable strategies coupled with the overall quality of the exterior and interior design is notable.
Honorable Mention
Marvin Gaye Recreation Center + Trail (Washington, D.C.)
Firm Name: ISTUDIO Architects Owner: DC Department of General Services Contractor: MCN Build Photographer: Hoachlander Davis Photography Jury Comments: The jury particularly appreciated the passive strategies. The design team clearly accomplished a lot with this project
DC Water Headquarters (Washington, D.C.)
Architecture Firm: SmithGroup Owner: DC Water and Sewer Authority Contractor: Skanska USA Building Inc. Photographers: Alan Karchmer Photography, Emily Hagopian Photography Landscape Architecture: OEHME van Sweden | OvS Structural Engineering: The SK&A Group Associate Architects/Associate Structural Designers: Leuterio Thomas, LLC Associate MEP Engineers: JVP Engineers PC (now part of Ameresco) Civil Engineering: Wiles Mensch Corporation Commissioning: SETTY & Associates Traffic Consultants: Gorovo/Slade Associates, Inc. Program Managers: Samaha Associates, PC Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment Consultant: Studio of Sandra Raan Owner’s Representative: Constance Schwartz Jury Comments: For a municipal infrastructure project on an unusual site, this LEED Platinum water plant was particularly notable.
FutureHAUS (Blacksburg, Va.)
Design Team: Students and Faculty from Virginia Tech Center for Design Research Owner: Virginia Tech Photographer: Erik Thorsen Jury comments: The jury was impressed with this solar-powered, net-positive concept home. It brought together a series of environmental strategies without looking like a pastiche. They also appreciated the plug-and-play cartridge construction which allowed the project to be easily shipped, assembled, and disassembled.
Co|Lab (Falls Church, Va.)
Architecture Firm: William McDonough + Partners Owner and Contractor: HITT Contracting Photographer: John Cole Photography Jury comments: The jury appreciated the lifecycle thinking and the use of CLT, noting that this project was designed for disassembly. “We need more of this,” they said.
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
Masoro Health Center (Republic of Rwanda)
Architecture Firm: General Architecture Collaborative Owner: Masoro Health Center Contractor: Structure Stone Photographers: James Setzler, Yutaka Sho, Leighton Beaman Jury Comments: The jury agreed, as a whole, that this project was exemplary — it was their top choice. The site plan, in particular, was very well conceived.
Awards of Merit
American Civil War Museum (Richmond, Va.)
Architecture Firm: 3North Owner: American Civil War Museum Contractor: Whiting-Turner Contracting Company Photographer: Keith Isaacs Associate Architects: Madge Bemiss Architects and Robert Mills Architects Structural Engineer: Balzer and Associates, Inc. MEP Engineer: Lu+Smith Engineers Civil Engineer: Draper Aden Associates Exhibit Designer: Solid Light, Inc. Jury Comments: In the U.S., it’s still a little contentious to bring together glass boxes with historical ruins, and this project does this quite effectively.
Honorable Mention
Capital Yacht Club (Washington, D.C.)
Architecture Firm: Cunningham | Quill Architects PLLC Owner: Capital Yacht Club Contractor: Clark Construction Group, LLC Photographer: ALAN KARCHMER | PHOTOGRAPHER Jury Comments: The jury appreciated this project’s relationship to a maritime motif. The designers did a good job of incorporating the exterior existing fabric into the design.
Carlton Union Building Renovation at Stetson University (Deland, Fla.)
Design Architect/Architect of Record: Hanbury Owner: Stetson University Contractor: Williams Company Photographer: Keith Isaacs Jury Comments: “Talk about contextual,” the jury exclaimed. The design team stitched together a variety of different spaces very successfully.
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 Honor
Carr’s Hill Renovation at University of Virginia (Charlottesville, Va.)
Architecture Firm: Glavé & Holmes Architecture Owner: University of Virginia Associate Architect: John G. Waite Associates Contractor: Alexander Nicholson Photographer: Virginia Hamrick Photography Landscape Architect: Wolf Josey Landscape Architects Jury Comments: This project was really well done. “The details are amazing,” remarked the jury.
Folger Shakespeare Library (Washington, D.C.)
Architecture Firm: MTFA Architecture Owner: Folger Shakespeare Library Contractor: Dan Lepore & Sons Company Photographer: Prakash Patel Photography Jury Comments: This was an excellent example of materials conservation. The cleaning and color-matching are textbook examples of preservation.
Honorable Mention
Richard Neutra Renovation (Richmond, Va.)
Architecture Firm: 3North Owner: David and Christy Cottrell Contractor: Mako Builders, Inc. Photographer: Ansel Olson Structural Engineer: Ehlert Bryan Consulting Interior Designer: Todd Yoggy Jury comments: Though this was submitted in a different category, they jury thought this project was notable enough to warrant recognition in the historic preservation category for its respect of the original design and the sensitive preservation of character and materiality.
Note: This project was also recognized with an award in the Residential category.
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.
Award of Honor
Quirk Hotel (Charlottesville, Va.)
Architecture Firm: ARCHITECTUREFIRM Owner: Quirk Charlottesville, LLC Contractor: Martin Horn Photographer: James Ewing / JBSA & Kate Thompson Jury Comments: Though the spaces vary in scale, there is a consistency throughout. The treatment of the arched windows, the view to the streetscape, the hallway, and the accents: they’re are all well done. “I thought this was just outstanding,” said one juror.
Awards of Merit
McKinnon and Harris Flagship (New York, N.Y.)
Architecture Firm: Architecture AF Owner: McKinnon and Harris Contractor: Tribeca Restoration Photographer: Ashok Sinha Lighting Designer: Ventresca Design Jury Comments: Through embracing the company’s all-white branding, the designers created a very pleasing space, bringing focus to the products in this retail environment. The stair and railing are very nice, as is the detailing. “It’s just beautifully put together,” the jury said.
ASLA Center for Landscape Architecture (Washington, D.C.)
Architecture Firm: Gensler Owner: ASLA Center for Landscape Architecture Contractor: Coakley & Williams Construction, Inc. Photographer: Halkin Mason Jury Comments: The jury was impressed by the spirit of landscape carried throughout the building, from the handling of beacon signage focusing on green vegetation at the exterior to the careful handling of rainwater-harvesting and irrigation on the roof.
Potter’s Craft Cider at Neve Hall (Charlottesville, Va.)
Architecture Firm: Studio FIGURE Owner: Dan Potter and Tim Edmond Contractor: Evergreen Builders Photographer: Nick Brinen Photography Jury Comments: This project has a subtlety to it. It’s a really nice retrofit. Instead of tearing things down, the designers showed a balanced restraint – even the lighting isn’t intrusive. “I want to be in this space,” said one juror.
Honorable Mention
Subterranean Studio (Charlottesville, Va.)
Architecture Firm: mcdowellespinosa architects Owner: Seth and Megan McDowell Contractor: mcdowellespinosa architects Photographer: mcdowellespinosa architects Jury Comments: While hesitant to elevate a project with little natural light, the jury particularly appreciated the lighting treatment and ceiling design which brought an organizing element to this subterranean space.
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (Washington, D.C.)
Architecture Firm: OTJ Architects Client: NCARB Tenant Brokerage and Project Management: Cresa Contractor: Bognet Construction Photographer: Trent Bell Photography Jury Comments: The details on this project are well conceived and history has been incorporated in a clever way. The jury was pleased that NCARB is “walking the talk” and earning LEED Gold and Fitwel certification for the space.
Waterview Condominium (Arlington, Va.)
Architecture Firm: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect Project Architect: Nicole Dejong Owner: withheld Contractor: Peterson and Collins Inc. Photographer: Maxwell MacKenzie Interior Designer: Baron Gurney Interiors Structural Engineer: Tadjer Cohen Edelson Associates Inc. Jury Comments: The jury appreciated the rigor of the ceiling’s folded planes and lighting plan.
Offices for an Investment Firm (Bethesda, Md.)
Architecture Firm: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect Project Architect: Claire Andreas Owner: withheld Contractor: Bognet Construction Photographer: John Cole Photography Interior Designer: Baron Gurney Interiors Jury Comments: “Organizing the offices around the curving steel wall was a compelling move,” the jury remarked.
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.
Award of Honor
Richard Neutra Renovation (Richmond, Va.)
Architecture Firm: 3North Owner: David and Christy Cottrell Contractor: Mako Builders, Inc. Photographer: Ansel Olson Structural Engineer: Ehlert Bryan Consulting Interior Designer: Todd Yoggy Jury Comments: This was a careful and surgical upgrade to a modernist masterpiece. It was just plain inspiring in its rigor. Exquisite.
Awards of Merit
3131 CBR (Washington, D.C.)
Architecture Firm: David Jameson Architect Owner: withheld Contractor: Ally DC Photographer: Paul Warchol Photography Jury Comments: Beautiful clean lines and use of materials.
3333 Q St. (Washington, D.C.)
Architecture Firm: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect Project Leads: Kara McHone and Mateusz Dzierzanowski Owner: withheld Contractor: Commonwealth Building and Design Photographer: Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer Interior Designer: Baron Gurney Interiors Engineer: Robert Silman Associates Landscape Architect: Campion Hruby Landscape Architects Jury Comments: The use of the open corner facade to orient to the landscape and pool is exceptional. The clever use of glazing, doors, and the site created spaces that flow between interior and exterior.
Franzen House (Bethesda, Md.)
Architecture Firm: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect Project Leads: Sarah Solander and Nicole Dejong Owner: withheld Contractor: Commonwealth Building and Design Photographer: Anice Hoachlander Engineer: United Structural Engineers Jury Comments: Great use of the site section to create high internal volume and views out to the surrounding tree canopies. The balance between the front and rear façades is impressive
Honorable Mention
Hither Hill Residence (Montauk, N.Y.)
Architecture Firm: ARCHITECTUREFIRM Owner: Withheld Contractor: Forden & Co. Builders Photographer: James Ewing / JBSA Jury Comments: Each building on the site is done with care to proportion and detail and eloquence. The two volumes are carefully and well-sited in the surrounding landscape.
Vapor House (Bethesda, Md.)
Architecture Firm: David Jameson Architect Owner: withheld Contractor: Ally DC Photographer: Paul Warchol Photography Jury Comments: There is a nice contrast between that textured, reflective quality of the cladding and the flat matte panels that define the programmatic volumes. This play between the surfaces helps to breakdown the massing.
Duvall Court (Washington, D.C.)
Architecture Firm: KUBE architecture PC Owner: ANND LLC Contractor: OPAL CUSTOM HOMES and RENOVATIONS LLC Photographer: Greg Powers Photography Jury Comments: A very clever project with clean lines. It’s a great model for the development of alley lots.
Alley Armor (Washington, D.C.)
Architecture Firm: KUBE architecture PC Owner: Dean Storer & Lamar Whitman Contractor: Milloy Carpentry Photographer: Paul Burk Photography Steel Fabricator: Metal Specialties Jury Comments: This adaptive reuse really works within an existing urban fabric. The small outdoor space is magical. Natural light and perforated and angled-metal and wood slats create privacy and atmosphere – all above a mundane garage.
Renovation 1662 (Washington, D.C.)
Architecture Firm: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect Project Architect: Claire Andreas Owner: withheld Contractor: Washington Landmark Construction Photographer: Anice Hoachlander Landscape Design: Campion Hruby Landscape Architecture Structural Engineer: United Structural Engineers, Inc. Jury Comments: A bright, clean, and lofty addition to what would be a typical dark and cramped row house.
All entries must be the work of architects who have an office in Virginia or are members of AIA Virginia. The location of projects is not restricted, but any built work submitted must have been completed after January 1, 2012. Un-built work was also considered, as long as it was commissioned by a client as opposed to hypothetical work completed in the mode of research or academic training.
