As we continue to advance through 2019, the evidence of a strong market for the services of architects in Virginia buoys optimism and transmits energy into seemingly all sectors of practice and professional activities.
April brought Architecture Week at chapters across the state, and Architecture Month in Richmond, with the profession and the promotion of architects and architecture visibly on display. The intent of Architecture Week/Month is two-fold: to raise public awareness, and to celebrate our profession – and celebrate we should, as we enjoy the remarkable and envied opportunity to create and shape our environment. How many times have you heard someone say, “I always wanted to be an architect”. Well, envied we are, and cause to occasionally pause and celebrate that! As a follow up to AW/M ‘19, leaders from each component chapter are sharing with each other their approach and results for events and activities, highlighting those that successfully embraced our goals as we look toward next year. All in all, mission accomplished!
Rob V Reis, AIA, LEED AP
With the objective of engaging the architecture and design programs at each of our Virginia Universities, the April AIA Virginia Board of Directors meeting was held at Hampton University, where the architecture faculty and students hosted us with a Welcome + Networking Reception, tours of the Architecture School, and desk crits with students preparing to develop their final design studio presentations. (see a recap and pictures) Robert Easter, Chair of the Hampton University Department of Architecture welcomed us, and 4th-year architecture student Dominique L. Murray provided an articulate and enlightening overview of the Architecture School. We also had the opportunity to announce the AIA Virginia Prize award winners for Hampton University. Gary Garner’s entry was recognized with an Honorable Mention and Julian Washington won Best of School and the Special Jury Award. Congratulations to Gary and Julien, and to Hampton University for a fine showing. Click here to see all of the 2019 AIA Virginia Prize competition.
On the evening prior to the April AIA Virginia Board Meeting at Hampton University, board members arriving early attended the Second Annual Hampton Roads Young Architects Forum – YAF Talks – Building A Sustainable Hampton Roads: From Problem, To Policy, To Possibility – panel discussion at the MacArthur Visitors Center in Norfolk. This event, impressively orchestrated and with a compelling expert panel – Shana Udvardy, Climate Resilience Analyst at Union of Concerned Scientists; the Hon. Lynwood Lewis, VA State Senator for the 6th District; Sydney Covey, Sustainability Solutions Manager, STRUCTR Advisors; Joanna Hall, Sustainable Infrastructure Program Manager of NAVFAC, and moderator Mickey Chapa, Sustainability Director at VIA Design Architects – continues the quickly building legacy of superb YAF events! And, whether at Hampton University, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, or with the Virginia YAF contingent, be confident that it’s an important investment for the profession with a valuable return personally when engaging with emerging professionals and students – they are our future.
We can now promote two destinations in Richmond. This month AIA Virginia has officially moved into new space in the Bookbindery Building on Broad Street. Please feel welcome to visit, see the space, and meet the AIA Virginia staff. And meanwhile, with AIA Virginia Board meetings and other events continuing at the Branch House, visit and support The Branch!
A final thought. Culture, the evocative theme of Architecture Exchange East this November, and a polemic term laden with meaning and contemporary relevance for the profession. Many of us are examining, redefining, and embracing and celebrating either our or our client’s culture, through design. Please consider sharing your culture-related stories, lessons, and revelations at ArchEx 2019. The Call for Proposals is out. Put yourself in!
Thank you for your ongoing support of AIA Virginia.
Rob V Reis, AIA, LEED AP
President
AIA Virginia