Happy May! As the blossoms yield to breezes and the forest canopy emerges, first fruits appear on the vines, and fish abound in rivers and the bay, I’m grateful to experience the cycles, seasons, and abundance of Virginia’s mountains, valleys, and coastal areas while connecting with members across the commonwealth. And I’m reminded of our common commitment to protect and promote these assets as we design a better built environment. AIA Virginia has enjoyed a banner spring, and we’ve got more opportunities to share and learn together. Here’s an update.
In April, we hosted Design Forum XVI, where students, practitioners, educators, and emeritus members packed the ICA at VCU to gather, eat, make, get inspired, and gain wisdom and insights from four remarkable keynote speakers. The words and work of Billie Tsien, Ted Flato, Rick Joy, and Dwayne Oyler still resonate with me, and I’m thankful for our time together and for our Design Committee for making it all happen.
Our April Board of Directors meeting was held at Hampton University, where Ex-Officio board member Dr. Daya Taylor, AIA, NOMA shared their studio spaces, introduced us to HU faculty and staff, and allowed us to participate in a 3rd-year project pin-up.
Just last week, AIA VA hosted our first 2024 Town Hall in downtown Roanoke, where leaders, members, and friends of AIA Blue Ridge came out for an evening to connect, share, and learn more about our activities and advocacy efforts. See below for a schedule of 2024 Town Hall events at each local component. Please save the date and look for more information on our Events page or from your local component!
And finally, I’m excited to attend AIA24 in Washington DC, where more than 250 AIA Virginia members will join AEC industry professionals from across the globe to connect, learn, tour, and celebrate. It’s not too late – register here!
Kelly D. Callahan, AIA
2024 President, AIA Virginia
2024 AIA VA Town Halls
5/23 AIA Coastal Virginia
6/21 AIA Richmond
9/5 AIA Central Virginia
10/3 AIA Northern Virginia
AIA Virginia letter of concern to AIA leadership
AIA Virginia recently became aware of various letters of concern sent to AIA National leadership related to AIA’s processes, finances, and proposed bylaws revisions. Two weeks ago, AIA Virginia, in partnership with our local component’s leadership, issued a letter of concern to AIA’s board of directors requesting a third-party review and transparent communication related to the allegations. Last week, AIA responded acknowledging our concerns and ensuring actions were being taken. As a member-driven organization, we trust that AIA will act with integrity and swiftly address these concerns. For our part, AIA Virginia continues in its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability to our members. AIA Virginia’s board of directors’ meetings are held on the 3rd Friday of even-numbered months and are open to members. A financial report, membership data, and opportunities for involvement are presented at our annual meeting each November, and all substantive proposed revisions to our bylaws are published early and voted on by our membership at the annual meeting. To ensure open lines of communication and knowledge sharing between state and local component leaders, AIA Virginia hosted an inaugural state Leadership Summit in January, and we will continue to meet every six months. I’m grateful to serve you, our members, alongside our committed leaders and faithful staff, and hope that you will reach out to me, President-Elect Meagan Jancy, AIA, or EVP Paul Battaglia, AIA, with any questions or concerns related to this matter.
Please note that time was of the essence in getting this letter to AIA leadership. As such, AIA Central Virginia and AIA Coastal Virginia did not get their approval to us in time to be included in the signatories.