The Resilient Design Collaborative (RDC)

Posted on by Delaney Ogden

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.

AEC Spring Conference

Reconnect with your industry peers and forge new relationships at the most influential industry event in Virginia ﹘ the AEC Spring Conference!
  • Collaborate and explore trending topics in roundtable discussions moderated by subject-matter experts.
  • Share solutions to common challenges with industry professionals and decision-makers from across Virginia.
  • Obtain the tools needed for growth in the AEC industry.
  • Hear actionable updates on the economic and political landscapes in Virginia.
  • Return to your firm with new relationships and a fresh perspective.
Learn more at aecvirginia.com
Earn 13 AIA LU|Elective
The AEC Spring Conference is presented in partnership with ACEC Virginia and AGC Virginia

Registration Open for AEC Spring Conference

Posted on by cguske

Reconnect with your industry peers and forge new relationships at the most influential industry event in Virginia — the AEC Spring Conference! Registration is now open for this program that brings decision-makers together, face-to-face, for the first time since 2019. Join your peers March 17-18, 2022, at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront to collaborate, explore trending topics, and share solutions to common challenges.

The AEC Spring Conference is a collaboration between AIA Virginia, ACEC Virginia, and AGC Virginia. Attendees can earn 13 AIA LU | Elective.

Take a look at the agenda.

Day 1

Breakfast (8–9 a.m.)

Roundtable Discussions (9 a.m.–noon)Share solutions to common challenges in risk management, leadership, business development, or grassroots advocacy during active discussions moderated by subject-matter exerts.

Lunch & Keynote Address: Virginia Politics (noon–1:30 p.m.)Learn what the latest legislation means for the industry from highly-respected political analyst Dr. Bob Holsworth.

Panel Discussions (1:30–4 p.m.)
Collaborate and explore trending topics in higher education or economic development.

Welcome Reception (5–7 p.m.)
Build your network and return to your firm with new relationships and a fresh perspective.

Day 2

Breakfast (7:30–8:30 a.m.)

Roundtable Discussions (8:30–11:30 a.m.)Continue the conversations about risk management, leadership, business development, or grassroots advocacy. Dig deeper into the topics you explored on day one or sit in on new discussions and expand the network of colleagues you can tap when facing a new challenge.

Lunch & Keynote Address: Economic Update (11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.)Hear actionable economic updatesfrom Dr. Elliot Eisenberg, the Bowtie Economist.

Panel Discussions (1–3:30 p.m.)Discuss the latest developments and best practices in coastal resiliency or learn what’s in the infrastructure plan pipeline in various localities around Virginia.

If you’re ready to meet in person, join your colleagues this March. Attendance is very limited so secure your tickets today.

Please join us in thanking our generous sponsors

GOLD

SILVER

REGISTRATION SPONSOR

FRIEND

Draper Aden Associates

AEC Virginia Spring Symposium

The 2021 AEC Virginia Spring Symposium is a virtual event hosted by the Virginia chapters of the American Council of Engineering Companies, the American Institute of Architects, and the Associated General Contractors on March 17-19. Its vision is to bridge together architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to collaborate, create, and build for the future. The symposium will give participants a preview of the 2022 in-person conference being planned for Virginia Beach.

Speakers:

Chris Chmura, Ph.D. 
Founder of Chmura Economics & Analytics

The Honorable Ralph Northam
The 73rd Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia

The Honorable Emmett W. Hanger, Jr.
Senate of Virginia – 24th District
Finance and Appropriations Committee

The Honorable Mark D. Sickles
Virginia House of Delegates – 43rd District
Vice-Chair of Appropriations Committee

Jason El Koubi
Executive Vice President of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership

Registration is now closed. Contact info@aiava.org for more information.

Webinar: Uniting the AEC Industry in Construction Administration During a Global Pandemic

This webinar will engage members of the general contracting, engineering, and architecture communities in a moderated panel discussion to share how we can unite to adequately complete construction phase services during these changing times. Architects and engineers are typically responsible for making regularly scheduled construction site observations on behalf of the Owner to ensure the construction is occurring in accordance with the design documents. General contractors manage all aspects of the construction site and are a vital component in delivering the project to the Owner. Communication and collaboration are more important now than ever before. A discussion will be held on how each party’s obligations during construction have adapted to keep team members safe from COVID-19. Learn about what is working well and best practices in integrating technology into the process.

Learning Objectives

During a pandemic, where travel is limited if not halted:

  • Understand the shifts in construction processes and scheduling while managing stakeholder expectations during a global pandemic
  • Determine how architects can verify that life safety systems (fire alarm and fire sprinkler) and building systems are installed and commissioned to operate as designed before turning the building over to the Owner
  • Through the use of technology, facilitate the acceptance of installed building elements that have a direct correlation with flame spread and smoke passage in the event of a building fire
  • Create and deploy enhanced quality control mechanisms during the erection of structural systems and building envelope to prevent water infiltration and structural compromise/failures

Earn 1 AIA/CES learning unit (HSW)

Watch the recording of the webinar.

Cost:

AIA members: FREE
Non-members: $100

Register online