ArchEx Call for Presentations

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Architecture Exchange East is the annual thought-leadership conference and expo curated by AIA Virginia. It will be held Nov. 1–3, 2017, in Richmond, Virginia, with an audience of several thousand architects and allied professionals over the course of the three-day event. Our goal is to bring together the brightest minds and most engaging speakers to present talks that are future-focused on a wide range of subjects ― and to provoke important conversations among design professionals.

Celebrating its 30th year, ArchEx has always strived to help push the profession forward. We are looking for exciting and engaging topics and speakers to make this historic ArchEx, a truly special one.

Your talk could range from a one-hour session to a full-day workshop. We don’t want to box you into a particular format. We’re encouraging creative approaches to content delivery, including panel discussions, tours, and guided collaborative conversations. We welcome all proposals.

Propose an offering you think is relevant and timely. To propose an offering, complete and submit the Presentation Proposal Form by May 31, 2017. Your proposal will be reviewed and you will be contacted by July 2017.  Incomplete forms will not be accepted.

Requirements

  • Submit a completed proposal form online
    • As we are using a new proposal system, you will need to create a profile to submit a proposal.
    • Please save your login info as you will be able to edit submissions until the deadline day.
    • In progress proposals can be saved, though it is recommended that you submit and edit proposals. Proposals will not be viewed by reviewers prior to the deadline so edit as often as needed.
  • Proposals must be received by the deadline date.
  • Expert speakers with public speaking experience are preferred
  • Presentation content must be sufficient for the proposed length of the session

Deadline is 10 p.m., May 21, 2017

Decision Process

All proposals are evaluated by AIA Virginia’s Program Advisory Group and Professional Excellence Advisory Council to ensure they address educational needs of the audience and that the program is well balanced. The submission review process will begin in June and will continue until the entire program is set.

If you would like to be a part of the Program Advisory Group and help shape the ArchEx program, please contact Marshall Dreiling at mdreiling@aiava.org or (804) 237-1769.

Suggestions and Questions

Suggestions for potential speakers or questions about the conference can be directed to Marshall Dreiling, Education Manager at mdreiling@aiava.org or (804) 237-1769.

Seminar Tracks

There are seven educational tracks:

  • Design (includes all design-related topics, urban and universal, interior design, landscaping, Master Architects Series, etc.);
  • Building Tech (trades, BIM, codes, software, emerging technology, regulations, contracts, AIA Documents, etc);
  • Historic(includes tax credits, research, restorations, rehabilitations for alternative uses, etc.),
  • Business (includes all business topics);
  • Sustainability (includes sustainable design, materials, building practices, etc.); and 
  • General (includes AIA Virginia organizational meetings, activities and events, tours, Keynote, etc.)  

Suggested Topics

  • Tours — Projects of interest, in progress or recently completed, restoration, redevelopment, urban planning, historical architecture, etc.
  • Business planning
  • Excellence in Design
  • New Uses of Technology
  • Codes
  • Accessibility
  • Office management
  • Residential design
  • Healthcare and wellness
  • Sustainable Design

ArchEx 2016 In Pictures

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the 29th Annual AIA Virginia – Architecture Exchange East conference was held Nov. 2-4, 2016 in Richmond, Va. Here’s a look at the fun …

Elevate Your Career

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 “Design can ELEVATE ordinary experiences to extraordinary levels.”

             ~ Russell E. Davidson, FAIA | 2016 AIA President

ELEVATE your career!  You won’t want to miss Architecture Exchange East 2016 …

As I contemplated possible topics for this month’s newsletter article, I decided that concentrating on our largest gathering of architects was well worthy of the space and attention!  Last year, for Architecture Exchange East 2015, our focus was on enriching the experience for our attendees.  We enlivened our signature member event in a way that had everyone departing with their ‘batteries fully recharged.’  Dozens of aspects of the conference were energized, in alignment with our desire to make it more aspirational – and inspirational – for everyone.

Folks definitely noticed the CHANGE in last year’s Architecture Exchange East.  89% of attendees rated the event good or excellent, and 93% indicated that they plan to attend this year.  Their favorite things included the new layout of the ballroom for general sessions, the opening and closing keynote speakers, the convention ‘app,’ and shorter, higher-quality educational seminars.  Votes for the least-favorite things included lunch seating, cost and availability of parking, and low exhibitor numbers.

There were a number of excellent suggestions for improving the quality of the experience, and we’ve taken many of those to heart in planning for ArchEx 2016: better registration system, enhanced seminar descriptions, collaboration with allied professional groups, and even more ‘meet and greet’ time.

ArchEx 2016 will elevate the profession with its renewed emphasis on networking, innovative learning methods, and dynamic new materials and products.  You should have already received the mega-card in the mail, and registration opened August 30.  Additional promotional materials will arrive shortly that will further stimulate your interest in participating.  And for those of you who are focused on obtaining credits, a total of 19 hours will be available, 14.5 of which are HSW.  Schedule highlights include:

  • New ‘eye-opener’ educational seminars both mornings;
  • Thursday morning opening keynote speaker Rosa T. Sheng, AIA, an authority in the AIA on all issues related to equity, diversity, and inclusiveness. Rosa will share why equity in practice matters, and on elevating architecture’s impact;
  • AIA Virginia Annual Membership Meeting Thursday, November 3, 12:45 p.m., room E11a.
  • Meet and greet events all of Thursday, with a Welcome Coffee in the morning, the exhibit hall Connections Party late in the afternoon, and Networking parties in the evening;
  • Seminar tracks on business, design, building science, sustainability, and materials/products;
  • Tours of the Metl-Span Factory, the Branch House + Broad Street Station (now the Science Museum of Virginia), the State Capitol, and streetscapes of downtown Richmond;
  • Friday afternoon closing keynote speaker Mickey Jacob, FAIA, the AIA’s favorite Citizen Architect, 2013 AIA President, and 2018 Tampa Mayoral candidate. Mickey’s message will elevate your career and your engagement as a vital contributor to the built environment;
  • Visions for Architecture, AIA Virginia’s honors and design awards ceremony/celebration at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts on Friday evening.

I look forward to sharing an elevating experience with you at the Greater Richmond Convention Center during Architecture Exchange East 2016, November 2-4!

Helene C. Dreiling signature

 

 

 

Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA | Executive Vice President/CEO

ArchEx 2016 Keynote Speakers

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We are not looking back! Architecture Exchange East 2016 will elevate the profession with our renewed emphasis on networking, innovative learning methods, and dynamic new materials and products. Now in its 29th year, ArchEx continues to be the mid-Atlantic’s largest annual educational event and expo with more than 60 educational sessions, behind-the-scenes architectural tours, engaging special events, and cutting-edge vendors.

Delivering the opening and closing keynotes this year at Architecture Exchange East will be Rosa T. Sheng, AIA, and Mickey Jacob, FAIA.

Rosa T. Sheng, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Rosa T. Sheng, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Rosa T. Sheng, AIA, LEED AP BD+C is a Senior Associate at Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Founder and Chair for Equity by Design and Treasurer of AIA San Francisco. Leading the charge for more research on talent retention in the profession, Rosa led the 2014 and 2016 Equity in Architecture Survey projects, authored AIA National Resolution 15-1, and served on the Equity in Architecture Commission. She has presented keynotes nationally and abroad including Boston, New York, Lisbon, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Seattle and San Francisco. Equity by Design and the Equity in Architecture movement have been featured in Architect Magazine, Architectural Record, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, TEDxPhiladelphia and KQED/NPR.

Mickey Jacob, FAIA
Mickey Jacob, FAIA

A native of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Mickey Jacob, FAIA graduated from the University of Detroit School of Architecture in 1981 and relocated immediately to Tampa where he has practiced Architecture for 35 years. A founding partner at Urban Studio Architects for over 25 years, currently Mickey is the Executive Vice President for Strategy and Business Development at BDG Architects after a 2013 merger. An Architect dedicated to leadership in the profession of architecture, in business, in the public realm, and in politics with a commitment to create inspiring places and engage with the important issues to make a better-built environment that improves the quality of life for everyone in the community. With a focus on Corporate Interiors and Hospitality projects, Mickey’s work over the years include the Epicurean Hotel, Grand Central on Kennedy, Lykes Lines Corporate Headquarters, myMatrixx Headquarters, Metro 510, The Birchwood, IBM Regional Headquarters, United States Central Command Situation Room and “J” War Rooms, and Mise en Place Restaurant.

Registration opens Aug. 30 at www.ArchEx.net. Don’t miss it!

Elevation

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ArchEx 2016 - Email Header - 800x150

The theme for the 29th annual AIA Virginia convention will be Elevation

  • Elevation of the human condition through the power of architecture
  • Elevation of the profession through the sharing of knowledge
  • Elevation of your career through professional development
  • Elevation as a view of crucial architectural elements
  • Elevation as we look at rising sea levels and climate change
  • Elevation to Fellowship

Have an idea for an event, tour or seminar? Contact Marshall Dreiling, Education Manager, mdreiling@aiava.org

Registration opens in August.

ArchEx Call For Presentations

Posted on by cguske

Architecture Exchange East is the annual thought-leadership conference and expo curated by AIA Virginia. It will be held Nov. 2–4, 2016, in Richmond, Virginia, with an audience of several thousand architects and allied professionals over the course of the three-day event. Our goal is to bring together the brightest minds and most engaging speakers to present talks that are future-focused on a wide range of subjects ― and to provoke important conversations among design professionals.

Though Architecture Exchange East has a 29-year history, we are looking forward to building on the energy of last year’s conference with a renewed and vigorous focus on curating exceptional, inspirational content. We hope you will consider being an integral part of this gathering of creative professionals.

Your talk could range from a one-hour session to a full-day workshop. We don’t want to box you into a particular format. We’re encouraging creative approaches to content delivery, including panel discussions, tours, and guided collaborative conversations. We welcome all proposals.

Propose an offering you think is relevant and timely, or pick something from the Suggested Topics list below. To propose an offering, complete and submit the Presentation Proposal Form by April 30, 2016. Your proposal will be reviewed and you will be contacted by July 2016.  Incomplete forms will not be accepted.

Those vendors interested in presenting a sponsored, please contact Judy Cheadle at jcheadle@aiava.org (804) 237-1777.

Requirements

  • Submit a completed proposal form online
  • Proposals must be received by the deadline date
  • Expert speakers with public speaking experience are preferred
  • Presentation content must be sufficient for the proposed length of the session

Deadline is 10 p.m., April 30, 2016

Decision Process

All proposals are evaluated by AIA Virginia’s Program Advisory Group to ensure they address educational needs of the audience and that the program is well balanced. Course selections begin in May and will continue until the entire program is set.

Suggestions and Questions

Suggestions for potential speakers or questions about the conference can be directed to Marshall Dreiling, Education Manager at mdreiling@aiava.org or (804) 237-1769.

Seminar Tracks

There are seven educational tracks: Design (includes all design-related topics, urban and universal, interior design, landscaping, Master Architects Series, etc.); Tech (trades, BIM, codes, software, emerging technology, regulations, contracts, AIA Documents, etc); Historic (includes tax credits, research, restorations, rehabilitations for alternative uses, etc.), Business (includes all business topics); Green (includes sustainable design, materials, building practices, etc.); and  General (includes AIA Virginia organizational meetings, activities and events, tours, Keynote, etc.)  

Suggested Topics

  • Master Architect Series — examining the work of a prominent or master architect, which may include someone of historical interest or a modern master
  • Tours — Projects of interest, in progress or recently completed, restoration, redevelopment, urban planning, historical architecture, etc.
  • Excellence in Design
  • New Uses of Technology
  • Codes
  • Accessibility
  • Sustainable Design

The topics below were identified by past attendees as desirable seminars for 2015

  • ADA
  • Building Codes
  • Business planning
  • Creativity
  • Mentorship
  • Leadership
  • Marketing
  • Design/Build
  • New materials
  • Theory
  • Emerging professionals
  • Technology
  • Design process
  • Coping with changing nature of architectural practice
  • Office management
  • LEED and design/construction problems
  • Project collaboration systems/software
  • Envelope design
  • Moisture-proofing systems
  • Residential design
  • Emerging technologies
  • Adapting to challenging economic conditions
  • Affordable and practical ways to conserve energy
  • Evidence-based design
  • Websites and social media for architects
  • Green Globes vs. LEED
  • Innovative building practices
  • Climate resilience
  • Basic building materials
  • African American architects
  • Integrating research with practice
  • Use of BIM in the small firm
  • Designing spaces for alternative medicine
  • Wellness facilities
  • Zero-impact, self-contained structures in resource-development areas
  • Healthcare and wellness
  • Integration of trades, such as HVAC, electrical systems, communications, AV
  • Future of architecture as practiced in the U.S.
  • Retirement
  • Surviving unemployment during recession
  • Advances in BIM for Facility Maintenance
  • Balancing work and family/life
  • Related fields such as mechanical design
  • Common causes of Change Orders

Architecture Exchange East – Call for Volunteers

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We’re seeking a limited number of individuals to serve as volunteers at Architecture Exchange East. In exchange for your service, you can attend ArchEx for free on the day(s) you help out. Architecture Exchange East takes place at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Nov. 4-6, 2015. Find out more at www.archex.net.

We are looking for volunteers who are capable of completing a number of different tasks throughout the conference. Volunteers are expected to commit to a minimum of one full day in order to receive the complimentary conference registration.

While we try to accommodate all requests, you’ll be assigned to positions where we have the need. You must fulfill your entire commitment to receive complimentary conference registration.

If you are interested, please contact us right away.

Contact Hannah Levy at (804) 237-1778 or hlevy@aiava.org

Registration Now Open

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Register for Architecture Exchange East 2015>>

The wait is over. Registration is now open for Architecture Exchange East 2015, one of the largest and most exciting annual gatherings of architects and design professionals in the mid-Atlantic.

This year’s schedule includes keynotes from Andrew Freear and David Zach, 80+ career-changing workshops, seminars, tours, and events led by visionaries, networking dinners and the Visions for Architecture Gala.

View the full event schedule>>

Register today for seminars, tours and events before they sell out! 

Discount registration rates good through Oct. 20, 2015.
Online registration closes Oct. 28, 2015.

Are You Ready For A Change?

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“Always design a thing by considering it in its next larger context – a chair in a room, a room in a house, a house in an environment, an environment in a city plan.”    ~ Eliel Saarinen

For this month’s article, I reflect on Mr. Saarinen’s quotation as we move through the ‘redesign’ of Architecture Exchange East.  We are more than reinvigorating this significant member event; we’re completely enlivening it in a way that will have our members and friends departing the event genuinely inspired and with batteries fully recharged.  In other words, like many of our other programmatic refinements, elevating the member experience is foremost in our minds.

Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA
Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA

Early in the year, members of the core ArchEx team traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in an “Experience Innovation Forum” led by our impressive consultants, 360 Live Media.  As experts in live events and ‘designed experiences,’ they led us through a series of exercises and conversations intended to stimulate new thinking about the event towards a total refresh for 2015 and beyond.  Following that session, rapid progress was made on enhancements as Vice President Corey Clayborne, AIA, worked with the Professional Excellence Council and members of the staff team to provide an exciting and inspirational experience for our attendees.

Major efforts continue to energize all aspects of the conference in alignment with our desire to make it more aspirational and inspirational for everyone.  Planning meetings are being held regularly to discuss the exposition hall, educational programming, marketing and promotions, hospitality, and other major components.

Our two keynote speakers have been secured for Thursday morning and Friday afternoon, and both are excited to be a part of our program.  The opening keynote address (before lunch on Thursday) will be by Andrew Freear, Director of the Auburn Rural Studio.  Now twenty years in existence since its founding by Sambo Mockbee, FAIA, this programmatic model of social responsibility continues to provide structures for housing and community to underserved populations in western Alabama through student-led design-build projects.  As the Director of the program for 14 years, Andrew will inspire our audience through his touching stories about the transformational power of architecture in these rural areas.

The closing keynote (following lunch on Friday) will be presented by futurist David Zach.  Well known for his blow-your-socks-off speeches about trends and expectations, David is a former public member of the AIA Board of Directors.  His amazing insights will focus on architecture and design and their influence on the future of our country and the world.  David is a highly sought-after speaker, and his remarks are often appreciated by those early in their careers.

In addition to these dual keynotes, watch for a registration reception on Thursday morning, special-interest-area gatherings on Thursday evening, topic-centric coffee sessions Friday morning, powerful educational sessions in a variety of formats on both days, an increased number of tours, a more exciting exhibition hall experience, and a moving Visions for Architecture gathering to cap the conference.

Promotional materials will begin arriving shortly that will further stimulate your interest in participating in a wholly redesigned user experience – one that will be awesome for attendees, vendors, and speakers alike.  We know you’re going to notice the CHANGE in this year’s Architecture Exchange East!  In fact, we are willing to guarantee that you will have a better experience … or next year is on us.

Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA
Executive Vice President

2015 ArchEx Keynotes

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You’ll enjoy two inspiring keynotes at this year’s Architecture Exchange East, Nov. 4-6, 2015, in Richmond.

On Thursday, we’ll hear from Andrew Freear.

Andrew Freear
Andrew Freear

Andrew Freear, from Yorkshire, England, is the Wiatt Professor at Auburn University Rural Studio. After the untimely death of Samuel Mockbee, he became the Director of the Studio in 2002.

For sixteen years Freear has lived in the small rural community of Newbern, West Alabama where his main role, aside from directing Rural Studio is project advisor to fifth-year undergraduate students: designing and building charity homes and community projects to improve local conditions.

Freear has designed Rural Studio exhibits in Chicago, Cincinnati, Vienna, Barcelona, 2002 Whitney Biennial, the 2005 Sao Paulo Biennal, the 2008 Venice Biennale and most recently at the V&A in London, and at MOMA NYC. He lectures across the United States and Europe. In contrast, he is a member of the Newbern Volunteer Fire Department in Newbern.

In 2006 Freear was honored with The Ralph Erskine Award, from Sweden, which aspires to promote urban planning and architecture which is functional, economical and beautiful, and which is to the advantage of underprivileged and deprived groups in any society.  In 2008 he was a Laureate in the second edition of the Global Awards for Sustainable Architecture.

He has just written a book about the Rural Studio educational process entitled: “Rural Studio at twenty: designing and building in Hale County, Alabama.

 

And on Friday, we’ll hear from David Zach.

David Zach
David Zach

The future depends upon design – and designers need to understand how important their role is in building that future. Some have said that the future requires us to be open to change, but futurist David Zach disagrees. It’s not that simple. To design and build a better future, we have to hold on to the best of the past and make sure we learn from the lessons of history. To believe that everything can change, that nothing is permanent, is to believe that we have learned nothing.

Design and logistics are now at the center of the economy and these two forces are both clashing and cooperating to create an explosion of innovation. The boundaries between design occupations are fading. Design professionals are not only taking their talents into other realms, so those other realms are poaching into theirs too. 3D printing could help spark a manufacturing renaissance and the reindustrialization of America. Virtual design could have many people not caring for the built environment. The down sourcing of design talent into a variety of inexpensive apps raises questions, for instance: Can designers be automated? (Brief answer: No. Not the good ones.) It also raises questions about what will define a design professional in the 21st century.

This is the most exciting time to be an architect at the intersection of logistics and design. You’ve got questions about the future and your careers? David does too. Join him on Friday for this poignant discussion.

David Zach is a futurist who have given over 1,500 talks throughout North America and Europe. He was the 2010-2013 Public Director on the AIA National Board. In 2012, he received a Presidential Citation from AIAS for his work with Emerging Professionals. He loves architecture and design. He’s hopeful about architects.

Registration for Architecture Exchange East opens soon!