September 2, 2026 
Potomac Valley Events
CHAPTER CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY
AIA Potomac Valley will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. We will reopen Tuesday, September 8.
Best Practices in Precast Concrete Multifamily Construction
September 23, 12:00 − 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
Precast, prestressed concrete delivers durable, efficient, and accelerated construction for multifamily projects, offering safe, visually appealing buildings that reflect community character. Mid‑Atlantic precast fabricators are industry leaders in modern prefabrication, partnering closely with owners, architects, and builders from early design through completion. The program will showcase multifamily case studies that highlight precast’s performance, aesthetic, and schedule advantages.
UMD Fall 2026 Lecture Series
Wednesdays, September 23−November 4, 2026 | 4:00 − 5:30 PM
College Park, MD | Architecture Building Auditorium | Details
The University of Maryland will host several notable lecture series in Fall 2026 across different colleges and departments. AIA credits are provided courtesy of AIA Potomac Valley.
Heritage as Climate Action: Cultural Wisdom, Ethical Urbanism, and the Future of Sustainable Architecture
September 23, 2026 | 4:00 − 5:30 PM | 1.5 LU/HSW | Details
Speaker: Johannes Widodo, National University of Singapore, College of Design and Engineering
A Tale of Two Lodges: Relationality and the Architecture of Isolation
October 14, 2026 | 4:00 − 5:30 PM | 1.5 LU/HSW | Details
Speaker: David Fortin, David Fortin Architects, Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (Craig & Mimi Spangler Architecture Lecture)
AI Summit:
October 28 & October 30, 2026 | 2:00 − 6:00 PM | Details
This two-day event will bring together experts from architectural firms, universities, and industry to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in architecture and design.
Why Listen?
November 4, 2026 | 4:00 − 5:30 PM | 1.5 LU/HSW | Details
Speaker: Carin Smuts, Principle, CS Studio and Architects (Colden Florence-Thomas Eichbaum Lecture)
Harmony & Keen Showroom Happy Hour
September 24, 5:00 − 7:00 PM (New Date & Time)
Rockville, MD | RSVP
Kindly RSVP by September 17 so we can provide the appropriate amount of seating and food. Bring a colleague! You can add them when you RSVP.
Questions? Contact Kingston Zhang, Sales Manager at 240-919-0198.
Pressure-Equalized Rainscreens: Single Skin Metal Panel Systems
October 6, 12:00 − 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
Throughout this presentation, we'll examine the fundamentals of rainscreen design, pressure equalization principles, performance criteria, and practical implementation strategies that can enhance your next project's durability and performance. This continuing education course is tailored to architects and building envelope professionals seeking to deepen their technical understanding.
AIAPV 2026 Design + Leadership Awards Celebration
October 22, 6:00 − 9:00 PM
College Park, MD | REGISTER
AIAPV's Design + Leadership Awards 2026 will be held on Thursday, October 22 at the College Park Aviation Airport Operations Center in College Park. This annual celebratory event provides the opportunity for architects and the greater design community to network with professional peers, celebrate the best work of our members and our region through the chapter's professional Excellence in Design Awards program and our Emerging Professional and Student Design Awards programs, and recognize outstanding leadership with the presentation of our Kea Award. We invite you to join us!
Sep 11 | Committee on the Environment (COTE) (Virtual) 11:00 AM
Sep 16 | Emerging Professionals Committee (Virtual) 6:30 PM
Events, Education & Opportunities
Passive House DC Chapter Meeting
September 17, 12:00 − 1:00 PM
Virtual | REGISTER
Attend and network with others working to transform the building industry across the US. Get the latest, regional, national and international Passive House news. Hear reports on ongoing efforts and help brainstorm new ones. Please invite friends or colleagues who may be interested. Zoom link is provided with registration.
Passive House Washington DC is part of The Passive House Network, in affiliation with the International Passive House Association, and the Passive House Institute. Questions welcome: [email protected]
Monthly Guides in Action: Negotiation
September 17, 4:00 PM
Virtual | REGISTER
This Guides in Action session will focus on Chapter 5: Negotiation and how power, bias, and identity can affect negotiation outcomes. Explore negotiation not just as a personal tactic, but as a professional competency that shapes access, advancement, and influence.
AIA Maryland 2026 Design Awards Celebration
September 17, 5:00 PM
Mitchellville, MD | REGISTER
Tickets are on sale for the 2026 AIA Maryland Excellence in Design Awards Celebration. Join us as we award architects, teams, and projects redefining our skylines and communities—from bold commercial builds to thoughtful historic preservation, standout interiors, and forward-thinking unbuilt architecture. Signature cocktails, premium beverages, gourmet small plates, and passed hors d'oeuvres included. Complimentary on-site parking is available for all guests.
AIA CRAN Symposium 2026: Legacy
September 23−26
San Antonio, TX | REGISTER (by August 31)
The CRAN Symposium 2026 will explore LEGACY—the lasting influence of place, design, and people who shaped San Antonio’s rich and vibrant residential architecture. Three days of curated seminars, inspiring home tours, special networking events, and an innovative vendor showcase. It will also explore San Antonio's architectural history and influences.
AIA Trust Week 2026
September 28−October 2
Virtual | REGISTER
AIA Trust Week returns September 28−October 2 with nine free virtual sessions focused on issues shaping architecture practice today, including AI, cybersecurity, climate resilience, legal risk, professional liability, healthcare, retirement, employee benefits, and more. All sessions are free and eligible for AIA Continuing Education credit.
Firm Management Symposium 2026
October 1−2
Washington, DC (GCAD) | REGISTER
The Firm Management Symposium (FMS) is a new AIA event, October 1−2, 2026, in Washington, DC, delivering focused, high-value learning on the fundamentals that drive firm success: winning work, delivering results, and getting paid. Designed for firm owners and emerging leaders seeking business training without the time and cost of a traditional conference, FMS equips firm leaders with the skills needed to strengthen their practice in today's rapidly evolving industry.
Spots are limited. AIA members save $150 on registration. Members are encouraged to secure their spot now at this first major event at the new AIA Global Campus for Architecture & Design®.
Public Architecture Symposium 2026
October 20, 8:00 AM − 6:30 PM
Washington, DC (GCAD) | REGISTER
Building Public Trust: Advancing Integrity & Collaboration in Civic Architecture brings together public architects, civic leaders, and industry professionals to explore architecture's role in creating equitable, resilient, and future-ready communities.
Economic Update Q4 2026 ABI Insights
October 21, 2:00 − 3:00 PM
Virtual | 1 LU | REGISTER
Join AIA Chief Economist Richard Branch for a quarterly conversation about the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI). The ABI is a leading monthly economic indicator that uses proprietary AIA data to predict nonresidential construction activity 9–12 months ahead. Get ahead of emerging challenges and opportunities and inform your strategic planning with key insights into the industry’s latest economic data and trends.
Women's Leadership Summit 2026
November 1−3
Kansas City, MO | REGISTER
Registration is open for the Women's Leadership Summit 2026, taking place November 1−3 in Kansas City. Members save more than $240 on registration. Experience the architecture profession’s premier leadership event designed to accelerate women into positions of influence, visibility, and impact. Across three inspiring days, you’ll gain the network, insights, and momentum to grow your career and lead with impact.
This year's summit features keynote, long-distance swimmer, Diana Nyad about assembling a high-performance team, and enjoy TED-talk-style conversations at the WLS Storytelling Stage on pivotal moments, lessons, and real world successes.
2026 Virtual Masonry Masterclass for Senior-Level Design Professionals
November 2−December 14
Virtual | Up to 10 AIA LU/HSW | Details | REGISTER (by October 9)
This is a unique, free advanced-level design course for experienced architects and structural engineers who want to deepen their masonry expertise and improve the quality and efficiency of their projects.
This class will discuss provisions within the IBC that can reduce masonry labor costs, improve structural performance, and communicate masonry advances and best practices to design professionals. Through this five-session series, you’ll gain insights that make your job easier—and lead to better masonry structures at a lower cost.
Each class will be hosted by one or more Upstate NY MCAA Chapter members, who will share real-world perspectives from the field.
Registration is limited and selected by application. An invitation will be sent to those selected. Registration closes October 9.
2026 Future Forward Conference & Expo
November 4, 8:00 AM − 5:00 PM
Linthicum Heights, MD | Maritime Conference Center | Details | REGISTER
The Future Forward Conference & Expo brings together architects, engineers, tradesmen, and professionals from the construction field, along with associates and industry leaders from Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.
Explore cutting-edge sustainability practices, network with decision-makers, and gain actionable insights to lead the industry forward. This landmark event features distinguished speakers, special events, and a dynamic expo showcasing cutting-edge products and services.
From AIA
Updated AIA Code of Ethics Now Available
The 2026 AIA Board of Directors has approved updates to the AIA Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct (Code) following recommendations from the National Ethics Council (NEC). Members are encouraged to review the updated Code and familiarize themselves with these revisions.
Share Your Input on Proposed SBA Small-Business Standards
In this post, Matt Toddy, AIA, covers proposed changes to what qualifies as a small business for federal contracting and outlines how AIA members can speak up. He also goes over other advocacy news.
Help Shape the Future of Architects Foundation
Architects Foundation is developing its next strategic plan and wants to hear from you. Share your perspectives on the Foundation’s priorities, programs, and impact through a brief survey. Your feedback will help guide its work supporting the next generation of architects and advancing the profession. Take the survey >
ABI July 2026: Architecture Firm Billings Remain Weak
Architecture firm billings remained weak in July, with the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) at 46.6, extending the downturn in business conditions to nearly three and a half years. Inquiries into new projects continued to rise, but newly signed design contracts declined. This month’s report also looks at mergers and acquisitions as a strategy for growth and long-term stability. Thirty percent of responding firm leaders said they had participated in or actively considered a merger or acquisition in the past year, and 65% expect M&A activity among U.S. architecture firms to increase over the next three to five years.
Resources for Navigating Economic Uncertainty
When the economy shifts, know where to start. AIA has the tools, resources, and network to help you adapt—whether you’re rethinking business strategy, career planning, or prioritizing well-being.
Artificial Intelligence Resources from AIA
AI is creating new possibilities—and new questions—for the architecture profession. AIA helps architects and firms understand, evaluate, and use AI responsibly with practical tools, education, research, and guidance. Read more >
New AIA AI Firm Toolkit
Wondering where your firm stands on AI? The AIA AI Firm Toolkit is a free, interactive resource developed by the AIA AI Task Force to help firms of every size adopt AI responsibly.
For small firms in particular, the toolkit's AI maturity assessment is a strong place to start. It's a five-question quiz that helps you assess where your firm stands today and gives you a clear picture of practical next steps tailored to your level. Whether your firm is just beginning to explore AI or already building it into your workflows, the assessment meets you where you are.
The toolkit also covers AI literacy, policy development, ethics frameworks, and change management and will continually be updated as technology and the profession evolve.
National Government Advocacy Committee – End of August 2026
The National Government Advocacy Committee report for the end of August 2026 is now available for viewing.
AIA Government Affairs Forum − August Newsletter
Check out the latest newsletter here.
SFX Insider − August 2026
In August, the state reps and boards discussed pursuing vs. attracting work. Check out The Insider report, "Pursuing vs. Attracting Work: The Value of Branding, Presence, and Strategic Visibility" for key takeaways.
Calls, Competitions & Deadlines
AIAPV 2026 Student and Emerging Professional Design Competitions
Submission Deadline: September 14
Calling all architecture students and emerging professionals! Submissions are closing soon for AIAPV's 2026 Student and Emerging Professional Design Competitions. These programs offer an opportunity to showcase your creativity, tackle real-world design challenges, and earn recognition and prizes at AIAPV’s Design + Leadership Awards celebration this October.
2026 AIAPV Student Design Competition: Reimagining Urban Spaces in the DMV
This competition, sponsored by the Potomac Valley Architecture Foundation (PVAF), invites any Undergraduate or Graduate student enrolled in an Architecture program in Maryland, DC, or Virginia to submit a previously completed studio project that transforms an underutilized urban space in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C. into a vibrant, sustainable, and community-centered environment. Projects completed during studies may be submitted up to 1 year after graduation.
• Student Design Competition details can be found HERE.
2026 AIAPV Emerging Professional Design Competition: Revitalizing Urban Spaces in Maryland
AIA Potomac Valley invites individuals and teams (up to four members) to enter the 2026 Emerging Professional Design Competition, focused on revitalizing neglected urban spaces across Maryland—from vacant lots in Baltimore to abandoned buildings in Frederick and waterfronts in Annapolis. Participants will submit a digital file of a 36"x48" board featuring site analysis, a compelling design proposal with drawings and 3D renderings, and a community impact strategy. Entries will be judged on innovation, sustainability, feasibility, site integration, and visual communication.
• Emerging Professional Design Competition details can be found HERE.
Submissions for both of these competitions are free and must be uploaded through the online portal by Monday, September 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT.
Apply Now – AIA Potomac Valley Emerging Professional Awards Program
Application Deadline: October 2 at 12:00 PM
AIA Potomac Valley’s Emerging Professional Awards Program (EPAP) is still seeking applicants! Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your career and connect with some of the region’s most accomplished architects. Applications are due Friday, October 2 at 12:00 PM (Noon).
EPAP recognizes outstanding Emerging Professional leaders and supports their growth through a unique, year-long mentorship with AIA Potomac Valley Fellows. Selected awardees receive a $500 cash award plus a $1,000 professional development stipend to be used for leadership programs, career development, and networking opportunities.
Take advantage of this chance to sharpen your leadership skills, gain valuable mentorship, and expand your professional network.
Call for Proposals: AIA Leadership Summit
Deadline for Proposals: October 9
Shape the conversation at AIA Leadership Summit 2027—the premier advocacy and leadership training event for AIA chapter leaders—February 10–13 in Washington, D.C. This is your opportunity to share your expertise, innovative ideas, and best practices to help strengthen chapter success. We’re seeking dynamic, forward-looking sessions that equip chapter leaders with practical tools, reinforce core principles, and inspire action. Experienced presenters, first-time contributors, and volunteer members are all invited to submit a proposal.
AIA Maryland 2026 Early Professional Friendly Firm Award
Application Deadline: October 19 at 11:59 PM
Applications are open for AIA Maryland's 2026 Early Professional Friendly Firm (EPFF) Award. The program recognizes firms that make supporting early professionals a meaningful part of their practice.
From mentorship and licensure support to professional development, workplace culture, and opportunities to lead, EPFF recognizes firms that are creating places where the next generation of architects can build their careers.
There is no fee to apply.
Classified Ads
2026-09-08:
AIA Miami and the Miami Center for Architecture and Design are hiring an executive director.
This is a unique executive leadership opportunity overseeing two aligned but distinct non-profit entities: AIA Miami, a 501(c)6 professional membership association serving architects and allied professionals; and the Miami Center for Architecture and Design (MCAD), a 501(c)3 charitable foundation dedicated to being the physical gateway for Miami into the world of architecture and urban design. The Executive Director serves as the chief staff executive for both entities, reporting to their respective Boards of Directors and working in close partnership with the AIA Miami President and MCAD Chair.
The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated experience managing both a 501(c)6 membership organization and a 501(c)3 charitable foundation, with a strong understanding of governance distinctions, compliance requirements, fundraising strategy, and mission alignment between affiliated entities.
AIA Miami has engaged an organizational management consultancy, The Three Aspens, Ltd., to assist with this executive search. Inquiries and nominations should be directed (confidentially) to Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA via e-mail at [email protected]. No phone calls, please.
To be considered, applicants must submit a customized letter of interest and resume/curriculum vitae to Ms. Dreiling at [email protected] by 5:00 pm EDT on October 1, 2026.
