July 8, 2026

Chapter News

Exciting Changes Ahead: New Website & Newsletter Coming Soon!

We're excited to announce that we're upgrading our website and refreshing our newsletters to better serve our members and community!

As we launch our new website, perform system maintenance, and redesign our communications, the next issue of Potomac Valley Architect will be published on August 5, 2026.

In the meantime, we encourage you to stay connected by regularly checking our Calendar and following us on our social media channels—LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook or X—for the latest chapter news, events, and updates.

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition and look forward to sharing our improved online experience with you soon!

DEADLINE APPROACHING—SUBMIT YOUR BEST WORK BY JULY 20

There's still time to submit your best work to the 2026 AIA Potomac Valley Excellence in Design Awards competition, but don't wait—entries close Monday, July 20 at 11:59 PM (no late submissions accepted). Showcase projects that demonstrate design excellence, innovation, sustainability, and community impact while gaining recognition for your firm, clients, and collaborators. 

Entries will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of firm leaders from AIA Arkansas (see below) led by Head Juror Marlon M. Blackwell, FAIA, Founding Partner + Design Director, Marlon Blackwell Architects. Award winners will be honored at AIAPV’s Design + Leadership Awards on the evening of Thursday, October 22. Save the date!

2026 Call for Entries
Submit a Project
Sponsorship Opportunities

ANNOUNCING THE 2026 EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARDS JURY

Bringing together a broad range of expertise, this year’s jury hosted by AIA Arkansas is composed of accomplished firm leaders whose diverse practices and perspectives reflect the richness of the profession. We are grateful to Jury Chair Marlon Blackwell, FAIA, for thoughtfully assembling this exceptional panel to review submissions for AIAPV’s 2026 Excellence in Design Awards competition. Their insight and careful deliberation will help recognize the year’s most outstanding achievements in design.

MEET THE JURY

Marlon Blackwell, FAIA [Chair]
Founder
2020 AIA Gold Medal Recipient
Marlon Blackwell Architects

Meryati (Ati) Blackwell, FAIA, ASID
Partner
Marlon Blackwell Architects  

Yume Rudzinski, AIA
Founder
Architects 226 Incorporated

Charles G. Sharpless, AIA
Co-Founder and Principal
Somewhere Studio, LLC
Associate Professor of Interior Architecture and Design
University of Arkansas

Wesley Walls, AIA
Principal / Little Rock
Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects

     
 
Click here for details on advertising in Potomac Valley Architect

Back to top

Potomac Valley Events

Uses, Applications & Advantages of Perforated Metal & Profile Wire

July 22, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER

This course will explore architectural uses for perforated metals, wedge wire, and profile bar. Participants will gain insight into how this material is manufactured, designed, specified, and used in various applications. It will also explore its optimal uses as cladding, sunshades, ventilation grilles, grating, entrance flooring; as well as other decorative elements.

RISK MITIGATION FOR THE BUILDING ENVELOPE

September 1, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU | REGISTER

This presentation explores proactive risk mitigation strategies for building envelope design throughout both the design and construction administration phases. The course examines inherent risks associated with improper detailing, material selection, coordination failures, and poor construction practices that can lead to water and air infiltration, condensation, structural deterioration, energy inefficiency and long-term durability concerns. The session also emphasizes the critical role of commissioning, field-testing, and performance verification in ensuring the building envelope meets intended safety, durability, and operational standards.

AIA Potomac Valley Committee Meetings – Join Us!

July 10 | Committee on the Environment (COTE) (Virtual) 11:00 AM
July 15 | Emerging Professionals Committee (Virtual) 6:30 PM
August 12 | Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) Committee (Virtual) 1:00 PM

Back to top

Featured Project

HILLANDALE PAVILION

Winstanley Architects & Planners
Hillandale, MD

Our celebration of the winners of AIAPV’s 2025 Excellence in Design Awards continues with congratulations to Winstanley Architects & Planners on earning a Merit Award from the jury for the Hillandale Pavilion. Located in Hillandale, Maryland, the pavilion is a key element of the renovation and revitalization of Hillandale Local Park, enhancing the park’s role as both a recreational destination and a vibrant gathering place for the community.

Above Image: Elevation. Photo: Anice Hoachlander Photography


(l to r) Marc Feinstein, AIA (2025 AIAPV President) with Michael Winstanley, AIA; Leejung Hong; and George Eisenberger, AIA –Winstanley Architects & Planners  Photo: ©2025 Montgomery Planning 

The design of the Hillandale Local Park Pavilion embodies a playful and dynamic architectural expression, inspired by the very meaning of "Hill and Dale"—a landscape of rolling hills and valleys. The double-pitched roof reflects this concept, creating a sense of movement and rhythm that echoes the natural undulations of the surrounding park terrain. The design team explored multiple concepts, engaging with community groups throughout the process to ensure the pavilion would be a welcoming and meaningful structure for local residents.

Elevation. Photo: Anice Hoachlander Photography

Eye level view. Photo: Anice Hoachlander Photography

By combining thoughtful architecture, accessibility, and community-driven design, the new Hillandale Local Park Pavilion provides a modern, welcoming space that enriches the recreational, environmental, and social fabric of the neighborhood. Whether serving as a gathering space, event venue, or outdoor retreat, the pavilion strengthens Hillandale Local Park’s legacy as a vibrant community asset for years to come.

Close up view. Photo: Anice Hoachlander Photography

JURY: “In its simplicity, the pavilion gifts the community a stage for everyday ritual—picnics, play, gathering—where belonging is practiced in the open air.”

LEARN MORE

View all 2025 AIAPV Design Award Winners at: https://bit.ly/2025AIAPVDesignAwardsWinnersGallery

Back to top

Events, Education & Opportunities

MIDDLE HOUSING/GROWING NEIGHBORHOODS

July 13, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER

Presented by the Housing and Community Development Knowledge Community, this webinar looks at stacked flat middle housing as a solution for adding housing to existing neighborhoods. The seminar will discuss how stacked flat middle housing can be a template for integrating new housing opportunities in existing neighborhoods, at a more efficient scale for development. Stacked flats present opportunities to unlock new housing supply in neighborhoods that have not seen new investment or on sites that would otherwise be overlooked by large multifamily developers due to size or difficulty. The seminar will highlight creative vertical circulation that is often necessary, such as single stair code reform and multi-story units to achieve viability.

PASSIVE HOUSE DC CHAPTER MEETING

July 16, 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]

Guides in Action: Compensation

July 16, 4:00 PM
Virtual | REGISTER

Explore how compensation influences equity during the next Guides in Action session. This interactive discussion highlights Chapter 3 of the Guides for Equitable Practice and demonstrates how the Activation Kit can help identify strategies that promote equitable compensation practices. Space is limited and registration is required for those planning to attend. Contact Andrea Milo with questions. 

2026 ARE^® PREP: CONSTRUCTION & EVALUATION (CE)

July 18, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Virtual | 5 LU/HSW | REGISTER

Organized by AIA Northern Virginia

Prepare for the Construction and Evaluation section of the Architect Registration Examination^® 5.0 (ARE^® 5.0) with our comprehensive course. As one of the six divisions in ARE^® 5.0, this program delves into construction, contract administration, and post-occupancy evaluation of projects. Explore critical areas like construction observation, shop drawing and submittal review, bidding and negotiation, and project closeout, all essential elements for safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants. Join us for a practical and thorough preparation experience.

When Contracts Go Wrong: 3 Core Provisions That Shape Project Success 

July 21, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Free Webinar | REGISTER 

When a project goes sideways, who's responsible? The answer is usually written in a few provisions you may not think about until something goes wrong. 
 
Join AIA Contract Documents (ACD) for a discussion on three contract provisions that routinely influence project outcomes. You'll hear from professionals on the design and legal side of the industry as they work through real project scenarios.

RESTORATIVE SONIC ENVIRONMENTS: SOUND, SLEEP, DEMENTIA, AND DESIGN 

July 21, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Free Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER 

Presented by the Design for Aging Knowledge Community, this webinar asks: How do dementia care environments sound at night? And what does that mean for the people who live and work there? This session brings together a design strategist and researcher, a dementia care educator with deep operator experience, and an applied science practitioner working at the intersection of sleep science and dementia care. Together, they will examine the nighttime care environment as an interconnected system.

ECONOMIC UPDATE Q3 2026 ABI INSIGHTS

July 24, 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.

AIA CRAN SYMPOSIUM 2026

September 23 – 26
San Antonio, TX | REGISTER

The annual CRAN Symposium brings together residential architects and allied professionals from across the country, including firm leaders, emerging professionals, builders, product suppliers, and sponsors. The symposium provides opportunities to network, share ideas, and gain insights into the ever-changing residential markets.

Join CRAN for three days of curated seminars, inspiring home tours, special networking events, and an innovative vendor showcase.

Back to top

From AIA

AIA STRATEGIC COUNCIL MONTHLY REPORT – JUNE 2026

The Council met in person during the AIA Conference on Architecture and Design (AIA26) in San Diego. During the assembly, the Council reviewed best practices for upcoming study group reports and transitions for folks nearing the end of their terms. READ THE REPORT

SFX INSIDER – JUNE 2026

In June, the state reps and boards discussed research for small firms. Check out The Insider report, "Research for the Small Firm: What Should It Look Like?" for key takeaways.

AIA PLANNED SYSTEM MAINTENANCE: JULY 9–12

During this time, the following will be unavailable to members:

  •  Member data feeds
  •  AIA.org login
  •  Membership join and renewal
  •  Events registration
  •  Community Hub (Higher Logic) login
  •  All other Fonteva-connected services

We ask that you please plan accordingly and complete any transactions before July 9. Questions? Contact AIA Member Support or call at (800) 242-3837, option 2.

ABI MAY 2026: ARCHITECTURE FIRM BILLINGS WEAKEN FURTHER

The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index® score for May declined to 44.5, its lowest level since January. 

Registration is now open for the CRAN Symposium 

The 2026 AIA Custom Residential Architect Network (CRAN®) Symposium is happening from September 23–26 in San Antonio. Join for curated seminars, inspiring home tours, special networking events, and an innovative vendor showcase! 

AIA PODCASTS

Between the Planes and Built for Business bring together the built environment's most influential voices to explore the ideas, strategies, and stories driving architecture forward. New episodes every month. Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Back to top

Calls, Competitions & Deadlines

2026 AIAPV EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARDS COMPETITION

Submission Deadline: July 20, at 11:59 PM

Submissions are closing soon for the 2026 AIA Potomac Valley Excellence in Design Awards competition. This prestigious program honors projects that exemplify creativity, sustainability, community impact, and design excellence across all scales and typologies.

Whether you're breaking new ground or preserving cherished history, this is your chance to be recognized for elevating the built environment through design. The competition is more than an awards program—it's a platform to honor architectural innovation, highlight the vital role of collaboration, and celebrate the transformative power of design.

CALL FOR ENTRIES

AIA27 CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Submission Deadline: July 21, at 11:59 PM

Submissions are open for sessions and tours at the next AIA Conference on Architecture & Design^®, which will take place in Philadelphia from May 19–22, 2027. Submit a proposal.

Applications Now Open for Next to Lead

Deadline for Applications: August 7, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Next to Lead cohort. Next to Lead is AIA's leadership development program for racially and ethnically diverse women in architecture who aspire to become volunteer leaders within AIA. Through a ten-month experience that combines virtual learning, in-person workshops, mentorship, and networking, participants gain the skills, confidence, and connections to take the next step in their leadership journey.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: AIAPV 2026 KEA MEDAL

Submission Deadline: August 15

The Kea Medal, awarded biennially, recognizes professionals, volunteers, and colleagues whose exceptional efforts have elevated public awareness of the role of architecture. Chapter members are invited to submit nominations for consideration in one of three categories: a) Service to the Profession; b) Leadership; and c) Architectural Advocacy.

If you know of someone whose contributions deserve recognition, now is the time to nominate them! The 2026 Kea Medal will be presented during the Chapter’s Design + Leadership Awards ceremony in October.

SUBMIT KEA MEDAL NOMINATION

AIAPV 2026 STUDENT AND EMERGING PROFESSIONAL DESIGN COMPETITIONS

Submission Deadline: September 14

Calling all architecture students and emerging professionals! Start preparing your entries now 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.

Back to top