We welcome these new, returning and transferring Members!
Kristin Greene, Assoc. AIA
John Li, AIA
Emmanuel Okyere, Assoc. AIA
Robert Rivera, Assoc. AIA
Dante Sanders, Assoc. AIA
Jeannette Senn, AIA
Not a member? Join the largest, most influential network of architects and design professionals. AIA’s member community shares your passion for design, a desire to change the world, and a commitment to the highest standards of practice. Sign up today!
Current member? Renew your membership today!
Have you moved or changed jobs? Update your contact information with AIA.
sponsorship
DONATE TO PVAF
Support the work of the Potomac Valley Architecture Foundation with a tax-deductible donation!
AIAPV COMMITMENT
AIAPV strongly denounces acts of violence, especially the disproportionate violence inflicted upon people of color, and states unequivocally that Black Lives Matter. We fully support and share the AIA’s efforts to champion equity, diversity, and inclusion, not only in the profession of architecture, but also in our communities and the world at large.
—AIA Potomac Valley Board of Directors
AIA Components that successfully complete the accreditation process receive Nationally Accredited status for a three-year period and earn the right to be identified as a “Nationally Accredited Component” of AIA. AIA Potomac Valley is proud to be counted among AIA's accredited components for 2026 – 2028.
OUR MISSION
To provide leadership, communication, education, and advocacy in support of Architects and their constituencies in the Potomac Valley region.
May 27, 2026
Chapter News
AIAPV 2026 EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARDS COMPETITION NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES
The 2026 AIA Potomac Valley Excellence in Design Awards competition is officially open! This premier program recognizes outstanding architectural achievement and celebrates projects that elevate our communities through exceptional design, innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.
We invite you to showcase the work that best represents your firm’s vision, creativity, and impact. Explore inspiration from past winning and submitted projects in our online gallery.
Submission Deadline: Monday, July 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM
(Late entries cannot be accepted.)
From transformative new buildings to sensitive renovations and historic preservation efforts, the Excellence in Design Awards program honors projects that enrich the built environment and demonstrate the power of thoughtful design.
Why Submit?
• Gain recognition for your firm, clients, and consultant teams.
• Highlight the positive impact architects have on communities and quality of life.
• Showcase design excellence across a broad range of project types and scales.
• Elevate your work among peers, industry leaders, and the public.
Jury Review
Entries will be reviewed by a distinguished jury organized and led by Marlon M. Blackwell, FAIA, Founder and Design Director of Marlon Blackwell Architects (AIA Arkansas).
Important Notes
• Projects may only be submitted in one of eight award categories.
• The jury reserves the right to withhold awards in any category.
• Please review all eligibility and submission requirements carefully prior to entering. Entry fees are non-refundable.
Start Your Submission Today
Now is the time to evaluate your recent work, review the Call for Entries, and prepare your strongest projects for consideration. We look forward to celebrating the exceptional design achievements of our region at AIAPV’s Design + Leadership Awards in October!
Click here for details on advertising in Potomac Valley Architect
Event Spotlight
THE AIAPV/PVAF 2026 GOLF OUTING IS 2 DAYS AWAY—THERE'S STILL TIME TO JOIN US!
We have room for two more foursomes, but you must hurry as registration for golfers closes at midnight tonight!
May 29, 7:30 – 3:00 PM
8:30 AM Shotgun Start
College Park, MD | REGISTER
AIA Potomac Valley (AIAPV) and the Potomac Valley Architecture Foundation (PVAF) will hold our annual golf outing on Friday, May 29th at the University of Maryland Golf Course in College Park—join us!
SCHEDULE
7:30 AM Registration / Breakfast Opens
8:15 AM AIAPV President's Putting Competition
8:30 AM Shotgun Start
1:00 PM Lunch Buffet, silent auction, prizes, and 50/50 raffle
This event is our primary fundraiser to support PVAF’s scholarships for architecture education and AIAPV’s Emerging Professional Awards Program (EPAP). Register to golf now!
NOT A GOLFER?
Simply join us for a day of enjoyment on the course! You can participate by choosing the 'Lunch Only' option, which allows you to be a spectator, cheer for the golfers, join us for lunch, participate in the 50/50 raffle, explore and bid in the silent auction, and take part in the AIAPV President's Putting Competition (8:15 am). Register for a lunch/spectator spot now!
You can also bid on our silent auction items here. Bidding will be available until 2:00 PM on Friday, May 29.
Join us on the green and help build the future of architecture—one swing at a time!
REGISTER TO GOLF (Registration closes at midnight tonight!)
THANK YOU TO OUR PLATINUM SPONSORS
Potomac Valley Events
EMPOWERING SFX: THE CASE FOR AWARDS
May 28, 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Free Webinar | REGISTER
The Case for Awards explores how architecture and design firms can approach awards as a strategic business and communications tool rather than a vanity exercise. The presentation will discuss how firms can build an intentional awards plan aligned with firm positioning, editorial strategy, and PR efforts, while highlighting the role of storytelling, photography, and consistency. Attendees will gain practical guidance on selecting the right awards programs, using AI responsibly to support submissions, and leveraging recognition to build credibility, attract talent, and reinforce long-term brand value.
Our speaker, Noel Carson, is SVP of Marketing and Creative Director at Bozzuto and brings more than two decades of experience across architecture, real estate, design, branding, and communications. His work has received more than 70 regional and national awards through organizations including the American Advertising Federation, GDUSA, and Creativity International.
Core Performance: Architectural Concrete Masonry: Veneers & Cavity Walls
June 2, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | Free for Members | REGISTER
Architectural concrete masonry anchored veneers combine beauty, durability, and low maintenance while offering architects significant design flexibility. This course examines the finishes, sizes, profiles, and colors that distinguish architectural CMU, and explores the high performance these systems achieve when coupled with concrete masonry cavity walls. Participants will review essential detailing recommendations for veneers, including how to accommodate openings, flashing, anchoring, and crack control strategies.
The session also covers energy performance benefits, thermal mass advantages, and cavity wall insulation strategies, while emphasizing quality assurance through sample panels. The course finishes with discussing cleaning recommendations for architectural masonry.
Mass Timber in Multi-Family Housing: Is It a Good Fit for Your Project?
June 17, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
Mass timber is often attached to the stigma of being more expensive than other building materials. Because of this, some people assume it only makes sense for one-off projects where innovation is celebrated but repeatability is not. Is this true, or do its other benefits result in overall cost efficiency? If it is true, how can we expect to build the number of new housing units needed across our country in a sustainable and affordable manner? Typical multi-family housing developments are in the range of 4-6 stories, often utilizing podium or pedestal construction with 1-2 stories of steel and concrete topped with 3-5 stories of light wood framing. Beyond these heights, building codes have historically required steel or concrete framing and, to justify the added costs of these materials, projects often go much taller. This has created a critical gap in housing developments in the range of 6-12 stories. Can mass timber multi-family projects make financial sense in the 4-6 story range, used in conjunction with light wood-frame systems? What new opportunities will the 2021 International Building Code create for mass timber housing in the 6-18 story range? This presentation will answer these questions and much more.
INTRODUCTION TO VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
July 7, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
This introductory course explores basic types of elevators, escalators, and miscellaneous lift applications. Additionally, this course covers basic "rules of thumb" to assist in preliminary determination of number and type of vertical transportation unit(s) required for a project based on several variables including size, program and population. Current concepts such as sustainable vertical transportation methods, impact on LEED points/process and Destination dispatching are also explored.
AIA Potomac Valley Committee Meetings – Join Us!
June 10 | Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) Committee (Virtual) 1:00 PM
June 12 | Committee on the Environment (COTE) (Virtual) 11:00 AM
June 17 | Emerging Professionals Committee (Virtual) 6:30 PM
Featured Project
TORPEDO FACTORY ARTS CENTER
Winstanley Architects & Planners
Alexandria, VA
Next in the spotlight of our 2025 Excellence in Design Awards winners, we congratulate Winstanley Architects & Planners for their outstanding reimagining of the Torpedo Factory Arts Center in Alexandria, Virginia. The transformative visionary project was recognized by the jury with a Merit Award.
(l to r) Marc Feinstein, AIA (2025 AIAPV President) with George Eisenberger, AIA, Leejung Hong, and Michael Winstanley, AIA—Winstanley Architects & Planners
Photo: ©2025 Montgomery Planning
The Torpedo Factory Art Center (TFAC), originally a U.S. Naval munitions plant, was transformed in 1974 into a public arts hub on Alexandria’s waterfront. The new vision repositions TFAC as a dynamic, 21st-century cultural destination. The plan retains the original structure while reorganizing the interior around a central atrium to improve daylight, circulation, and visibility across all floors. This re-envisioning transforms TFAC into a future-facing cultural landmark—an inclusive and inspiring epicenter for arts, innovation, and public life along the Alexandria waterfront.
Torpedo Factory Arts Center. Image: Lifang Renderings
TFAC Atrium. Image: Lifang Renderings
“The mission of the Torpedo Factory Art Center is to foster connections among the artists and the public that ignite the creative spirit. We provide dynamic interactions with the arts through our community of visual artists, exhibitions, and programs. We offer art up close, in person, and in progress.”
TFAC Rooftop Restaurant. Image: Lifang Renderings
TFAC Maker Space. Image: Lifang Renderings
JURY: “The Jury appreciated this community-focused adaptive reuse project, which promotes public access to the waterfront and reimagines a landmark building as a new social condenser. The excavation of the central bays to introduce a light-filled sculptural atrium is a transformative gesture—bringing daylight deep into the building’s plan and establishing visual connections across its various zones. This intervention achieves maximum impact while preserving as much of the original building fabric as possible.”
View all 2025 AIAPV Design Award Winners at: https://bit.ly/2025AIAPVDesignAwardsWinnersGallery
Allied/Partner Spotlight
ALLIED MEMBER NEWS
AMERICAN CEDAR & MILLWORK ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW BETHESDA SHOWROOM AND OPEN HOUSE
New! Bethesda Showroom Now Open! American Cedar & Millwork is proud to announce the opening of our new 4,000+ sq. ft. North Bethesda showroom—now open and available as a resource for the Maryland AIA community.
Designed with architects in mind, the space offers an immersive, hands-on environment to explore premium windows, doors, millwork, and exterior systems from leading manufacturers including MARVIN, TruStile, top-tier siding brands, kitchen design and cabinetry, decorative hardware, moulding, decking and more.
Highlights include life-size project visualization via an 8’ projection wall, interactive smart window and door technology, Clic Glass, 10’ Marvin Modern displays, a siding display wall, hardware, cabinetry & more as well as four dedicated conference spaces for client meetings, presentations, and collaboration.
We welcome AIA members to utilize the showroom for Continuing Education opportunities, project design discussions, and material exploration in a setting built to support innovation, performance, and design excellence.
Events, Education & Opportunities
ARE® PREP SERIES – PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & DOCUMENTATION
June 6, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Virtual | 6 LU/HSW | REGISTER
Organized by AIA Northern Virginia
Prepare for the Project Development and Documentation section of the Architect Registration Examination 5.0 (ARE 5.0) with our insightful course! This division, one of the six in ARE 5.0, is designed to enhance your project development and documentation skills. Explore practical content focused on the integration and documentation of building materials and systems. Dive into the essentials of construction documentation, specifications, codes and regulations, and construction cost estimates. Join us for a solid preparation experience that goes beyond the basics and readies you for the challenges of architectural practice and examination.
Learn more about the 2026 ARE® Prep Series and view the full series schedule.
AIA CONFERENCE ON ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN® 2026
June 10 – 13
San Diego, CA | DETAILS | REGISTER
AIA26 brings together the people behind the $700 billion AEC industry—those leading firms, shaping cities, advancing practice, and redefining what architecture can do. Join us in San Diego to learn what’s happening now and connect with the people and ideas shaping the future. Register by June 9 and receive Advance Registration discount.
PASSIVE HOUSE DC CHAPTER MEETING
June 18, 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]
ACTIVATING THE GUIDES FOR EQUITABLE PRACTICE, WORKPLACE CULTURE
June 18, 4:00 PM
Virtual | REGISTER
Explore practical strategies for strengthening workplace culture during the next Guides in Action session. This interactive discussion highlights Chapter 2 of the Guides for Equitable Practice and demonstrates how the Activation Kit can help turn ideas into action. Space is limited and registration is encouraged for those planning to attend. Contact Andrea Milo with questions.
ACM BETHESDA HAPPY HOUR
June 24, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Free | RSVP by June 15
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.
From AIA
2025 AIA DEMOGRAPHIC REPORT NOW AVAILABLE
The annual AIA Membership Demographics Report provides a snapshot of the profession across race and ethnicity, gender identity, age, licensure progress, leadership participation, and more using voluntary member-reported data.
AIA PUSHES FOR LEGISLATIVE FIX TO FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN CAPS
Following the Department of Education’s final rule excluding M.Arch and D.Arch degrees from the federal definition of a professional degree, AIA is now focused on a legislative solution and has endorsed three federal bills aimed at restoring access to financial aid and recognizing architecture as a professional degree pathway:
• H.R. 6574 – Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals Act
• H.R. 6718 – Professional Student Degree Act
• H.R. 6677 – Professional Degree Access Restoration Act
The new federal loan caps take effect July 1. Read AIA’s response and learn more about the legislative efforts underway.
ARCHITECTURE FIRM BILLINGS RETREATED IN APRIL
In the latest data from the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index®, the share of firms that reported a decline in billings was greater than the share that reported an increase.
AIA COLLEGE OF FELLOWS Q2 QUARTERLY NOW AVAILABLE
The College of Fellows has published its Q2 Quarterly, themed “Knowledge to Empower,” featuring Fellows events at AIA26, interviews with the 2026 Gold Medal and Firm Award recipients, and a new opportunity for Fellows to share books and resources with peers.
CHECK OUT THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE CONNECTION JOURNAL
Published by the Young Architects Forum, this issue, "Practice in Motion," looks at wellness policies, design for people recovering from trauma, and balancing parenthood with a career in architecture.
Q2 NEWSLETTER INSIGHTS FROM AIA TRUST
AIA Trust’s latest newsletter resources include articles and insights related to practice, business operations, risk management, and emerging industry topics.
NEW CERTIFICATE SERIES: DESIGNER’S GUIDE TO HOLISTIC MATERIAL SELECTION
AIAU has launched a new certificate series, Designer’s Guide to Holistic Material Selection. The program prepares architects and design professionals to make more informed material decisions that support human health, sustainability, resilience, and project performance.
CALL FOR JURORS INTEREST CALL SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 2
AIA continues to see strong interest in serving as jurors across national award programs. Join the June 2 interest call to learn more about the juror experience, expectations, time commitments, and opportunities to participate in future award cycles.
Calls, Competitions & Deadlines
HCD/ACSA HOUSING EDUCATION PRIZE: CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Application Deadline: June 3, 2026
American Institute of Architects (AIA), Housing and Community Development (HCD) Knowledge Community and ACSA announce a competitive call for Housing in Architectural Education. The Housing Education Prize is a call for proposals for innovative courses and educational activities focused on housing in schools of architecture. The prize recognizes the importance of good education in housing design to produce architects ready for practice in a wide range of areas and able to be capable leaders and contributors to their communities. Up to three $5,000 awards for courses advancing rigorous, practice-informed housing education.
AIA MARYLAND 2026 EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARDS
Deadline for Professional Entries: June 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Deadline for Student Entries: June 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM
The AIA Maryland 2026 Excellence in Design Awards and 2026 Student Design Awards are now open for entries. Full program details and Call for Entries are available at the AIA Maryland Awards Portal.
The Professional Excellence in Design application has been updated to streamline the submission process and jury review. Key changes include:
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Primary Contact Entrants must now identify a primary contact for the submission, as this person may differ from the entrant and serves as our main point of communication.
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Architect of Record We've expanded this field to ensure all contributors to a project are properly recognized and celebrated.
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Framework for Design Updated prompts and questions to better capture the depth and intent of each submission.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or 410-263-0916
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS: ENVIRONMENTS FOR AGING CONFERENCE + EXPO
Deadline for Proposals: June 12, 2026
Share your expertise with leaders in senior living design, development, and operations at the Environments for Aging Conference on April 12–14, 2027, in Charlotte, NC. Proposals due June 12.
AIA NATIONAL CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Application Deadline: June 15, 2026
The 2027 AIA National Call for Volunteers is now open, with applications accepted through June 15. Members can express interest in 80+ opportunities, including roles on the AIA Board of Directors, Strategic Council, board-level advisory committees, national award juries, knowledge communities, peer reviewers, and micro-volunteering opportunities.
MENTORSHIP AND LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY COMPETITION FOR EMERGING PROFESSIONALS: CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Deadline for Nominations: June 30, 2026
AIAPV is accepting nominations for its 2026 Emerging Professional Awards Program (EPAP)—a dynamic initiative designed to celebrate, support, and empower our next generation of architects. Through EPAP, we recognize outstanding Emerging Professionals, foster meaningful mentorships with our esteemed Fellows, and strengthen the AIAPV community as a whole. The annual EPAP Competition recognizes outstanding Emerging Professional leaders and provides them with a year-long opportunity to hone their leadership skills.
2026 AIAPV EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARDS COMPETITION
Submission Deadline: July 20, at 11:59 PM
The 2026 AIA Potomac Valley Excellence in Design Awards is a prestigious opportunity to showcase your firm’s most compelling, creative, sustainable, and community-enhancing work. 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 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.
JOB BOARD
Project Architect
May. 4, 2026
Neumann Lewis Buchanan Architects
Neumann Lewis Buchanan Architects with offices in DC and Middleburg, VA is seeking an architect with...
Your available job positions show here when you list with AIAPV. Listings are only $25 for AIAPV members and $50 for all others. Post jobs here. See also the AIA Career Center.
BLOG
American Cedar & Millwork Announces Opening of New Bethesda Showroom
Bethesda Showroom Now Open! American Cedar & Millwork is proud to announce the opening of our new 4,000+ sq. ft. North Bethesda showroom—now open and available as a resource for the Maryland AIA community.
05/15/2026
A Requiem for Certificate of Merit Statutes in Federal Court
In January 2026, the US Supreme Court issued a decision raising questions about the enforceability of certificates of merit in federal court. The key lesson for design professionals: what the legislature giveth, the legislature or courts may taketh away.
05/11/2026
Wiencek + Associates Joins Torti Gallas + Partners Under the Torti Gallas Flag
TG+P, an award-winning DC-based firm with a passion for architecture, urban design, planning, and placemaking, is excited to announce the acquisition of Wiencek + Associates Architects + Planners (W+A), effective May 1, 2026.
05/11/2026
Multiple Concurrent “Claims” On One Project: Implications for Design Professionals
By understanding the evolving landscape of professional liability insurance, architects and engineers can make informed decisions that protect their firms, their projects, and their financial stability.
04/21/2026
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