We welcome these new, returning and transferring Members!
Scott H. Allen, AIA
Charles Day, Assoc. AIA
Insung Hwang, AIA
Anna Postolache, Assoc. AIA
Christophe Tanis, Assoc. AIA
Jill Thomas, Assoc. 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.
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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.
June 24, 2026
Chapter News
NOW OPEN – AIAPV 2026 STUDENT AND EMERGING PROFESSIONAL DESIGN COMPETITIONS
CALL FOR ENTRIES
DEADLINE: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 11:59 PM ET
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.
Participants must include the original studio prompt, site analysis, community impact strategies, and a digital file of a detailed 36”x48” board with visuals and narrative. Projects will be evaluated based on creativity, sustainability, site sensitivity, feasibility, and clarity of communication.
• 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.
NOMINATE YOUR CANDIDATE TODAY! 2026 EMERGING PROFESSIONAL AWARDS PROGRAM (EPAP)
Deadline for Nominations: June 30
Time is running short to submit your nomination for the 2026 Emerging Professional Awards Program (EPAP)—our initiative to honor and develop AIAPV’s Emerging Professionals, draw on the talents of our Fellows and stimulate the entire AIAPV community. The annual EPAP Competition recognizes outstanding Emerging Professional leaders and provides them with a year-long opportunity to hone their leadership skills.
Nominating a deserving candidate is easy. Just complete the simple nomination form and we will follow up. Don’t delay as the deadline for nominations is Tuesday, June 30th!
This program offers a unique opportunity to elevate the voices and talents of Emerging Professionals while engaging with our most accomplished members in meaningful mentorship. If you’re an Emerging Professional ready to take the next step in your architectural journey—or know someone who is—we encourage you to apply or submit a nomination today.
Click here for details on advertising in Potomac Valley Architect
Potomac Valley Events
CHAPTER CLOSED FOR FOURTH OF JULY
AIA Potomac Valley will be closed on Friday, July 3rd in observance of the 4th of July Independence Day holiday. We will reopen Monday, July 6.
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.
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.
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
Featured Project
ELLEN OCHOA MIDDLE SCHOOL
Grimm + Parker Architects
Landover Hills, MD
AIAPV is proud to continue celebrating the winners of its 2025 Excellence in Design Awards, this time recognizing Grimm + Parker Architects for the exceptional design of Ellen Ochoa Middle School in Landover Hills, Maryland. This high-performance, LEED Gold school received a Commendation Award from the jury and has also earned multiple accolades, including Public Building of the Year from AIA Maryland—a powerful testament to design’s ability to elevate learning, community, and the future.
AIA Maryland’s jury praised the project, saying: "We only wish all of America’s children could learn in a building like this."
Above Image: Classroom Bar + Courtyard. Photo: ©2024, Sam Kittner Photography
(l to r) Marc Feinstein, AIA (2025 AIAPV President) with Jonathan S. Hill, AIA and Kat Schooley —Grimm + Parker Architects Photo: ©2025 Montgomery Planning
Ellen Ochoa Middle School is a new 1,200-seat Middle School which draws inspiration from its location in Glenridge Community Park for form and material and provides a new community hub. The school is organized around a Student Commons that flows downhill with the slope of the park and connects the public zone (Gym, Dining, Media and Admin) to the Academic Wings and North and South Learning Courtyards which provide secure outdoor learning environments.
Student Commons. Photo: ©2024, Sam Kittner Photography
Academic Collaboration Areas. Photo: ©2024, Sam Kittner Photography
Transparency with Nature-Student Commons. Photo: ©2024, Sam Kittner Photography
Outdoor Learning. Photo: ©2024, Sam Kittner Photography
JURY: “The jury felt the new school with its design and materiality made a connection to the surrounding landscape and the neighborhood, while the jury commended its high-performance features like LEED Gold and a net zero energy target help it reduce its environmental impact and meet sustainable goals. We found the layout emphasizes the use of natural light and collective spaces that make it a welcoming, inclusive place.”
EXPLORE MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT
View all 2025 AIAPV Design Award Winners at: https://bit.ly/2025AIAPVDesignAwardsWinnersGallery
Events, Education & Opportunities
Canstruction® Frederick 2026 Exhibit Open to the Public
Check out Canstruction® Frederick 2026 now open to the public for viewing through July 5th! It's a one-of-a-kind community art exhibit that brings together creativity and compassion to support local families and the Frederick Rescue Mission. When the exhibit concludes, every can is donated to the Frederick Rescue Mission to support programs addressing food insecurity in Frederick County.
Local sponsors, designers, and builders have transformed canned goods into large-scale sculptures on display at Warehouse Cinemas Hall. AIAPV firms—Bates Architects, Proffitt & Associates, and GTM Architects—participated in building sculptures for the exhibit.
Learn more and vote for your favorite sculpture!
A NEW NYC BUILDING CODE FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
June 25, 12:00 – 1:15 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
Do you renovate buildings in New York City? Join this important webinar on the new NYC Existing Building Code, expected to take effect in early 2027. Kyle Twitchell, P.E., of KTA Engineering will explain key provisions of the code, highlight its impact on structural renovation design, and show how it would have changed recent projects. This 1-hour session will provide practical insights, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A.
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]
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.
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
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE 2026 AIA ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
AIA chapter delegates gathered for the meeting in the San Diego Convention Center on Wednesday. Priority topics included architects’ use of AI, revenue sources for the institute, and a plan for restructuring AIA’s governance. Read more
Quantifying the impact of U.S. architecture and design firms
AIA's new Architects & the Economy report shows that the work of 116,000 licensed architects enables nearly $700 billion in construction value, supports 5.6 million jobs, and generates a significant ripple effect throughout the U.S. economy. It's a powerful reminder that architects don't just design buildings—they help drive economic growth and shape communities nationwide.
Feedback requested on AIA Commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction & Resilience
At AIA26, AIA announced a new commitment framework to help firms and organizations advance resilience through practice, design, and advocacy. The commitment is built around six principles, including hazard awareness, resilience, safety, equity, operational continuity, and regenerative design. AIA wants to hear from members, firms, and partners before the commitment is finalized. Share your feedback
AIA and USCM release Disaster Risk Reduction & Resilient Cities Report
The report, published by AIA in partnership with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, highlights how regenerative design can help America’s mayors.
Feedback requested on ICOR Practice Overlap Guidance
The Interorganizational Council on Regulation (ICOR) released its Practice Overlap Guidance, a collaborative effort among regulatory organizations representing architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, and surveying. The guidance identifies 53 areas of overlapping practice and is intended to help regulatory boards evaluate complaints, inform updates to statutes and policies, and educate stakeholders on the distinctions and commonalities among the design professions. AIA has completed an initial review of the guidance and is now seeking feedback from members. Your input will help inform AIA's perspective as implementation discussions move forward. Review the guidance and share your feedback
2026 Q2 RESULTS OF THE HOME DESIGN TRENDS SURVEY (HDTS)
Each quarter, the HDTS identifies emerging patterns in home design. The latest Q2 2026 edition focuses on trends in home sizes, layouts, and exteriors.
Calls, Competitions & Deadlines
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.
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.
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
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
Bates Architects, Davis Construction, and Common Market's Collaboration for Frederick Rescue Mission's First Annual CANstruction
In Frederick's first CANstruction event, Bates Architects was proud to partner with DAVIS Construction and Common Market to design and build "Spires and the Creek," a collage sculpture paying homage to a few of Frederick's landmarks.
06/24/2026
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
CRAN PARTNER
BRONZE PARTNER
ARCHITECTURE FIRM PARTNER
