Chapter News

WOMEN IN ARCHITECTURE (WIA)

The mission: “WIA strives to expand the diversity of the design professions and encourage women to consider a career in architecture and allied fields.”

Jane Jacobs comes to mind as a prominent figure leading the way toward creating a more just and equal society.  In The Death and Life of Great American Cities, she wrote: "Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because and only when, they are created by everybody.”

Because this level of equality is yet to be achieved, groups like Women in Architecture (WIA) are vital to the workforce. WIA is an AIA-sponsored group that can be found in chapters around the country, and is dedicated to the support and encouragement of women in the architecture industry. We often hear statistics that approximately half of the architecture graduates are women; yet less than a quarter practice and few achieve any high-ranking architectural positions. Where are all the women? Promisingly, though, the data on this is shifting, and WIA makes sure support is there for these change-makers.

Recently I spoke to Rebecca Pantschyschak, Katie Selis, and Rebecca Mezny, the local WIA co-chairs, who explained how the group formed locally, what events take place, and why it’s important to them. To highlight its success, they told me WIA is the most active group of AIANOVA, but is not limited to that chapter. It began about 25 years ago when a small group of women in the region, who are still active today, began to meet together to propel themselves and other women forward in the architecture profession. Since then the group has expanded to engage with a younger, more diverse group of women. The group hosts events regularly from pop-up lunches to a book club to a themed lecture series. This year’s theme focuses on equity, diversity and inclusion.

Rebecca Pantschyschak, AIA Co-Chair (2020), WIA Northern Virginia

Katie Selis, AIA Co-Chair (2019 + 2020), WIA Northern Virginia

Rebecca Mezny, AIA Co-Chair (2019 + 2020), WIA Northern Virginia

It began under the NOVA chapter, but when it started it was assumed it would become a tri-state committee. In fact, the three chairs are spread across the DC and NOVA region, and are eager for those of us across the river to take part. We in the Potomac Valley have an opportunity to take part of this network and expand the connections.

Our conversation was open and endearing, and I greatly admire these women who are putting their time into keeping this opportunity alive. Rebecca Mezny said in response to my question of why women look for a group like this, that “Everyone comes because they need something. Professional support, work-life balance, etc.”  In speaking with her, I could sense that this group helped to provide her with that support, and she aims to deliver on.

The committee meets the first Monday of every month, and all are welcome to join.  We will begin to advertise events in this newsletter, but you can also join the group’s email list at https://aianova.org/wia/join.php.

We end, again, with Jane Jacobs: “We expect too much of buildings, and too little of ourselves.” How would you like to see this changed?

Deborah Buelow, AIA
2020 AIA Potomac Valley President Elect
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NOMINATIONS FOR KEA MEDAL OPEN

Nominations Deadline – Thursday, August 1, 11:59 PM

Through our service awards program, the Paul H. Kea Medal, AIA Potomac Valley recognizes professionals, volunteers, government leaders and others whose efforts have increased the public's awareness of the role of architecture in our lives. This award is now bestowed biennially. Nominations may be submitted to the selection committee for review in these categories: a) Service to the Profession; b) Leadership; or c) Architectural Advocacy that has furthered the public’s awareness or appreciation of design excellence. AIA Potomac Valley will bestow the individual honor during this year’s annual awards ceremony in the fall. We invite chapter members to nominate candidates for this individual achievement honor. 

SUBMIT NOMINATIONS HERE

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS – 2020 EMERGING LEADER AWARD

Nominations Deadline – Thursday, August 1, 11:59 PM

Developing young leaders is critical to the future of AIA Potomac Valley. The Emerging Leader Award recognizes the contributions and achievements of an individual member in good standing of the AIA Potomac Valley chapter who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the profession. AIA Potomac Valley will bestow the individual honor during this year’s annual awards ceremony in the fall. Please consider nominating an outstanding young professional in your firm or professional circle.

CRITERIA AND NOMINATION FORM

A’20 UPDATE from AIA

On April 16, AIA regretfully announced that A'20 is officially canceled and will not be rescheduled due to the COVID-19 outbreak. We know this is discouraging, but not unexpected, news. By making this decision now, AIA hopes to minimize any stress or inconvenience. 

Registration fees of registered attendees of A'20 have been refunded to the payment method on file.   
 
A'21 is happening in Philadelphia, June 17-19, 2021, and we hope to see you there. We're also looking into hosting a virtual event later this year, as well as developing additional continuing education opportunities, and will keep you posted. 

Until then, check out AIAU or your local chapter for other options to earn your HSW and ADA credits. 

Thanks for supporting A'20 and stay safe.  

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For & About Members

PROFESSIONAL LICENSE EXPIRATIONS EXTENDED TO MAY 1

Per an Executive Order from Governor Larry Hogan, all license expiration dates have been temporarily extended to May 1. This is subject to being extended as the response to the coronavirus develops. You are encouraged to continue taking your continuing education courses, renewing your licenses online, and performing all other activities that are required for your license to the extent that you are able.

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Architect's Guide to Business Continuity – GUIDANCE FOR REDUCING FIRM DISRUPTION

Floods, cyber-attacks, pandemics and unexpected staff absences are just a few of the risks that can prevent architecture firms from remaining open and profitable during disaster and disruption. Will you be able to provide clients with the assurance that work on their project will continue despite a disruption?

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WORTH REPEATING – COVID-19 Guidance and Resources

From AIA’s Weekly COVID-19 Update [4.14.20]:

• Here are guidelines and protocols from three firms on construction administration and site visits.

• AIA’s COVID-19 response page includes two popular resources, the architect's standard of care relative to site visits and how AIA contracts address issues related to COVID-19.

• This overview from AIA's advocacy team discusses student loan debt relief provisions in the CARES Act, including repayments, how your employer can help, and info for current students.

• The U.S. Department of the Treasury's website has Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications, affiliation rules, a tool to find eligible lenders, and more. Their PPP FAQ (PDF) is particularly helpful.

• Harvard Business Review's free new coronavirus and business e-book helps businesses understand what to do now to counter the current challenges.

• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides financial resources for small businesses and consumers.

• The AIA Trust's newest article on 401(k) loans walks through the pros and cons of making a withdrawal.

• The team at Practice of Architecture has best practices by firm size, templates, and a collection of valuable resources.

• Check out the popular Architect's Guide to Business Continuity here.

• AIA Knowledge Communities are another way to stay connected with your peers and explore discussion boards, online events, and resources for practice. There are 21 professional communities—join one or more today!

umd Architecture Program Promotes brittany williams, aia

Brittany Williams has been promoted to Clinical Assistant Professor of Architecture. A 2005 (B.S. Architecture) and 2007 (M.ARCH) graduate of UMD’s Architecture Program, Williams is a two-time U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon winner, first as a student and later as an advisor. Williams has practiced with colleague and Clinical Professor Amy Gardner as part of Gardner Architects LLC since 2013. She brings her passion for environmentally-focused design to undergraduate and graduate studio and as a regular thesis advisor.

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Education & Events

Check our Calendar for more events. Visit our Job Board for recently posted local openings and visit the AIA Career Center for nationwide listings.

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Calls, Competitions & Deadlines

2020 AIA National Photography Competition

Deadline – Midnight CST on May 1, 2020

The competition is open to any and all architects actively registered in the United States. The contest is also open to Associate members of the AIA, and student members of AIAS in good standing. Professional Affiliate or Allied members are not eligible. Entries submitted by ineligible individuals will not be processed; images will not be returned and no refund of the entry fee will be made. Winning images will be exhibited on the AIA St. Louis website, in AIArchitect, and possibly at the rescheduled A'20 Conference on Architecture (TBD).

LEARN MORE & SUBMIT

Photo: What Am I Looking At? 2019 First Place Award, by Charles David Smith, FAIA

AIA AWARDS – ARCHITECTURE 2021

Deadline – June 23, 2020

The AIA Architecture Awards program celebrates the best contemporary architecture regardless of budget, size, style or type. This coveted award honors some of the most exciting architecture of the year, and showcases the many ways buildings and spaces improve our lives. Show us your best work! Submissions will be evaluated against the AIA Framework for Design Excellence, among other criteria.

LEARN MORE & SUBMIT

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