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.
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.
February 22, 2023
Chapter News
A TIME TO GET INVOLVED AS CITIZEN ARCHITECTS
The building sector is responsible for nearly 50% of greenhouse gas emissions. Towards the end of 2017, Montgomery County declared a climate emergency and laid down the groundwork for climate action with an aggressive commitment to eliminate greenhouse gases and reach carbon neutrality by 2035. A recent milestone was Bill 16-21. Unanimously passed by Montgomery County’s County Council last April, Bill 16-21 targets commercial and residential buildings over 25,000 sf for a dramatic improvement in energy performance by establishing new standards and benchmarking requirements to mobilize the county towards its carbon-neutral goal.
Because of my outspoken interest in building performance during AIAPV’s Emerging Professional Awards Program last year, several of our Fellows encouraged me to apply for a position on the Building Performance Improvement Board (an advisory committee for implementation of the County’s energy performance standards). A few months later, I was nominated by County Executive Elrich and voted into the board by the County Council. The shared experience with knowledgeable and diverse stakeholders continues to be educational and fulfilling. So many of us in the building sector have shown enthusiasm in addressing greenhouse gas emissions and taking responsibility for our hefty slice of the pie-chart. While design solutions can and are being implemented, the legislative world beyond our drawings has even more potential for lasting impact!
Getting involved in local government may sound daunting, but participating in AIAPV chapter events and programs is a great place to begin. Striking up a conversation can often help you figure out where to get your foot in the door (or which door to put your foot in). Don’t forget to check out AIA’s Advocacy tab to see how you can engage policy makers and be a voice for the issues you’re passionate about.
The author of this article, Greg Goldstein, is an AIAPV Board member and was part of the inaugural class of AIAPV Emerging Professional Awards winners.
Gregory Goldstein, Assoc. AIA
Torti Gallas & Partners, Inc.
AIAPV Board Director
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Advocacy
AIA MARYLAND ADVOCACY DAY 2023
Tuesday, February 28
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Maryland State House Tour and Legislative Luncheon
AIA Maryland invites members for a day of advocacy which will be held in-person in Annapolis on February 28. The day will begin with a special tour of the State House, after which Maryland architects and their representatives will have lunch at the AIA Maryland Chapter House from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. To reserve your spot and view the day’s schedule, CLICK HERE. There is limited availability for the State House tour so reserve your spot today! Members are welcome to participate in the entire day's activities or just the luncheon.
You can learn about the legislation AIA Maryland is tracking via this link: 2023 Maryland General Assembly - AIA.
Announcements
10TH ANNUAL MONTGOMERY COUNTY ENERGY SUMMIT
Tuesday, March 28 – Wednesday, March 29
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Silver Spring, MD | In Person
The annual Montgomery County Energy Summit offers cutting-edge education focused on the latest trends in green building, energy efficiency and renewable energy in Montgomery County.
Montgomery County continues to adopt policies and programs that move the building sector to an energy efficient, low-carbon future in line with the County’s climate action goals. Such policies require additional buildings and types to benchmark and report energy use data, set a framework for building energy performance standards that require most existing buildings to become more energy efficient over time, require all-electric new construction, and continue to adopt progressive building codes.
This year’s Summit will focus on preparing the commercial building community for compliance with energy benchmarking, building energy performance standards and emerging building codes. Day 1 of the 2023 Energy Summit is designed for building owners, managers and facilities staff. Attendees will learn about energy benchmarking and performance requirements for commercial buildings and resources available to assist in improving building performance, including receiving utility incentives, financing building upgrades, securing building permits and installing electric vehicle charging stations. In the afternoon, attendees can speak, ask questions and receive hands-on support from subject matter experts. Energy audit demos will also take place throughout the day.
Day 2 of the 2023 Energy Summit is geared to building and energy professionals and consultants, though building owners, managers and facilities staff are welcome to attend for a more in-depth discussion about County energy regulations and strategies to meet them. Day 2 will provide learning sessions on strategies and case studies from commercial and multifamily buildings. Day 2 will close with a networking event and reception from 4:30 − 6:00 PM. Registration is open until March 24 and is $15 per day.
Meet Our Allied Members
MEET POTOMAC EDISON
Receive financial incentives for your energy-efficient design decisions.
Potomac Edison is an electric utility company that was founded in 1922 and serves about 400,000 customers in western Maryland, including the cities of Frederick and Hagerstown.
Potomac Edison’s Commercial New Construction Program provides complimentary energy design assistance—with customized energy modeling—and financial incentives to help offset the cost of implementing energy-efficient strategies for commercial buildings. Whether it's a new construction project or a major renovation, when you make informed decisions on energy-efficient design options that exceed the efficiency standards of a code-constructed building, you and your clients benefit with financial savings year over year. Best of all, you can take advantage of available incentives to make your project more cost-effective.
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Building Owner Incentives: based on the annual electric savings from eligible energy efficiency measures
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Design Team Incentives: offset design team time associated with program participation
We provide complimentary energy design assistance that simulates building energy use. That way, you can see which efficiency strategies are the most cost-effective and have the biggest impact. Receive results that align with your design and construction schedule.
Learn more and enroll now at
energysavemd-cnc.com
Questions?
Call 855-580-6676
or email [email protected]
Sarah Mills
Commercial New Construction Outreach Specialist
Willdan, Program Implementer for Potomac Edison
For & About Members
FIRM BILLINGS FOR DECEMBER 2022
AIA's Architecture Billings Index, a leading indicator of nonresidential construction, is available to AIA members for free. Architecture firm billings remained soft in December with a score of 47.5. Four in ten firm leaders also reported seeing an increase in delayed projects at their firm.
FREE FOR MEMBERS: AIA FIRM SURVEY REPORT 2022
How does your firm compare? The AIA Firm Survey Report is the only report that covers the full complexity of firms that power the architecture and design profession.
With data from 500+ architecture firms, this essential resource shares the trends and metrics influencing today’s market—data that are especially important after the steep pandemic-induced declines in 2020. This report (a $249 value) is free for AIA members with discount code SURVEY. Use it to set your firm’s strategies, measure practice and evaluate performance.
AIA AND ACSA RELEASE EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT TO GUIDES FOR EQUITABLE PRACTICE
Equity in Architectural Education, a supplement to the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice, provides actions and prompts to inspire discussion within schools and institutions to achieve equity, diversity and inclusion goals. With the overlap between schools and architecture professionals, this guide also provides valuable insight for architects, firms, hiring managers and recruiters.
UMD ARCHITECTURE LECTURE SERIES + EVENTS SPRING 2023
Wednesday, February 1, 4:30 PM – Wednesday, April 19, 6:00 PM | College Park
February 1 | Majora Carter [Lecture]February 24 | David Gissen, "The Architecture of Disability" [Lecture]-CANCELED
March 3 | Creative Placemaking Symposium: Art and Design as a Civic Action [Event]
March 10 | Torti Gallas & Partners [Career Event]
April 5 | Coren Sharples, SHoP Architects, NY [KEA Lecture]
April 19 | Roger Schwabacher, HOK [Lecture]
GRIMM + PARKER ARCHITECTS RECOGNIZES + CELEBRATES COLLEAGUES
G+P is delighted to recognize and promote members of our firm who enhance the client engagement experience. These team members are rising leaders, going above and beyond the call of duty to deliver extra value to our clients. These outstanding team members anticipate our client’s needs and deliver timely, creative solutions before the challenge arises. Please join us in congratulating them on their promotions!
Education & Events
INSURANCE AND BONDS AS RISK MANAGEMENT TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OWNERS
Thursday, February 23
1:00 – 2:00 PM | Free webinar
Every construction project has unique risks, and the right combination of insurance coverages and surety bonds can be used to effectively manage those risks. During this webinar, learn about various types of insurance coverages and about payment, performance and warranty bonds owners should consider for each construction project.
CANCELED: THE ARCHITECTURE OF DISABILITY
Friday, February 24
4:30 – 6:00 PM | College Park
Part of UMD Spring 2023 Architecture Series + Events
In this presentation, David Gissen, professor of architecture and urban history at The New School University/Parsons School of Design (New York), will outline a few key concepts from his new book, The Architecture of Disability: Buildings, Cities and Landscapes Beyond Access (University of Minnesota Press, 2022). Gissen works in the fields of architecture, landscape and urban design. His new book offers a critical perspective on histories and futures of buildings, cities and landscapes—beyond a sole focus on the problems of accessibility. He says, “My work primarily focuses on dislodging a narrow concept of nature and the aesthetics of naturalism within architectural theory, aesthetics and practice.”
MARK MCINTURFF AT POLITICS & PROSE: BOOK SIGNING AND TALK
Sunday, February 26
5:00 PM | Washington, DC
AIAPV member Mark McInturff, FAIA, will have a book signing and talk at Politics & Prose located at 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 on Sunday, February 26. A reception immediately follows in The Den, Politics and Prose's Coffee House and Wine Bar. This event is free for all with first come, first served seating.
Photo by Anice Hoachlander
AIA MARYLAND ADVOCACY DAY 2023
Tuesday, February 28
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Annapolis
State House Tour and Legislative Luncheon
AIA Maryland invites members for a day of advocacy which will be held in-person in Annapolis on February 28. The day will begin with a special tour of the State House, after which Maryland architects and their representatives will have lunch at the AIA Maryland Chapter House from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. There is limited availability for the State House tour so reserve your spot today! Members are welcome to participate in the entire day's activities or just the luncheon.
You can learn about the legislation AIA Maryland is tracking via this link: 2023 Maryland General Assembly - AIA.
BUILDING ON SUCCESS: YOU AND AIA
Tuesday, February 28
1:30 – 2:30 PM | College Park
A lecture given by Lakisha Ann Woods, CAE, EVP and Chief Executive Officer of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), a dynamic network of more than 96,000+ architects and design professionals throughout 200 chapters committed to enhancing the built environment.
CREATIVE PLACEMAKING SYMPOSIUM: ART AND DESIGN AS CIVIC ACTION
Wednesday, March 1
2:00 – 6:00 PM | Hybrid | College Park, MD
In celebration of the University of Maryland's new Creative Placemaking Minor, UMD will be hosting a one-day symposium to consider how the fields of art and design can be leveraged in the service of social justice and equitable communities. The symposium will be held in person at the UMD School of Architecture, Planning, & Preservation’s Auditorium (0204) and online via Zoom.
SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MARCH 6: ELECT BOARD LEADERSHIP
Monday, March 6
12:00 – 12:30 PM | Online
AIAPV has operated thus far in 2023 without a President-Elect—but we are pleased to announce that Danyle Brooks, AIA, has agreed to stand for election to this position. If elected, Danyle will serve out the 2023 term as President-Elect and then would become AIAPV’s President in 2024. Danyle’s election as President-Elect would leave an empty Director seat on our Board but, once again, we are pleased to announce that Josh Mohr, AIA, has agreed to stand for election to a two-year term (through 2024) on our Board of Directors.
We will hold a Special Membership Meeting on Monday, March 6, starting at noon ET, to discuss and vote on these nominations. The meeting will be held via Zoom and is free, but AIAPV members must register in order for your vote to be counted. After the election, we will conduct an Open Forum with members, to hear what’s on your mind and to solicit your suggestions for educational programs you would like the Chapter to offer.
Please join the AIAPV Board of Directors for this brief special meeting of the membership to meet and elect Danyle and Josh!
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ARCHITECTURAL WINDOW TECHNOLOGY: TESTING TO NAFS
Tuesday, March 7
12:00 – 1:00 PM | Webinar
This course provides a comprehensive explanation of the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS) specification. Explore how and why windows and doors are tested to the AAMA standard and how to use the NAFS document to select and specify products based on required performance for your specific project and location.
1 LU/HSW
CRAN AND YOU, THE CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECT
Wednesday, March 8
12:00 – 1:00 PM | Online
Are you interested in learning about and discussing topics that are specific to the Custom Residential Architect in the DMV area? Are you interested in the custom residential practice and how you can bring residential architecture into your practice? Join us!
Get insights into what tools, connections and education opportunities the National Custom Residential Architectural Network (CRAN) and the Capital Area CRAN can provide to improve your business. Learn how to expand your portfolio and client offerings by incorporating residential architecture into your practice by leveraging resources in the DMV area. Attendees will have the chance to contribute ideas and ask questions to shape future activities for this specialized community.
1 LU
Organized by AIA Northern Virginia and the Capital Area CRAN (Custom Residential Architects Network, an AIA Knowledge Community), a tri-chapter committee founded jointly by AIA Northern Virginia, AIA/DC and AIA Potomac Valley.
AIA BALTIMORE ARE 5.0 STUDY SESSIONS
Saturday, March 11
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Baltimore, MD
Preparing for the AREs? Don’t know where to start or need some motivation? Looking for a study buddy or guidance from licensed peers? Join AIA Baltimore’s Emerging Professionals for ARE 5.0 study sessions from March to May 2023. Come for one or all. Cost: $10-$15 per session.
Each session will be organized around a specific ARE 5.0 exam division and led by members of the Emerging Professionals Committee to include those who've recently passed exams and/or subject matter experts.
Two-hour sessions will include:
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An in-depth review of resources on specific topics including recommended chapters, videos etc.
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Q & A
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Quiz Games!
These will be conducted in groups and might be a great place to meet the perfect study buddies. A light breakfast and coffee will be provided during each session.
Upcoming Study Sessions:
March 25: Project Management (PjM)
April 8: Construction and Evaluation (CE)
April 22: Programming and Analysis (PA)
May 6: Project Planning and Design (PPD)
May 20: Project Development and Documentation (PDD)
ARE PREP®: PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Saturday, March 11
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Hybrid | Arlington, VA
Each year the AIA Northern Virginia Young Architects Forum organizes seminars for those preparing to take the Architect Registration Exam® (ARE®). The award-winning seminars offer the opportunity to learn from a professional in each discipline and use that knowledge in preparation for the ARE®. Continuing education credits are offered for all sessions. This year’s classes will be held both virtually and in-person. Advance registration is required by 5:00 PM on the Thursday directly prior to the class.
Each class offers attendees an opportunity to learn from top-notch design professionals while gaining knowledge that can be used to prepare for each section of the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). All sessions offer AIA LU|HSW credits.
In-person classes will be held at CannonDesign, 1560 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, (map) with limited seating. Lunch will be provided.
Virtual class participation link will be sent the day immediately prior to each class.
Upcoming Seminars:
April 15 - Programming + Analysis (5 LU | HSW), 10:00 AM − 3:00 PM
May 20 - Project Planning and Design (6 LU | HSW), 10:00 AM − 4:00 PM
June 17 - Project Development + Documentation (6 LU | HSW), 10:00 AM − 4:00 PM
July 15 - Construction and Evaluation (5 LU | HSW), 10:00 AM − 3:00 PM
Cost:
Complete Series Package: $250 (AIA Member); $400 (Non-Member)
Individual Seminar Classes: $50 (AIA Member); $75 (Non-Member) Individual Seminar classes are available but advance registration is required by 5:00pm on the Thursday directly prior to the seminar.
SAVING THE PROJECT TIMELINE: TIPS FOR BUILDING TEMPORARY BARRICADES WITH BIM
Wednesday, March 15
12:00 – 1:00 PM | Webinar
This course is an introduction to designers using BIM tools for temporary barriers design improving design efficiency for construction phasing during project design stages. Avoid downtime with fast and easy-to-design barricades on renovation and newbuild projects.
1 LU
Heatherwick Studio, Maggie's Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom. Image © Hufton+Crow
WHY ILFI? LEARNING ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL LIVING FUTURE INSTITUTE AND THE LIVING BUILDING CHALLENGE
Tuesday, March 21
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Webinar
“What if every single act of design and construction made the world a better place?” This is the question the Living Building Challenge attempts to answer. It requests project designers, owners and builders to consider every aspect of building as one element that works toward a regenerative future. The ILFI believes that Living Buildings are: - regenerative buildings that connect occupants to light, air, food, nature, and community; - self-sufficient and remain within the resource limits of their site; and - structures that create a positive impact on the human and natural systems that interact with them. The Living Building Challenge is just one of multiple programs and initiatives that ILFI offers. We will give a brief overview of them all, but focus in particular on the Living Building Challenge, how to obtain its certification, and why this matters to an architect.
1 LU/HSW
10TH ANNUAL MONTGOMERY COUNTY ENERGY SUMMIT
Tuesday, March 28 – Wednesday, March 29
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Silver Spring, MD
Join us in-person March 28 – 29 for this annual event featuring the latest trends in green building energy efficiency, renewable energy and related topics. This year’s Summit will focus on preparing the commercial building community for compliance with County energy and building requirements with opportunities for hands-on support, education sessions, energy audit demos and exhibitors.
Registration is open until March 24 and will be $15 per day.
FACTORY PRE-FINISHING OF EXTERIOR BUILDING MATERIALS
Tuesday, April 4
12:00 – 1:00 PM | Webinar
This course will focus on the benefits of factory pre-finishing, versus onsite finishing of exterior building products. It covers common on-site exterior paint failure issues and their causes, and describes the factory coating process for exterior woodwork, substrate materials, installation tips and its many other benefits.
We identify common causes for on-site exterior paint failure issues and how these factors can be eliminated through factory pre-finishing. We describe the factory coating process for pre-finished exterior woodwork and substrate materials, as well as examine the cost-benefit decisions involved in selecting these products for a job.
1 LU/HSW
2023 AIAPV/PVAF GOLF OUTING AND MEMBER SOCIAL & NETWORKING EVENT
Friday, May 5
7:00 AM – 3:00 PM | College Park, MD
We are resuming our annual golf outing and invite you to join us on May 5! AIA Potomac Valley (AIAPV) and the Potomac Valley Architecture Foundation (PVAF) will hold our first post-pandemic golf event at the beautiful University of Maryland Golf Course in College Park.
This event is our primary fundraiser to support PVAF’s scholarships for architecture education and AIAPV’s Emerging Professional Awards Program (EPAP). Thanks to the generosity of Platinum Sponsors Ernest Maier, Leuterio Thomas and Heidelberg Materials, 100% of your registration fees will go directly to these initiatives. Come out to support a great cause and enjoy a day of fun and networking with others in the Metro design and construction industry!
GOLF EXPERIENCE IS NOT REQUIRED. If you prefer not to golf, just come out and have fun on the course and participate by registering with the “Lunch Only” option. This allows you to be a spectator, cheer and jeer for the golfers on the course, and then join us for the lunch, raffle, fun competitions and post-raffle networking. BRING CASH for the raffle and competitions!
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Check our Calendar for more events. Visit our Job Board for recently posted local openings and visit the AIA Career Center for nationwide listings.
We are scheduling virtual programs with our allied partners. AIA Providers who have approved live or on-demand course presentations are asked to consider partnering with us to share your courses and engage with our architect members through chapter sponsorship, thereby gaining more exposure for your products and services. This opportunity is open to Educational Program Allieds and Annual Partners. Click here to learn more about the various levels of opportunities available. Questions? Contact Sue Presti at [email protected] or (571) 432-8154.
Calls, Competitions & Deadlines
HEALTHCARE DESIGN AWARDS 2023
Submission Deadline: March 17, 2023
The Healthcare Design Awards showcase the best of health care building design, health care planning and health care design-oriented research. Projects should exhibit conceptual strength that solves aesthetic, civic, urban and social concerns.
NACIA COMPETITION
Submission Deadline: March 31
On behalf of our colleagues and members of the Copper Development Association, we invite you to participate in the 2023 North American Copper in Architecture Awards (NACIA). This competition recognizes the best of new construction and historic restoration in buildings across the U.S. and Canada.
Thanks to the generous support of our members, there is no cost to submit this year. Simply send photos and basic project information. The entry window closes March 31.
Every year, NACIA honorees receive extensive coverage from architectural and construction media, including Dezeen, The Architect’s Newspaper, Architizer, Canadian Architect, and Dwell, among many others. In addition, we do case studies on winning projects and highlight their accomplishments in our industry campaigns, which feature outstanding achievements in copper.
2023 NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
Deadline: April 3
The AIA National Photography Competition was founded to capture and honor architects, design professionals and architectural students whose amazing talents are showcased in their photographic interpretation of the designed environment.
This competition is open to AIA Members, Registered Architects, and Architecture Students of Accredited Universities. The top photographs will receive a cash prize and this year we are excited to announce the new Student Awards that is limited to photographs entered by university students. In addition, all recognized photographs will be promoted by media sponsor Architecture Record Magazine and will also be displayed at the Architecture Record booth at the upcoming AIA Conference on Architecture 2023 in San Francisco.
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
