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.
January 21, 2026
Chapter Sponsorship Opportunities
SUPPORT AIA POTOMAC VALLEY IN 2026 THROUGH ANNUAL & SINGLE EVENT SPONSORSHIP
Our business and architecture firm partners play a vital role in shaping the strength, creativity, and impact of the AIA Potomac Valley community. We invite you to become an AIAPV sponsor and align your brand with a trusted network of architects and industry leaders.
AIA Potomac Valley sponsorship offers meaningful visibility and direct connection with our members through high-quality programs, events, and educational opportunities. It’s more than recognition—it’s an opportunity to build relationships, expand your reach, and collaborate with professionals actively seeking innovative vendors, consultants, and service providers.
Position your organization as a valued resource and stay top-of-mind throughout the year with the architects shaping our region.
ANNUAL PARTNERSHIP OPTIONS
Annual Partner Sponsorship
As the most visible champions of the Chapter’s mission, Annual Partners enjoy a dynamic, multi-faceted relationship with AIA Potomac Valley members. Sponsorship includes exclusive opportunities for meaningful, high-quality one-on-one engagement at events, along with prominent recognition across our member communications.
There are seven Annual Partner Sponsorship options available:
• Gold – $5,000
• Silver – $2,750
• Committee on the Environment (COTE) – $2,250 NEW
• CRAN – $2,250
• Small Firm Exchange (SFx) – $2,250 NEW
• Social Event – $2,250
• Bronze – $1,750
Allied Professional Membership
Allied Membership is a cost-effective way for a small business to create a level of visibility with AIA Potomac Valley members and an active network of architects and design professionals in our region. There are two levels of Allied Membership:
• Basic – $400
• Educational Program – $600
Architecture Firm Sponsorship
Architecture Firm sponsorship is open to architecture firms headquartered in AIA Potomac Valley, or to architecture firms located outside our territory where at least one owner or managing partner is a current AIA Potomac Valley member. There are two levels of Architecture Firm Sponsorship:
• Large Architecture Firm (11+ Employees) – $1,000
• Small Architecture Firm (1–10 Employees) – $500
DOWNLOAD 2026 ANNUAL PARTNER SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES PDF
SINGLE EVENT SPONSORSHIP OPTIONS
Single Event Sponsorship
Sponsorship of an individual event offers valuable visibility both in advance promotions and onsite, making it an effective way to target and engage design audiences that align closely with your product offerings. Costs vary by event. Available options include:
• Premier Social Event – $1,500
• Emerging Leaders Program – $750
• Emerging Professionals Event – $500
• Happy Hour – $500
• Virtual Program – $350
• Design + Leadership Awards – $250 to $1,500
• PVAF Golf Outing – $250 to $6,000
We hope you will consider joining or renewing with the AIA Potomac Valley community to grow your business. Build your network by participating in committees and events, promote your services, or provide your unique expertise to those who need you most. Partner with us!
Questions? Contact: David Iams at (410) 212-2945 or [email protected] to discuss and reserve your opportunities.
Click here for details on advertising in Potomac Valley Architect
Advocacy
2026 MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS IN SESSION
The 2026 Maryland General Assembly convened on Wednesday, January 14 and AIA Maryland (AIAMD) has begun tracking legislation that may impact architects, firms, and the built environment across the state.
Each week throughout the session, AIAMD will share:
• A summary of key legislative activity
• Updates on bills they are actively monitoring
• A link to a live legislative tracking list, updated in real time
Access the Live Legislative Tracking List
Keep informed with the most current info by joining AIAMD's weekly Monday meetings virtually at 12PM on Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86134878057?pwd=1TaWRSFnsc6QMY6fscFnkq9YiiW8ZC.1
Meeting ID: 861 3487 8057; Passcode: 733509
Potomac Valley Events
“PERFORMANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY” WINDOWS AND DOORS IN COMMERCIAL SPACES – CONSIDERATIONS IN DESIGN
February 3, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
This course explores how windows and doors can be strategically incorporated into commercial architecture to achieve the architect’s design intent while supporting sustainability, performance, and occupant well-being.
BUILDING THE FUTURE: KEY CHANGES IN LEED V5
February 18, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU | REGISTER
The draft of LEED v5 is here—how will it drive market transformation, and what does it mean for your projects and the broader industry? Join us for an in-depth exploration of the next iteration of the LEED Green Building Rating System, which places renewed emphasis on Decarbonization, Quality of Life, and Ecological Conservation and Restoration. Expert presenters will break down the most significant updates and provide insights into navigating this complex, game-changing version of LEED. With Decarbonization at the forefront, we'll explore the changes in the energy category, offering a "choose your own adventure" approach for project teams. Discover how to address electrification, thermal performance, and energy efficiency, and embodied carbon to meet the new performance standards.
This session will help you grasp design and construction approaches that go beyond the present and prepare you for the future impact of these changes. Don't miss the opportunity to understand the big shifts and essential considerations that will shape the future of green building.
NEVER TOO OLD TO PLAY
March 3, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
This course explores the role of playgrounds in promoting health and happiness for people of all ages, including teens, adults, and seniors. It emphasizes the evolution of play needs throughout life and discusses the importance of incorporating diverse play elements into playgrounds to benefit all age groups. The presentation includes findings from three major play behavior studies conducted in the US and UK, involving over 60,000 participants in 100 different play environments. Attendees will learn how to design inclusive and resilient play spaces for everyone.
AIA Potomac Valley Committee Meetings – Join Us!
Feb 11 | Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) Committee (Virtual) 1:00 PM
Feb 18 | Emerging Professionals Committee (Virtual) 6:30 PM
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Featured Project
A 15 Year Library for 10,000 Books
McInturff Architects
Potomac, MD
Our celebration of the winners of AIAPV’s 2025 Excellence in Design Awards continues with a special acknowledgment today for McInturff Architects, recognized for their design achievements on the 15 Year Library for 10,000 Books project in Potomac, MD. The project earned a Merit Award from the jury.
Above Image: A three-story library resolves in a floating glass reading aerie. Photo: Anice Hoachlander
(l to r) Marc Feinstein, AIA (2025 AIAPV President) with Peter Noonan, FAIA, Marc McInturff, FAIA and David Mogensen, AIA Photo: ©2025 Montgomery Planning
This house was designed to be built in stages, with a decade between. The first included normal spaces for family living. This phase, originally left as a clean dark shell, is a library for 10,000 books, carefully detailed and constructed three levels opening to views over the Potomac. Floating above, a two-story spiral stair leads to a glass-floored suspended reading space, opening to an exterior balcony, 30 feet above the ground. Patience has its virtues.
A three-story library fills the center bay and becomes the heart of the house.
Photo: Anice Hoachlander
View up of aerie through glass floor. Photo: Anice Hoachlander
JURY: “The jury felt the positioning of the full-height double-storied library at the core of the house establishing a relationship between the plan of the house and the collection was a strong move. The delicate gestures of spiral stair leads and private reading area in glass and steel contrasted beautifully the warmth of the library in these spaces.”
Member News
FREDERICK ARCHITECT’S DESIGN PROJECT CONNECTS ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOLERS
Bates Architects' Forrest Popkin, AIA (pictured far right, front) just wrapped up a multi-year coordination with Lincoln Elementary School, Frederick High School, and other community partners. The Frederick students in 3rd grade designed benches, using hand drawing and cardboard modeling techniques under Forrest’s assisted instruction. A year later, while in 4th grade, those same children got to see 10th and 11th graders from a neighboring school they will also likely attend, build it.
"Design is about communicating vision, working with partners, and following through. These students can look at this bench once it’s set up in their school lobby and remember all the work that goes into crafting a bench. They will apply this understanding to all the designed objects in their lives, from their furniture through to their buildings,” says Forrest.
Forrest has been engaged in his local Frederick community, volunteering his time to students of all ages, hoping to inspire an organic interest in architecture.
Learn more about the project at this link: https://fcpsmaryland.exposure.co/bernies-bench-collaboration
HOW CHILDREN’S BOOKS TRANSFORM K–12 ARCHITECTURE OUTREACH
In this first article of a three-part series, AIAPV member Lori Apfel Cardeli, AIA, NCARB, discusses why books help kids realize architecture is an option. Lori states, “When exposure to architecture comes too late, many students never realize it is an option. Without early language or entry points, potential paths quietly close. Children’s books offer architects a powerful, accessible way to introduce the profession early, long before students must choose a career path.”
Lori Apfel Cardeli is the principal of LACArch, a residential architecture practice based in Bethesda, MD. She is the Maryland state representative for AIA’s Small Firm Exchange and is deeply engaged in K–12 architecture education through school visits, book drives, and her ongoing project, LACArch’s Little Book Club (@LACArchLittleBookClub).
Partner Content
BRICK COLOR MATCHING
By Ted Kelly | Ernest Maier
As a natural product brick has a lot of variability. Additionally, manufacturing methods, material sourcing, and even weathering can all make a perfect match very difficult.
While matching a brick can be a bit of an art, there are ways to get extremely close. Finding the right match requires a great eye, but with the right technique you can usually get pretty close.
BEST STRATEGIES
If at all possible, do these things as you look to match the new brick to existing brick:
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Bring in several bricks (5-6) – our stores have brick in stock and samples from an array of manufacturers. Putting your brick next to the real brick avoids issues with light, moisture, etc.
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Measure – use a ruler, this can often quickly narrow down the selection.
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Dimensions of the brick
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Dimensions of the mortar joints
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Size of new brick structure (length, width, height, etc.)
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Comparison of color versions (raw, natural, white balance) of Mount Sharp (Aeolis Mons) on Mars.
Each of these images would get you three very different bricks if we had to match them as you tried to recreate a Mars look. (Source: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS)
Ernest Maier is a Silver Annual Partner of AIA Potomac Valley.
Events, Education & Opportunities
INTERFAITH DESIGN KNOWLEDGE COMMUNITY TOWN HALL
January 29, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Virtual | REGISTER
The AIA Interfaith Design Knowledge Community will be holding a member Town Hall on Thursday, January 29th, from 2-3pm (ET). This is an excellent opportunity for members to share what is important to them and what they would like to see addressed in 2026. This is also a great chance to meet committee leaders and learn about ways to get involved.
31st Annual Case Review of Legal Decisions Affecting Architects and Engineers
February 4, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Baltimore, MD | REGISTER
Jonathan C. Shoemaker and Paul E. Knupp, III will present this annual seminar reviewing legal decisions from across the country affecting architects and engineers and identifying “lessons learned” for design professionals to apply to their practice. Begun in 1994 by James F. Lee, Jr., a founding member of Lee/Shoemaker PLLC, this program highlights the challenges faced by design professionals and solutions for managing those risks.
Lee/Shoemaker PLLC invites you to join them on February 4, 2026 for this event, with registration running from 8:00 am-8:30 am and the program running from 8:30am-12:30 pm. We hope you are able to join us.
Free to Attend; Registration is Required
Lee/Shoemaker is an Educational Program Allied Member of AIA Potomac Valley.
A PRAGMATIC APPROACH TO AI IN ARCHITECTURE
February 4, 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Free Webinar | 1 LU | REGISTER
AI is all the rage in today’s design firms, but many jump into the deep end without regard for the security and veracity of their source data. Further, many firms still separate their design technology and IT teams—despite their sharing of critical data. In this session, we will explore today’s cloud, cybersecurity, and AI landscape in AEC, highlight the risks of inadequate preparation for AI, provide guidelines for establishing a firm-wide digital foundation, and share a simple framework for evaluating AI tools and platforms you may be considering for your practice.
AIA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2026
February 11–14
Washington, DC | REGISTER
AIA Leadership Summit gives chapter leaders the tools, training, and advocacy experience to lead with confidence and elevate the AIA member experience. Join nearly 700 peers in Washington, D.C., for high-impact leadership sessions, critical conversations with lawmakers, and practical insights you can bring home to strengthen your chapter and better serve members.
PASSIVE HOUSE DC CHAPTER MEETING
February 19, 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]
Annual Case Review of Legal Decisions
February 25, 5:30 – 8:15 PM (RESCHEDULED DATE DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER)
Stevensville, MD | 2 LU/HSW | REGISTER
Organized by AIA Chesapeake Bay
This seminar will survey over twenty legal cases involving, and affecting, architects and engineers from across the country, focusing on identifying “lessons learned” from those cases to discuss effective professional practices and project management strategies to promote the health, safety, and welfare of occupants of the built environment.
5:30 pm: Registration & Networking; 6:15 – 8:15 pm: Program
$25/AIA Members; $35/Non-AIA Members (Lite Fare & Beverage will be provided).
Lee/Shoemaker is an Educational Program Allied Member of AIA Potomac Valley.
From AIA
BUSINESS ACTIVITY AT ARCHITECTURE FIRMS REMAINS STAGNANT
The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index score for November was 45.3, marking the 13th consecutive month of declining billings at architecture firms.
Get to know 2026 AIA President Illya Azaroff, FAIA
In this interview, Azaroff discusses his formative experiences, what he envisions for AIA members, and why “leadership can’t wait.”
7 QUESTIONS WITH AIA’S NEW EVP/CEO
Read an interview with Carole Wedge, FAIA, to learn about her excitement for her new role, her favorite projects, and more.
AIA26 EARLY ACCESS: BOOK YOUR HOTEL BY FEBRUARY 8
The AIA Conference on Architecture & Design® 2026 is coming to San Diego, June 10–13. Members who book their hotel by February 8 get exclusive early access to AIA26 tours—48 hours before registration opens to the public. Early bookers receive:
• Early registration access Feb. 9–10
• First pick of architect-led tours
• A free limited-edition AIA bag26 tote
Registration opens to the public February 11. Book at https://www.conferenceonarchitecture.com/hotels.
NCARB YEAR IN REVIEW: FY25 ANNUAL REPORT
NCARB’s FY25 Annual Report is now available, highlighting new Competency Standards, an improved licensing requirement tool, and other priority updates from the year.
AIA BUSINESS ACADEMY INFO SESSION
Curious what the AIA Business Academy is about? Join a Q1 info session to learn what’s included, how the program is structured, and how it can help you build business skills you can apply right away. Register for an upcoming Zoom at the bottom of the landing page.
AIA’S 2030 COMMITMENT REPORTING PERIOD IS OPEN
The 2030 Commitment’s Design Data Exchange is accepting data for reporting year 2025. If your firm is a 2030 signatory, please take the time to update your applicable projects in advance of the March 31 reporting deadline.
Calls, Competitions & Deadlines
AIA Maryland × America ByDesign — Call for Project Submissions
AIA Maryland is excited to share that we are the 42nd AIA component (out of more than 250 nationwide) invited to participate in the America ByDesign television program, with the opportunity to feature at least 20 projects from our members.
The America ByDesign production team is seeking a broad range of work, including Historic, Senior Living, Academic, Single-Family, and Renovation Projects. All are encouraged to submit!
To be considered, submissions must be from AIA members (Maryland members strongly preferred), and projects located in Maryland are highly encouraged.
Important note: AIA Maryland and its staff are acting solely as a liaison between submitting firms and the America ByDesign production team. All project selections and next steps are determined by the production team, and AIA Maryland is not involved in the selection process.
2026 AIA NATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION: CALL FOR ENTRIES
Submission Deadline: April 15, 2026
Produced by AIA St. Louis, the AIA National Photography Competition celebrates architects, design professionals, and architecture students for their creative photographic interpretations of the built environment. Open to all active U.S.-registered architects, AIA Associates, and accredited architecture students (AIA membership is not required), the competition invites submissions from architects nationwide. Award-winning images will be featured on the AIA St. Louis website and social media, showcased in Architectural Record Magazine's digital edition, exhibited at the AIA26 Conference on Architecture & Design in San Diego, and recognized with cash awards.
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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