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
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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 4, 2026
Potomac Valley Events
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.
Designing and Building with Single Skin Metal Wall Panels
April 7, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
Explore the history of single skin metal wall panels and their advancements into modern day architectural wall cladding systems. Design professionals will learn the advantages of building with eco-conscious practices and how they can help to reduce the construction industry’s environmental footprint. The course will explain the advantages of building with wall systems that provide performance and sustainability as well as how modern paint finishes will protect and enhance a structure. The course will round out with a look into the importance of proper detailing and assemblies with a focus on how incorrect design and construction can lead to structural damage, mildew and mold issues, and the impact these conditions can have on building’s inhabitants.
AIA Potomac Valley Committee Meetings – Join Us!
Feb 11 | Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) Committee (Virtual) 1:00 PM
Mar 18 | Emerging Professionals Committee (Virtual) 6:30 PM
Click here for details on advertising in Potomac Valley Architect
Advocacy
AIA MARYLAND LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
The 2026 Maryland General Assembly is underway, and AIA Maryland is actively monitoring legislation that may impact the built environment, development, utilities, and communities across the state. Stay informed through AIAMD’s Live Legislative Tracking List.
AIA MARYLAND LEGISLATIVE ACTION DAY
February 26, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Annapolis, MD | REGISTER
Join AIA Maryland for the 2026 Legislative Action Day in Annapolis. This is your opportunity to meet with state legislators, advocate for the profession, and support policies that strengthen Maryland’s built environment. Your voice matters—be part of the conversation that shapes our communities.
Any member is invited to join us and you do not need to be a constituent of any district in order to participate. Meetings are scheduled with members of the Education, Energy & the Environment; Environment & Transportation; and Economic Matters Committees—where most of the bills of interest to AIA Maryland are heard. Where you are a constituent does not matter.
Currently, 14 meetings are scheduled for the morning, with additional meetings available in the afternoon for those unable to attend earlier. We look forward to having you join us.
Legislative Action Day Agenda – Thursday, February 26, 2026
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Coffee, Welcome & Orientation
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Legislative Meetings in the Maryland State House
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch Grab N Go!
Virtual Orientation Session
Tuesday February 24, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
A brief virtual session to help prepare you for Advocacy Day (link for the meeting and priorities will be in the registration confirmation email.)
Visit www.aiamd.org/legday for more information.
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Featured Project
BADEN BRANCH LIBRARY
Grimm + Parker Architects
Brandywine, MD
More design excellence worth celebrating! We’re spotlighting Grimm + Parker Architects for their impressive design of their Baden Branch Library project in Brandywine, MD—recognized by the jury with a Commendation Award in AIAPV’s 2025 Excellence in Design Awards.
Above Image: Inspired by the apple orchards, farms, and gardens of the region, the colors play fiercely here, with vibrant shades of red in the ceiling clouds along with the field of green in the flooring. Photo: © 2024 Martice Tucker, Grimm + Parker Architects
(l to r) Marc Feinstein, AIA (2025 AIAPV President) with Agnes Panganiban, LEED AP and Richard Watt, AIA Photo: ©2025 Montgomery Planning
A little library, housed inside a school for decades, waited for an opportunity to expand. Finally, Baden Branch Library moved next door and transformed an abandoned clinic into a vibrant and colorful library, doubling its size. Inspired by the apple orchards, the design exceeded everyone’s expectations through uses of colors and patterns—offering a welcoming, sustainable space for all ages. One community member said, “even though this is small, it is huge for us!”
Nestled next to the service desk is a vending café where visitors can enjoy snacks and refreshments with a view to the garden outside. Photo: © 2024 Martice Tucker, Grimm + Parker Architects
The honeycomb lattice screens the restrooms from the service desk yet allows the staff supervision of main library entrance. Photo: © 2024 Martice Tucker, Grimm + Parker Architects
JURY: “In transforming an abandoned health clinic, the architects proposed an interior adaptive reuse inspired by regional apple orchards. The design is colorful in both expression and use, offering unscripted zones that support multiple functions beyond the prescribed program. It is a cheerful and imaginative proposal, best captured by a community member’s reflection: “Even though this is small, it is huge for us.” The Jury wholeheartedly agrees.”
Member News
how authors shape early design literacy
In the first article of a three-part series, Lori Apfel Cardeli, AIA, NCARB explored why children’s books have become such an effective tool for K–12 architecture outreach: They make the profession visible, lower barriers to entry, and invite curiosity about the built environment long before career decisions are on the table. As that work expanded, other questions naturally emerged: Who is writing these books, and why does listening to them matter?
Lori's second article features conversations with children’s book authors and illustrators whose stories introduce architecture through imagination and everyday places, helping young readers see that the built environment is shaped by people—and that their ideas matter.
Stay tuned for the final article in the series, coming soon, which will offer classroom-ready book and activity pairings for Architecture Week, school visits, and outreach programs.
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
WHAT ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE
By Jonathan C. Shoemaker, Esq. | Lee/Shoemaker PLLC
For many architecture and engineering firms, professional liability insurance is viewed as a necessary but opaque expense—something to renew annually, negotiate primarily on price, and hope is never needed. From a legal perspective, that mindset leaves firms exposed in ways they often do not discover until a dispute is already underway. There are several misconceptions about professional liability insurance which result in architects and engineers failing to receive the full value of the policies they purchase.
Misconception #1: Reporting Potential Problems Will Hurt You at Renewal
Many design professionals hesitate to report a claim—or even a potential claim—to their professional liability carrier, fearing that the act of reporting will result in increased premiums at renewal. From an underwriting standpoint, this fear is often misplaced. Professional liability insurance for design firms is underwritten based on firm size, project types, risk management profile, and their claims history/loss ratio. Reporting a potential issue that never matures into an actual claim does not, by itself, negatively change that calculus. Moreover, firms that notify their carriers of potential issues before they become claims are often seen as better proactive (rather than reactive) risk managers.
The real risk lies in failing to report claims or potential claims in a timely manner. Failure to provide timely notice can give rise to coverage defenses, allowing the carrier to deny coverage entirely if a small issue later turns into a significant claim. For most design professionals, this represents a far more acute exposure than any speculative concern about future premiums.
Lee/Shoemaker is an Educational Program Allied Member of AIA Potomac Valley.
Events, Education & Opportunities
ARE® PREP SERIES – PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
February 7, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Virtual | 6 LU/HSW | REGISTER
This course prepares participants for the Practice Management section of the ARE® by exploring key aspects of professional practice, including ethics, professional standards, team organization, risk management, project documentation, construction management, code compliance, and construction law. Attendees will build a strong foundation in the skills and knowledge essential to success in architectural practice.
Participants will gain an understanding of the Standard of Care and architects’ legal and ethical responsibilities in protecting public health, safety, and welfare. The course also examines zoning and building codes, sustainability, and regulatory compliance, highlighting their impact on project outcomes, liability, performance, and occupant well-being.
Learn more about the 2026 ARE® Prep Series and view the full series schedule.
AIA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2026
February 11–14
Washington, DC | SOLD OUT
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.
Durability for Steep Pitched Roof Assemblies through Vapor Management
February 11, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Free Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
There are several roofing underlayments available and determining the appropriate one can be based on several contributing factors – climate, building codes, roof type, pitch, and a variety of others. In this course, we will explore the importance of considering vapor management in the roof and attic assembly, in order to create a durable, steep pitched roof.
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]
ECONOMIC UPDATE Q1 2026 ABI INSIGHTS
February 19, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Free Webinar | 1 LU | REGISTER
Join AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, and AIA Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Carole Wedge, FAIA, for their 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.
AIA26 & EMERGING PROFESSIONALS GRANT PROGRAM INTEREST CALL
February 19, 3:00 PM
Virtual | REGISTER
Thinking about attending AIA26? Join this interest call to hear from National Associates Committee (NAC) leaders on what to expect at the four-day conference—and how to keep costs down while maximizing learning, networking, and fun (yes, we’re NAC’ing). Get a first look at the AIA26 Emerging Professional Grant program, with applications expected to open the week of February 9. Contact Kirsten Swanson with questions.
ALAN RICKS: “Seeking Abundance”
February 25, 4:00 – 5:20 PM (NEW DATE)
College Park, MD | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
This KEA Distinguished Professor Lecture is part of the UMD Spring 2026 Architecture Lecture series.
In "Seeking Abundance," architecture is presented as a tool for advancing balance between human and ecological systems at a time of accelerating climate, social, and cultural crises. It frames abundance not as excess, but as a condition of equilibrium—where communities have enough to flourish while operating within planetary limits. Drawing on MASS Design Group’s work across geographies and scales, it examines how design decisions shape health, dignity, biodiversity, and resilience. Emphasis is placed on material provenance, landscape systems, and long-term stewardship, arguing that architecture must move beyond minimizing harm toward regenerative practices that support collective wellbeing and a flourishing planet.
Annual Case Review of Legal Decisions
February 25, 5:30 – 8:15 PM (NEW DATE)
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.
AIA MARYLAND LEGISLATIVE ACTION DAY
February 26, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Annapolis, MD | REGISTER
Join AIA Maryland for the 2026 Legislative Action Day in Annapolis. This is your opportunity to meet with state legislators, advocate for the profession, and support policies that strengthen Maryland’s built environment. Your voice matters—be part of the conversation that shapes our communities.
Any member is invited to join us and you do not need to be a constituent of any district in order to participate. Meetings are scheduled with members of the Education, Energy & the Environment; Environment & Transportation; and Economic Matters Committees—where most of the bills of interest to AIA Maryland are heard. Where you are a constituent does not matter.
Currently, 14 meetings are scheduled for the morning, with additional meetings available in the afternoon for those unable to attend earlier. We look forward to having you join us.
Legislative Action Day Agenda – Thursday, February 26, 2026
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Coffee, Welcome & Orientation
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Legislative Meetings in the Maryland State House
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch Grab N Go!
Virtual Orientation Session
Tuesday February 24, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
A brief virtual session to help prepare you for Advocacy Day (link for the meeting and priorities will be in the registration confirmation email.)
Visit www.aiamd.org/legday for more information.
AZIZA CHAOUNI: "Designing with Scarcity in Africa"
April 8, 4:00 – 5:20 PM
College Park, MD | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
This Craig and Mimi Spangler Lecture is part of the UMD Spring 2026 Architecture Lecture series.
This lecture explores how scarcity—of materials, infrastructure, energy, and capital—can become a generative force for architectural innovation in Africa. Drawing on built work, research, and post-crisis interventions across the continent, Prof. Aziza Chaouni reframes constraint as a catalyst for climate-responsive design, social equity, and cultural continuity. The talk examines low-carbon construction, bio-sourced materials, adaptive reuse, and participatory processes that leverage local knowledge and crafts. Rather than importing extractive models, the lecture argues for context-driven design methodologies that transform scarcity into resilience, affordability, and long-term environmental stewardship.
ARCHITECTURE WEEK 2026: VIRTUAL READ-ALOUDS
April 12 – 18, 2026
It’s never too early to start thinking like an architect! Architecture Week is a nationwide celebration recognizing the power of good design, with a goal of inspiring hopeful architecture and design professionals and K-12 students.
Gather your students and join architecture and design children's book authors throughout Architecture Week for a virtual read-aloud followed by Q&A. These sessions are designed to be easy, turn-key opportunities for engaging with schools, libraries, and community groups.
Browse 15 read-aloud options for grades K-12 HERE and click the book images to register for your favorite session(s). Groups are welcome.
AIA Maryland Architecture Week Book Drive
Help inspire the next generation of designers! In celebration of Architecture Week, AIA Maryland is collecting K–12 books to share the power of architecture with young readers. Consider donating a book or two from our wishlist—every gift makes a difference.
Books ship directly to the AIA Chapter House.
Thank you for helping build curiosity, creativity, and futures—one book at a time!
From AIA
ENGAGE WITH AIA SFX
National SFx Chair Shares Vision for 2026
Read the January 2026 letter from the new 2026 SFx Chair, Darguin Fortuna, AIA, which outlines key goals and priorities for the year ahead.
SFx Insider 01.15.2026
The latest SFx Insider connects members with the 2026 SFx board and state representatives. It also lists state and local components with active SFx groups.
Submit Your Award-Winning Projects
SFx invites small firm with award winning work, to submit their award-winning projects to SFx to be shared on their social media as they strive to highlight the exceptional work created by small firms nationwide.
Connect With the SFx Community
Be sure to follow the SFx social channels (links below). They’re the best—and fastest—way to stay up to date with SFx news, resources, and content.
Subscribe to: SFx Youtube Channel | SFX on LinkedIn | Follow on Instagram
New AIA YAF Connection Magazine
The Young Architects Forum has recently released the latest issue of their quarterly magazine, Connection, which is focused on Driving Wellness & Mitigating Burnout across the profession. This edition includes timely articles, personal perspectives, and practical ideas that speak to the real pressures architects are facing.
ABI December 2025: Architecture firm billings remain soft
Most firms have seen some stalled, delayed, or canceled projects over the last six months, per the latest data from the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index® (ABI).
Update from 2026 AIA President Illya Azaroff, FAIA
In this video, Azaroff gets members caught up following the recent AIA Board of Directors retreat. He outlines three focus areas for 2026 and discusses how you can get involved.
AIA opposes plan to limit federal loans for architecture students
AIA is taking action to protect architecture degrees and preserve access to federal student loans. AIA is especially concerned about the impact on students from lower- and middle-income backgrounds, who are less likely to have access to alternative sources of financing. Read more
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.
30 WOMEN IN 30 DAYS: CALL FOR 2026 NOMINATIONS
Deadline: February 9, 2026 – 5:00 PM ET
Throughout the month of March, AIANoVA’s Women in Architecture (WIA) Committee will recognize 30 amazing women within architecture and the allied fields on our social media platforms, highlighting the incredible work and dedication of women throughout the DMV. Tell us about a woman who inspires you!
Nominate any woman within the design, architecture, and allied professions. We encourage nominations to be submitted for others rather than yourself. Nominations are limited to women within the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia metro area).
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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