Events Reminder - February 10, 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
Feb 18 | Emerging Professionals Committee (Virtual) 6:30 PM
Mar 13 | Committee on the Environment (COTE) (Virtual) 11:00 AM

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Events, Education & Opportunities

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. 

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.

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.

VIEW THE WISHLIST & DONATE 

Thank you for helping build curiosity, creativity, and futures—one book at a time!

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