Events Reminder - February 24, 2026 

Potomac Valley Events

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!

Mar 13 | Committee on the Environment (COTE) (In Person) AIA National Headquarters (Time: TBD)
Mar 18 | Emerging Professionals Committee (Virtual) 6:30 PM

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Events, Education & Opportunities

STATE OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY 2026

February 24, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Webinar | REGISTER

Discover how to position your business for resilience and growth. This webinar will equip you with the insights and strategies needed to navigate uncertainty, embrace innovation, and seize new opportunities in a rapidly evolving market.

NCARB Live: Upcoming Exam Changes

February 24, 3:00 PM
Webinar | REGISTER

Have questions about the upcoming changes to the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®)? Join a live webinar on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 3PM, to learn about updates to exam objectives and descriptions, as well as formatting changes to case studies that take effect on April 27, 2026. 

NCARB’s Assistant Vice President of Programs: Assessments Michelle Cohn, AIA, NCARB, PMP, ICE-CCP, and NCARB’s Senior Manager of Programs: Quality Assurance Nick Respecki, AIA, NCARB, ICE-CCP, will provide an overview of the updates to 12 of the 91 exam objectives identified in the ARE 5.0 Guidelines, as well as to some of the objectives’ descriptive paragraphs. They’ll also explain formatting adjustments to the exam’s case studies and answer any questions you have in a live Q&A session.
  
REGISTER

ALAN RICKS: “Seeking Abundance”

February 25, 4:00 – 5:20 PM
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!
IMPORTANT!
Our priority legislation will be heard on the same day as Legislative Action Day—creating a rare opportunity for members to see advocacy in real time.

     •   Legislative meetings scheduled at 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:00 PM
     •   AIA Maryland members will testify on the panel
     •   Members are encouraged to remain for the bill hearing

Your presence matters. A unified room sends a powerful message. 

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.

ARE^® PREP SERIES – PROJECT MANAGEMENT

March 7, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Virtual | 6 LU/HSW | REGISTER

Prepare effectively for the Project Management section of the Architect Registration Examination 5.0 (ARE 5.0) through this comprehensive course. Dive into the nuances of managing architectural projects, covering design and construction phases. The course emphasizes essential elements such as organizational principles, contract management, consultant coordination, and quality control, all while prioritizing the public’s health, safety, and welfare. Join us for a practical journey to enhance your skills as you prepare for the ARE 5.0.

Learn more about the 2026 ARE^® Prep Series and view the full series schedule.

PASSIVE HOUSE DC CHAPTER MEETING

March 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]

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.

VIEW THE WISHLIST & DONATE 

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

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Calls, Competitions & Deadlines

AIA26 Emerging Professionals Grant

Deadline for Applications: March 1, 2026, at 11:59pm ET

Supported through the Architects Foundation, this grant provides emerging professionals an opportunity to attend the annual conference and gain access to career resources, the latest trends in the building industry, networking opportunities, and potential employment opportunities.  

This opportunity is ideal for emerging professionals eager to shape the future of architecture—those committed to advancing innovation in business, equity, workplace culture, technology, and climate action. The grant supports attendance at the 2026 AIA Conference on Architecture and Design in San Diego (June 10–13, 2026), creating space to connect and learn.

APPLY TODAY

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