April 15, 2026 
Chapter News
PRESIDENT's MESSAGE — spring 2026
Spring is here, and the energy across our chapter is unmistakable. At the start of the year, I talked about leading change with intention. Now that intention is turning into action. Members are stepping forward with ideas, curiosity, and a shared drive to shape what comes next for our profession.
We talk about the future of architecture all the time. This is where we actually invest in it.
One of the most powerful ways we do that is through our AIAPV/PVAF 2026 Golf Outing on May 29 at the University of Maryland Golf Course. This event fuels our scholarships and our Emerging Professionals and Emerging Professional Awards Program (EPAP) programs. These programs change careers. They open doors. They build the next generation of architects in our region.
An updated chapter website is coming soon but consider this your early invitation: Join us. Sponsor. Volunteer. Bring someone new into the fold. Every contribution strengthens the future of our profession.
CALL FOR SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS: SUPPORT THE 2026 PVAF GOLF OUTING FUNDRAISER!
Help us build a better future for architecture education and outreach in our community! We are seeking exciting silent auction items for our upcoming Golf Outing Fundraiser, and your donation can make a lasting impact.
Attendance at the Outing is not required to participate.
Your support will help us:
• Provide scholarships to aspiring architecture students
• Fund educational programs and community initiatives
• Promote sustainable and innovative design in our region
• Provide emerging professionals with leadership development and mentorship
Download the PDF Flyer for Details and Suggested Silent Auction Donations
Donate Today!
To contribute an item or experience, please contact:
• David Iams ([email protected]) or 410-212-2945
• https://potomacvalleyaiagolf.com/
Want to make more of an impact and have even better visibility? Consider one of our sponsorship packages (Visit: https://potomacvalleyaiagolf.com/store to purchase).
Donations are tax-deductible, and all contributors will be recognized at the event!
Click here for details on advertising in Potomac Valley Architect
Potomac Valley Events
ASK ME ANYTHING WITH MARC FEINSTEIN, AIA
April 16, 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Virtual | REGISTER
Presented by the AIA Potomac Valley Emerging Professionals Committee
Join us for AIA Potomac Valley's “Ask Me Anything,” a FREE virtual Q&A event where you have the unique opportunity to engage directly with a seasoned architect. Structured like office hours, participants can join the Zoom link to chat with an architect. Want to know more about a certain type of architecture, or maybe you need help preparing for an interview and have a question about your portfolio? Whether you’re an aspiring architect, a professional in the field, or simply someone with a keen interest in architecture, this session is designed for you!
CRAN: From Site to Finish: Integrated Design and Construction in Custom Residential Architecture
Rescheduled - Now Friday, April 17, 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Arlington, VA | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
Join architect Richard Leggin, AIA, landscape architect Guy Williams, and builder John Thorsen for a behind-the-scenes guided tour of a custom home nearing completion. Explore how integrated design, material selection, and craftsmanship combine to achieve exceptional residential quality and performance. The program will cover site design, stormwater management, waterproofing, and detailing strategies that enhance both sustainability and durability while showcasing the collaborative process behind high-end residential architecture.
Seating is Limited.
Event and lunch sponsored by:
Organized by AIA PV and the Capital Area CRAN (Custom Residential Architects Network, an AIA Knowledge Community), a tri-chapter committee founded jointly by AIA DC, AIA Northern Virginia and AIA Potomac Valley.
THANKS TO OUR PV CRAN ANNUAL SPONSORS!
Selecting Resinous Flooring and Walls for Design and Performance
April 22, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
This presentation introduces the attendee to the category of resinous flooring and provides an introduction to the three primary chemistries in resinous flooring, individual systems and applications. Substrate preparation and installation techniques are discussed.
Home Grown: A Residential Architecture Mentorship Series
April 30, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Rockville, MD | 1 LU | REGISTER
Organized by the AIA Potomac Valley Custom Residential Architecture Network (CRAN) committee. Hosted by American Cedar & Millwork.
Discover the world of residential architecture while connecting with industry professionals in a dynamic, interactive setting designed to spark ideas and build meaningful relationships.
This interactive session, designed for emerging professionals but open to anyone interested in learning about residential architecture, will be held at American Cedar & Millwork’s brand-new Rockville, MD showroom. It dives into the realities of custom residential practice—exploring career pathways, practice management, and the power of collaboration in delivering thoughtful, high-quality homes.
Gain insights on:
• Navigating licensure and career development
• Integrating healthy, sustainable materials
• Advancing energy-efficient and high-performance design
• Advocating for the value of architects in shaping resilient communities
The program will begin with an open networking session—giving you the chance to build relationships, exchange ideas, and expand your professional network.
Whether you're an emerging professional or simply curious about residential practice, this is a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and grow.
THANKS TO OUR PV CRAN ANNUAL SPONSORS!
Wayfinding Flooring Strategies: Design Movement, Clarity and Confidence
May 5, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
Discover how wayfinding shapes movement and experience in any space, with flooring as a powerful design tool. Participants will learn how color, pattern, texture, and material transitions can guide movement, enhance accessibility, and support user confidence while meeting WELL v2 and LEED v5 standards. Real-world examples and human-centered insights provide strategies for designing spaces that are intuitive, engaging, and supportive of occupants.
AIAPV/PVAF 2026 GOLF OUTING: EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS OPEN—RESERVE YOUR SPOT!
May 29, 7:30 – 3:00 PM
College Park, MD | REGISTER
AIA Potomac Valley (AIAPV) and the Potomac Valley Architecture Foundation (PVAF) will hold our annual golf outing on Friday, May 29th at the University of Maryland Golf Course in College Park—join us!
Early Bird Tickets thru Friday, April 24: $225
(Save $25 per golfer registration)
This event is our primary fundraiser to support PVAF’s scholarships for architecture education and AIAPV’s Emerging Professional Awards Program (EPAP). Register as a golfer or sign up as a sponsor now!
We invite you to plan now to come out to support a great cause and enjoy a day of fun and networking with firm principals and industry leaders in the Metro design and construction industry!
Core Performance: Architectural Concrete Masonry: Veneers & Cavity Walls
June 2, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | Free for Members | REGISTER
Architectural concrete masonry anchored veneers combine beauty, durability, and low maintenance while offering architects significant design flexibility. This course examines the finishes, sizes, profiles, and colors that distinguish architectural CMU, and explores the high performance these systems achieve when coupled with concrete masonry cavity walls. Participants will review essential detailing recommendations for veneers, including how to accommodate openings, flashing, anchoring, and crack control strategies.
The session also covers energy performance benefits, thermal mass advantages, and cavity wall insulation strategies, while emphasizing quality assurance through sample panels. The course finishes with discussing cleaning recommendations for architectural masonry.
AIA Potomac Valley Committee Meetings – Join Us!
Apr 15 | Emerging Professionals Committee (Virtual) 6:30 PM
May 8 | Committee on the Environment (COTE) (Virtual) 11:00 AM
Advocacy
AIA MARYLAND LEGISLATIVE UPDAte
The Maryland General Assembly has adjourned. Sine Die was April 13. Stay tuned for a full session recap.
Read the latest update:
April 9, 2026 Legislative Update
Stay informed through AIAMD’s Legislative Tracking List.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION OF ARCHITECTURE IN FEDERAL STUDENT AID
As part of the Architecture Organizations Alliance, AIA sent letters of endorsement to the cosponsors of legislation to restore graduate and professional student loan limits. These bills respond to caps imposed after recent federal changes that eliminated Grad PLUS and narrowly defined “professional” programs—cutting architecture students off from the federal tools they rely on to complete accredited degrees.
Restoring access to loans will support the architecture workforce, reduce delays in delivering housing and critical public projects, and help prevent students from turning to higher-risk private loans. The bills AIA currently supports include:
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H.R. 6574 — Removes the distinction between graduate and professional students, aligning loan caps
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H.R. 6718 — Codifies architecture as a professional degree alongside other licensure-based fields
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H.R. 6677 — Restores the previous federal loan structure
Featured Project
ATWORTH
WDG
College Park, MD
Up next in our series on AIAPV’s 2025 Excellence in Design Award winners: Atworth designed by WDG. This landmark multi-family residential development in College Park, MD, sits alongside the College Park Metro station on WMATA’s Green Line and earned a Merit Award from the jury.
Above Image: Atworth Northeast Façade. Photo: © Kris Decker/Firewater Photography
(l to r) Marc Feinstein, AIA (2025 AIAPV President) with Matt Lam, AIA, Mickey Finn, AIA, David Osorio, Bob Keane, AIA, and SungJin Cho, AIA—WDG Photo: ©2025 Montgomery Planning
Atworth, completed in 2023, is a landmark 568,000-SF community delivering 451 units of 100% affordable housing in College Park. Partnering with the Amazon Housing Equity Fund, the project ensures long-term affordability for residents earning up to 80% of area median income. Located beside the College Park Metro and future Purple Line, Atworth advances transit-oriented living, connects residents to jobs and education, and integrates retail, courtyards, and commuter-inspired design to strengthen community access and opportunity.
Atworth East Façade. Photo: © Kris Decker/Firewater Photography
Amenity Lounge. Photo: © Kris Decker/Firewater Photography
Atworth View from College Park Metro. Photo: © Kris Decker/Firewater Photography
Main Lobby/Lounge. Photo: © Kris Decker/Firewater Photography
JURY: “A high-density, mixed-use development close to a Metro system, Atworth seamlessly integrates into the urban fabric. The design features private garden courtyards and well-concealed parking, offering a dignified relationship with the city and a respite space for residents on the interior.”
Allied/Partner Spotlight
ANDERSEN WINDOWS AND DOORS
A tour of Anderson’s Oceanside manufacturing facility: Join architect Vincent Appel, AIA, and builder Nick Schiffer for a look at how moving glass wall systems are made.
Events, Education & Opportunities
ARCHITECTURE WEEK 2026: AIAS AND ACE MENTOR'S VIRTUAL SERIES
April 16 – 18, 2026
Know an educator or student interested in learning more about what it takes to become an architect? Let them know about AIAS and ACE Mentor's FREE virtual series during Architecture Week. There are two sessions remaining. Students and parents welcome. REGISTER
Thursday, April 16 | 7:00 – 8:15PM ET
Beyond the Studio: Career Paths in Architecture & the Built Environment
Saturday, April 18 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
Parent Coffee Hour: The Architecture Education & Career Journey
AIA MARYLAND BRINGS ARCHITECTS TO SCHOOLS DURING ARCHITECTURE WEEK
AIA Maryland is making an impact through its Architecture in Action: Design Days program, which provides free architecture and design experiences for K-12 schools in Maryland. The goal isn’t to convince students to become architects, but instead to increase students’ critical thinking skills and show them they can have a role in the built environment. Read More
PASSIVE HOUSE DC CHAPTER MEETING
April 16, 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]
A REGENERATIVE APPROACH TO DESIGN EXCELLENCE
April 22, 12:00 – 12:30 PM
Webinar | 0.5 LU/HSW | REGISTER
This mini-webinar introduces regenerative design as a transformative approach that integrates buildings within their natural and social environments to actively restore and strengthen communities and create a net-positive impact to human and ecological health. Participants will explore how whole-systems thinking, place-based design, and long-term adaptability can position architects as leaders in creating net-positive impact. The webinar highlights how regenerative strategies integrate environmental performance, community equity, and economic vitality—reframing design as a catalyst for resilience, renewal, and collective wellbeing.
Free for members. Non-members can use code EARTHDAY26 to take 50% off this—or any AIAU course—now through May 1.
MARYLAND DAY 2026
April 25, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
College Park, MD | Free Admission & Parking
Join UMD on Saturday, April 25 for the University of Maryland's annual springtime open house! Join us both in the Architecture Building and on McKeldin Mall for activities and giveaways, including the Architecture Model Museum, Box City, preservation digs and more!
WHAT’S NEXT FOR ARCHITECTURE: ECONOMY, CLIMATE, AND THE FUTURE OF PRACTICE
April 29, 12:00 – 12:30 PM
Webinar | 0.5 LU | REGISTER
Architects face rapidly evolving economic and climate challenges, requiring new approaches to practice, leadership, and design. In this 30-minute session, AIA leadership and economic experts will discuss trends shaping the future of architecture, including regenerative design, climate action, and the evolving role of architects. This session highlights key themes shaping the profession and provides a foundation for further exploration within the broader industry context.
Free for members. Non-members can use code EARTHDAY26 to take 50% off this—or any AIAU course—now through May 1.
DEmystifying Fellowship for Small Firm Practitioners
April 30, 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Free/Virtual | REGISTER
Please join the AIA Small Firm Exchange (SFx) for an exclusive panel discussion designed to shed light on the AIA Fellowship process and what it means for small firm practitioners.
UNLOCKING HOUSING: SINGLE STAIR REFORM
May 4, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Free Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
Following last summer’s National Single Stair Competition and the ongoing efforts across the country to legalize small footprint single stair buildings, this session focuses on single stair reform as a tool for unlocking housing in the United States. Led by moderator Chelsea Johnson, Principal of David Baker Architects, the program frames reform through fire life safety research and the design opportunities highlighted in the winning competition entries. Participants will hear a life safety presentation by Tom Jaleski, Principal of SGH, followed by brief talks from each competition winner showcasing innovative single-stair proposals for typical parcels in San Francisco, Portland, and Austin.
AIA TOWN HALL
May 15, 3:00 PM
Virtual | REGISTER
Join your colleagues from around the country for AIA National's member-wide virtual Town Hall on May 15 at 3pm ET.
ARE® PREP SERIES – PROJECT PLANNING & DESIGN (PPD)
May 16, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Virtual | 6 LU/HSW | REGISTER
Organized by AIA Northern Virginia
Prepare for the Project Planning and Design section of the Architect Registration Examination 5.0 (ARE 5.0) with our comprehensive course! As a key division among the six in ARE 5.0, this program focuses on the essentials of preliminary design for sites and buildings. Explore the nuances of developing and integrating design concepts, sustainability/environmental design, building systems, assemblies and materials, universal design, and the various governing codes and regulations. Our course offers practical insights and hands-on learning to ensure you’re well-prepared for the exam and equipped for the practical challenges of architectural practice. Join us for a solid preparation experience that goes beyond the basics.
Learn more about the 2026 ARE® Prep Series and view the full series schedule.
ECONOMIC UPDATE Q2 2026 ABI INSIGHTS
May 22, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Virtual | 1 LU | REGISTER
Join AIA Chief Economist Richard Branch and AIA EVP/Chief Executive Officer, Carole Wedge, FAIA, for a quarterly conversation about the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI). Get ahead of emerging challenges and opportunities and inform your strategic planning with key insights into the industry’s latest economic data and trends.
AIA CONFERENCE ON ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN® 2026
June 10 – 13
San Diego, CA | DETAILS | REGISTER
AIA26 brings together the people behind the $700 billion AEC industry—those leading firms, shaping cities, advancing practice, and redefining what architecture can do. Join us in San Diego to learn what’s happening now and connect with the people and ideas shaping the future. Register by June 9 and receive Advance Registration discount.
From AIA
AIA Q1 CEO MEMBER UPDATE
Catch up on key priorities, progress, and what’s ahead for AIA in the latest update from AIA CEO/EVP Carole Wedge, FAIA. Watch video
SFX INSIDER MARCH 2026
The latest Small Firm Exchange Insider talks about starting and sustaining a local or state SFx group.
The mission of the Small Firm Exchange (SFx) is to advance the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms. SFx representatives connect small firm leaders in their local and state components to the national organization.
SFx Resources
SHARE YOUR ART WITH THE AIA COMMUNITY AT THE AIA GLOBAL CAMPUS
AIA is exploring opportunities to showcase member-created artwork in our Global Campus. If you are an architect or design professional who creates art—whether painting, sculpture, ceramics, or other mediums—we’d love to hear from you.
JOIN AIA’S RESEARCH PANEL
AIA research and economics departments are conducting research with corporate partners and are looking to include architects’ voices through interviews and focus groups. If you’re interested, complete this short survey to be considered. Your information will be used only to match you with relevant opportunities and will remain confidential unless you choose otherwise.
AIA MATERIALS PLEDGE OPEN OFFICE HOURS: LAST-MINUTE QUESTIONS
Materials Pledge reporting is underway. Join office hours to get your questions answered before the April 30 deadline. Register
Calls, Competitions & Deadlines
AIA National Photography Competition
Submission Deadline: TODAY, April 15, 2026, by end of day
We encourage all AIA Members, Registered Architects, and Architecture Students of Accredited Universities all across the country to submit and the top photographs will receive CASH PRIZES. All recognized photographs of the competition will be promoted by our media sponsor Architecture Record Magazine and will also be displayed at the Architecture Record booth at the upcoming AIA 2026 Conference on Architecture & Design in San Diego. More details and entry instructions can be found on the AIA St. Louis website.
2026 AIA FUTURE FORWARD GRANT
Submission Deadline: April 17, 2026
A project presented by the Large Firm Roundtable (LFRT) and the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF), this grant supports students, emerging professionals, and early career architects in the testing of new ideas that disrupt the traditional conception of practice, process, and product in the field of architecture. The primary objective of the grant is to perpetuate innovation in the practice of architecture by empowering students, emerging professionals, and early career architects to do things they would not otherwise have the capital or resources to accomplish.
2026 SMALL PROJECT DESIGN GRANT
Submission Deadline: April 17, 2026
The 2026 Small Project Design Knowledge Community Grant cycle is open for submission. This grant provides financial support for nonprofits working with architects on community-based projects and demonstrates the value of hiring an architecture firm (and AIA member). Up to three grants will be awarded for up to $5,000 each.
WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2026: CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Submission Deadline: Extended to April 27, 2026
Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS) brings together the architecture industry’s largest network of women for a premier leadership experience. We are seeking bold, engaging proposals that inspire, educate, and support women at every career stage to include: CE sessions, guided walking tours, and wellness activities that encourage connection and movement.
AAJ FALL CONFERENCE NEXTGEN SCHOLARSHIP
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
The Academy of Architecture for Justice will award up to two scholarships, including complimentary registration and up to $1,000 for travel and lodging, to qualified NextGen professionals (defined as entry-level professionals, architects, architectural associates or planners with less than 10 years’ experience working in the justice architecture sector). The conference takes place Oct. 7–9 in Minneapolis. Learn More
Oliver Owen Kuhn Architectural Awards: Call for Entries
Nomination Deadline: May 4, 2026
In celebration of the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce’s 100th Anniversary, we are proud to launch the Oliver Owen Kuhn Architectural Awards—honoring outstanding buildings, spaces, and design contributions that have shaped our region over the past 25 years. In collaboration with the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce (GBCC), AIA Maryland is facilitating this once-in-a-century initiative, aligning the awards with the Institute’s Design for Excellence standards to ensure a rigorous and meaningful recognition of architectural impact. Eligible projects may be residential or commercial, must have been completed within the past 25 years, and submissions are open to all. Learn More & Submit Nomination