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.
April 29, 2026
Chapter News
MENTORSHIP AND LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY COMPETITION FOR EMERGING PROFESSIONALS – NOMINATIONS OPEN
AIAPV is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Emerging Professional Awards Program (EPAP)—a dynamic initiative designed to celebrate, support, and empower our next generation of architects. Through EPAP, we recognize outstanding Emerging Professionals, foster meaningful mentorships with our esteemed Fellows, and strengthen the AIAPV community as a whole. The annual EPAP Competition recognizes outstanding Emerging Professional leaders and provides them with a year-long opportunity to hone their leadership skills.
Nominations may be made through June 30.
EPAP is open to practitioners living or working within AIAPV's chapter territory. Candidates can have up to 10 years of full-time experience working as a licensed architect (licensure is not a requirement of eligibility), with a professional degree in architecture, under the supervision of an architect, or as faculty in a university architecture program.
EPAP candidates will compete for acceptance into the program through a nomination and application process. Candidates may be nominated by an AIAPV member or may self-nominate by completing the requisite form. Nominees will be contacted by AIAPV staff to confirm their eligibility and will then be invited to complete their application by responding to questions about leadership in the field of architecture. Applicants may respond via written, video, or digital submission.
A jury led by AIAPV Fellows will evaluate applicants based on their exhibition of thought leadership potential and will provide a curated mentorship experience for EPAP winners.
Winners will be recognized at AIAPV’s Annual Membership Meeting in December. Each will receive a $500 cash award and a $1,000 stipend allocated towards leadership programs, career development, and networking opportunities.
We are seeking two Emerging Leaders Program Sponsors. Your sponsorship directly supports this program that fosters growth, mentorship, and opportunity for future leaders who will reimagine our built environment for generations to come. Click here for more information and become a sponsor today!
EPAP offers a unique opportunity to elevate the voices and talents of Emerging Professionals while engaging with our most accomplished members in meaningful mentorship. If you’re an Emerging Professional ready to take the next step in your architectural journey—or know someone who is—we encourage you to apply or submit a nomination today.
Learn more about eligibility and access the 2026 nomination forms at the link below.
LEARN MORE & SUBMIT NOMINATION
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
Home Grown: A Residential Architecture Mentorship Series
April 30, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Rockville, MD | 1 LU | REGISTER
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.
Organized by the AIA Potomac Valley Custom Residential Architecture Network (CRAN) committee. Hosted by American Cedar & Millwork.
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: 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!
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, advertise, donate 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!
May 8 | Committee on the Environment (COTE) (Virtual) 11:00 AM
May 20 | Emerging Professionals Committee (Virtual) 6:30 PM
Advocacy
AIA MARYLAND 2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION WRAP-UP
What began as a relatively quiet election-year session quickly became one of the most policy-heavy sessions in recent years. Leadership changes, committee restructuring, and two dominant issues—energy costs and the state budget—shaped nearly every major legislative decision.
Member News
AIA26 Conference on Architecture and Design Emerging Professionals Grant Recipient
Hoang Duong Le, Assoc. AIA LEED GA, WELL AP, NOMA and AIAPV board director has been selected for the AIA26 Emerging Professionals (EP) Grant, which supports attendance at AIA26 through complimentary registration.
Selected grant winners will receive one complimentary Full Pass to AIA26 (a value up to $1,149) plus additional benefits listed below:
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Free AIA26 registration (up to $1,149 in value) with access to valuable leadership resources, unparalleled networking, and CE credits that count toward AXP hours
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Access to select conference events
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1:1 career coaching and other career development resources at the NextGen Lounge at the AIA26 Expo
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ARE support materials from Amber Book
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Meet and greet with other grant winners and influential AIA leaders
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Social media posts highlighting ambassador role on personal and/or official AIA channels
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Dedicated support to navigate the conference
Congratulations, Duong!
Featured Project
MONTGOMERY COLLEGE MATH AND SCIENCE BUILDING
SmithGroup
Takoma Park, MD
Our spotlight on the winners of AIAPV’s 2025 Excellence in Design Awards continues as we recognize SmithGroup for their outstanding design achievements on the Montgomery College Math and Science Building in Takoma Park, MD. The jury bestowed an Honor Award upon the project.
Above Image: A new campus green with walkways and tiered seating areas provide students, faculty, and staff places to gather and encourages interaction with nature. Photo: ©Alan Karchmer/OTTO
(l to r) Dominique Serrette-Crooks, AIA, SmithGroup; Kevin Johnson, SmithGroup; Kate Stewart, Montgomery County Councilmember and former Mayor of Takoma Park; Susan Madden, Montgomery College; Lisa Thomas, Assoc. AIA, Montgomery College; and Jordan Duke, AIA, SmithGroup Photo: ©2025 Montgomery Planning
The new Catherine and Isiah Leggett Math and Science Building at Montgomery College's Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus exemplifies the College’s dedication to STEM education. It features state-of-the-art labs, a Math and Science Learning Center, a planetarium, outdoor green spaces, and landscaped walkways. The building creates a new campus anchor and supports commuter students in their pursuit of careers in science, math, technology, medicine, and nursing, setting them on a successful academic journey.
The building footprint provides entrances at multiple levels and enables the interior programming to be arranged so that spaces such as classrooms, offices, and study areas can benefit from access to natural light, while labs that require less or no direct light are located on lower levels of the building. Photo: ©Alan Karchmer/OTTO
The Math and Science Learning Center has a library-like feel where students can meet with peers and tutors. The space has a mix of furniture configurations depending on work needs including a series of private study rooms that can be reserved for small team meetings. Photo: ©Alan Karchmer/OTTO
The pre-function space outside the planetarium provides the college with much-needed event space for a variety of teaching, outreach, and donor special events activities. Day-to-day, the space provides informal meeting and study areas. Photo: ©Alan Karchmer/OTTO
The new building offers a full suite of laboratories including biology (shown here), chemistry, physics, and engineering. Photo: ©Alan Karchmer/OTTO
JURY: “An elegant, well-proportioned design with a restrained material palette that celebrates geometry, proportion, light, and air. A subtle twist in the plan creates striking double-height spaces, while the refined use of materials and natural light makes this a thoughtful and commendable scheme.”
Partner Content
MULTIPLE CONCURRENT “CLAIMS” ON ONE PROJECT: IMPLICATIONS FOR DESIGN PROFESSIONALS
By Jonathan C. Shoemaker, Esq., Lee/Shoemaker PLLC
Professional liability insurance is an essential tool for architects and engineers, protecting them against claims of professional negligence or errors in design services. Historically, claims-made policies have treated multiple alleged critiques of an architect’s or engineer’s work on a project as a single claim. For example, if a client asserts ten different alleged deficiencies on a project, there is typically only one “claim” under the professional liability insurance policy and only one deductible obligation. This approach simplifies claims administration, reduces the insured’s financial exposure, and aligns with the traditional risk profile assumed by design professionals when purchasing coverage.
A recent legal decision, however, reveals that this historical practice may be evolving, introducing new risks that design professionals must carefully consider.
Case Law and Project-Specific Policies
In a recent court case involving a project-specific professional liability policy procured for a design-build project, the design-builder asserted claims against the prime design professional. The contract between design-builder and prime design professional provided that the design-builder would procure a project-specific professional liability insurance policy and would be responsible for paying any deductibles or self-insured retentions associated with claims made on the policy. The policy included a $1 million self-insured retention per claim.
After the design-builder notified the project-specific professional liability insurance carrier of a claim against the prime design professional’s services, the carrier took the position that each alleged deficiencies constituted seven separate “claims” under the policy, triggering seven separate self-insured retentions (one for each claim).
Events, Education & Opportunities
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.
WELL CERTIFICATION: SETTING NEW STANDARDS FOR A HEALTHIER TOMORROW
May 12, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Virtual (Free) | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
This session highlights design strategies that support achieving premier sustainability goals, including WELL Building standards. It will feature the SSM Health Dean Medical Group’s South Madison Campus—the largest health care facility in the United States and the first in Wisconsin to achieve WELL v2 Pilot GOLD Certification.
CANDIDATE CHAT: AIA NATIONAL BOARD 2027
May 12, 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Virtual
AIA Members - Please join us via Zoom on Tuesday, May 12th at 4:00 PM ET to meet the candidates running for AIA's elective offices in 2027.
Zoom Info (registration not required)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85457909980?pwd=iqM6as0Lr6Gbosbu5PgUzlbi76LJez.1
Meeting ID: 854 5790 9980
Passcode: 733509
Candidates for President-elect
• Raya Ani, FAIA
• Kenneth J. Filarski, FAIA
• Kimball L. Hales, AIA
• Joyce Owens, FAIA
• David E. Sellers, AIA
• Willy L. Zambrano, FAIA
Candidates for Secretary
• Latoya Nelson Kamdang, AIA
• Jonathan Matthew Taylor, AIA
Candidates for At-large Director
• Samuel Duff Combs, AIA
• Jeff Pastva, FAIA
• Dana A. Pomeroy, AIA
• Sarah Woynicz, AIA
Hosted by AIA Maryland President, Kelly Valin, AIA
Learn more about the candidates here.
AIA TOWN HALL
May 15, 2:00 PM
Virtual | REGISTER
Join your colleagues from around the country for AIA National's member-wide virtual Town Hall and meet the 2027 AIA board candidates.
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.
Designing for Person-Directed Care: From Culture Change to Built Form
May 19, 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Virtual | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
Presented by the Design for Aging Knowledge Community, this free live course offers a look at how design professionals can collaborate more effectively with senior living providers.
PASSIVE HOUSE DC CHAPTER MEETING
May 21, 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]
Interfaith Design Knowledge Community Town Hall
May 21, 2:00 PM
Virtual | REGISTER
Join the Interfaith Design Knowledge Community for updates and open discussion on faith-based design.
GUIDES IN ACTION (EDI MONTHLY SERIES)
May 21, 4:00 PM
Topic: Intercultural competence (Chapter 1)
Virtual | REGISTER
Starting in May, the AIA EDI Strategies Team will host a monthly discussion series (third Thursday, May–October, 4pm ET). Each session focuses on a chapter from the Guides for Equitable Practice and demonstrates how to use the Activation Kit to support learning and implementation. Space is limited.
Questions: [email protected]
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
NEW RESOURCE: REGENERATIVE DESIGN ONE-PAGER FROM THE AIA STRATEGIC COUNCIL
Want a brief yet thorough overview of regenerative design? Check out this one-page document.
IT'S TIME FOR THE 2030 COMMITMENT TO EVOLVE
As we move toward the year 2030, AIA’s 2030 Commitment Working Group recommends repositioning the program to capture the full scope of decarbonization efforts across the built environment. Read more
AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index® signals market stabilization
Architecture firm billings held steady in March, indicating market stability despite global economic concerns. The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) scored 49.8, reflecting near-equal shares of firms reporting increases and decreases. This marks the closest the index has come to the 50-point growth threshold since early 2023, offering cautious optimism.
Calls, Competitions & Deadlines
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
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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