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.
May 13, 2026
Chapter News
BUILDING CONNECTIONS THROUGH RESIDENTIAL DESIGN: SPOTLIGHT ON AIAPV’S CRAN COMMITTEE
CRAN® serves as a leading resource and voice for architects focused on collaborative residential design with homeowners, supporting advocacy, education, and professional development within the custom residential sector.
The AIA Potomac Valley CRAN (Custom Residential Architects Network) Committee continues to strengthen the region’s residential design community through meaningful educational programs, networking opportunities, and mentorship initiatives. This April, AIAPV’s CRAN Committee hosted two highly successful programs that showcased both the technical and human sides of residential practice—highlighting craftsmanship, interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth.
Read more about AIAPV CRAN's April programs
Recognizing Voices for Architecture: 2026 Kea Medal Nominations Open
The Kea Medal, awarded biennially, recognizes professionals, volunteers, and colleagues whose exceptional efforts have elevated public awareness of the role of architecture. Chapter members are invited to submit nominations for consideration in one of three categories:
a) Service to the Profession
b) Leadership
c) Architectural Advocacy
If you know of someone whose contributions deserve recognition, now is the time to nominate them! The 2026 Kea Medal will be presented during the Chapter’s Design + Leadership Awards ceremony in October.
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Event Spotlight
THE AIAPV/PVAF 2026 GOLF OUTING IS ALMOST HEre—RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW!
May 29, 7:30 – 3:00 PM
8:30 AM Shotgun Start
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!
SCHEDULE
7:30 AM Registration / Breakfast Opens
8:15 AM AIAPV President's Putting Competition
8:30 AM Shotgun Start
1:00 PM Lunch Buffet, silent auction, prizes, and 50/50 raffle
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!
Join us on the green and help build the future of architecture—one swing at a time!
THANK YOU TO OUR PLATINUM SPONSORS
Potomac Valley Events
EMPOWERING SFX: THE CASE FOR AWARDS
May 28, 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Free Webinar | REGISTER
The Case for Awards explores how architecture and design firms can approach awards as a strategic business and communications tool rather than a vanity exercise. This talk outlines how to build an intentional awards plan aligned with firm positioning, editorial strategy, and PR efforts, while highlighting the role of storytelling, photography, and consistency. Attendees will gain practical guidance on selecting the right awards, using AI responsibly to support submissions, and leveraging recognition to build credibility, attract talent, and reinforce long-term brand value.
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.
INTRODUCTION TO VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
July 7, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
This introductory course explores basic types of elevators, escalators, and miscellaneous lift applications. Additionally, this course covers basic "rules of thumb" to assist in preliminary determination of number and type of vertical transportation unit(s) required for a project based on several variables including size, program and population. Current concepts such as sustainable vertical transportation methods, impact on LEED points/process and Destination dispatching are also explored.
AIA Potomac Valley Committee Meetings – Join Us!
May 20 | Emerging Professionals Committee (Virtual) 6:30 PM
June 10 | Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) Committee (Virtual) 1:00 PM
June 12 | Committee on the Environment (COTE) (Virtual) 11:00 AM
Member News
WIENCEK + ASSOCIATES JOINS TORTI GALLAS + PARTNERS UNDER THE TORTI GALLAS FLAG
We are excited to announce that Torti Gallas + Partners has acquired Wiencek + Associates Architect + Planners (W+A), effective May 1, 2026, expanding our expertise in multifamily, affordable, senior, and supportive service housing, renovation, adaptive reuse, and interior design.
“As TG+P approaches 75 years and Wiencek + Associates celebrates its 40th anniversary, our two well-established firms are coming together to build on shared expertise in architecture, planning, and placemaking. My early conversations with Michael Wiencek quickly revealed that not only do we share many great clients, but our practices share a fundamental view that architecture and planning should come together to create and contribute to vibrant and beloved neighborhoods.” —Murphy Antoine, FAIA, TG+P President
Michael Wiencek, FAIA and his entire team are joining TG+P with Michael serving as an Executive Principal.
Above photo: (l to r) Michael A. Wiencek, Jr., FAIA and TG+P President Murphy Antoine, FAIA
Photo courtesy: Torti Gallas + Partners
Featured Project
BULLIS PARK RESIDENCE
Carib Daniel Martin A+D
Silver Spring, MD
Our spotlight on the winners of AIAPV’s 2025 Excellence in Design Awards continues as we recognize Carib Daniel Martin A+D for their exceptional design work on the Bullis Park Residence in Silver Spring, MD. The project earned a Commendation Award from the jury.
Above Image: Bullis Park Residence – Front Porch. Photo: © Anice Hoachlander
(l to r) Marc Feinstein, AIA (2025 AIAPV President) with Nick Wilson, M. Gabriela Leniz (front) J.C. Comeau (back), Carib Daniel Martin, Lisa Quandt, Sue Bryan, Petra Remenyi —Carib Daniel Martin A+D Photo: ©2025 Montgomery Planning
The Bullis Park Residence was created for a family wanting a modern home that felt connected to its traditional neighborhood. The design makes the most of its compact lot, with open living spaces filled with natural light and easy flow to the outdoors. High ceilings and carefully placed windows create a sense of spaciousness and privacy. Every feature, from the wrap-around porch to the backyard ball court, reflects the family’s routines and sense of community.
Bullis Park Residence – Rear Facade. Photo: © Anice Hoachlander
Bullis Park Residence – Entry Stair. Photo: © Anice Hoachlander
The site, an established residential neighborhood of modest pre-war homes, was selected not for its walkable proximity to the Metro and general civic life. From the beginning, the goal was to create a house that felt modern but remained in dialogue with its surroundings. The design takes cues from the rhythm, proportions, and material palette of the neighborhood, reinterpreting familiar elements in a cleaner, more refined language. Traditional materials such as lap siding, board-and-batten, stucco, and stone are combined with warm wood accents and composed in a way that reflects the home’s modern design ethos. The massing is calibrated to the scale of adjacent homes, while the front porch—a common feature on the street—establishes a strong connection between the private interior and the shared life of the neighborhood.
Bullis Park Residence – Neighborhood Streetscape. Photo: © Anice Hoachlander
Bullis Park Residence – Kitchen. Photo: © Anice Hoachlander
JURY: “This residential project in Silver Spring, Maryland draws formal inspiration from its context, demonstrating a thoughtful reading of scale and typology in the development of a new housing proposal. Elements such as board and batten siding, porch, yard, and landscaping are choreographed to offer a fresh interpretation of familiar domestic features. The integration of resilient landscaping and energy-efficient strategies further contributes to reducing the home's environmental footprint.”
Partner Content
A REQUIEM FOR CERTIFICATE OF MERIT STATUTES IN FEDERAL COURT
By Jonathan C. Shoemaker, Esq., Lee/Shoemaker PLLC
Legislatures from twelve states across the country enacted certificate of merit (“COM”) statutes designed to protect architects and engineers from the cost of frivolous lawsuits. A COM is an affidavit from a like-licensed individual attesting to the merit in claims being brought against another licensed professional. In January 2026, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision raising questions about the enforceability of these certificates of merit in federal court. The key lesson for design professionals is simple: what the legislature giveth, the legislature or courts may taketh away.
The US Supreme Court Weighs in on COM Statutes
In Berk v. Choy, the US Supreme Court addressed the interplay between state COM statutes and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure in a case involving claims against medical professionals in Delaware where the trial court dismissed the case when the plaintiffs failed to file a COM in a timely manner. On appeal, the plaintiffs argued that the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure—which do not mention any state COM statutes—set forth the pleading requirements for filing a complaint in federal court and that the Delaware COM statute conflicted with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure by imposing additional barriers to pursuing a claim in federal court. The US Supreme Court agreed with the plaintiffs, finding that the state COM statute was preempted by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and did not apply to the claims asserted by the plaintiff in federal court.
Events, Education & Opportunities
INTERNATIONAL PATHWAYS TO U.S. LICENSURE
May 14, 4:00 PM
Virtual | REGISTER
Join NCARB for a live webinar to learn more about how to become licensed in the United States as an international applicant. Whether you’re licensed internationally or received an education outside the U.S., you’ll have a chance to learn more about your potential pathways to licensure.
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.
IAKC KNOWLEDGE SHARING SALON: FELLOWSHIP DEEP DIVE
May 19, 4:00 PM
Virtual | REGISTER
Join the May 19 salon at 4pm ET for a closer look at the Fellowship process, with insights from peers and leaders in interior architecture.
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
APRIL SFX INSIDER: MEET THE CANDIDATES
The April SFx Insider is a special expanded edition, focusing on what we heard from candidates for 2027 President Elect and At-Large Board Members at the April All Call of SFx leadership.
Calls, Competitions & Deadlines
HCD/ACSA HOUSING EDUCATION PRIZE: CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Application Deadline: June 3, 2026
American Institute of Architects (AIA), Housing and Community Development (HCD) Knowledge Community and ACSA announce a competitive call for Housing in Architectural Education. The Housing Education Prize is a call for proposals for innovative courses and educational activities focused on housing in schools of architecture. The prize recognizes the importance of good education in housing design to produce architects ready for practice in a wide range of areas and able to be capable leaders and contributors to their communities. Up to three $5,000 awards for courses advancing rigorous, practice-informed housing education.
AIA MARYLAND 2026 EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARDS
Deadline for Professional Entries: June 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Deadline for Student Entries: June 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM
The AIA Maryland 2026 Excellence in Design Awards and 2026 Student Design Awards are now open for entries. Full program details and Call for Entries are available at the AIA Maryland Awards Portal.
The Professional Excellence in Design application has been updated to streamline the submission process and jury review. Key changes include:
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Primary Contact Entrants must now identify a primary contact for the submission, as this person may differ from the entrant and serves as our main point of communication.
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Architect of Record We've expanded this field to ensure all contributors to a project are properly recognized and celebrated.
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Framework for Design Updated prompts and questions to better capture the depth and intent of each submission.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or 410-263-0916
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS: ENVIRONMENTS FOR AGING CONFERENCE + EXPO
Deadline for Proposals: June 12, 2026
Share your expertise with leaders in senior living design, development, and operations at the Environments for Aging Conference on April 12–14, 2027, in Charlotte, NC. Proposals due June 12.
AIA NATIONAL CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Application Deadline: June 15, 2026
The 2027 AIA National Call for Volunteers is now open, with applications accepted through June 15. Members can express interest in 80+ opportunities, including roles on the AIA Board of Directors, Strategic Council, board-level advisory committees, national award juries, knowledge communities, peer reviewers, and micro-volunteering opportunities.
MENTORSHIP AND LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY COMPETITION FOR EMERGING PROFESSIONALS: CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Deadline for Nominations: June 30, 2026
AIAPV is 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.
2026 AIAPV EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARDS COMPETITION
Submission Deadline: July 20, at 11:59 PM
The 2026 AIA Potomac Valley Excellence in Design Awards is a prestigious opportunity to showcase your firm’s most compelling, creative, sustainable, and community-enhancing work. Whether you're breaking new ground or preserving cherished history, this is your chance to be recognized for elevating the built environment through design. The competition is more than an awards program—it's a platform to honor architectural innovation, highlight the vital role of collaboration, and celebrate the transformative power of design.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: AIAPV 2026 KEA MEDAL
Submission Deadline: August 15
The Kea Medal, awarded biennially, recognizes professionals, volunteers, and colleagues whose exceptional efforts have elevated public awareness of the role of architecture. Chapter members are invited to submit nominations for consideration in one of three categories: a) Service to the Profession; b) Leadership; and c) Architectural Advocacy.
If you know of someone whose contributions deserve recognition, now is the time to nominate them! The 2026 Kea Medal will be presented during the Chapter’s Design + Leadership Awards ceremony in October.
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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