Events Reminder - May 19, 2026 
Event Spotlight
THE AIAPV/PVAF 2026 GOLF OUTING IS 10 DAYS AWAY—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
Events, Education & Opportunities
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.
ARE® PREP SERIES – PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & DOCUMENTATION (pdd)
June 6, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Virtual | 6 LU/HSW | REGISTER
Organized by AIA Northern Virginia
Prepare for the Project Development and Documentation section of the Architect Registration Examination 5.0 (ARE 5.0) with our insightful course! This division, one of the six in ARE 5.0, is designed to enhance your project development and documentation skills. Explore practical content focused on the integration and documentation of building materials and systems. Dive into the essentials of construction documentation, specifications, codes and regulations, and construction cost estimates. Join us for a solid preparation experience that goes beyond the basics and readies you for the challenges of architectural practice and examination.
Learn more about the 2026 ARE® Prep Series and view the full series schedule.
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.