Events Reminder - July 28, 2026 
Potomac Valley Events
RISK MITIGATION FOR THE BUILDING ENVELOPE
September 1, 12:00 − 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU | REGISTER
This presentation explores proactive risk mitigation strategies for building envelope design throughout both the design and construction administration phases. The course examines inherent risks associated with improper detailing, material selection, coordination failures, and poor construction practices that can lead to water and air infiltration, condensation, structural deterioration, energy inefficiency and long-term durability concerns. The session also emphasizes the critical role of commissioning, field-testing, and performance verification in ensuring the building envelope meets intended safety, durability, and operational standards.
AIA Potomac Valley Committee Meetings – Join Us!
Aug 12 | Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) Committee (Virtual) 1:00 PM
Aug 12 | Emerging Professionals Committee (Virtual) 6:30 PM
Aug 14 | Committee on the Environment (COTE) (Virtual) 11:00 AM
Events, Education & Opportunities
PASSIVE HOUSE DC CHAPTER MEETING
August 20, 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]
AIA CRAN SYMPOSIUM 2026
September 23 − 26
San Antonio, TX | REGISTER
The annual CRAN Symposium brings together residential architects and allied professionals from across the country, including firm leaders, emerging professionals, builders, product suppliers, and sponsors. The symposium provides opportunities to network, share ideas, and gain insights into the ever-changing residential markets.
Join CRAN for three days of curated seminars, inspiring home tours, special networking events, and an innovative vendor showcase.
ECONOMIC UPDATE Q4 2026 ABI INSIGHTS
October 21, 2:00 − 3:00 PM
Virtual | 1 LU | REGISTER
Join AIA Chief Economist Richard Branch for a quarterly conversation about the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI). The ABI is a leading monthly economic indicator that uses proprietary AIA data to predict nonresidential construction activity 9–12 months ahead. Get ahead of emerging challenges and opportunities and inform your strategic planning with key insights into the industry’s latest economic data and trends.
Calls, Competitions & Deadlines
Applications Open for Next to Lead
Deadline for Applications: August 7, 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 Next to Lead cohort. Next to Lead is AIA's leadership development program for racially and ethnically diverse women in architecture who aspire to become volunteer leaders within AIA. Through a ten-month experience that combines virtual learning, in-person workshops, mentorship, and networking, participants gain the skills, confidence, and connections to take the next step in their leadership journey.
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.
AIAPV 2026 STUDENT AND EMERGING PROFESSIONAL DESIGN COMPETITIONS
Submission Deadline: September 14
Calling all architecture students and emerging professionals! Start preparing your entries now for AIAPV's 2026 Student and Emerging Professional Design Competitions. These programs offer an opportunity to showcase your creativity, tackle real-world design challenges, and earn recognition and prizes at AIAPV’s Design + Leadership Awards celebration this October.
2026 AIAPV Student Design Competition: Reimagining Urban Spaces in the DMV
This competition, sponsored by the Potomac Valley Architecture Foundation (PVAF), invites any Undergraduate or Graduate student enrolled in an Architecture program in Maryland, DC, or Virginia to submit a previously completed studio project that transforms an underutilized urban space in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C. into a vibrant, sustainable, and community-centered environment. Projects completed during studies may be submitted up to 1 year after graduation.
• Student Design Competition details can be found HERE.
2026 AIAPV Emerging Professional Design Competition: Revitalizing Urban Spaces in Maryland
AIA Potomac Valley invites individuals and teams (up to four members) to enter the 2026 Emerging Professional Design Competition, focused on revitalizing neglected urban spaces across Maryland—from vacant lots in Baltimore to abandoned buildings in Frederick and waterfronts in Annapolis. Participants will submit a digital file of a 36"x48" board featuring site analysis, a compelling design proposal with drawings and 3D renderings, and a community impact strategy. Entries will be judged on innovation, sustainability, feasibility, site integration, and visual communication.
• Emerging Professional Design Competition details can be found HERE.
Submissions for both of these competitions are free and must be uploaded through the online portal by Monday, September 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT.
