Events Reminder - August 11, 2026 
Potomac Valley Events
Ventilated Rainscreen Facades: Design Strategies for Air Quality, Moisture Control & Energy Performance
August 19, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
Ventilated rainscreen facade systems improve building durability, moisture management, and thermal performance. This course explores how ventilated cladding assemblies enhance building performance and design flexibility.
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.
Aug 12 | Emerging Professionals Committee (Virtual) 6:30 PM (Change from the regularly scheduled 3rd Wednesday meeting for August.)
Aug 12 | Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) Committee (Virtual) 1:00 PM
Aug 14 | Committee on the Environment (COTE) (Virtual) 11:00 AM
Events, Education & Opportunities
AI in the Flow of Work: Turning Project Data into Executive Decisions
August 13, 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Free Webinar | 1 LU | REGISTER
AI’s real value isn’t better answers—it’s reducing the time between insight, decision, and action. This session explores three shifts reshaping the next 12–24 months: copilots evolving into connected workflows, insights becoming embedded governance, and disconnected point tools giving way to unified platforms. Using real-world examples, we’ll examine how AI can help firms surface risk earlier, streamline approvals, and improve project readiness while maintaining trust, consistency, and control. Attendees will leave with practical considerations for turning project data into faster, more confident executive decisions.
Q3 S&L Fireside Chat on Liability Issues
August 17, 2:00 PM
Virtual | REGISTER
Join the AIA State & Local Affairs team, Elizabeth Wolverton, the AIA Trust, and Kevin Collins of Victor Insurance for a discussion on how evolving state and local laws are shaping liability and professional risk for architecture firms. Through practical examples and recent legal developments, you'll gain a better understanding of today's liability landscape and strategies for managing risk in your practice.
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]
Guides in Action: Recruitment & Retention
August 20, 4:00 PM
Virtual | REGISTER
Explore equitable strategies for hiring and retaining diverse talent in architectural practice. This interactive discussion highlights Chapter 4 of the Guides for Equitable Practice and how organizational culture, systems, and leadership impact both the recruitment pipeline and long-term engagement. Space is limited and registration is required for those planning to attend.
AIA Maryland 2026 Design Awards Celebration
September 17, 5:00 PM
Mitchellville, MD | REGISTER
Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 AIA Maryland Excellence in Design Awards Celebration. Join us as we award architects, teams, and projects redefining our skylines and communities—from bold commercial builds to thoughtful historic preservation, standout interiors, and forward-thinking unbuilt architecture. Signature cocktails, premium beverages, gourmet small plates, and passed hors d'oeuvres included. Complimentary on-site parking is available for all guests.
AIA CRAN Symposium 2026: Legacy
September 23 - 26
San Antonio, TX | REGISTER
The CRAN Symposium 2026 will explore LEGACY—the lasting influence of place, design, and people who shaped San Antonio’s rich and vibrant residential architecture. Three days of curated seminars, inspiring home tours, special networking events, and an innovative vendor showcase.
Firm Management Symposium 2026
October 1 - 2
Washington, DC | REGISTER
The Firm Management Symposium (FMS) is a new AIA event, October 1–2, 2026, in Washington, DC, delivering focused, high-value learning on the fundamentals that drive firm success: winning work, delivering results, and getting paid. Designed for firm owners and emerging leaders seeking business training without the time and cost of a traditional conference, FMS equips firm leaders with the skills needed to strengthen their practice in today's rapidly evolving industry.
Public Architecture Symposium 2026
October 20, 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Washington, DC (GCAD) | REGISTER
Building Public Trust: Advancing Integrity & Collaboration in Civic Architecture brings together public architects, civic leaders, and industry professionals to explore architecture's role in creating equitable, resilient, and future-ready communities.
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.
Women's Leadership Summit 2026
November 1 - 3
Kansas City, MO | REGISTER
Registration is open for the Women's Leadership Summit 2026, taking place November 1–3 in Kansas City. Members save more than $240 on registration. Experience the architecture profession’s premier leadership event designed to accelerate women into positions of influence, visibility, and impact. Across three inspiring days, you’ll gain the network, insights, and momentum to grow your career and lead with impact.
This year's summit features keynote, long-distance swimmer, Diana Nyad about assembling a high-performance team, and enjoy TED-talk-style conversations at the WLS Storytelling Stage on pivotal moments, lessons, and real world successes.
Calls, Competitions & Deadlines
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.
