August 19, 2026 
Chapter News
Put Your Brand Center Stage at AIAPV 2026 Design + Leadership Awards
The 2026 AIAPV Design + Leadership Awards is AIA Potomac Valley's signature event—bringing together architects, design professionals, firm leaders, emerging talent, and industry partners for an evening celebrating the very best in architecture, design, and leadership.
The evening celebrates recipients of the Excellence in Design Awards, Emerging Professional Design Awards, Student Design Awards, and the prestigious Kea Medal Award, making it one of the year's most anticipated gatherings for the regional design community.
Reserve early—many sponsorships are limited and early sponsors receive the greatest promotional exposure leading up to the October 22 event. Sponsorships range from $250 - $1,500.
Download the 2026 Sponsorship Brochure to review sponsorship benefits and recognition opportunities.
Need something tailored to your marketing goals? We'd be happy to create a customized sponsorship package that delivers the visibility and engagement you're looking for.
To reserve your sponsorship, you can sign up on our website now, or to discuss the best opportunity for your organization, contact David Iams, Executive Director at [email protected] or 410-212-2945.
Join us in celebrating design excellence—and put your brand in front of the people shaping the future of architecture in our region.
Click here for details on advertising in Potomac Valley Architect
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.
Harmony & Keen Invite You to An Evening at the Showroom [Happy Hour]
September 24, 5:00 − 7:00 PM (New Date & Time)
Rockville, MD | RSVP
Kindly RSVP by September 17 so we can provide the appropriate amount of seating and food. Bring a colleague! You can add them when you RSVP.
Questions? Contact Kingston Zhang, Sales Manager at 240-919-0198.
Best Practices in Precast Concrete Multifamily Construction
September 23, 12:00 − 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
Precast, prestressed concrete delivers durable, efficient, and accelerated construction for multifamily projects, offering safe, visually appealing buildings that reflect community character. Mid‑Atlantic precast fabricators are industry leaders in modern prefabrication, partnering closely with owners, architects, and builders from early design through completion. The program will showcase multifamily case studies that highlight precast’s performance, aesthetic, and schedule advantages.
AIAPV 2026 Design + Leadership Awards Celebration
October 22, 6:00 − 9:00 PM
College Park, MD | REGISTER
AIAPV's Design + Leadership Awards 2026 will be held on Thursday, October 22 at the College Park Aviation Airport Operations Center in College Park. This annual celebratory event provides the opportunity for architects and the greater design community to network with professional peers, celebrate the best work of our members and our region through the chapter's professional Excellence in Design Awards program and our Emerging Professional and Student Design Awards programs, and recognize outstanding leadership with the presentation of our Kea Award. We invite you to join us!
Sep 11 | Committee on the Environment (COTE) (Virtual) 11:00 AM
Sep 16 | Emerging Professionals Committee (Virtual) 6:30 PM
Member News
AIA Group Enrollment Offer
Support your team with AIA membership! The AIA Group Enrollment Program allows architecture firms with 10 or more Architect or Associate members to pay for AIA memberships as a group through one convenient annual invoice.
AIA Group Enrollment helps firms support professional growth, strengthen teams, and connect employees with valuable resources.
Allied/Partner Spotlight
Meet Harmony & Keen
With over 20 years of excellence, Harmony & Keen is proud to be a trusted name in bespoke cabinetry. Our legacy is built on craftsmanship, quality, and a dedication to delivering exceptional experiences to our clients.
As a full-service provider for builders, remodelers, and homeowners, we offer comprehensive solutions—from custom design and precision manufacturing to wholesale distribution. Our product lines span kitchens, wardrobes, and bathrooms, featuring everything from elegant countertops to high-end faucets and accessories.
Whether you’re transforming a single room or your entire home, our tailored designs and masterful craftsmanship bring your vision to life. Discover how Harmony & Keen can elevate your space with timeless quality, personalized service, and attention to every detail.
Harmony & Keen is a Bronze Annual Partner of AIA Potomac Valley.
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]
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.
NCARB Live: Updates to the NCARB Competency Standard for Architects
August 26, 3:00 PM
Virtual | REGISTER
Join NCARB experts for an overview of the changes to the Competency Standard for Architects, including detailed criteria to provide greater clarity around the expected level of competency required for newly licensed architects, what they mean for the profession, and a live Q&A session.
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 (by August 31)
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. It will also explore San Antonio's architectural history and influences.
Firm Management Symposium 2026
October 1−2
Washington, DC (GCAD)| 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.
Spots are limited and going fast. Members are encouraged to secure their spot now at this first major event at the new AIA Global Campus for Architecture & Design®.
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.
From AIA
New AIA AI Firm Toolkit
Wondering where your firm stands on AI? The AIA AI Firm Toolkit is a free, interactive resource developed by the AIA AI Task Force to help firms of every size adopt AI responsibly.
For small firms in particular, the toolkit's AI maturity assessment is a strong place to start. It's a five-question quiz that helps you assess where your firm stands today and gives you a clear picture of practical next steps tailored to your level. Whether your firm is just beginning to explore AI or already building it into your workflows, the assessment meets you where you are.
The toolkit also covers AI literacy, policy development, ethics frameworks, and change management and will continually be updated as technology and the profession evolve.
Open Office Hours: COTE® Top Ten Metrics in DDx
Learn how this tool, integrated with AIA's Design Data Exchange (DDx), helps architects calculate performance metrics across the AIA Framework for Design Excellence principles. September 2 | 4:00 PM ET | Register
National Government Advocacy Committee Report—August 2026
This month’s early August report includes these topics: ArchiPAC and AIA Nevada Fundraiser for Rep. Dina Titus; Senate Passes Short-Term Continuing Resolution; White House Ballroom; and GAPP Contributes to State and Local Heat Policy Agenda.
Calls, Competitions & Deadlines
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.