Events Reminder - August 25, 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.
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
Events, Education & Opportunities
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.
Passive House DC Chapter Meeting
September 17, 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 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.
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.