Events Reminder - October 20, 2026 
Potomac Valley Events
Last Call! Register for Design + Leadership Awards 2026 Celebration
October 22, 6:00 − 9:00 PM
College Park Aviation Airport Operations Center
AIAPV's Design + Leadership Awards 2026 will spotlight outstanding projects and individuals who are shaping the built environment in meaningful and innovative ways, featuring the AIAPV’s Excellence in Design Awards and recognition of winners from our Student and Emerging Professional Design Awards programs.
This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy some tasty beverages, small plates, and hors d'oeuvres while connecting with colleagues, peers, and friends, celebrate design achievements in our community, and gain inspiration from some of the region’s top talent. Don’t miss this signature event—register now!
Join us there and participate in the 2026 AIAPV Napkin Sketch Contest, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Lee/Shoemaker PLLC!
The Napkin Sketch Contest is an AIA Potomac Valley design awards ceremony tradition. The Contest provides an opportunity to show off your sketching skills, so take time to stop by the Napkin Sketch table, get your napkin, and sketch away during the reception—you may even win a prize! First and second place winners will be announced during the awards ceremony.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2026 DESIGN + LEADERSHIP AWARDS SPONSORS!
NAPKIN SKETCH SPONSOR
PATRON SPONSORS
Moody Graham
Think Make Build
WDG Architecture
Health, Safety and Wellness of Rainscreen Cladding and the Use of Solid Wall Terra-cotta
October 21, 12:00 − 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
This program will educate and explore the use of terracotta rainscreen versus barrier wall systems for the prevention of water penetration through the building envelope and displays how the material provides HSW benefits on each job. This is to include the history and development of rainscreen technology including manufacturing, installation, finish details for systems and ways to specify the product.
UMD Fall 2026 Lecture Series
Wednesdays, September 23−November 4, 2026 | 4:00 − 5:30 PM
College Park, MD | Architecture Building Auditorium | Details
The University of Maryland is hosting several notable lecture series in Fall 2026 across different colleges and departments. AIA credits are provided courtesy of AIA Potomac Valley.
The Politics of Design: A Conversation with Maurice Cox
October 21, 2026 | 5:30 − 7:00 PM | 1 LU | Details
Speaker: Maurice D. Cox, Emma Bloomberg Professor in Residence of Urban Planning and Design, Harvard Graduate School of Design (Karl Du Puy Lecture / LeFrak Lecture)
AI + Architecture Summit
October 26, 28 & 30
Architecture Building Auditorium
Architecture in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (Keynote)
October 26, 2026 | 4:00 − 5:30 PM | 1.5 LU | Details
Speaker: Neil Leach, PhD, Professor and Director of the Doctor of Design Program, Florida International University
The AI-Enabled Practice: How Will Architecture Change in the Next Five Years? (Industry Panel Discussion)
October 28, 2026 | 4:00 − 5:30 PM | 1.5 LU | Details
Panelists: JJ Rivers, AIA, Co-Managing Director and Principal, Gensler; Antonio Rebelo, AIA, IIDA, Co-President and Chief Design Officer, Grimm + Parker Architects; Scott Welch, AIA, LEED Green Associate, Certified Passive House Designer, Senior Principal and Board Member, Torti Gallas + Partners
Moderator: Hooman Koliji, PhD, Associate Clinical Professor, University of Maryland; Co-Founder, BioBulb
Collaborative AI Design Workshop Architecture Firms + Faculty + Students
October 30, 2026 | 12:00 − 2:00 PM | Details
Open to Architecture Firms, faculty and students
Workshop Outcomes + Roundtable Discussion
October 30, 2026 | 2:00 − 4:00 PM | Details
Open to Architecture students
Why Listen?
November 4, 2026 | 4:00 − 5:30 PM | 1.5 LU/HSW | Details
Speaker: Carin Smuts, Principle, CS Studio and Architects (Colden Florence-Thomas Eichbaum Lecture)
Engage in the Napkin Sketch Contest at Design + Leadership Awards 2026
This year's theme is: "Reimagine the Perfect Coffee Cup for the Architect on a Deadline."
Come to AIAPV Design + Leadership Awards and participate in the 2026 AIAPV Napkin Sketch Contest, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Lee/Shoemaker PLLC!
The Napkin Sketch Contest is an AIA Potomac Valley design awards ceremony tradition. The Contest provides an opportunity to show off your sketching skills, so take time to stop by the Napkin Sketch table, get your napkin, and sketch away during the reception—you may even win a prize! First and second place winners will be announced during the awards ceremony.
AIAPV Design + Leadership Awards 2026 Celebration
October 22, 6:00 − 9:00 PM
7:00 PM Awards Ceremony + Networking
It’s not too late to join us—Register today for AIAPV’s annual awards celebration!
AIAPV's Design + Leadership Awards 2026 will spotlight outstanding projects and individuals who are shaping the built environment in meaningful and innovative ways, featuring the AIAPV’s Excellence in Design Awards and recognition of winners from our Student and Emerging Professional Design Awards programs.
This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy some tasty beverages, small plates, and hors d'oeuvres while connecting with colleagues, peers, and friends, celebrate design achievements in our community, and gain inspiration from some of the region’s top talent. Don’t miss this signature event—register now!
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. We invite you to join us!
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2026 DESIGN + LEADERSHIP AWARDS SPONSORS!
NAPKIN SKETCH SPONSOR
PATRON SPONSORS
Moody Graham
Think Make Build
WDG Architecture
A Path to Low-Carbon Building Design with LEED v5
November 3, 12:00 − 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
This course explores USGBC’s LEED v5 framework, highlighting credits and strategies to deliver ultra-low carbon buildings. Participants will review the intention behind the LEED v5 system goals, targeting decarbonization. We will explore the science of carbon emissions and their critical role in global warming, providing a foundational understanding of the chemical properties of carbon and its impact on the environment.
Sealing Joints in the Building Envelope
November 18, 12:00 − 1:00 PM
Webinar | 1 LU/HSW | REGISTER
This program focuses on different expansion joint technologies and how they interface with and seal the building envelope. In this course, participants will gain practical insight into common design oversights and how to avoid them.
Fenestration Strategies for Affordable Housing
December 16, 12:00 − 1:00 PM
This presentation will focus on the concerns of builders and developers of affordable housing units. It will review what affordable housing is, why communities need this type of housing, and various affordable housing programs. The pros and cons of building affordable housing will be weighed, along with how to overcome the challenges with a focus on cost, durability, maintenance, and maximizing performance. Creative fenestration solutions in affordable housing will finally be reviewed.
Oct 21 | Emerging Professionals Committee (Virtual) 6:30 PM
Events, Education & Opportunities
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.
Activating the Guides for Equitable Practice, Mentorship and Sponsorship
October 22, 4:00 PM
Virtual | CEUs Available | REGISTER
The final monthly Guides in Action discussion will explore mentorship and sponsorship and their role in creating equitable, inclusive, and sustainable career pathways in architecture. The interactive discussion highlights Chapter 6 of the Guides for Equitable Practice and will explore strategies for engaging as mentees, mentors, sponsors, and allies. Space is limited and registration is required.
K–12 IDEA Group Presents: Fireside Chat with Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA
October 29, 4:00 − 5:00 PM
Virtual | 1 LU | REGISTER
Join the K–12 IDEA Group for a fireside chat with incoming AIA President-elect Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA. Hear about her journey to architecture and the importance of K–12 outreach.
Shape the Future of AIA: National Board Candidate Panel and Information Session
October 29, 4:00 PM
Virtual | REGISTER
Considering a run for AIA national elected office in 2027 or 2030? Join the AIA Candidate Development Committee for a moderated panel exploring the candidate journey, election requirements, timelines, and best practices. Attendees can ask questions, including anonymously, and hear perspectives to help determine whether and when to pursue candidacy.
2026 Future Forward Conference & Expo
November 4, 8:00 AM − 5:00 PM
Linthicum Heights, MD | Maritime Conference Center | Details | REGISTER
The Future Forward Conference & Expo brings together architects, engineers, tradesmen, and professionals from the construction field, along with associates and industry leaders from Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.
Explore cutting-edge sustainability practices, network with decision-makers, and gain actionable insights to lead the industry forward. This landmark event features distinguished speakers, special events, and a dynamic expo showcasing cutting-edge products and services.
Passive House DC Chapter Meeting
November 19, 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]
35th Annual Affordable Housing Summit
November 20, 8:00 AM − 2:30 PM
Rockville, MD | REGISTER
The 2026 Annual Affordable Housing Summit, Housing Affordability in Practice: Promises vs. Reality, will be held November 20, 2026, at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, MD.
Panels will include:
- Opening plenary: The Housing Production Conundrum: Housing Affordability or Housing Shortage?
- Community-Led Development
- Technical Innovation in Housing: Modular Urban Construction
- Breaking the Codes: Non-Zoning Costs to Housing
- Moving Forward: Transit Progress in Affordable Housing
- The 21st Century Road to Housing Act Opportunities
- How to Navigate Housing Finance Obstacles
- Housing for Elderly and Disabled Populations
- Renter Protections
For inquiries, contact Executive Director, Melissa McKenna.
Classified Ads
2026-10-14:
The Texas Society of Architects has begun a search for their next EVP/CEO. With 7,800 members, the Texas Society of Architects (TxA) is the voice for Texas architecture, protecting and advancing a profession that plays an essential role in strengthening communities and addressing complex challenges in housing affordability, sustainability, resiliency, and public safety. TxA is in a strong financial and operational position with an influential advocacy voice, an established event portfolio, one of the most respected regional architectural periodicals in the nation, and an engaged network of 18 local components throughout the state. As Executive Vice President & CEO, you will build on these strengths to amplify and scale what’s working while identifying opportunities for TxA to better serve its members and the profession. Your leadership will help TxA embrace the same spirit of continuous improvement that defines the practice of architecture itself.
With a new strategic plan in place, TxA’s future direction centers on furthering advocacy impact; strengthening the value proposition for members across demographics and career stages; modernizing how TxA communicates its value and the value of the profession; and helping architects navigate significant changes related to technology advancement, workforce challenges, and licensure. To lead TxA into this next phase, you will oversee a capable staff of 10 across conferences and events, membership, advocacy and government affairs, communications and marketing, education, operations, and finance. You will manage a $4.2MM operating budget with $6.9MM in reserves, including the recently established TxA Legacy Fund, an endowment-like asset designed to support operations and new initiatives that benefit members and the profession.
2026-10-20:
Are you looking for a challenging, high-impact role with meaningful career growth at a top U.S. homebuilder? NVR, the parent company of Ryan Homes, NVHomes, and Heartland Homes, is seeking a Project Design Architect to join our innovative Architectural Design Team in our Frederick, MD office.
In this role, you will lead residential product development initiatives across NVR’s national footprint, partnering closely with senior leadership to shape design strategy, guide execution, and ensure alignment with market demand, cost targets, operational efficiency, and regulatory requirements. This position plays a critical role in influencing NVR’s long-term product vision and delivering market-ready homes at scale.
Projects span new product series development and series refreshes, utilizing collaborative BIM workflows, CAD, and advanced 3D visualization tools to support executive decision-making, cross-functional coordination, and successful market launches.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and coordinate the completion of new NVR product series or series refresh design projects.
- Complete and analyze market studies, develop concept and schematic designs, and create 3D renderings.
- Partner with senior leadership to understand product and market needs and overall design strategy.
- Ensure designs meet all guidelines, specifications, and building codes.
- Gather customer and market data, travel to new or existing markets, and present analyses to ensure alignment with market trends and cost targets.
- Collaborate with ASD and Homebuilding Operations leadership and with NVR’s Marketing department to align designs with strategy and customer expectations.
- Provide subject matter expertise within design and architecture functions; mentor Architects and Designers; and support Architectural Project Team members.
- Review architectural documentation for compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; seal and/or approve as required (requires current architectural license/AIA/NCARB Certificate).
- Develop design solutions and provide technical perspective across multiple design initiatives.
- Maintain schedules, records, and documentation for multiple concurrent design projects.
- Work with NVR’s Marketing team to optimize furniture and appliance layouts and align color schemes on renderings.
- Complete reviews, analysis, and redlines for design projects, ensuring Design Architects make necessary updates.
- Present virtual product tours and designs to senior leadership.
- Coordinate and implement architectural and design requirements with project teams.
- Lead and mentor Architects, Designers, and Architectural Project Team members.
Qualifications:
- Preferred 7+ years of experience in residential design and/or production homebuilding.
- Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or a construction-related field.
- Current architectural license and/or NCARB Certificate.
- Experience in design development and construction documentation.
- Proficiency with CAD and 3D visualization software.
- Ability to read and interpret construction documents.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and time-management capabilities.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Effective communication and collaboration abilities.
- Experience leading, mentoring, and/or coaching junior team members preferred.
- Comprehensive understanding of materials used in residential construction.
Life at NVR
NVR is committed to your success, providing tools, training, and industry knowledge to excel. Our management team is tenured and talented, with nearly 80% promoted from within, offering mentorship and career guidance. NVR offers top industry benefits, including stock ownership through a profit-sharing trust as part of our retirement savings package. NVR has had the highest Earnings Per Share growth rate in the homebuilding industry for the past 10 years.
View more about our culture and benefits at https://www.nvrcareers.com/.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Drug Testing and Credit Check are required. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States, as NVR does not provide visa sponsorship.
This position pays $110,000-130,000 per year.
To apply, please follow the link below where you will be taken to our careers page.
https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg01/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=NVRINC&cws=70&rid=36347