On Oct. 29, members and guests of the AIA Northern Virginia Chapter gathered to celebrate the 2024 Honor Awards recipients, the 2025 scholarship and grant recipients, our newly licensed members and other acknowledgements at our annual Autumn Social held at Ferguson Studio in Falls Church, Va.
The evening’s accolades included:
Award of Honor – Anna M. Barbour, AIA
To honor a member architect who has demonstrated outstanding levels of professional influence and activity over a sustained period of time. This is the Chapter’s highest award.
An extraordinary architect and unparalleled leader within our chapter with her exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment, Anna has guided and overseen the Chapter’s award-winning ARE® Prep Series for over a decade. Her commitment to the profession is further demonstrated by her courageous decision to retake all the ARE® Exams during the testing transition from 4.0 to 5.0. Her dedication to helping others navigate this significant change has been instrumental in shaping the curriculum of the chapter’s ARE® Prep Series, showcasing her unwavering support for emerging professionals.
Currently serving on the Executive Committee as Secretary, Anna has also co-chaired the Women in Architecture committee, and has advocated for inclusivity and support within the profession. With over 20 years of continuous service to the chapter — an achievement that may well be unprecedented as a member — Anna’s loyalty and commitment to promoting our members are truly commendable. Her involvement with AIA National as part of the inaugural class of Next to Lead speaks to her dedication to fostering leadership among racially and ethnically diverse women in architecture.
Outstanding Achievement – Jay Scruggs, AIA
Recognition of a member architect’s achievement that has made a significant contribution to the built environment and transcends the scope of normal professional activities.
Jay has been a vital force within our Community Service and Canstruction initiatives, serving as Co-Chair for several years. His commitment to this cause exemplifies his deep belief in the power of architecture to make a difference in the community.
A long-time member of the AIA, Jay has consistently demonstrated a willingness to step up and volunteer his time, whether through hands-on involvement or by sharing his network of contacts. His service on the AIA Northern Virginia Board and the AIA Virginia Board reflects his steadfast dedication to our organization and the profession at large. He has facilitated HGA’s sponsorship of the Chapter’s Design Awards and has actively participated in the Design Award committee. From helping with the Chapter’s physical relocations to serving on a task force evaluating our future needs, Jay embodies the spirit of service. His contributions resonate not just within our chapter but extend to impact the state of Virginia and the broader community.
On a national level, Jay has served as the Virginia Director at Large for the Large Firm Roundtable, a prestigious role that underscores his influence and leadership in the industry. We celebrate a true industry leader whose outstanding achievements reflect a profound commitment to architecture and to improving the lives of those around him through his exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication.
Distinguished Leadership – Braden L. Field, AIAÂ
Recognition for distinguished leadership in the representation of the Chapter and the Membership, and consistently exhibited the highest personal and professional standards.
Braden L. Field, AIA, was honored for his outstanding leadership, unwavering dedication, and the significant impact he has made on our chapter and its members. An Associate Principal at MTFA Architecture, Braden exemplifies what it means to lead with integrity, dedication, and vision. Braden has embraced the responsibilities of President of the chapter with remarkable commitment and his contributions have been profound. Not only assisting with teaching and oversight of our ARE Prep series, he has also dedicated resources to committees, empowering individuals involved in organizing and executing our programs, while still exploring new funding streams to further enhance our capabilities.
Braden led several important task groups, including those focused on governance, website development, leadership orientation, and firm engagement. He championed a non-dues revenue sponsorship competition amongst the Board — one that he notably won — further demonstrating his innovative approach to strengthening our chapter.
Braden has consistently prioritized collaboration, sharing ownership of major initiatives with fellow leaders to streamline transitions within the Executive Committee. He has represented our chapter with distinction at significant events, such as the AIA Convention in Washington, DC, National and Regional Leadership Summits and the Big Sibs Conference. Behind the scenes, he has tirelessly worked on crucial aspects of financial planning and chapter governance, always striving to enhance our communications and connections between the Executive Committee and our individual committees.
Service to the Chapter Awards – Susy Mikhail, AIA and Zaira Suarez, AIA
Recognition of exemplary and meritorious conduct by a member in the service of the AIA Northern Virginia Chapter.
Susy Mikhail, AIA
Susy has made significant contributions to our chapter, notably through her role as Co-Chair of the Women in Architecture (WIA) committee. Throughout her two years in leadership with WIA, Susy worked tirelessly to organize a variety of events, which have created opportunities for connection, collaboration, celebration, and community among our members. After completing her term in a leadership position, she continues to be an invaluable resource for the current co-chairs, providing them with essential guidance and support as they navigate their new roles and responsibilities.
Her commitment to the WIA is evident in her continued initiative involvement, leading the new staple of Architecture Week, a sketch competition with the DC Sketchers. Additionally, Susy has served on the Chapter’s website committee, and playing a crucial role in designing our new website.
Zaira Suarez, AIA
Finishing her term in leadership of the Chair of the Committee on Architecture in Education (CAE), Zaira’s leadership has not only directed the committee but also significantly expanded its impact, making it one of the go-to committees for those interested in the field of educational architecture. Her commitment to fostering learning and collaboration is evident in the tours organized for newly awarded schools, providing a platform for discussion on design challenges and solutions and permitting members to delve into the complexities of educational projects, while enhancing members’ understanding and expertise.
A standout achievement was her collaboration with BIG, which hosted a virtual tour of the innovative design of The Heights Building in Rosslyn, and leading to meaningful discussions about the challenges faced and the solutions implemented. Zaira is poised to provide continued support to the next generation of leaders within CAE, showing continued dedication to advancing educational architecture. Additionally, Zaira assisted in identifying for recognition other chapter leaders while previously serving on the Honors & Nominations Committee.
AIA Northern Virginia Chapter Awards – Fashion Centre of Pentagon City and AFAC
Recognition of exemplary and meritorious conduct by a member in the service of the AIA Northern Virginia Chapter.
Fashion Centre of Pentagon City
Recognizing their exceptional partnership, commitment to community engagement, and the invaluable support they provide to our chapter for our Canstruction competition, the Fashion Centre has played a vital role in bringing our competition back to life.
Their willingness to embrace this type of community service project and a competition of this size has been a joy to witness. The excitement they bring to our collaboration is contagious, enhancing the experience for everyone involved. While the process and logistical planning has become smoother and more efficient, the Fashion Centre has generously promoted the competition, expanding our architectural reach in significant ways, leading to increased visibility for both the competition and the firms involved.
Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC)
Recognizing them as a vital partner in our community service initiatives, AFAC has played an indispensable role in our Canstruction competition, demonstrating unwavering support and commitment to fighting food insecurity in our community. For 16 consecutive years, AFAC had been by our side, providing superb logistical assistance to ensure that cans were ordered, transported, delivered, and retrieved seamlessly. Their dedication allowed us to hold the Canstruction competition without interruption until the pandemic, and our robust collaboration has now reached 18 years.
A pillar of the Arlington community, AFAC embodies the spirit of community service, providing dignified access to free groceries for nearly 4,000 Arlington families each week. By distributing approximately 32,000 pounds of donated food every week, AFAC ensures that families can remain in their homes, stay employed, and that children are ready to learn. Their support helps relieve the food budgets of countless families, allowing them to maintain their health and nutrition without sacrificing other essential obligations. Their tireless efforts have made a profound impact on the many lives of those they serve.
Awards of Special Recognition – Dennis M. Findley, AIA and Susan Piedmont Palladino
Dennis M. Findley, AIA
A long-time member of the American Institute of Architects, Dennis has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to professional excellence and civic responsibility. Recognized as a citizen architect by AIA National in 2008, Dennis’s passion for advocacy is evidenced through his leadership roles, including his recent election as chair of the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, the state’s largest advisory group on disability matters.
Dennis led a six-year initiative culminating in 2020 with groundbreaking legislation that ensures disabled Virginians retain meaningful employment and essential services after a parent’s passing. Beyond his professional pursuits, Dennis’s civic involvement is extensive and impactful. His extensive list of public service and community engagement speaks volumes about his character and commitment.
Susan Piedmont Palladino
An exceptional architect, professor and leader of the community, Susan Piedmont-Palladino, serves as the Director of the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC). Having a profound impact not only as a professor but also as a dedicated advocate for students and alumni, her unwavering commitment to fostering connections between students and professionals across the region has opened countless doors for emerging architects.
Susan has also strengthened the ties between AIA, the WAAC, and our Schools Connections Committee, facilitating invaluable interactions that enhance our professional community. Her involvement with numerous committees — hosting portfolio reviews, lectures, and events — demonstrates her dedication to bridging the gap between students and established professionals.
Craftsmanship Award – Gilbane
Recognition of an individual or organization that has exhibited superior work in the building trades.
Highlighting their remarkable work on The Heights Building in Rosslyn, Va., this Gilbane project stands as a testament to innovation, community focus, and exceptional execution. The Heights Building, serving as a high-profile secondary school, features a unique cascading design that fosters collaboration between The Shriver Program and the H-B Woodlawn program. Gilbane’s expertise is evident in the outstanding structural steel work that supports the intricate framing designed by Silman & Associates. The complex, stacked, and rotating upper levels, each with significant cantilevers, showcase an exceptional level of craftsmanship. The construction of the building’s outdoor terraces is another remarkable achievement. Designed to integrate tree wells and extensive vegetated roof systems, these terraces exemplify Gilbane’s commitment to creating green, sustainable spaces.
Inside, Gilbane’s attention to detail is evident in the custom architectural concrete and precast components of the street level and exterior terraces. Their precision in fabricating and installing expansive curtain walls and large format windows — both interior and exterior — ensures that this building is not only functional but also visually stunning. With features such as classrooms, labs, a media center, and even a soccer field, The Heights Building is not just a school; it is a vibrant community hub that enriches the urban landscape of Rosslyn.
Allied Profession Award – Whitener & Jackson
Recognition of an individual or organization that has exhibited superior work in the building trades.
A distinguished general contracting firm that has been a cornerstone of the community for over 50 years, W&J’s commitment to excellence and integrity in construction has made them a trusted partner for architects, clients, and community organizations alike. Having built enduring relationships with over 80 faith organizations and successfully completed more than 20 educational projects, as well as numerous fire and rescue stations, what sets Whitener & Jackson apart is their unwavering dedication to quality and client service. They embody integrity in every aspect of their work, fostering candid and accountable communication with all parties involved, and their attention to detail and craftsmanship is unparalleled. This hallmark of their business is a testament to their successful specialization in this demanding sector.
In addition, we celebrated several achievements by our Chapter’s Emerging Professionals:
AIA Northern Virginia Chapter ARE® Scholarships – Rachel Martinka, Assoc. AIA and Mahamudul H. Asif, Assoc. AIA
Rachel Martinka, Assoc. AIA
An architectural designer at KGD Architecture, Rachel is proud graduate of Virginia Tech. She completed her Bachelor of Architecture with the distinction of Summa cum laude, demonstrating her commitment to excellence from the very start of her career. A past participant in our Canstruction competition, Rachel recognizes that licensure is not just a credential; her essay reflects a profound understanding of the responsibilities that come with architectural design — to create safe and functional spaces and positively impact the lives of those who inhabit them.
Mahamudul H. Asif, Assoc. AIA
An Architectural Designer 3 at BKV Group in DC, Mahamudul holds a Master of Architecture from The University of Texas at San Antonio, and is already busy studying for his PA test. You might already ecognize Mahamudul’s work since his sketches were awarded in both 2024 and 2020 in the Chapter’s sketch competitions. Previously with Samaha Associates PC before his recent move, we look forward to having Mahamudul get more involved with our Young Architects Forum so that he can share some of his experiences of working internationally in Bangladesh.
2025 Chapter Nominee for the Emerging Leaders in Architecture (ELA) program –
Sheinya Joseph, Assoc. AIA Â
The chapter’s 2025 ELA nominee is Sheinya Joseph, Assoc. AIA, a junior architect with Little Diversified Architectural Consulting. An emerging architect, Sheinya embodies a deep commitment to advancing her leadership skills and utilizing architecture as a powerful tool for social impact. Sheinya serves as the president of Emerging New Urbanists (ENU), a nonprofit organization focused on empowering young professionals to design and advocate for equitable and sustainable urban spaces. During her college years at the University of Miami, Sheinya served as president of the American Institute of Architecture Students.
AIA Northern Virginia Newly Licensed Members
Rounding out our recognition of the next generation of architects, we are excited to recognize a very special group, our newly licensed architect members. We had ten individuals complete their ARE® Exams this past year. Those newly minted AIA members are:
- Scott R. Bennett, AIA
- Sarah E. Brummett, AIA
- Alisa Chirachaturaphak, AIA
- Elizabeth Morgan, AIA
- James Morris, AIA
- Benjamin Polzer, AIA
- Catherine J. Smith, AIA
- Caleb C. Snyder, AIA
- Michael T. Steinmetz, AIA
- Matthew C. Stevison, AIA
AIA Northern Virginia congratulates all of our 2024 Honor Award Winners!
Learn more about the H&N committee.
Published: 11/14/2024
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