Through your collective efforts, we’ve continued to strengthen the chapter and advance our mission across all areas of our strategic plan:

Membership
This year emphasized broader engagement and new pathways into the chapter. We introduced the Firm Ambassador Program to strengthen awareness and engagement across member firms, updated internal processes to better support member activities, and refined our communication platforms to keep members informed and inspired. We also launched the LGBTQIA+ Alliance and reactivated the Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee to support inclusion, advocacy, and meaningful connections with local jurisdictions. Monthly firm-facing fliers increased visibility of chapter activities, while the Spring Social at Fireside Hearth & Home welcomed prospective members and industry partners. We also received a grant to launch the So, You Want to Start Your Own Firm? workshop, supporting entrepreneurial architects.

Connections
Strengthening relationships remained a priority through engagement with partner organizations, allied professionals, and peer AIA components. Chapter leaders participated in AIA Virginia component leadership summits, monthly DMV component meetings, and the Annual Big Sibs Meeting, fostering alignment, sharing best practices, and extending our regional impact.

Celebrate
Our 50th anniversary was celebrated throughout the year with a commemorative logo featured across communications and events. Architecture Month, Canstruction—including a special 50th anniversary sculpture—and our Design Awards Gala promoted the value of good design and the role of the architect in the community. The Design Awards Gala at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial reached record attendance, while former chapter presidents shared remarks and photos to celebrate each of the five decades, we have been a chapter. The year was rounded out with our Autumn Social at Dominion Lighting recognizing chapter honor award recipients.

Organization
We continued evolving the organization to optimize member value and experience by establishing three board-led task forces focused on Committee Engagement, Sponsorship, and the 50th Anniversary. Board liaisons were assigned to each committee to strengthen communication and support. We also hired two new team members, launched the Champion of Architecture Sponsor Program, advanced a new CD investment, and compiled employment resources for members impacted by the local economy.

Future
Nurturing the future of the profession remained central to our work. Through YAF’s expanded Dinner with an Architect series, Mentor Golf and Bowling events, the ARE® Prep Series, and support programs such as the ELA NoVA Nominee Grant and an ARE® Scholarship, we created meaningful opportunities for emerging professionals to grow and lead. Educational and student-focused initiatives—including a licensure panel and portfolio review at WAAC, the Mug Competition, and the Inter-School Student Design Competition engaging six regional colleges—strengthened connections between students, early-career professionals, and the broader architectural community.