Project Planning & Design (PPD) is one of six virtual prep courses AIA NoVA offers annually. Each class provides attendees with an opportunity to learn from top-notch design professionals while gaining knowledge that can be used to prepare for each section of the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). Advance registration is required by 5:00PM ET on the Thursday directly prior to each Saturday seminar. REGISTER NOW!

Course Description
Prepare for the Project Planning and Design section of the Architect Registration Examination 5.0 (ARE 5.0) with our comprehensive course! As a key division among the six in ARE 5.0, this program focuses on the essentials of preliminary design for sites and buildings. Explore the nuances of developing and integrating design concepts, sustainability/environmental design, building systems, assemblies and materials, universal design, and the various governing codes and regulations. Our course offers practical insights and hands-on learning to ensure you’re well-prepared for the exam and equipped for the practical challenges of architectural practice. Join us for a solid preparation experience that goes beyond the basics.

Learning Objectives

• Explore the relevance of codes and regulations in the project planning phase. Apply zoning and environmental regulations to both site and building design, incorporate building codes into the design process, and master the integration of multiple codes within project design.
• Seamlessly integrate environmental conditions, codes, systems, and assemblies into project design. Employ design logic to establish building configurations that align with program and code requirements, accounting for building systems, environmental factors, contextual considerations, and site conditions.
• Evaluate the impact of environmental conditions and context on project planning and design. Determine optimal building and site improvement locations through site analysis, incorporate sustainable principles into design decisions, and assess the influence of neighborhood context.
• Delve into the process of determining building systems, materials, and assemblies during the design phase while adhering to early programmatic, budgetary, and regulatory requirements.

Series Schedule
Feb. 07 – Practice Management (6 AIA LU | HSW), 10:00am-4:00pm
Mar. 07 – Project Management (6 AIA LU | HSW), 10:00am-4:00pm
Apr. 11 – Programming & Analysis (5 AIA LU | HSW), 10:00am-3:00pm
May 16 – Project Planning & Design (6 AIA LU | HSW), 10:00am-4:00pm
June 06 – Project Development & Documentation (6 AIA LU | HSW), 10:00am-4:00pm
July 18 – Construction & Evaluation (5 AIA LU | HSW), 10:00am-3:00pm

Cost: 
Individual Seminar Classes: $50 (AIA Member); $75 (Non-Member)
Complete Series Bundle Discount Package*: $250 (AIA Member); $375 (Non-Member)
*You must purchase tickets for all 6 courses at one time, to receive one course FREE (use discount code 2026AREBundle during check out).

Cancellation requests must be received via email (to [email protected]) no later than 5:00pm on the Wednesday immediately prior to the Saturday class to receive a refund (minus credit card and processing fees). Any session missed will not be refunded; however, paid registrants will receive any pre-/post-session class materials. Class materials from any refunded session will not be provided. Registrants who purchase the series bundle package are eligible for one class refund (minus credit card and processing fees) and will not receive the class materials.  Any additional classes missed are not eligible for refund; however, you will receive class materials.

AIA NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Provider Number: A058
Course: NOVA2026-005
Session: 1