
The AIA Northern Virginia Women in Architecture (WIA) Committee brought together an inspiring cross-section of the region’s design community for the sold-out Women in Architecture 2026 30×30 Celebration on June 1 at The Locket at The Key in Rosslyn. The evening honored the remarkable women recognized through the committee’s “30 Women in 30 Days” initiative, a program that highlights women across architecture and allied professions during Women’s History Month each March.


The “30 Women in 30 Days” initiative began as a Women’s History Month campaign designed to spotlight the accomplishments, leadership, and contributions of women across architecture and allied professions. Over the past five years, the steady growth in nominations reflects the program’s evolution into a widely recognized celebration of the women shaping the built environment throughout the region. Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has featured 180 women, creating a growing network of professionals whose work continues to influence the future of architecture, design, engineering, construction, and advocacy.

This year’s celebration served as both a reunion and a reflection on the momentum the program has generated since its inception. With attendance capped at 45 guests and a waitlist forming before registration closed, the intimate gathering fostered meaningful conversation and connection among honorees and supporters. Representatives from every cohort were in attendance, including four honorees from 2021, five from 2022, six from 2023, five from 2024, five from 2025, and an impressive thirteen women from this year’s cohort.
Consistent with the Committee’s theme of connection, the evening highlighted the strong relationships the program has cultivated over the years. Drawing on the collective experience, insight, and inspiration represented in the room, attendees were encouraged to engage with one another, forge new relationships, and strengthen existing ones.
The 30×30 initiative has grown beyond a recognition campaign into a vibrant network of women championing one another’s success across firms, disciplines, and career stages. The celebration provided an opportunity not only to recognize professional accomplishments, but also to celebrate the collaborative spirit, mentorship, and shared experiences that continue to strengthen the architecture community.
Special thanks to BPL Enclosure, whose support as the Village Sponsor helped make the evening possible, and to the AIA NoVA Grant Committee for supporting the event and its mission. Their combined contributions helped create an event that celebrated not only individual achievements, but also the relationships and sense of community that continue to advance the architecture profession across Northern Virginia and beyond.
Sunny Carroll, Assoc. AIA & Rebecca Meyer, AIA | 2026 AIA NoVA WIA Co-Chairs
