One of the ways AIA Northern Virginia supports the future of the profession is by helping students and emerging professionals take advantage of opportunities that broaden their experiences and grow their careers. Whether it’s attending a conference, participating in a leadership program, or pursuing another professional development opportunity, we’re proud to support future architects who are passionate about the profession. If your firm offers internships or other opportunities for architecture students or emerging professionals, we’d love to help spread the word. And if you’d like to help us continue investing in the next generation of architects, please reach out to [email protected] to learn how you can support these efforts.

Earlier this year, AIA NoVA had the opportunity to support Samya Ahmed as she attended the 2026 Design Futures Forum in Detroit. Her reflections below are a great reminder of why investing in students and emerging professionals matters—not just for their future, but for the future of our profession.

“Every year, Design Futures hosts a 5-day convening for students in the built environment to learn more about designing for justice, liberation, and healing. As an undergraduate architecture student at the University of Virginia, I first learned about the Design Futures Forum through an email exchange at my school. Initially, I only saw the announcements in passing. This spring, however, I finally decided to submit an application as a fun experience post-graduation. Once I got accepted, I realized that several friends, professors, and even people I had met during my graduate school open houses had attended the Forum in previous years, which made the experience feel both familiar and expansive.

What stood out most during the five days in Detroit was the sense of openness and community. It was incredibly easy to talk to people; conversations flowed naturally both inside and outside structured workshops. There was no social hierarchy. Undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, practitioners, and organizers all engaged with one another on equal footing. That environment made it easy to speak honestly, ask questions, and reflect without feeling self-conscious. The Forum emphasized respect, privacy, and authenticity, which created a space where people could share their experiences and uncertainties freely.

For me, the biggest highlight of the Forum was meeting people that openly expressed that they were still “figuring things out.” Hearing others talk about their personal path and timeline, whether about architecture, career paths, or life after graduation, was refreshing and grounding. It helped me reflect on my own transition from graduating at UVA and preparing for my M.Arch in a new city and navigating the next stage of my academic and professional life.

It was also helpful to learn about things that have benefited others in their journey related to architecture be that a side hustle, scholarships, fellowships, research, or even something as simple as prioritizing well-being.

Beyond the workshops, exploring Detroit and learning about its history added another layer of meaning. In just five days, I learned how much can happen when people come together with curiosity, care, and a shared commitment to community-centered design.”

– Samya Ahmed ~ Rice University Class of 2028 | M. Arch – UVA Class of 2026 | B.S. Arch