The elevation of AIA Northern Virginia member, Dennis Findley, to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects recognizes a career that has expanded the very definition of architectural impact. Over nearly four decades, Dennis has applied the tools of architecture—clear thinking, systems analysis, and visual logic—not only to buildings, but to policies, communities, and lives. Colleagues first...

MODE4 ArchitectureAlexandria, VA Photographs © Anice Hoachlander Project Partners: GN Contracting Corporation, Inc.United Structural Engineers, Inc.Arcill Engineering, LLCDominion Surveyors, Inc. Red Oak (Data HQ) transforms a once-utilitarian warehouse and adjoining brick house into a dynamic, light-filled headquarters for a software firm. Embracing the raw, industrial character of the original structure, the design features exposed wood and metal elements paired with...

Becoming a licensed architect is a significant milestone in any architect’s career, but the path to licensure may appear daunting. One of the required steps is passing the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). The ARE® is designed to assess the skills and knowledge required for the practice of architecture, and with the rigorous nature of the exams, preparation can be key....

I remember getting involved with my local AIA chapter fresh out of graduate school. At the time, my motivation was simple: free access to licensure study materials – an invaluable resource that ultimately helped me pass the exams. It didn’t take long to realize, however, that my AIA membership offered far more than just support in preparing for exams. Being...

Every January, we all make plans for the year ahead—projects to land, skills to sharpen, goals to hit. This year, I’d argue there’s one more thing worth putting on your calendar: the AIA Northern Virginia Volunteer Fair. If you care about architecture, community, and people (and if you’re reading this, you probably do), this event is for you. Who Should...

GriD ArchitectsArlington, VA Photographs ©  Frazier Springfield  Project Partner: Kinch Construction After a year-long struggle to sustain their wine bar in the heart of Washington, DC’s Chinatown neighborhood during the COVID-19 pandemic, our clients made the bold decision to close their doors and reimagine their business. For over a decade, they had curated a menu of global wines focusing on...

Each year, the Schools Connections Committee holds a scholarship competition for architecture students who are attending school in Virginia or attend an architecture school out-of-state but reside in Virginia. Cash prizes are awarded to winning students with funds coming from the Northern Virginia Chapter of the AIA, alongside matching funds from AIA National through a component matching scholarship grant program. This year’s...

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

As we reach the end of 2025, we reflect on some of the key moments from the past year. Thank you to the members who volunteered their time to lead and organize many of these programs. Your commitment, leadership, and generosity of time are greatly appreciated. If you’ve like to volunteer in 2026, check here to see some of the...

As of December 1, 2025, AIA Northern Virginia is one of the largest local AIA chapters in the country, with 1,193 members. Covering 25 cities and counties across the Commonwealth, our members reside and/or work in a range of settings, from urban and suburban to rural areas within the Chapter’s region. Below is an overview of our chapter membership and...