In March, the Young Architects Forum (YAF) revived the Napkin Sketching Contest, to showcase the starting point of many architectural marvels — the humble napkin sketch. Designers of all levels, from professionals to beginners, eagerly submitted their napkin sketches for consideration. The entries ranged from playful doodles by aspiring elementary school students to precise drawings by seasoned firm leaders, each...

Wiencek + Associates Architects + PlannersWashington, DC  Photographs © Jeffery Sauers, CPI Productions  Located on the historic St. Elizabeth’s Campus in Washington DC, this new Men’s Shelter was designed to be a “Beacon of Hope” for those in need. The goal was to transform the DC homeless shelter system to ensure that any person experiencing a housing crisis has a safe,...

Northern Virginia as the capital of the world data infrastructure (more than 300 facilities and still growing fast) is the epicenter of the emerging trends related to the expanding footprint of the data center built environments. The need for more space, integration into the surroundings, independent and renewable power sources, a more sustainable life cycle, and flexibility are among the...

By Taylor T. Dolan, Esq. and Nathan B. Greyard, Esq.Lee/Shoemaker PLLC The Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”), effective January 1, 2024, will impact millions of small businesses in the United States. Enacted to deter and enable enforcement against illicit activity, the CTA requires newly formed and previously created companies to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (“BOI”) Report with the Financial Crimes...

This March, YAF is reviving the AIA NoVA Napkin Sketching Contest. We all know the greatest architectural marvels often start as a humble napkin sketch! It’s the architect’s go-to canvas! Get ready because this March, YAF’s AIA NoVA Napkin Sketch Contest is back, offering you the chance to unleash your creativity and sketch your way to architectural fame. Whether it’s...

After sitting down to dinner and getting to know each other better, Kathie shared her origin story – because she really is a superhero. From architecture, engineering, management, business, education, mentorship – Kathie’s journey is a testament to her multifaceted talents. What sets her apart is her innate ability to identify gaps and ingeniously chart innovative paths to address them....

Designed by Stantec Architecture The Arlington Transit (ART) Operations and Maintenance Facility is located at the southern edge of Arlington, VA, and serves as a gateway to the County along I-395. The transformative project adapts three parcels of land, separated by a private access road and a regional storm water channel, into a resilient, modern facility to sustain reliable, efficient public...

Arlington, Va.designed by FGM Architects As one of the first African American volunteer fire departments south of the Mason Dixon line, Fire Station 8 has been the heart of its neighborhood and a safe haven for the community for over 100 years. From the outset of design, the community has been a driving factor in ensuring that FGMA not only...

Project files grow quickly, and you need controls that direct your employees on how to manage project documents as they are generated. Addressing your firm’s internal, organizational inefficiencies can also eliminate needless risk and improve your bottom line. From a risk management perspective, executing a clear document management process strengthens your information security and improves your ability to address a...

The 2023 AIA Northern Virginia Design Awards were a resounding success!  The Chapter received more than 100 entries across seven categories, with awards presented to firms whose projects included and demonstrated a level of good design principles of the 21st Century. With four levels in each category possible, the awards recognize and celebrate the achievements AIA Northern Virginia members have...