The 2025 Design Awards season brings some exciting changes that reflect both the evolving needs of firms and the feedback we’ve received in recent years. With new submittal requirements, shifts in the award cycle timing, and revamped categories, the updates are designed to streamline the process, improve alignment with state-level awards, and ensure that the awards program continues to recognize...

As we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of the architecture industry, it’s important to acknowledge the impact recent changes may have on some firms. With federal funds frozen, a significant number of government projects may be postponed, delayed or even cut completely, potentially leading to a slowdown in work. With reduced project loads and shifting priorities, some firms may...

As 2025 marks AIA Northern Virginia’s 50th anniversary, we invited members to participate in a special design challenge at the end of last year: creating a logo to commemorate this milestone. This competition aimed not only to produce a visual centerpiece for our celebrations but also to engage our members and offer a unique design opportunity. The response was remarkable, with...

The value of AIA membership extends beyond those three letters after your name. It’s an investment, not a transaction. AIA Northern Virginia provides supportive programming, networking opportunities, design celebrations, continuing education, community engagement, and leadership avenues – all geared toward our local interests. The most relevant specific advantages of AIA will be different for each member, but there’s something for...

This year has been defined by connection, collaboration, and growth. Through your collective efforts, we’ve seen incredible achievements across all areas of our strategic plan: MembershipWe hosted An Uncommon Monday in Winchester and our first Virtual Volunteer Fair, helping connect new members and engage committee volunteers for our highest membership numbers ever. We also launched a Pre-Join Campaign to welcome...

As of December 1, 2024, AIA Northern Virginia is one of the largest local AIA chapters in the country, with 1,215 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...

For AIA Northern Virginia members and Chapter staff, 2024 has been an incredibly busy year. As the year comes to a close, we reflect on some of the key moments from the past months. We are grateful to the members who volunteered their time to lead and organize many of these programs, as well as to those who participated in...

As the year begins to draw to a close, the season of charitable giving begins. AIA Northern Virginia has numerous opportunities to which you can direct your donations. Our chapter has a 501(c)(3) fund for charitable contributions to help support scholarships and public outreach programs. The fund is managed by The Virginia Foundations for Architecture, Inc., under a fiscal agreement...

The AIA Northern Virginia Happy Hour, held at the DC Office of Little Diversified Architectural Consulting in Tysons Corner, was a resounding success. This vibrant event followed the September AIA Northern Virginia Board Meeting, providing a perfect opportunity for members to unwind and engage in meaningful conversations. The atmosphere was electric as architects, designers, and industry professionals gathered to share...

On Monday, May 13, approximately 40 members of AIA Northern Virginia were treated to “An Uncommon Monday,” led by AIA NoVA Board Director Chuck Swartz, FAIA, alongside his design/life partner Beth Reader, FAIA (founders of Reader & Swartz Architects, and Metrobilly Quarterly) and their team, with special guest and current AIA Virginia President, Kelly Callahan, AIA, of VMDO. Our “fast-paced...