As the calendar turns, many professionals reflect on resolutions that go beyond the personal—seeking purpose, connection, and growth. For architects and allied professionals in Northern Virginia, the new year offers a meaningful opportunity: getting engaged with AIA NoVA. Volunteering with AIA NoVA is more than giving back; it is a way to advance the mission of the profession while building...

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...

As the end of the year draws near, it’s easy to get sidetracked by deadlines and approaching holiday festivities. This is a reminder, so you don’t fall behind on fulfilling your continuing education requirements! You’ve worked so hard, the last thing you want is for either your AIA designation or your architecture license to lapse because you are a few...

Since 2018 the AIA Virginia Political Action Committee (PAC) has been working hard to educate firms and members about the role the PAC plays in establishing relationships with state legislators. As a result of increased investments from members and firm leaders, along with the Committee’s concerted efforts, the PAC has expanded its capacity to forge strategic partnerships and proactively support...

As we enter the home stretch of 2025, we are proud of the incredible work being championed by our amazing members. In order to continue advocating for architecture and amplifying the power of design, our committees are looking for fresh energy and talent to support these efforts. In the section below, you will find descriptions of open volunteer opportunities across...

AIA Northern Virginia is committed to fostering the development of future leaders in the field and recognizing those that have distinguished themselves by their passion and commitment to design. We are excited to announce that applications are now open for two great opportunities: the Virginia Emerging Leaders Nomination & Grant program and the AIA NoVA ARE® Scholarship.    These programs...

AIA Northern Virginia is pleased to announce the inaugural launch of “So, You Want to Start Your Own Firm?” supported by a grant from the AIA Trust and its sponsors, Victor and CNA. This day-long program is geared towards anyone on an architecturally-entrepreneurial journey in Northern Virginia and the surrounding areas, whether in-school, newly graduated, established and currently working as...

Each year, the Chairs of our Design Award committee travel to a quadrant of the country, visiting a different city in search of new architect professionals to review and judge our Chapter’s Design Award submissions. This year, the Design Awards headed to St. Louis, Missouri. The jury was held at the offices of CannonDesign on Thursday, May 1 and Friday,...