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Young Architects Forum

YAF
For emerging professionals looking for opportunities to learn, lead, connect, and have fun
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Photo Credit © Braden Field

About Us

The Young Architects Forum (YAF) in Northern Virginia is dedicated to nurturing a vibrant community of emerging design professionals. Our group provides a platform for young professionals in the field to connect, share ideas, and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of architecture. Our mission is to provide support for individuals working towards licensure, facilitate engagement with career development opportunities, and advocate for architecture’s role in Northern Virginia. Through a range of initiatives, we promote fellowship, growth, and community impact. Our resources include Exam Solidarity Coffee meetups, an ARE Prep Course, and the AIA NoVA’s YAF Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®) Scholarship, all aimed at assisting members in their journey towards licensure. We also host networking events such as social hours, rooftop yoga, and urban sketch walks to foster connections within the design community. Our mentorship program includes annual top golf outings and monthly “Dinner with an Architect” series, providing invaluable insights and networking opportunities with industry leaders. Additionally, we offer developmental activities like lectures and hard hat tours, enabling members to expand their knowledge and skills. Join us as we cultivate a supportive environment for young architects to thrive and make a positive impact on the built environment of Northern Virginia.

Our Leadership

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Elizabeth Parry, AIA

2025 Co-Chair
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Tom Becherer, Assoc. AIA

2025 Co-Chair

Check Out Latest News

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Photo Credit ©️ AIA NoVA
08/13/2025

YAF Mentor Golf Event Is a Swinging Success

On July 17, AIA NoVA’s Young Architects Forum (YAF) hosted its third annual Mentor Golf event at TopGolf National Harbor. This much-anticipated evening once again brought together emerging professionals and seasoned architects for a unique blend of networking, mentorship, and golf. Attendees from local architecture firms—Jacobs, KGD, MTFA, and FGM Architects—joined in the fun alongside prime sponsor, General Shale and
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Photo Credit ©️ AIA NoVA
02/10/2025

See All The Fun Had at The YAF Mentor Bowling Event!

The AIA NoVA Young Architect’s Forum (YAF) kicked off its first annual Mentor Bowling event this winter at Bowlero – Crystal City, and it was a huge success! Mentees and mentors from local firms—including Jacobs, KGD, MTFA, and Gensler—joined in for an evening of networking and fun. Building on the success of last summer’s Mentor Golf event, Mentor Bowling welcomed
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Photo Credit ©️ AIA NoVA
01/21/2025

ARE® Prep Series Roundtable Recap!

Becoming a licensed architect is a significant milestone in any architect’s career, but the path to licensure may appear to be daunting. One of the most challenging and critical 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

Keep in touch with Young Architects Forum

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Photo Credit © AIA NoVA YAF
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Photo Credit © AIA NoVA YAF
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Photo Credit © AIA NoVA YAF
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Photo Credit © AIA NoVA YAF