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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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Tom Becherer, Assoc. AIA

2026 Co-Chair
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Ava Helm, AIA

2026 Co-Chair

Check Out Latest News

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Photo Credit ©️ AIA NoVA YAF
05/15/2026

Seven Speakers, Infinite Perspectives: YAF Brings Pecha Kucha Night to Life

The Young Architects Forum (YAF) recently hosted its first ever Pecha Kucha Night and it was a total success! For those not familiar with the concept of Pecha Kucha, here is a little background. Pecha Kucha is Japanese for “chit-chat” and is a presentation format designed to keep ideas concise and engaging.  The format consists of a group of designers
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Photo Credit ©️ AIA NoVA
02/17/2026

Striking Up Connections: A Recap of YAF’s Mentor Bowling Event

The AIA NoVA Young Architect’s Forum (YAF) hosted its second annual Mentor Bowling Event last month at Lucky Strike – Crystal City, and it was a huge success! Despite the cold temperatures and the settling ‘snowcrete’ – we had a great turnout! During the event small groups of mentees, mentors, and product reps rotated through short games over the course
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01/20/2026

2026 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 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.

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