This program is organized by the AIA NoVA Committee for Architecture Education.

The future Grace Hopper Center is the first phase for transforming the existing Arlington Career Center campus. The completed site will also include the Montessori Public School of Arlington (MPSA), the Columbia Pike Branch of the Arlington Public Library, an above-grade parking structure, and playfields. The new 5 story building is being constructed while these adjacent facilities are in operation.

Development of the new building massing was driven by the tight urban site and considerations raised during the community engagement and regulatory review process. The Public Facilities Review Committee’s principles of civic design are reflected in the reduced footprint by building vertically instead of out, stepping back of the façade via terraces, and a curb-less pedestrian experience on site. The new building is targeted to achieve LEED Silver.

Consisting of 5 instructional programs, Arlington Tech, Career Technical Education (CTE), Academic Academy, English Learner Institute and Program for Employment Preparedness, the Grace Hopper Center features dedicated spaces for hands-on courses such as auto tech and collision, animal grooming/vet tech, culinary arts, cosmetology and barbering, and cybersecurity, distributed throughout the building. Additional flex labs provide adaptable infrastructure for future expansion of certificate and career pathways.Collaboration areas and a multi-use performance space promote opportunities for breakout and gathering that is encouraged by the project-based learning curriculum.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the planning and review process for establishing shared community goals and positive public engagement.
• Analyze the constraints of a compact urban site for campus master planning, stormwater management and pedestrian access.
• Identify strategies for providing security, life safety, and wayfinding in vertical schools.
• Discuss the organization of mixing five different instructional programs into one community that embraces learning on display.

Registration is $10.00 for Students & Assoc. AIA Members; $20 for Architect Members; $40 for Non-Members. There is a limit of 20 attendees, so register early to secure your spot. Our tours frequently sell-out. 

Provider Number: A058
Course: NOVA2025-024
Session: 1
1.0 AIA LU | Elective