Inform Magazine

Architects in Action 2020: AIA Legislative Exchange
2020-07-09 15:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual – Online
Architects in Action 2020 includes a general session on Thursday, July 9 as well as virtual workshops and other special events throughout July.
Register to sign up for the general session, which will include our keynote presentation, Creating Resilient Cities by Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, a panel discussion with Chicago Planning Commissioner Maurice Cox, and our annual Advocacy and State & Local Policy update.
Visit www.gotostage.com/channel/architects-in-action to register for Architects in Action virtual workshops and other special events throughout July.
Attendees must register for each event separately.
Find more information on virtual workshops and other events here.
At Architects in Action 2020 you will:
*Hear from industry-leading experts, guest speakers, and elected officials
*Learn about emerging state and local legislative trends
*Explore innovative advocacy techniques and strategies developed by your peers
*Find your voice and acquire the tools you need to advocate for the profession
*Learn more about AIA’s commitment to environmental stewardship
Registration
Be sure to register for a virtual happy hour based on your region. Each happy hour is limited to 20 registrants.
For questions or assistance contact (800) 242 3837 ext. 7556 or register@aia.org
Registration is free and open to all AIA members and component staff.
Register online.

Online Safety Assessment Program (SAP) Training
2020-07-10 09:00 - 16:30 | Virtual – Online
Post-disaster Safety-Assessment Program (SAP) training provides architects, engineers, and building inspectors with the knowledge to provide evaluations of facilities and buildings in the aftermath of a disaster.
At the end of this training, you will be able to:

Recognize the important role architects and associated building professionals play in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
Accurately conduct a post-disaster rapid building assessment and complete appropriate damage assessment forms.
Demonstrate understanding of the Applied Technology Council’s ATC-20 Post-earthquake Safety Evaluation of Buildings and ATC 45 Safety Evaluation of Buildings after Windstorms and Floods damage assessment procedures.
Earn a Cal-OES registration ID card.

Earn 6.5 AIA LU | HSW
Register online.

Basic Hardware: Keying, Locks & Exit Devices
2020-07-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual – Online
In this distance learning course, we’ll discuss the function, application, of and code requirements for opening hardware and how to correctly apply that hardware for specific applications such as fire doors, egress doors, and ADA compliant openings.
Earn 1 AIA LU | HSW
RSVP by email.

Dismantling Racism and Discrimination in the Architecture Profession: A Framework for Action
2020-07-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual – Online
Join in an interactive online session where the AIA Northern Virginia Board will talk about results from the 2018 National Equity in Architecture Survey followed by a collaborative working session to brainstorm priorities and goals towards creating a more equitable chapter.
Earn 1 AIA | LU
Registration is required for participation and to receive continuing education credit.
Register online.

Virtual Tour: Scott House
2020-07-22 17:00 - 18:00 | Virtual – Online
Join Richmond Women in Design for a virtual walk-through of nearly completed renovation of the VCU Scott House. Built in 1911, the Beaux Arts style mansion was the home of Elizabeth and Frederic Scott, and is now owned and operated by Virginia Commonwealth University as office, meeting and classroom space.
The tour, led by Susan Reed, Director of Historic Preservation at Glave & Holmes, and Keith Van Inwegen, Assistant Director of Planning and Design at VCU, will encompass an overall history of the building and its original owners as well as its most recent $7 million renovation.
Register online.

WIA Lecture Series: Diversity and Inclusion in Recruiting & Marketing
2020-07-22 17:30 - 19:00 | Virtual – Online
AIA Northern Virginia’s Women in Architecture presents the latest installment in its EDI Lecture Series. This session offers a panel discussion with representatives from firms and local architecture schools. Women in Architecture is pleased to partner with Beyer Blinder Belle to host this series of discussions on how we can improve our current practices.
Earn 1.5 AIA LU
Register online.

AEC Industry Collaboration Roundtable
2020-07-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Virtual – Online
There is no question that these current times are posing unique challenges to our companies in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industries. For the first time, the Virginia components of the American Institute of Architects, American Council of Engineering Companies, and the Associated General Contractors will host a joint roundtable discussion for our members. Join your colleagues in the AEC industry in a moderated open forum to exchange best practices and discuss how you are addressing various challenges.
Register online.

Hard Hat Tour: The Citadel at 821 Salem Avenue
2020-07-23 17:30 - 18:30 | The Citadel at 821 Salem Avenue, 821 Salem Avenue, Roanoke, VA
Join AIA Blue Ridge for a hard hat tour, followed by a socially distant drink at Big Lick Brewing.
Earn 1 AIA LU
RSVP by email.

Design for Climate Action
2020-07-28 16:00 - 17:30, 2020-07-29 16:00 - 17:30 | Virtual – Online
Live Event: Design for Climate Action: AIA – ACSA Intersections Symposium 2020
Take Action to address climate and the built environment AND earn HSW credit! Join us live, July 28 and 29, 4:00-5:30 pm ET, for Design for Climate Action: Intersections Symposium. Each session will share important research, which Intersects Practice and Academia, and can lead to new ways of addressing the critical issues of climate change.
Register>>

Description

Selected from more than 120 blind, peer-reviewed projects, the eight projects featured in this symposium have been curated by our Co-Chairs, Phoebe Crisman, AIA, and Kyle Konis, AIA into dynamic, 90-minute sessions. Each session will feature important findings, presented in brief PPT presentations, followed by a moderated discussion and audience Q&A.

Tuesday, July 28, 2020 4:00-5:30 pm (EDT)
Achieving Climate Action through Practice, Academia, & Policy
Join us and see how COLLABORATION and REENVISIONING across practice, academia, community, and government can be part of the answer to climate change. Ashlie Latiolais, AIA, shares her work in New Iberia, LA. She suggests new modes and methods of architectural practice and education to inspire a new generation of architects to re-imagine conventional deliverables in architectural community work. Richard Mohler, AIA, describes the climate and social equity challenges created by single-family zoning. He shares the results from a collaboration of his University of Washington design studio, AIA Seattle, and city government to revise public policy to be more aligned with the city’s climate and social equity goals. Designer Sasha Plotnikova illustrates how designing for de-growth presents an alternative model to conventional US urban development practices. She gives architects a way to help foster and realize community-based visions of equitable development that is also climate-responsive design. Ann Yoachim shares the work of Tulane’s community design center as a case study. Increased intensity of weather events and failing infrastructure have resulted in regular flooding of streets, homes, and businesses (including the center itself). Responding to immediate needs and planning for potential climate futures are often in conflict, so an engaged design process, related and unique projects, and research offer architecture practice and education an opportunity to respond. Join us for a lively discussion developing effective changes in practice, policy, and education, to realize climate action.
Learning objectives

Learn how to plant the seeds that blossom into stronger, more sustainable communities. Identify new techniques to respond to the current ecological crises and educate and train (future and current) architects to design buildings that co-exist with the environment, in improved ways from those that have formed the basis of the current environmental emergency.
Explore new modes and methods of inquiry and architectural practice to re-imagine and create environments that are socially equitable and ecologically sustainable. Create work (projects and research) that contributes directly to the greater public understanding of the role and value of professional architects.
Understand how outside influences can impact projects and how to stay aware to prevent unintended consequences that negatively impact our environment, our project, and our quality of life. Learn how to advance climate action and environmental stewardship through advising elected officials in revising public policy to be more aligned with climate and social equity goals necessary to address the magnitude of ecological, social, and economic challenges we face.
Learn how collaboration with clients, community members, stakeholders, and multiple expert groups can facilitate the design and planning process as well as educate and create capacity within the community to advocate for climate action and improved quality of life for all.

Wednesday, July 29, 4:00-5:30 pm (EDT)
Designing Across Scales for Climate Action
Today, designers are tackling climate action across a range of scales. Learn about four projects that address material exploration, buildings and systems, landscapes and habitats, and infrastructure. The Pulp studio, by Stephanie Davidson, uses recycled cellulose-based materials to cast temporary, biodegradable, thin-shell structures. She asks designers to see materials as responsive, constantly transforming, and asks them to consider where materials come from and where they end up, when making design decisions. The Pollinators Pavilion by architect Ariane Harrison seeks a larger role for architecture in environmental activism and focuses on biodiversity conservation and materials exploration. She uses artificial intelligence and automated scientific monitoring strategies to create and analyze habitat systems and increase building awareness. Award-winning Salty Urbanism presented by Jeffrey Huber, AIA, features projects in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and Venice, California. These projects use coastal-hazard adaptation approaches and a design framework for urban areas to address economic, engineering, environmental, and quality of life issues. Finally, landscape architect Zaneta Hong’s studio research demonstrates how changes in agricultural practices and food systems could address growing global populations and impact climate change, while defining roles of architects and designers in transforming future landscapes and material systems.
Learning objectives

Discover multiple ways to collaboratively address climate change and positively impact the public’s health, safety, and welfare, through innovative design and materials development that address water and storm water management, materials, and species extinction.
Learn ways that artificial intelligence technology impacts architecture and can improve our ability to design more resilient and sustainable ecosystems.
Discover new tools and design methodologies, using a multi-scale approach, that helps connect segregated disciplines, such as urban planning and environmental engineering with architecture, to meet complex challenges of urban development and water rise, while also generating action between bottom-up design thinking and top-down policy and planning.
Discover how we should be planning and designing today for our future global needs. Understand why mindful building processes, handling of resources (including material decisions), and awareness of our impact on the environment are critical to climate action. Action must begin now so that climate action successfully makes its way further into the construction industry’s education and practice.

Memorial to Enslaved Laborers at the University of Virginia
2020-08-12 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual – Online
Join AIA Virginia for a free panel discussion on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020 at 4 p.m. about the design of a new Memorial to Enslaved Laborers (MEL) on the grounds of the University of Virginia.
Hear about the momentum of the project, beginning with student-led initiatives as early as 2010, the ideas competition, final design resolution, and the guiding work of the President’s Commission on Slavery and the University (PCSU). Learn about the robust community engagement process, including descendants of the enslaved and how the shared vision informed each element of the Memorial’s design. Register online.
The design of a new Memorial to Enslaved Laborers (MEL) on the grounds of the University of Virginia marks a critical moment to address the complex history of the University, slavery, and the country. It directly responds to a deep need to address an untold and uncomfortable history – one that is still very much a difficult, though necessary, national conversation on race. The goal of the Memorial is to create a physical place of remembrance and a symbolic acknowledgement of slavery and offers a place of learning and a place of healing.
The Memorial was designed as part of a collaboration between Howeler + Yoon Architects, Studio&, Gregg Bleam Landscape Architect, Eto Otitigbe, and had thoughtful input from many more. Learn more.
Earn 1 AIA LU | HSW
Register online.

Sustainable Masonry
2020-08-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual – Online
After completing this program, the participant should understand compliance with design standards, energy consumption, sound transmission, mold mitigation, fire resistance, and environmentally responsible materials manufacturing.​
​Earn 1.0 AIA LU | HSW
Register online.

Dismantling Racism & Discrimination in the Architecture Profession: A Framework for Action (Part 2)
2020-08-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual – Online
Join in an interactive online session with the AIA Northern Virginia Board and chapter members, along with guests from AIA Richmond and AIA Hampton Roads, to discuss how architects can be advocates for racial equity and justice when working with clients, elected leaders, and civic groups.
Free. Registration required.

Factory-Built: Prefabricated and Modular Strategies from Real Estate Developments in the Washington D.C. Area
2020-09-09 10:00 - 11:15 | Virtual – Online
Building real estate projects with prefabricated and modular components have long promised to deliver buildings faster and more efficiently. Are market conditions and technology advances finally right for more wide-spread use of these strategies? Join a Zoom webinar with companies at the forefront of prefabricated and modular design, development, and construction in the Washington. D.C. area.
Projects to be presented include:

citizenM (first modular hotel in Washington D.C.), presented by Jennifer Macks of Gilbane Company;
Petworth Share (modular apartment project in Washington D.C.) presented by Megan Mitchell of Eric Colbert and Associates (architect); and
Annandale Millwork projects (prefabricated residential components manufacturer) presented by Gene Frogale, President of Annandale Millwork

Earn 1.25 AIA LU
Register online.
Presented by Center for Real Estate Entrepreneurship of the George Mason University School of Business in partnership with AIA Virginia.

Real Estate Toolkit: Basics of Commercial Building Construction
2020-09-17 17:00 - 18:15 | Virtual – Online
Real estate professionals routinely interact with construction teams in the design, building, delivery and management of commercial properties and spaces and capital replacement projects. This workshop teaches basic familiarity with different types of construction projects and processes, different ways of structuring construction contracts and legal documents, and how to understand and manage construction schedules. Attendees will learn about the important members of construction teams and their roles, and how project scopes and drawings are organized.
Speaker
Sarah Forrest is Chief Estimator at Hensel Phelps Construction Co., one of the largest general contractors and construction managers in the U.S. and ranked consistently among Engineering News-Record’s top 20 contractors. Sarah began her career at Hensel Phelps as a field engineer in 1996. She has a BS in Construction Science and Management from Kansas State University.
Earn 1 AIA LU | Approval Pending
Register online.

Applying the Code to Cannabis Facilities
2020-09-18 08:30 - 16:30
Legal Marijuana and the Building Code
Presented by WICED of VA
Presenter: William Clayton CBO,
Plan Analyst/Code Consultant/Instructor
SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 | 8:30 A.M. -4:30 PM
VIRTUAL TRAINING VIA MICROSOFT OFFICE TEAMS
COST: FREE TO CURRENT WICED (Women in Code Enforcement and Development) OF VA MEMBERSHIP
$50.00 TO NEW WICED OF VA MEMBERSHIP
$75.00 TO ATTEND WITHOUT MEMBERSHIP
Cannabis cultivation, processing and sale are handled differently than other industrial processes which means that as the legalization of cannabis becomes more prevalent, the need to know how to apply the code will be valuable for the building safety community to know. Topics in this course include building, fire, mechanical, plumbing, energy, and electrical code requirements, different types of facilities and a checklist for plan review inspection.
This Course is in a Virtual Training Room: This type of online classroom allows you to see and hear the instructor and classroom and they will be able to see and hear you. This is not a web session with voice over.
To Register: click here
Deadline to register for training materials Monday, September 14, 2020

U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit
2020-09-23 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual – Online
David Herring, Director of Communication & Education at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Program Office, will demonstrate the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit. This toolkit is a robust website of resources designed to help people find and use tools, information, and subject matter expertise to build climate resilience. It was developed as an inter-Agency initiative that operates under the auspices of the United States Global Change Research Program. The workshop provides an opportunity to find out more about this extensive toolkit that includes a data site that projects climate changes down to the county level, outlines the steps involved in resiliency planning, and highlights case studies.
Register online.

Know Your Dirt: Basics of Understanding Your Project Site
2020-09-24 17:00 - 18:15 | Virtual – Online
For real estate professionals investing in and developing real estate projects, evaluating the dirt underneath is as important as the structure built on it. You will learn how to get a basic understanding about your project site such as topography, wetlands, drainage and environmental conditions; how to read and understand information from a soil report; how to resolve environmental issues; and more.
Speakers
James D. Succop, P.G., Principal/Subsidiary Director of Environmental Services, ECS Mid-Alantic
James D. Succop has more than 30 years of experience in environmental consulting services. He is a Principal of the firm and currently serves as the Subsidiary Director of Environmental Services. Mr. Succop’s professional expertise is largely focused on redevelopment of brownfields properties in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.
Michael Bianchino, Group Manager, ECS Mid-Atlantic
Mike Bianchino leads the team that is responsible for performing geotechnical studies, testing, observation and related services on a variety of project types in the District of Columbia, Arlington VA, and Montgomery County, MD. An employee of ECS since 2011, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (concentration in Geotechnical Engineering) from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Register online.

AIA Richmond Honors & Awards Ceremony
2020-09-24 17:30 - 18:30 | Virtual – Online
Join us online for our annual celebration of AIA Richmond’s award winners.
Register online.

Sporting Clays Challenge
2020-09-28 09:00 - 17:00 | Old Forge Sporting Clays, 7945 Long Reach Road, Providence Forge, VA, 23140, United States
Join us for AIA Richmond’s second annual Sporting Clays Challenge! The program begins at noon and a reception will follow.
Proceeds support K-12 initiatives and the AIA Richmond scholarship fund.
Register online.

VCU Health-Adult Outpatient Pavilion Virtual Tour by HDR
2020-09-29 17:00 - 18:00 | Virtual – Online
The new Adult Outpatient Pavilion’s (AOP) project vision consolidates outpatient adult specialty services on the academic medical center campus into one multidisciplinary facility for leading clinical care. The AOP will consolidate the Massey Cancer Center, Multi-disciplinary Shared Clinics, and the VCU School of Dentistry Clinics into a multi-faceted facility, designed to achieve LEED Silver. The 615,000 SF Tower is integrated with a parking structure for 1,000+ vehicles. The 17-story predominately glass tower will be highly visible in the downtown skyline. The ﬂexible and adaptable design maximizes views and natural daylight on all ﬂoors while also promoting a multidisciplinary, and welcoming environment for family-centered care and collaboration.
Register online.

ARE 5.0 | Item Types and What to Expect!
2020-09-29 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual – Online
Join YAF RVA for a fun filled hour covering “Item Types” that you should expect to find on the ARE! Register with your friends or call in with your quarantine buddies to learn more about what item types are, which ones can be found on your exams, and tips to uncovering the correct responses. Not only will we be covering all of the possible item types, but we will also work through example questions found in each ARE division. This is not limited to ARE​ candidates – new graduates or licensed architects are also welcome! You don’t have to be actively studying to attend, but pack your thinking cap and prepare to THINK!
​Register online.

A New Frontier for School Planning: Designing for Resiliency, Safety, & Well-being in the Wake of COVID-19
2020-09-30 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual – Online
The American Institute of Architects of Long Island and Northern Virginia in collaboration with Nassau BOCES invite you to a jointly hosted webinar that explores a new frontier of strategic educational planning and the role of design-thinking to support schools.
There is no debate that reopening schools is a critical step towards stabilizing our nation, economy, and state of social and emotional well-being. The concerns surround the when and how? While we cannot be sure when, we know that the architectural community can contribute to the how.
You will hear from Tracey Graham, Senior Healthcare Consultant at Hord Coplan Macht, about preparedness, planning, and operational continuity pre-, during and post-pandemic / disaster. She will be joined by Jenine Kotob, AIA, School Safety Specialist at Hord Coplan Macht, and co-author of the AIA National’s report entitled, “Reopening America: Strategies for Safer Schools.” By the end of the talk, attendees will learn about operational, infrastructural, and educational recommendations that can support the resiliency, safety, and well-being of our schools for generations to come.
Opening remarks by Christina Coughlin, Ph.D., Assistant Commissioner, Office of School Governance, Policy, and Religious and Independent Schools, New York State Education Department.
Who’s welcome? Educators, School Administrators, Architects, Engineers, Facilities Directors and Students.
Free webinar. 1.5 AIA LU/HSW. REGISTER HERE

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Lecture Series: AIA Guides for Equitable Practice
2020-09-30 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual – Online
The final installment of AIA Northern Virginia Women in Architecture’s partnership series with Beyer Blinder Belle focuses on the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice. The publication shares relevant research, tools, and best practices to address employment and personnel issues about equity, diversity, and inclusion. The discussion features panelists who contributed to the Guides.
Register here

AIA HR & AIA VA Virginia Town Hall
2020-10-01 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual – Online
As we navigate through the new challenges of COVID, the call for equity and diversity in the built environment, and economic hardships, we are calling for your voice to be heard.
Register online.

Large Firm Roundtable
2020-10-02 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual – Online
Bring your favorite beverage and join colleagues from large firms for a facilitated roundtable discussion and happy hour.
Earn 1 AIA LU
This is a Foresight 2020 event.
Admission to this program is included free with all Foresight 2020 registration options. If you aren’t planning on attending any of the other ticketed programming, choose the “Visions for Architecture & Social Events Only Pass” as your ticket option.
Register online.

Foresight 2020: Visions, ArchEx & the Design Forum
2020-10-05 - 2020-11-07 | Virtual – Online
AIA Virginia has announced that their signature programs for 2020 will be delivered virtually under the umbrella of Foresight 2020.
You’ll get to experience Visions for Architecture, Design Forum: In Praise of Shadows, and Architecture Exchange East in exciting new ways.
Registration opens in August.

Mid-Sized Firm Roundtable
2020-10-06 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual – Online
Bring your favorite beverage and join colleagues from mid-sized firms for a facilitated roundtable discussion and happy hour.
Earn 1 AIA LU
This is a Foresight 2020 event.
Admission to this program is included free with all Foresight 2020 registration options. If you aren’t planning on attending any of the other ticketed programming, choose the “Visions for Architecture & Social Events Only Pass” as your ticket option.
Register online.

Small Firm Roundtable
2020-10-07 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual – Online
Bring your favorite beverage and join colleagues from small firms for a facilitated roundtable discussion and happy hour.
Earn 1 AIA LU
This is a Foresight 2020 event.
Admission to this program is included free with all Foresight 2020 registration options. If you aren’t planning on attending any of the other ticketed programming, choose the “Visions for Architecture & Social Events Only Pass” as your ticket option.
Register online.

Integration, Integration, Integration: The Three Most Important Aspects of Lighting, and How to Master Them
2020-10-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual – Online
Integration is critical to developing a holistic lighting strategy for your projects – as well as the physical and mental well-being of building occupants. This course will broaden your understanding of the fundamentals of lighting integration and help you understand how to apply them to your projects.
Register online.
1 AIA LU | HSW
