A New Direction for the District Architecture Center
After thoughtful consideration, AIA|DC and the Washington Architectural Foundation (WAF)
have made the decision to move away from the District Architecture Center and engage in a
more flexible, citywide operating model. The DAC building will close on July 31.
Going forward, we'll focus on bringing members, partners, and communities together where
architecture happens—in firms, project sites, civic spaces, cultural institutions, universities, and
neighborhoods across Washington, DC. This approach allows us to be more connected, more
responsive, and more present throughout the District.
For the past 15 years, the District Architecture Center has been an important part of AIA|DC's
story. It has served as a gathering place, a public home for architecture, and a meaningful
symbol of our presence in the city. We are deeply grateful to the members, donors, volunteers,
partners, and staff whose vision, generosity, and dedication made the Center possible.
As meaningful as the District Architecture Center has been, our mission has always extended
beyond any single location. Our strength comes from our members, our programs, our
advocacy, our partnerships, and our shared commitment to advancing the value of architecture
throughout Washington, DC.
"This transition is responsible stewardship that allows us to invest more directly in serving our
members, strengthening our programs, expanding our partnerships, and advancing the value of
architecture throughout Washington, DC," said Kimberly Bender, Executive Director of AIA|DC
and the Washington Architectural Foundation.
This is not a step back from our mission. It is an investment in how we fulfill it. By embracing a
more flexible operating model, we can better connect with members and communities across all
eight wards, strengthen our partnerships, and ensure AIA|DC and WAF remain resilient and
impactful for years to come.
Thank you for being part of our community and for helping shape what comes next. We look
forward to continuing this work with you and creating new opportunities to connect, collaborate,
and celebrate architecture across Washington, DC.