Join the AIA|DC Historic Resources Committee and the Asian American Designers Union (AADU) this May for a special Preservation Month panel discussion focused on the past, present, and future of Washington, DC’s Chinatown.

As one of the city’s most culturally rich and historically significant neighborhoods, Chinatown has long balanced the preservation of its architectural and cultural identity with the pressures of redevelopment and adaptive reuse. With recent conversations around the potential reimagining of the Capital One Arena, the area is once again at a pivotal crossroads.

This timely panel will feature voices from the Asian American community, alongside representatives from the DC Office of Planning, a local developer, and a design professional who has worked on key projects in the area. Together, they’ll share their experiences shaping the Chinatown we know today, discussing successes and challenges in maintaining the character of this core historic district amid new development.
We’ll also take a closer look at the neighborhood’s layered history—its origins, cultural evolution, and the importance of representation in preservation. Panelists will explore how public policy, community advocacy, and thoughtful design can support Chinatown’s cultural identity while ensuring a vibrant future.

Presented by: 

Rebecca Miller (Facilitator)

Steve Calcott (SHPO)

Richard Wong

Kevin Milstead (Shalom Baranes)

Stephen Rodiger (Rift Valley)

Learning Objectives: 

• Learn about the cultural and architectural history of DC's Chinatown.
• Identify principles of adaptive reuse and how they are applied to preserve cultural heritage in urban historic districts.
• Examine how architectural interventions in historic neighborhoods like Chinatown impact community and cultural continuity.
• Analyze examples of adaptive reuse within historically significant neighborhoods that accommodated growth and development while aligning with preservation best practice.

Sponsored by: 
 

SmithGroup

Architecture tells us a great deal about society. In fact, glass and glazing are used to blur the lines between inside and out, helping elevate performance and the experiences of people. Yet while humans can use environmental cues to identify glass as a barrier, there is growing realization that birds cannot.

The solution is bird-friendly glass that delivers on performance, energy efficiency and the needs of people. This course from Guardian Glass is intended to provide the basis for a better understanding of how to recognize issues affecting the bird population while learning about best practices and design fundamentals for smarter, safer buildings.

Presented by: 

Rich Blymire

As Architectural Design Manager in the Capital Region for Guardian Glass, Rich Blymire is driven to foster a consultative relationship with those in the architectural design community by highlighting the performance and aesthetics of Guardian's vast array of architectural glazing products as they relate to your project. A professional with nearly 25 years of experience, Rich has experience in almost all areas of the glass and glazing industry and has had involvement with many notable projects, such as the Herbert C. Hoover Building in Washington, DC, the Starrett-Lehigh Building in New York, and the Escondido Graduate Residences at Stanford University.

Learning Objectives: 

• Recognize the basic behavioral patterns of birds.
• Identify the four most common reasons that bird-building collisions occur.
• Investigate the different types of product testing.
• Assess some available and emerging glazing solutions.

Sponsored by: 

Guardian Glass 

This event is Monday, June 16th and Tuesday, June 17th from 8:30am-12:00pm each day. 

Intended for licensed architects, engineers, or certified building inspectors, this training certifies attendees as Building Evaluators in the nationally recognized Safety Assessment Program (SAP).

The program is managed by Cal OES with cooperation from professional organizations, including AIA. It utilizes volunteers and mutual aid resources to provide professional engineers, architects and certified building inspectors to assist local governments in safety evaluation of their built environment in an aftermath of a disaster. SAP is the training standard of the AIA Disaster Assistance Program, which provides leadership, advocacy, and training to architects who are interested in volunteering their professional skills in times of crisis. This workshop will teach participants to conduct rapid damage assessments of structures affected by earthquakes, wind, and water. Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to consistently and safely assess structures for habitability and will receive a nationally recognized Cal OES registration ID card from the state of California.

Learning Objectives: 

• 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.
• Explain the features of the Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS), including how SAP and other requirements fit within those systems to support disaster response.

Bring your big ideas to life, brick by brick! In this hands-on, imagination-powered workshop, kids will step into the shoes of urban designers to create their very own city park using LEGO® bricks!

Drawing inspiration from iconic green spaces like the National Mall, Central Park, and other famous urban parks around the world, participants will use a fictional site map to design and build exciting public spaces that bring people together.

From skate parks and splash pads to zoos, playgrounds, and ice cream stands—your park can have it all! We’ll explore the concepts of placemaking, community space, and how thoughtful design makes cities better for everyone.

What’s in store:

•  Learn the basics of park design and city planning in a fun, creative way
   
• Use real design ideas and examples as inspiration for your own layout
   
• Build features like museums, gardens, theatres and more
   
• Collaborate with others on group builds—or go solo with your own vision
   
• Present your park to the group like a real urban planner!
   

This workshop blends design thinking, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving—plus plenty of LEGO® fun. Whether you're a future architect, builder, or city dreamer, this is your chance to turn big ideas into miniature masterpieces!

Best for kids ages 8 and up. All materials provided. 

Workshop is open to all ages, parents are welcome. 

Calling all creative minds and nature lovers! In this fun and educational family workshop, you’ll step into the role of an architect—with bees as your clients! Using simple materials and big imagination, you’ll design and build a custom bee house that blends thoughtful design with real-world function.

Together, we’ll explore how structure and shelter work in the natural world, learn about native bees and why their survival depends on spaces like the ones you’ll create, and discover how small design choices can make a big environmental impact.

What to expect:

• Learn about native bees and the role of habitat in their survival
• Explore basic design concepts like structure, materials, and purpose
• Hands-on building activity—take your bee house home!
• Ideas for creating pollinator-friendly spaces in your backyard
• Sweet reward: each participant takes home a jar of local honey

Whether you’re a budding builder or just love bees, this workshop blends creativity, learning, and sustainability into one unforgettable experience. Let’s build for a better planet—one bee at a time!

Architecture Uncensored is an annual series organized by the AIA|DC Emerging Architects Committee that discusses challenging topics within our profession. This event encourages interactive and lively conversations between emerging professionals and firm leaders as we dive into questions we often find challenging to discuss in our offices. This panel discussion brings together firm leaders from small, medium, and large firms representing different types of business entities to explore the practical, financial, and cultural aspects of transitioning firm ownership and leadership. Participants will gain insight into common challenges, successful transition models, and long-term strategies for sustaining firm legacy and culture.

Presented by:

Kim Sullivan, Principal and Co-Director, Gensler

Mark Ramirez, Managing Director, Hickok Cole

Omar Hakeem, Founder and Principal, TBD Studio

Learning Objectives: 

• Identify common models for firm ownership and leadership transitions, including internal succession, mergers, and employee ownership models (e.g., ESOPs), and how firm stability and ethical practice are maintained.
• Evaluate the leadership skills necessary for successful firm transitions and how to develop them in emerging leaders.
• Discuss the legal and financial frameworks that support ownership transfer, including valuation, buy-in, and exit strategies.
• Analyze how firm culture, vision, and values are maintained or adapted through leadership transitions.

Sponsored by: 

Hickok Cole

Provides an in-depth look at below-slab moisture and vapor protection. The program will examine building material failures, concrete degradation, property loss, negative health effects, and the liability associated with below-slab moisture intrusion. Moreover, the seminar is designed to update attendees on current standards and recommendations from ASTM, ACI, and PCA, as well as flooring and concrete experts from the industry. Questions about vapor retarders vs. vapor barriers, the use of poly/Visqueen, the location of the vapor barrier, radon gas, concrete moisture testing, concrete drying, and effective installation will all be addressed.

Presented by: 

Andrew Carr

Regional Manager for Stego Industries. Covering the Mid-Atlantic and Lower Northeast. (VA,DC,MD,DE,NJ,&PA)

Learning Objectives: 

• After attending the session, attendees will know how to design an overall system to help prevent moisture related problems such as: floor covering failures, mold issues, concrete drying concerns, and much more.
• Attendees will learn about the most recent standards and industry-expert recommendations in the Vapor Barrier industry, including ASTM standards, ACI recommendations and contributions to sustainable construction
• In addition, attendees will know and be able to explain the difference between a Vapor Retarder and a Vapor Barrier and know how to specify each.
• You will know what Vapor Barriers are necessary and how to identify the ideal product to go underneath of your building.

HSW Justification: 

This course is a certified HSW course as it covers how to increase indoor air quality. Preventing things such as mold growth and radon mitigation.

Sponsored by: 

Stego Industries
 

The program clarifies what classifies as an atrium per building code requirements and what are considered vertical openings. The levels of protection for various vertical openings will be provided and reflect the International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code requirements. The word "atrium" is used frequently to describe an architectural design feature. However, the IBC and NFPA 101 clearly define what an atrium is and the extensive protection requirements. When describing architectural features, a vertical opening may not classify as an atrium per the building code's definitions, and it may require different approaches to code compliance. The protection approaches differ between the IBC and NFPA 101, which are essential to balance when working in jurisdictions where both codes apply.

Presented by: 

Seth Jacobs
Mr. Jacobs is a licensed fire protection engineer with extensive experience in various fire protection systems, fire/life safety code compliance, and smoke control systems special inspections.
 

David Wilmot
Mr. Wilmot is a vice president of Jensen Hughes with over 20 years of experience specializing in code compliance and performance-based designs to requirements of the International Building Code and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. His experience includes evaluating code requirements for atriums, smoke control system rational analysis evaluations, and other conditions of vertical openings. Mr. Wilmot is a licensed fire protection engineer in various states.

Learning Objectives: 

• Identify what an atrium is versus a vertical open per building code requirements.
• Summary of the different code requirements for atriums and vertical openings.
• Comparing and recognizing the different requirements of IBC and NFPA 101.
• Describe the necessary coordination with other disciplines for protecting atriums and vertical openings.

HSW Justification: 

The program conveys the various approaches to atrium and vertical opening classifications of the building code, and the code required fire protection and life safety features necessary to provide a safe environment of building occupants.

Sponsored by:

Jensen Hughes

Please join us for a meaningful evening of cocktails and bold conversations, explore the themes of:

Stewardship, Preservation & the Evolution of Modern Living

Stewardship is at the core of each project on the Georgetown House Tour, and our panelists will explore how this responsibility of stewardship and protection of these historic spaces passes from generation to generation.

Panelists include:

• Melvin Hooks, Showroom Manager, B&B Italia
• Wayne Adams: Principal, BarnesVanze Architects
• Erica Burns: Principal, Erica Burns Interiors
• Joe Richardson: Founding Principal, Richardson & Associates

This session is a must-attend for architects committed to advancing sustainable design through the strategic use of hybrid steel and mass-timber systems. These systems combine the structural efficiency, durability, and fire resistance of steel with the environmental benefits and aesthetic warmth of timber. Attendees will explore how to address complex challenges such as fire safety, acoustic performance, and code compliance while maximizing material efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The webinar will also introduce forward-looking strategies for seamless material integration, flexible design approaches, and reduced lifecycle emissions. Participants will leave with actionable insights to design healthier, safer, and more adaptable built environments.

Presented by:

Larry Flynn

Larry Flynn brings over 30 years of experience in the design and construction industry, including 17 years as a journalist and editor covering commercial buildings and national infrastructure. For the past 20 years, he has held national roles at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), focusing on outreach to architects and engineers through education, resources, and business development. As Architectural Liaison and Resource Specialist at AISC’s Architecture Center, Larry now curates tools and experiences that spark creativity and support architects in designing innovative, resilient buildings using structural steel. 

Sponsored by: 

American Institute of Steel Construction
 

Learning Objectives: 

• Define key components and benefits of hybrid steel and timber systems.
• Identify fire safety unique to these systems.
• Identify acoustic considerations unique to these systems.
• Analyze case studies to apply hybrid solutions in real-world projects.

HSW Justification: 

This course supports HSW by addressing fire safety, acoustics, and sustainability in hybrid systems, helping architects design safer, healthier, and more resilient buildings through practical strategies and real-world insights.