Small firms make up nearly 75% of all architecture practices, yet often lack the resources for comprehensive awards submissions, such as research, performance evaluation, energy modeling, and marketing support. Expanding their representation in design awards advances AIA’s goals of equity, climate resilience, and the Framework for Design Excellence, while also engaging its largest constituent group.

This panel, moderated by Janet Bloomberg, features Rusty Bienvenue (Executive Director, AIA Houston), John Michael Day (Co-chair, AIA|DC Design Excellence Committee), and Bart Shaw (AIA SFx National Board Member). Panelists will discuss the relevance of awards in the age of social media, the need for a dedicated Small Firm Design and/or Firm Award, and strategies for implementing a small firm awards program.

Presenter Bio(s):

Janet Bloomberg, FAIA is a partner and founder of KUBE architecture in Washington DC, a modern architecture studio that challenges the norms of daily life and attempts to reinterpret ways of working and living in the built environment. Janet is a native of the Washington area, and attended the University of Virginia for her undergraduate degree and Columbia University for her Master of Architecture. While a student at Columbia, she was awarded the SOM Traveling Fellowship, with which she traveled to India and Nepal for research on ritual space. Janet’s work has received numerous local, regional, and national design awards, including over 50 AIA awards, and her projects have been extensively published nationally and internationally. She has taught architectural design at a number of universities, including the University of Virginia and Catholic University. Janet has been invited to serve as jury chair and juror on AIA design awards programs around the country. She was the President of the Washington Architectural Foundation Board, where she started several new programs for DC youth in architecture. In 2016 Janet received AIA|DC’s prestigious John Wiebenson “Wieb” Award, the highest local architectural honor recognizing service to the profession and to the community. In 2020 Janet was elevated as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in the category of Design, and since that time she has been an active member of both the AIA DC Fellowship committee and WFAIA committee, encouraging women to submit for AIA Fellowship. Recently Janet served as Chair of the national AIA Small Firm Exchange, including 3 additional years as a board member.

Rusty Bienvenue has served as Executive Director of AIA Houston since October 2010 and has run professional associations for more than 25 years. He is a recovering attorney who began his career as an Assistant District Attorney and later defended multi-national corporations involved in large scale product liability litigation at a large Houston firm. Rusty was born in Houston, but grew up in 11 different cities (small towns mostly) in 7 different states. He returned to Texas to attend the University of Texas and to Houston to attend the University of Houston Law Center. Rusty was elected to the Council of Architecture Component Executives (CACE) in 2017, served as CACE President in 2021 & 2022 and on the AIA National Board of Directors in 2022 & 2023.

John Michael Day, AIA has spent more than 20 years creating a diverse and award-winning body of work, including adaptive reuse and historic preservation projects, infill mixed-use projects, commercial office buildings, healthcare facilities, hospitality, institutional, single- and multi-family residential projects. As Co-Chair of the AIADC Design Excellence Committee, Mr. Day. is committed to design excellence that elevates the physical environments of communities and enriches lives of their residents. Mr. Day is an advocate for an innovative and thoughtful design process that supports diversity and team collaboration.

Bart Shaw, FAIA is cofounder and Principal of Ibanez Shaw Architecture, a design-driven practice based in Fort Worth, Texas. Renowned for architecture of conceptual clarity and material expression, his work ranges from buildings to public art to crafted objects. Each project is a lucid manifestation of an idea, brought to life through Shaw’s deep engagement with fabrication and making. His projects have been honored with more than fifty design awards, including recognition from AIA and IIDA chapters, National AIA Small Project Awards, the American Architecture Award, and Americans for the Arts. Elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects for design excellence, Shaw continues to shape the profession as a practitioner, lecturer, juror, adjunct professor, and advocate for a culture of design excellence across scales of practice.

Learning Objectives: 

• Discuss the relevance of design awards within today’s social media landscape.
• Explore the benefits and concerns of a Small Firm design award program.
• Review the impacts of the Framework for Design Excellence on Small Firm design awards submissions.
• Layout strategies for implementing a Small Firms design award program.

Sponsored by: 

Nichiha

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping the way we approach architectural and structural design. This event will explore how AI-powered tools are influencing design and construction, from concept development to advanced structural analysis and optimization. Topics will include architectural processes for early-stage ideation, current structural tools and methods, and will examine the ethics and best practices for the applications within the AEC professions and the general U.S. workforce beyond. Join us for this unique networking event and panel discussion of local industry experts. Drinks and refreshments will be served.

 Agenda:

5:30 PM Registration & Networking

6:00 PM Panel Presentation and Small Group Discussion

7:00 PM Panel Q&A

7:30 PM Close of event (Join us for further networking at Dirty Habit)

Panelists:     

Steve Kane, P.E. – Thornton Tomasetti Senior Associate and CORE Studio Representative

Ken Cheston, AIA - Gensler Associate and SE Regional Design Technology Lead 

David Fersh, AIA – SmithGroup Technology Strategist

Gabi Danna – Amazon Research Scientist 

Learning Objectives:

Targeting 1 AIA LU and 1 Structural PDH

1. Understand what AI is by definition, how it is being used in our industry ethically and how to safeguard business from liability.
2. Review current iterative design methods and opportunities for architectural schematics
3. Understand current engineering tools that support structural design approaches and increased efficiencies
4. Examine AI at a general business level to identify effective users and interface and explore application within the hiring process

Regional In-Person Seminar (Washington, DC)

See what’s rising in DC—and why mass timber should be in your next project. Join WoodWorks and the DC Department of Buildings at Sycamore & Oak–DC’s first all mass timber commercial building–for an exclusive showcase of cutting-edge mass timber projects redefining the Baltimore-Washington region’s landscape. This event brings together leading developers, architects, and industry innovators to explore how mass timber is transforming urban construction with faster builds, high-performance, and striking design.

Network, learn, and be inspired through case studies featuring these projects:

• DC Southwest Library & Congress Heights Library, presented by Jaspreet Pahwa, Director Capital Planning & Construction for DC Public Library
• Hybrid Data Centers & Under Armour Global Headquarters, presented by JJ Rivers, Principal at Gensler
• The Collective at Canton – 40TEN & Retail Village at Sycamore & Oak presented by Scott Charney, Mass Timber Market Manager at Quality Buildings
• Parcel 5 development, presented by Paul Elias, Executive VP of Construction, Redbrick LMD
• Whitehaven, presented by Todd Martin, Senior Associate, Hickok Cole
• T3, presented by Brian Eklund, Managing Director, Hines

Speakers: John O’Donald II, PE | WoodWorks and Brian Hanlon | Director of DC Department of Buildings

Co-hosted by the DC Department of Buildings

Location:

Sycamore & Oak

1110 Oak Dr SE

Washington, DC 20032

Metro – 5 min walk from Congress Heights Metro Station

Parking:

Limited street parking

St. Elizabeth’s Parking Garage next to CareFirst Arena at intersection of Cypress ST SE and Pecan St SE

For those interested in applying to the 2026 class of the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP), there will be an "Applications 101" information session hosted via Zoom. This interactive Q&A event will be hosted by members of the CKLDP Advisory Committee and provides potential program scholars with an opportunity to ask questions and receive helpful hints about what to include – or not – in their program applications. Interested candidates are encouraged to attend this event, but attendance is NOT mandatory in order to apply to CKLDP. We look forward to having you join us!

Please see the 2026 Application Landing Page Here. 

2026 Application Here. 

Organized by CKLDP Advisory Committee. 

Join us to learn about career and volunteer (via Committee Membership) opportunities and to meet the candidates for the 2026 Board of Directors. 

Light refreshments will be served.

The firms that will be represented are as follows:

//3877 Design

DLR Group

HGA

HKS

ISTUDIO Architects

Perkins Eastman

SmithGroup

Walking tour led by Congressional Cemetery docent. The tour will cover stone types, memorial, symbols, cenotaphs, and the overall history and significance of the Congressional Site in the context of Washington DC. Following the tour, participants will take part in a sketching exercise led by the HRC members and discuss their findings.

Presented by: 

Robert S. Pohl

Robert S. Pohl has been a licensed D.C. tour guide since 2009 and writes a regular column for the blog The Hill is Home. When he isn't touring or writing, he volunteers at the Southeast Library. Pohl is the author of A House on the Hill: The History of 219 11th St SE; Abraham Lincoln and the End of Slavery in the District of Columbia; Wicked Capitol Hill: An Unruly History of Behaving Badly; and Urban Legends of Historic Lore of Washington D.C.

Learning Objectives: 

• Identify and describe stone types, memorial forms, and symbolic elements found in the Congressional Cemetery.
• Explain the historical and cultural significance of the Congressional Cemetery within the context of Washington, DC.
• Apply sketching techniques to observe and record architectural and symbolic details on site.
• Discuss and interpret sketches as a way to analyze and share perspectives on the cemetery’s significance.

The Fellows Public Program Committee and the Emerging Architects Committee welcome Fellows, Emerging Architects and the AIA/DC community to gather for drinks and snacks at the rooftop terrace at Perkins & Will's West End offices. Great opportunity to meet other architects in different phases of their careers and enjoy drinks and snacks.

Preconstruction is one of the most critical phases of project delivery, where design intent, budget alignment, constructability, and scheduling converge to set the tone for a successful project. This seminar will explore how a collaborative preconstruction process enhances decision-making, reduces risk, and ultimately safeguards the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants and users. Through real-world examples and best practices, participants will learn how early integration of architects, owners, and contractors leads to smarter design solutions, cost certainty, and improved long-term performance of the built environment. Please join experts Cary Brown and Andy Craighill as they cover the essential considerations for project success from the General Contractor's perspective.

Presented by: 

Cary Brown, LEED AP
Vice President – Preconstruction
Cary joined E.E. Reed East Coast in 2021 as Vice President of Preconstruction, bringing with her a wealth of industry knowledge and experience. Establishing her department, she has set the standards and processes that facilitate over $1 billion of revenue annually. In this role, she manages procurement, subcontractor qualification, constructability, conceptual budgeting, hard bids, scheduling, value engineering, and all aspects of preconstruction across mission critical, base building, critical facilities, and corporate interiors. Her emphasis on early collaboration across project teams from owner to end user sets the foundation for project success and long-term client satisfaction. Understanding her clientele and their unique goals in the built environment is central to her approach and reflects her comprehensive knowledge as a leader in her field.
Cary is affiliated with Association of Builders and Contractors (ABC Virginia), 7×24 Exchange National Capital Region, and Women in Mission Critical (WiMCO). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction from Virginia Tech and a Master’s in Real Estate from Georgetown University. She lives in Nokesville, Virginia, with her husband Rob and three children and when not working, she enjoys watching her kids play sports, traveling, and a good glass of wine.

Andy Craighill, LEED AP, CDCM
Vice President
Andy joined E.E. Reed East Coast in 2006 and currently serves as Vice President of Corporate Interiors. He brings over 22 years of industry experience to this role. Starting his career as an assistant project manager at E. E. Reed East Coast, he gained experience in client relations, estimating, project document control, subcontractor procurement and cost management. As a project manager, he delivered a diverse mix of projects across market segments and including both base building and interiors. In his current role as Vice President, he is active in business development and oversees client relations in addition to facilitating preconstruction for our clients. He provides leadership and management for both our Corporate Interiors project teams as well as Special Projects that cross the Base Building and Interiors divisions.
He is affiliated with Association of Builders and Contractors and NAIOP. Andy has won three NAIOP awards and led project teams that received five awards of excellence from Fairfax County. He holds professional accreditations including LEED AP and Certified Data Center Manager (CDCM).
Andy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Union College in New York. He lives in South Riding, Virginia, with his wife Marta and three sons: Matthew, Jacob, and Alex. Outside of the office, he enjoys many outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, golf, and playing hockey with his friends and family.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain how early cost modeling and budgeting during preconstruction contribute to design decisions that ensure buildings remain safe, functional, and within the client’s means.
• Identify how constructability reviews and material analysis in preconstruction improve building performance, safety, and long-term durability.
• Describe how preconstruction scheduling and phasing strategies enhance site safety, reduce risks to occupants and workers, and support compliance with life-safety codes.
• Evaluate how collaborative preconstruction practices among owners, architects, and contractors promote more resilient spaces.
   

This program provides an overview of various types of access control applications for door openings including, mechanical key, keypads, offline battery powered, electronic cylinders and keys, hard-wired electrified, WiFi, wireless, and power over Ethernet product solutions.

Learn the advantages and disadvantages of each application with an emphasis on the differences in performance, cost, and efficiency of the entire opening. This presentation will help identify the best door hardware access control solution based on existing or new conditions, necessary security and monitoring requirements, & overall door functionality without sacrificing aesthetics.

ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions® is a group of consultative door opening experts who provide value by assisting with any questions, issues, or projects relating to doors, frames, or door hardware.

Presented by: 

Jason Adkins
Integrated Solutions Specialist with ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door openings solutions.

Learning Objectives: 

• Review continuum of mechanical, stand-alone, networked, and intelligent electronic access control products.
• Examine the advantages and disadvantages of intelligent EAC products and their appropriate application.
• Learn the correct questions to ask and language to use when writing electronic access control products into specifications.
• Understand how converged technologies are driving the development of sophisticated electronic access control solutions.
   

The masonry coatings roundtable presentation consists of a series of masonry coatings case studies including application challenges and lessons learned. Presenters will discuss topics including design and specification development, product application methodology, appropriateness and the practical lessons learned in delivering durable, long-term solutions.

The durability of specialized coating systems is dependent upon application methods and applicator qualifications. Strict security and zero leakage tolerance demanded careful attention to specification requirements and installation methods for a vertical PMMA application on a bulk oxygen tank addition. In contrast, the application of a cementitious coating system on a highly visible concrete deck emphasized aesthetics, while implying the requirement of high-performance design and durability.

The design and application of masonry coatings for historic applications begs the question of appropriateness. Evaluation of the risks and benefits of coating character-defining features of historic resources is critical in the development of prospective treatment options for deteriorating masonry. Aesthetic project requirements related to coating stone require research and can lead to extensive on-site mockups and field testing to inform the most appropriate treatment protocol for aging historic masonry.

Coating selection plays a pivotal role in achieving project goals, balancing aesthetics and functional performance. Winner of the ICRI Project of the Year Award in 2014 and then the Longevity Award in 2024, this showcase building’s exterior and interior masonry coating applications contributed to the revitalization of both an abandoned concrete and masonry building as well as a community. 

Learning Objectives

1. Learn how the use of protective coatings can extend the useful life of masonry structures as part of a complete repair and protection strategy.
2. There are many factors that impact coatings selection. Learn how substrate composition, exposure, application methods, and durability requirements guide the decision-making process.
3. Surface preparation requirements vary based upon the application. Learn about the importance of substrate preparation and how the durability of a coating is dependent upon application to a suitable substrate. 

4. While many coatings may be removed once applied, others permanently alter the chemical composition of a substrate. This consideration is critical when evaluating potential coating applications where historic resources are concerned. Learn to evaluate risks and benefits of coating masonry, including long-term maintenance requirements and the effort required to remove coatings in the future. The presented case studies offer insight into the evaluation process and material considerations that guide the use of coatings in historic masonry restoration.

    

Schedule:

Please arrive between 5:45pm-6pm as the event will start promptly at 6pm.

6-7pm: Roundtable Presentation and Discussion

7-8pm: Networking Hour

Presented by: 

Alex Gugliotta is a Washington, DC–based entrepreneur in the building materials industry and co-leads Architectural Sales Group LLC, representing manufacturers of waterproofing, masonry, and expansion joint systems across the Mid-Atlantic. He brings a hands-on approach that blends field experience with technical product expertise, with project work spanning major infrastructure and restoration efforts including NIH Building 10, the Lincoln Memorial museum renovations, Atlantic Park’s wave pool in Virginia Beach, the National Harbor exterior wall repair, and high-profile developments such as the Balfour Palisades in Georgetown and the UVA Amphitheater. Active in IIBEC and ICRI, he is committed to connecting product innovation with design practice and advancing technical education in the AEC community.
 

Elizabeth A. Hnatiw has an educational background that combines a laboratory analysis of the properties and behavior of materials, including metals, polymers, and ceramics, with historic preservation standards and appropriate repair methods. Elizabeth is a Senior Architect with the Virginia office of Hoffmann Architects + Engineers, where she applies this detail-based scientific and practical training to the forensic investigation, diagnosis, and resolution of building distress. Her enclosure expertise has resolved the effects of aging and exposure for historic and landmark structures such as Clothier Hall Bell Tower at Swarthmore University, Packer Memorial Church and University Center Tower at Lehigh University, Isaac Hawins Hall at Georgetown University, and the World Trade Center in Baltimore. Elizabeth is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Association for Preservation Technology (APTDC), and the Building Enclosure Council (BEC|DC).
 

Randall Kratz is a graduate of Drexel University in Commerce & Engineering and has dedicated his professional efforts towards concrete repair, protection, waterproofing, and strengthening with Sika Corporation for 34 years. He enjoys problem-solving to find the optimal solution for clients. Randall has also been a long-time member of the International Concrete Repair Institute and a recipient of their Project of the Year Award and their Longevity Award.