PURPOSE
The 2026 Unbuilt Washington Awards Program recognizes excellence in unbuilt projects both non-commissioned and commissioned projects. This competition is conducted by AIA|DC independently of other awards programs sponsored by the national American Institute of Architects and other AIA components.

Winners of this year’s competition will be exhibited on AIA|DC website.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Washington UNBUILT design Awards program has a unique role to play in supporting a vibrant intellectual discourse within the design community in the DC metro region. This program bridges the academic and professional communities by providing a forum for recognizing the contributions of both younger and established practitioners alike. Accordingly, the objective of the Awards program is to engage and recognize the broadest possible range of research, conceptual exploration and innovation in design thinking represented in the DC Metro region.

ELIGIBILITY
The program is open to all registered architects, landscape architects, planners, interior designers, associate architects and students in the Washington metropolitan area. The individual(s) submitting a given project must be (a) member(s) of the design team responsible for the work, though not necessarily the head of the team. Projects that have won this award in previous years are not eligible for resubmission.

SUBMISSION CATEGORIES
The awards program is divided into two categories:

Unbuilt Non-Commissioned Projects:
Work without a client commission; e.g. design competitions, student work, hypothetical projects and research-oriented projects.

Unbuilt Commissioned Projects:
Work commissioned by a client: Planning, public space, urban design, buildings, interiors, transportation infrastructure, monuments, public art, or any other project type. There are no typological or geographical restrictions. Projects must not have begun construction by the submission deadline.
 

JURY
There shall be at least three jurors, which may include practicing and academic architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and members of (local or federal) commissions, boards, governing agencies, and members of the Washington building community. The jurors shall be selected and/or approved by the Executive Committee of AIA|DC. The composition of each jury is at the Chapter’s discretion and shall not be subject to review. The jury shall have the sole authority to determine whether and how many awards shall be awarded.
 

SCREENING COMMITTEE
The Executive Committee of AIA|DC may appoint a committee to screen all entries and verify their compliance with the requirements specified herein. The Executive Committee may also appoint impartial individuals to assist the jury throughout the examination of submissions. No screening committee member or jury assistant shall participate or cast a vote during the jury proceedings. The Chapter staff shall assist in the screening of entries and may assist the jurors as needed during its deliberations.

AWARDS
The jury shall have the sole authority to determine which and how many awards are justified in each category, bearing in mind the objectives of the Mission Statement, which encourages a representative recognition of the breadth and depth of architectural design thinking in the DC Region.

Projects shall be considered on their own merits, regardless of size or scope. The jury’s decisions shall be final and not subject to review.

REGISTRATION AND SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Projects must be registered and submitted online no later than 4:00PM on October 26, 2026. If you experience difficulties or miss the deadline and require assistance the next day, a late fee will be assessed at that time. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO UPLOAD YOUR SUBMISSION(S) EARLY.
 

PROJECT CREDIT INFO
All persons or firms substantially contributing to the design of the project must be given due credit, regardless of their professional disciplines. It is incumbent upon the submitting individual to provide a complete list of all participants substantially contributing to the design of the project, regardless of professional discipline. By submitting a project for consideration, the submitter represents and warrants to AIA|DC that he or she has provided a complete list. Failure to provide a complete list may result in disqualification and/or a referral of the matter to the appropriate ethics body of the national office of AIA. AIA|DC accepts no responsibility for incomplete lists. Interested persons are referred to AIA|DC’s “Awards Credits Policies,” copies of which may be obtained by contacting AIA|DC.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• All projects are to be submitted online. Submissions can be no larger than 6MB each and must be submitted in PDF format. Winners may be asked to provide higher resolution files for printing.
• Drawings such as plans, sections and diagrams are not required but are strongly recommended.
• Each submission shall be contained within one (1) pdf file, and is limited to a maximum of six (6) slides (PDF pages).
• The size and composition of each page is up to the submitter, however submitters are encouraged to consider that the jury will view the content as a projected image when preparing their submission.  The submissions will not be printed for the jury.
• A text description of the project will be required as part of the online submission form (within the pdf). The description should clearly describe the problem and its solution.
• Names, logos or other identifying marks within the PDF may be cause for disqualification.
• Each submission must be for a single project. Entrants may submit as many projects as they wish with the appropriate entry fee.

ENTRY FEE:
Professional – $195 per submission
Student or 10 years or less from graduation - $40 per submission

PURPOSE

The Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and WASHINGTONIAN magazine Residential Design Awards Program recognizes excellence for distinctive residential projects regardless of size or classification.   Projects will be recognized for aesthetic quality, creative response to programmatic challenges, and integration of sustainable features. Public attention and acclaim will be focused on the winning submissions through coverage in the WASHINGTONIAN and ArchitectureDC magazines.  

ELIGIBILITY

The program is open to all registered architects. Projects must be executed residential works of architecture completed after January 1, 2021, and must be located within the Washington DC Standard Metropolitan Area (SMA) as defined below:

• The District of Columbia
• Maryland: Montgomery, Prince George’s, Frederick, Calvert, and Charles counties
• Virginia: Arlington, Clark, Fairfax, Fauquier, Prince William, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Warren and Loudon counties; the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Manassas Park
• West Virginia: Jefferson County

Projects outside the SMA also are eligible if they are second homes for owners whose primary residence is within the Washington, DC SMA.

Entries may be new construction, renovations, additions, or adaptive use and may be single family, multifamily, or mixed- use.  Mixed-use projects are eligible if a minor portion of the work is nonresidential, however they will be judged primarily on their residential quality. Specialized housing, for seniors, dormitories, and emergency shelters to be used after a natural disaster are also eligible.  Accommodation for universal design will be considered.  Projects that qualify for this program are eligible even if they have been submitted to or have won awards in other programs.
 

AWARDS

Submissions are considered in 5 distinct categories:

• General Category: “Award for Distinctive Residential Architecture” for most projects
• Small Projects:  For Distinctive Residential projects with budgets less than $300,000
• Kitchen/Bath:  For exceptional projects limited to kitchens or baths
• Details:  for exceptional details
• Multifamily Housing:  As defined by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), means a project which consists of not less than five (5) dwelling units on one (1) site, each such unit providing complete living facilities including provisions for cooking, eating, and sanitation within the unit and which is not now covered by a mortgage insured or held by the Secretary.

Projects may be submitted in one category only.

Projects will be considered on their own merits regardless of size, cost, or scope as well as on a sound comparative basis. The jury’s decisions will be final.
 

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Project submissions should include a project statement, site plan, floor plan(s), finished photographs (minimum of five suggested) and concept diagrams.   Photographs and/or drawings should be included indicating all exterior façades and the principal interior spaces necessary to describe the extent and quality of the finished project.  Photographs showing the site, building, or immediate context before the project’s construction are advised for renovations, additions, and adaptive reuse.

FRAMEWORK FOR DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Framework for Design Excellence

In October 2019, the AIA|DC Board of Directors adopted the AIA Framework for Design Excellence and its 10 Measures as criteria for the AIA|DC Design Awards Programs. The purpose of the Framework is to highlight climate action as a critically urgent topic for society, and to underscore the role architects play as influencers for impactful change.

All submissions must include the following information as outlined in the template found in the online submission portal:

• Project Title, Location, Date of Completion
• Project Statement by Category (limited to 150 words)
• Checklist of Framework Measures for projects to be considered for a Jury Citation
• Responses to Framework Topics (limited to 150 words each)
  • Design Narrative:
    • How does this project address Design for Integration, Wellbeing, and Discovery?
  • Community Engagement:
    • How does this project address Design for Equitable Communities and Economy?
  • Sustainability and Resilience:
    • How does this project address Design for Ecosystems, Water, Energy, Resources, and Change?

Responses to questions shall be submitted as narratives and if desired supplemented with graphics within the jury PDF. Narrative responses shall be limited to 150 words for each question. Submissions should provide responses when appropriate and the Jury will be instructed to provide additional consideration to projects which highlight sensitivity to Framework measures.

The Framework consists of 10 Measures defined by the Institute here:

https://www.aia.org/resources/6077668-framework-for-design-excellence

Images

• Submissions may contain drawings, diagrams, photographs, and brief narrative descriptions.
• Submissions may contain multiple images or pages to be incorporated into a single PDF, 6MB or less. The PDF may contain multiple images and/or pages. Each page may contain more than one image.
• Preferred PDF format shall be 1320 x 1020 pixels (11” x 8 ½”) or 1920 x 1080 pixels (16’ x 9”) printed at 120 dpi with compressed images.

Submissions may not display the firm name or any other identifying information related to the design team. Submittals that do not conform to this requirement will be disqualified.

JURY AND AWARDS

The jury shall be composed of three persons in the fields of design and architecture, and each shall be well qualified in his/her own right. The jury shall be selected and approved by the AIA|DC Executive Committee. The composition of each jury is at the Chapter’s discretion and shall not be subject to review. The jury shall have the sole authority to determine whether and how many awards shall be awarded.

The Jury will consider awards in all categories and entries will be considered individually.  The Jury may grant awards to as many projects it considers justified by the quality of the design. While the jury has the sole discretion to grant an award, the Chapter will instruct jurists to take into consideration the following:

1. Design quality
2. The context of working in a specific region.  The DC context for example, creates unique opportunities and challenges.
3. The Framework for Design Excellence topics described above.
4. Project size, scale, or budget – modest projects may be significant, including projects which display finely executed detail.

FEES

CREDIT

Firms or individuals in joint ventures or other cooperative endeavors must coordinate efforts to produce a single entry for a given project.  All persons or firms substantially contributing to the design of the project must be given due credit, regardless of their professional discipline.  It is incumbent upon the submitting architect to provide a complete list of all participants substantially contributing to the design of the project, regardless of professional discipline.  By submitting a project for consideration, the submitting architect represents and warrants to AIA|DC that they have provided a complete list.  Failure to provide a complete list may result in disqualification and/or a referral of the matter to the appropriate ethics body of the national office AIA.  AIA|DC accepts no responsibility for incomplete lists. Please refer to the AIA DC’s “Awards Credits Policies” indicated below.

• AIA|DC relies upon the submitting architect to provide a complete list of all participants substantially contributing to the design of the project, regardless of professional discipline.  A project may be disqualified and an award voided if this requirement is not followed.  The Chapter disclaims responsibility for erroneous or incomplete information.
• If a dispute arises regarding the possible omission of a participant who substantially contributed to the design of a project, regardless of professional discipline, the Chapter may contact the submitting architect regarding the dispute.  While the Chapter does not adjudicate such disputes, the Chapter may suggest to the submitting architect that they informally resolve the dispute with the complaining party.
• If such a resolution is impossible, AIA|DC may require the submitting architect to list all participants substantially contributing to the design of the project, regardless of professional discipline, with a brief description of each such participant’s exact role, and failing compliance, AIA|DC may disqualify the project.
• By submitting a project for consideration, the submitting architect agrees to hold harmless the Chapter, its agents, employees, and members, for any and all liabilities, claims, and/or expenses of any kind arising from this awards program or from any claims of third parties as to claims of entitlement of credit.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Although every reasonable precaution shall be taken in handling submitted material, the Chapter shall not be held responsible for loss of or damage to any submission.

REQUIREMENTS FOR WINNERS

The judging shall take place on June 23, 2025. Most of the winning projects will be featured in an issue of Washingtonian with a short article and photographs of the projects. Certificates will be presented to the winners. All winners will also appear in an issue of ArchitectureDC. 

Acceptance of an award shall constitute an agreement by the entrant to authorize AIA|DC to reproduce any of the material described above for publicity purposes, and an agreement to indemnify and hold the Chapter harmless in connection with such material.

RELEASES

The submitting architect shall clear all photographs and drawings for unrestricted release and reproduction in connection with publicity and publication related to the awards program. By submitting the project, the submitting architect represents and warrants that such releases have been obtained. All images and descriptive materials submitted must not be restricted against publication or any other form of publicity. While the name of the photographer will be mentioned anywhere the photo is shown, issued or displayed, the submitting architect is responsible for any royalties, copyrights or photography fees.

PURPOSE

The Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA|DC) Design Awards Program recognizes excellence in the categories of architecture, interior architecture, historic resources, and urban design/master planning. The program not only demonstrates the value of good design, but also illustrates the wide variety of services performed by architects. It is conducted independent of other awards programs sponsored by the Institute and other AIA components.

ELIGIBILITY

The program is open to all registered architects. The architect submitting a project must be a member though not necessarily the head of the design team responsible for it. Project eligibility depends on the status of the submitting architect as follows:

• Any registered architect who is a member (assigned or unassigned) of AIA|DC may submit any architecture, interior architecture, or historic resource project completed or urban design/master planning project initiated after January 1, 2021
• Any registered architect who is a member of another AIA chapter or who is not a member of the Institute may submit any architecture, interior architecture or historic resource project completed or urban design/master planning project initiated after January 1, 2021, located within Washington, DC.

For architecture, interior architecture, and historic resources, “completed” shall mean “substantially completed” as defined in standard AIA documents governing construction.

For urban design/master planning, “initiated” shall mean a completed or incomplete project, where a significant portion has been completed, implemented, or adopted by a local jurisdiction, authority, institution, or private client. Unimplemented urban design/master planning projects must have an actual, identifiable client and must not be academic projects or competitions.

If a project was given an Award or Jury Citation in the Architecture, Interior Architecture or Historic Resources categories in previous years, it is no longer eligible for a Chapter Design Award. If an Urban Design/Master Planning project was given an award in previous years, that project is no longer eligible to be considered in this or future awards programs. However, individual buildings in an urban design/master plan may be submitted under the architecture or historic resources category if not previously awarded as noted above.

If you have any questions about the eligibility requirements, please contact the AIA DC. AIA|DC shall have the sole authority to verify that eligibility requirements have been met.

SUBMISSION CATEGORIES

The awards program is divided into four categories. A project can be entered in ONLY ONE category.

Architecture

Architecture is the most general category, encompassing entirely new structures, most additions, and projects involving significant changes to existing buildings.

Project submissions should include a Project Statement, site plan, floor plan(s), finished photographs (minimum of five suggested) and concept diagrams. Photographs and/or drawings should be included indicating all exterior façades and the principal interior spaces necessary to describe the extent and quality of the finished project.

Interior Architecture

Interior Architecture includes projects focused on the design of interior spaces.

Project submissions should include a Project Statement, floor plan(s), finished photographs (minimum of five suggested) and concept diagrams. Photographs and/or drawings should be included indicating all the principal interior spaces necessary to describe the extent and quality of the finished project.

Historic Resources

Historic Resources includes pure preservation or restoration, adaptive reuse of existing structures whose overall architectural character is maintained, sympathetic additions to historic structures, and replication or reconstruction of damaged or destroyed structures or elements thereof.

Project submissions should include a Project Statement, site plan, floor plan(s), finished photographs (minimum of five suggested) and concept diagrams. Photographs and/or drawings should be included indicating all exterior façades and the principal interior spaces necessary to describe the extent and quality of the finished project. Photographs showing the site, building, or immediate context before the project’s construction are advised for entries in the Historic Resources Category.

Urban Design/Master Planning

Urban Design/Master Planning includes municipal master plans, civic improvements, private development plans, campus plans, environmental programs, redevelopment projects, and transportation plans that have a significant urban design or master planning component.

Urban Design/Master Planning projects should not be individual buildings. Elements of outreach, community involvement and universal design are encouraged and should be noted in the submission. Project submissions should include a Project Statement and site plans, floor plan(s), context, diagrams, renderings, photographs, and associated documentation describing the project or program. For projects involving changes to existing context, documentation of the original conditions is requested as part of the submission.

UPLOADS & SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Framework for Design Excellence

In October 2019, the AIA|DC Board of Directors adopted the AIA Framework for Design Excellence and its 10 Measures as criteria for the AIA|DC Design Awards Programs. The purpose of the Framework is to highlight climate action as a critically urgent topic for society, and to underscore the role architects play as influencers for impactful change.

All submissions must include the following information as outlined in the template found in the online submission portal:

• Project Title, Location, Date of Completion
• Project Statement by Category (limited to 150 words)
• Checklist of Framework Measures for projects to be considered for a Jury Citation
• Responses to Framework Topics (limited to 150 words each)
• Design Narrative:
  • How does this project address Design for Integration, Wellbeing, and Discovery?
• Community Engagement:
  • How does this project address Design for Equitable Communities and Economy?
• Sustainability and Resilience:
  • How does this project address Design for Ecosystems, Water, Energy, Resources, and Change?

Responses to questions shall be submitted as narratives and if desired supplemented with graphics within the jury PDF. Narrative responses shall be limited to 150 words for each question. Submissions should provide responses when appropriate and the Jury will be instructed to provide additional consideration to projects which highlight sensitivity to Framework measures.

The Framework consists of 10 Measures defined by the Institute here:

https://www.aia.org/resources/6077668-framework-for-design-excellence

Images

• Submissions may contain drawings, diagrams, photographs, and brief narrative descriptions.
• Submissions may contain multiple images or pages to be incorporated into a single PDF, 6MB or less. The PDF may contain multiple images and/or pages. Each page may contain more than one image.

Submissions may not display the firm name or any other identifying information related to the design team. Submittals that do not conform to this requirement will be disqualified.

JURY AND AWARDS

A panel consisting of five jurors will review all submission categories. No juror shall be from the Washington area, and each shall be a qualified judge in their own right. Although most jurors will be practicing architects, some may be primarily employed as historians, educators, critics, urban designers, planners or preservationists. Jurors will be selected and/or approved by the AIA|DC Executive Committee. Each jury’s composition is at the Chapter’s discretion and shall not be subject to review.

The Jury will consider awards in all four categories and entries will be considered individually. The Jury may grant awards to as many projects it considers justified by the quality of the design. While the jury has the sole discretion to grant an award, the Chapter will instruct jurists to take into consideration the following:

1. Design quality
2. The context of working in a specific region. The DC context for example, creates unique opportunities and challenges.
3. The Framework for Design Excellence topics described above.
4. Project size, scale, or budget – modest projects may be significant, including single family residences or projects which display finely executed detail.

Types of Awards:

Citation: Citations shall be granted  to projects that represent design excellence or  creatively integrate a measure of the Framework for Design Excellence.

Award: Chapter Awards shall be granted to projects that represent design excellence and integrate the Framework for Design Excellence within the submission category.

Grand Award(s): The jury will select one project from among the winners that shall receive the grand award. The jury has the discretion to decide what constitutes a Grand Award. A project may be recognized for extraordinary excellence in design, exceptional integration of the Framework for Design Excellence, or other significant contributions to the built environment. The jury may grant more than one Grand Award. The Grand Award will not be announced until the 2023 Design Awards Celebration.

The Awards Jury will take place on April 15th, 2023. Awards, with the exception of the Grand Award, will be announced following the jury deliberations.

FEES

Please note the entry fee varies depending upon the entrant’s AIA membership status. 

AIA|DC and other AIA Members:  $195 per submission
Non-members:  $340 per submission

CREDIT

Firms or individuals in joint ventures or other cooperative endeavors must coordinate efforts to produce a single entry for a given project. All persons or firms substantially contributing to the design of the project must be given due credit, regardless of their professional discipline. It is incumbent upon the submitting architect to provide a complete list of all participants substantially contributing to the design of the project, regardless of professional discipline. By submitting a project for consideration, the submitting architect represents and warrants to AIA|DC that they have provided a complete list. Failure to provide a complete list may result in disqualification and/or a referral of the matter to the appropriate ethics body of the national office AIA. AIA|DC accepts no responsibility for incomplete lists. Please refer to the AIA DC’s “Awards Credits Policies” indicated below.

• AIA|DC relies upon the submitting architect to provide a complete list of all participants substantially contributing to the design of the project, regardless of professional discipline. A project may be disqualified and an award voided if this requirement is not followed. The Chapter disclaims responsibility for erroneous or incomplete information.
• If a dispute arises regarding the possible omission of a participant who substantially contributed to the design of a project, regardless of professional discipline, the Chapter may contact the submitting architect regarding the dispute. While the Chapter does not adjudicate such disputes, the Chapter may suggest to the submitting architect that they informally resolve the dispute with the complaining party.
• If such a resolution is impossible, AIA|DC may require the submitting architect to list all participants substantially contributing to the design of the project, regardless of professional discipline, with a brief description of each such participant’s exact role, and failing compliance, AIA|DC may disqualify the project.
• By submitting a project for consideration, the submitting architect agrees to hold harmless the Chapter, its agents, employees, and members, for any and all liabilities, claims, and/or expenses of any kind arising from this awards program or from any claims of third parties as to claims of entitlement of credit.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Although every reasonable precaution shall be taken in handling submitted material, the Chapter shall not be held responsible for loss of or damage to any submission.

REQUIREMENTS FOR WINNERS

Acceptance of an award shall constitute an agreement by the entrant to authorize AIA|DC to reproduce any of the material described above for publicity purposes, and an agreement to indemnify and hold the Chapter harmless in connection with such material.

Presentation: What should we expect the future of housing to look like and how will AI and new technologies effect the design and construction process of houses, especially as technology is dominating our world today?

We are witnessing transformative innovations in other industries i.e. automobiles, smart phones, computing, and aeronautics, however, the housing industry is left for the most part unchanged.

For over 15 years, researchers at the Center for Design Research at Virginia Tech have been proposing future innovations in how we will live in homes and how we will build them in the future. Now, with collaboration with a local homebuilder, Van Metre Homes, we will be taking the lead in industrializing the home-building process that will eventually pave the way for factory-built smart homes.

Learning Objective 1

After attending this program, participants will understand the importance of designing for the future. That future homebuyers will expect modern conveniences and technologies to be incorporated into everyday home functionality..

Learning Objective 2

After attending this program, participants will understand homebuilders need to embrace industrialized methods of construction for more efficient production and home delivery.

Learning Objective 3

After attending this program, participants will understand, to reach affordability, homes should be built smaller and smarter with more efficient space planning.

Learning Objective 4

After attending this program, participants will see examples of sustainable architecture including energy positive solar houses that are energy and water efficient.

Presented by

Joseph Wheeler, AIA

Join Häfele America Co. on April 10 at the AIA Washington DC Center for an engaging day of product highlights and industry insights.

Hear industry insights, learn helpful strategies for upselling your projects and explore can’t miss product additions that elevate any project.

Vendors: Accuride, Century Products, CompX, EcoDomo, Global Abrasives, Grass, Hawa, Kessebohmer, Salice, Simonwerks, Sugatsune, TAG Hardware and Valley D&D, Dynabrade/GAP

Häfele: Lighting, Slido, Deco Hardware, Dialock, Lift-up Fittings, Functional Hardware, Matrix Drawer Boxes

Michael Brabham – 11:00 am

Vice President of Sales, Simonswerk

Expanding Design Opportunities with Conceled Hinges (CEU HSW credit)

Christian Nadeau – 1:00 pm

President of EcoDomo®

Leather as an Architectural Surface: Specification, Performance, and Applications (credits applied for)

Joseph Wheeler, AIA (Featured Speaker) – 3:00 pm

Vice President of Product Innovation at Van Metre Homes / Professor Emeritus of Architecture at Virginia Tech

The Future of Housing (credits applied for)

Globally recognized as an innovator in the future of housing, Joseph spent much of his academic career researching industrialized manufacturing, modular design, smart home technology, and environmental sustainability.

Over the past two decades, he has led research projects at Virginia Tech to make homes smarter, more energy efficient, more affordable, and sustainable to meet the needs of the world’s diverse, fast-growing population. The most recent project placed first overall in two consecutive International Solar Decathlon competitions due to exceptional design, build and solar-power functionality.

He now is pioneering a new way of delivering production homes through industrialized manufacturing at Van Metre Homes.

Illuminations invites you to join us at our Shaw studio for a conversation with Schuyler Sweet, CEO and owner of Boyd Lighting. Learn how Boyd’s Colorado-based team blends heritage craftsmanship with modern design and sustainable manufacturing to create specialty lighting for residential and commercial projects.
 

Presenter Bio:

Schuyler Sweet
Schuyler Sweet is the CEO and owner of Boyd Lighting, a luxury lighting manufacturer founded in 1921 and headquartered in Colorado.

A fourth-generation member of the Boyd family, Sweet joined the company in 2011 and has helped guide its evolution while honoring its legacy of craftsmanship and architectural design. Under his leadership, Boyd continues to produce handcrafted, design-driven lighting while emphasizing sustainable manufacturing practices and responsible sourcing.

Enjoy a selection of wines from Domestique, our neighborhood shop known for its organic, small-batch producers, as we connect over thoughtful design, responsible sourcing, and the art of lighting.

Presented by AIA|DC's Custom Residential Architects Network sponsored by Illuminations.

Running a small architecture firm requires navigating not only design and construction, but also the legal and operational realities behind the business of practice.

Join the AIA DC Small Firms Exchange (SFX) for a virtual discussion with John P. Williams of Bean, Kinney & Korman, who regularly advises architects, engineers, contractors, and developers on business structure, real estate transactions, and development projects.

This session will focus on the legal considerations that small firms encounter in day-to-day operations, including topics such as firm structure, partnerships, contracts, risk management, and common legal pitfalls.

The discussion will be high-level and informational, with time for questions and conversation among attendees.

Presenter Bio:

John P. Williams

John P. Williams is a business and real estate attorney at Bean, Kinney & Korman who regularly works with architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and business owners on the legal aspects of development projects and firm operations. His practice includes advising clients on partnership agreements, corporate governance, development transactions, and real estate matters.

With experience guiding clients through multiple phases of the development process—from acquisition and design through construction, financing, and sale—John brings a practical legal perspective to the business side of architecture and construction.

Outside of his legal practice, John enjoys coaching little league baseball and youth league basketball and cheering on the Washington Nationals.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify common legal and operational risks faced by small architecture firms, including issues related to contracts, partnerships, and business structure.
• Understand how legal considerations influence the day-to-day operations of an architecture practice, including development projects and client relationships.
• Recognize key contractual and governance strategies that can help small firms manage liability and protect their professional service
• Evaluate practical approaches to working with legal counsel when navigating business decisions, development projects, and firm growth.
   

Presented by AIA|DC's Small Firm Exchange (SFx), sponsored by Ames and Gough.
 

_{Rendering of Malcolm X Elementary School by CGS Architects}

Join the GCS-SIGAL and CGS Architects Design-Build team for an exclusive behind-the-scenes construction site tour of Malcolm X Elementary School in Ward 8. Originally constructed in the 1950s–1960s, the existing 68,000 SF mid-century modern building consists of two wings connected by the main school entrance. As part of this Design-Build project, the team is fully renovating the facility, including demolition of the existing multipurpose space and construction of a new addition on the west side, expanding the building to 84,716 SF. The renovation prioritizes accessible, cutting-edge learning environments that meet ADA standards while integrating the latest educational technology.

The updated school will feature modernized classrooms, collaborative discovery spaces, resource rooms, a gymnasium, and a cafeteria designed for flexible daily use. Outdoor improvements include athletic fields and a traffic garden, creating dynamic opportunities for learning and play beyond the classroom. Public art, including works by local artists, will be incorporated throughout the campus, celebrating the surrounding community and inspiring creativity.

A central goal of the project is achieving Net Zero energy status, reflecting Washington, DC’s commitment to sustainability. This ambitious renovation transforms not only the physical campus but also the educational experience, creating a vibrant environment where students, teachers, and the community can learn, connect, and thrive. Join us to see how thoughtful design, innovation, and sustainability are coming together to shape the future of learning.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the scope and process of a Design-Build renovation for a mid-century modern elementary school, including considerations for building performance, safety, and occupant wellbeing.
• Identify key strategies for creating accessible, ADA-compliant learning environments that support the health, safety, and welfare of students and staff.
• Explore how outdoor spaces and public art can enhance student engagement, support wellbeing, and strengthen community connection within the built environment.
• Recognize sustainable design practices in educational facilities, including strategies for achieving Net Zero energy performance and improving long-term environmental resilience.

Presented by: 

Elizabeth Cossel, WELL AP, Leed Green Associate, ILFA
Project Manager
GCS-SIGAL

Derek Banocy, AIA
Principal
CGS Architects

The roof is often treated as a technical necessity rather than a designed building element. Yet it plays a critical role in performance, resilience, energy efficiency, durability, and architectural expression.

This interdisciplinary panel will explore the roof as the building’s “fifth facade,” examining how low-slope membranes, standing seam metal roofing, vegetative systems, and hybrid assemblies influence the overall building envelope. Panelists including architects, consultants, BES experts, and manufacturers, will discuss the complexities of system selection, wind uplift, thermal movement, moisture control, drainage, code compliance, and long-term maintenance.

Through real-world examples and candid discussion, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how early collaboration and intentional detailing can reduce risk, improve constructability, and enhance building performance. This session will challenge participants to reconsider how the roof is designed, coordinated, and integrated into the architectural vision.

Learning objectives:

• Analyze the roof as a critical component of the building envelope that impacts performance, durability, and architectural expression.
• Compare performance considerations among low-slope, standing seam metal, vegetative, and hybrid roof assemblies.
• Evaluate key technical factors including wind uplift resistance, thermal movement, moisture management, and code compliance.
• Identify interdisciplinary coordination strategies that improve constructability, lifecycle performance, and risk mitigation.

Presented by: David S. Finley

David S. Finley is the Director of Building Envelope Sciences at The Garland Company, Inc. and Design Build Solutions Inc., with over 14 years of experience in building enclosure consulting and forensic investigation. His expertise includes building enclosure assessments, hygrothermal analysis, water intrusion investigations, and building code compliance. David has extensive experience evaluating curtain wall systems, masonry facades, and waterproofing assemblies, and regularly develops system details and specifications to improve building performance. He holds both a Bachelor and Master of Architectural Engineering from Penn State University and is an active member of several ASHRAE technical committees.
 

Time: 6pm-8pm (6-7 presentation, 7-8 networking hour)
Food and beverages will be provided.