Canstruction 2025 will take place at the National Building Museum Sunday, November 23rd, 2025. 

About Canstruction: 

Canstruction is a nationwide program that aims to raise awareness about hunger. In DC, Canstruction is organized by the Washington Architectural Foundation as a creative design-build competition that benefits the Capital Area Food Bank through donations of canned goods. Teams from architecture and design firms from Washington, DC use their skills to build sculptures out of cans of food which are displayed for a week in the Great Hall of the National Building Museum. The nutritious shelf-stable food is donated to the CAFB for distribution to those in need after the event.

This program is generously sponsored by BluEdge, Capital Area Food Bank, DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, Giant, National Building Museum, TW Perry, and Washington Architectural Foundation.
 

Join representatives from the Washington Architectural Foundation and Capital Area Food Bank as we discuss Canstruction 2025!

Canstruction is a nationwide program that aims to raise awareness about hunger. In DC, Canstruction is organized by the Washington Architectural Foundation as a creative design-build competition that benefits the Capital Area Food Bank through donations of canned goods. Teams from architecture and design firms from Washington, DC use their skills to build sculptures out of cans of food which are displayed for a week in the Great Hall of the National Building Museum. The nutritious shelf-stable food is donated to the CAFB for distribution to those in need after the event.

This program is generously sponsored by BluEdge, Capital Area Food Bank, DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, Giant, National Building Museum, TW Perry, and Washington Architectural Foundation.

In celebration of Bechtel’s 125th anniversary, SGH partnered with A2 Design, Inc. to install the historic WaaTeeKaa railcar as part of a commemorative exhibit located at the Bechtel HQ in Reston, Virginia. The railcar, measuring 52 feet long, 9 feet wide, and 14 feet high, features a wood-framed structure supported by its original trucks. The exhibit includes a concrete access platform with integrated stairs and ramps, sheltered by a cantilevered steel canopy with a 3,000 sq ft glass roof.

SGH provided structural engineering and building enclosure consulting for evaluation and renovation of the existing railcar and design the new steel and PV glass canopy and concrete access platform. 

Presented by: 

Gillian Love, P.E.
Gillian Love is a Senior Project Manager in the Washington, DC office of SGH. She received her BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park and her MS in Structural Engineering from the University of California, San Diego. Gillian is a licensed Professional Engineer in DC, MD, and VA. Her over 17 years of experience in structural engineering consulting spans design of new structures, renovation and repair of existing buildings, and investigation of structural failures. She aims to provide creative and coordinated structural solutions to meet the needs of her diverse clients and project teams. 

 

Rachel E. Shanley, P.E.
Rachel is a Senior Project Manager in the Waltham, MA office of SGH. She is a member of SGH’s Structural Design practice and is a liaison for our multidisciplinary structures-enclosure teams that tackle integrated repairs and rehabilitation of historic buildings. She works on projects involving new structural design, building renovations, condition assessments, historic preservation, and investigation of existing buildings. Her experience includes all phases of structural design and construction administration.

Christopher J. Brandmeier, P.E.
Christopher J. Brandmeier is a Senior Consulting Engineer in the Washington, DC office of SGH. He provides both structural engineering and building enclosure consulting services for a range of domestic and international projects. As a member of the Building Technology division at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH), his focus is the design and investigation of glazed enclosure systems. Christopher has broad experience in both new and rehabilitation design with various roofing and below-grade waterproofing systems.

Learning Objectives: 

• Identify challenges associated with new Energy Code requirements when engaging in an adaptive reuse project.
• Recognize the importance of considering construction means and methods during the design process to provide constructable details and stay on schedule and budget.
• Evaluate factors affecting building enclosure performance when changing interior use and/or surrounding regional climate.
• Specify robust quality control mockups for unique use of conventional materials.

HSW Justification:

The project faced challenges associated with new Energy Code requirements that impacted interior space and building enclosure performance. Occupant experience and safety was a large part of the overall project goals.

How can architecture lead the way to foster a more resilient city—and planet—during uncertain environmental and socioeconomic times?

As the world confronts the challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and societal upheaval, DC’s architecture and design practitioners continue to evolve. DesignDC will showcase innovative solutions to shape the built environment in a way that is sustainable and forward-thinking. 

During this conference, design professionals across the industry will explore new approaches and existing best practices that highlight responsive design strategies and the integration of green technologies into architecture.

Sessions and tours will address:

• Tips and tricks to start building a resilience practice
• Resilient design and adaptability in a volatile environmental and socioeconomic climate
• Sustainable materials and energy-efficient design

Agenda: 

September 30, 5:00-8:00pm:  Opening Keynote and Reception
October 1, 8:00am – 4:00pm: All-day Education Sessions
October 2, 10:00am – 12:00pm:  Closing Keynote
October 2, 2:00 - 4:00pm:  Offsite Tours
 

Keynote and educational sessions will take place at the District Architecture Center, 421 7th St NW.

Sponsors:

Sponsor DesignDC here! 

Join us for an inspiring evening at this year’s Lautman Lecture, featuring Elizabeth Leber, AIA, LEED AP, Managing Partner of Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners.

Great design doesn’t just shape buildings—it transforms communities and lives. In this thought-provoking talk, Elizabeth will explore how architecture and leadership intersect to create spaces that honor the past while embracing the future. She’ll share real-world insights into revitalizing historic places, making cities more livable, and leading teams with vision and purpose.

Beyond architecture, this lecture will offer valuable lessons on leadership, innovation, and making bold career choices—insights that resonate across industries. Whether you’re passionate about design, history, urban development, or simply curious about how great spaces come to life, this event promises to be an engaging and eye-opening experience.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on how the built environment shapes our world and how strong leadership drives meaningful change.

The Robert and Kay Lautman Lecture is a new annual program to honor two strong proponents of the Washington Architectural Foundation’s work. This program brings nationally and internationally renowned figures in the fields of architecture and art to lecture on the intersection between architecture, design, and art. The annual event will be recorded and made available to a wider audience online. We believe this special annual lecture will have the added benefit of highlighting WAF’s work in the community.

Robert Lautman was a renowned architectural photographer who served on WAF’s board. His wife Kay was well known in DC’s philanthropic community.

2025 Speaker:

Elizabeth R. Leber, AIA, LEED AP, Managing Partner of Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners, is dedicated to advancing mission-based institutions through forward-looking architecture and planning projects. Guided by her astute and inquisitive nature, Liz excels at extracting the core objectives of her clients and their stakeholders and translating the collective needs and mission of institutions into creative architectural solutions. Liz’s clients include leading schools such as Harvard University, Columbia University, and Philips Exeter Academy; and not-for-profit institutions including the New York Public Library and the 92nd Street Y.

Liz applies these same skills and energy to her role as Managing Partner of Beyer Blinder Belle. Her position affirms the firm’s successful transition to a third generation of leadership and ensures BBB’s long-term strategic vision and sustainability. Liz has spearheaded initiatives focusing on firm-wide culture including greater transparency, collaboration, and inclusion, and is leading the firm’s four-year strategic planning process. Her role also includes oversight of the firm’s business development strategy, including expansion in targeted sectors and geographic markets that align with the firm’s core expertise.

Liz is a board member of Urban Green Council and Open House New York, and is a member of Harvard’s Design Advisory Council.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the Impact of Transformational Design on Institutions: Participants will learn how to approach architectural projects with a focus on rehabilitation and adaptive reuse, ensuring that transformation respects history and addresses future needs. Case studies from major projects will illustrate this balance.
• Explore the Role of Leadership in Shaping Architectural Practice: Attendees will gain insights into how leadership decisions, big and small, at various stages of a career transform an architectural practice by influencing its growth and direction.
• Identify Best Practices for Creating a Sustainable and Thriving Architectural Practice: Attendees will be introduced to principles that help sustain a practice over time, including the value of transparency, collaboration, and succession planning to ensure long-term firm health.
• Examine the Relationship Between Personal Growth and Professional Development in Architecture: Attendees will reflect on how career crossroads—key moments of decision—shape the trajectory of an architect’s work, influencing not only individual projects but also broader design philosophy and leadership style.

Organized by the Washington Architectural Foundation.

The Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA|DC) and Washington Architectural Foundation (WAF) are proud to present Awards for Great People. Each year, we celebrate these individuals and their work in making Washington better through their contributions as architects, advocates, educators, clients and partners.

Centennial Medal
Glenn Brown Award
John 'Wieb' Wiebenson Award
Emerging Architects Award
Architectural Educator Award 
Public Service Award 
Partnership for the Planet Award 

Laureates are selected annually by the Awards for Great People Jury, comprised of at least two members of AIA|DC and two members of WAF who shall be appointed by the Presidents of both organizations. The jury may select more than one laureate, or no laureates, per award in a given year and may consider nominations from prior years and nominations of its own.

Eligibility, nomination and submission requirements for each award are further detailed here. There are no fees required for submission. Unless noted otherwise, posthumous awards may not be given.

Nominations for 2025 are due by 5:00 PM on May 9, 2025. Submit completed nominations via email to Mary Fitch at mfitch@aiadc.com.

It’s back! Come to mix, mingle, drink, and network with others in real estate, design, development, and architecture.

Highlights include:
• Network with DC's architecture, design, development, and construction community
• Food and drinks
• Bring colleagues to discount your ticket
• All for a good cause as we announce the winner of the ShadeDC Competition and support the GREAT WORK of the Washington Architectural Foundation.

Bring a friend and your ticket price drops! This event is produced by the AIA|DC and all proceeds go to the Washington Architectural Foundation. Sign up today! 

The work done by A/E/C firms often delivers impacts to the community beyond simply building or renovating a structure. From spurring economic investment to job creation to sustainability achievements, participants in this activity will gain a deeper understanding of how to make the ask of public and elected officials to take a stake in their work and how to use this involvement to fuel positive PR and BD activity. In addition, we will provide evidence-based insights into how media behaviors are often fueled by topics and pitches demonstrating community-wide relevance along with ways to leverage the unique expertise of project partners (contractors, engineers, developers, etc.) to create the most impact. 

Presented by:

Jeff Lavery

Pedigree Public Relations Founder Jeff Lavery cut his teeth as a reporter for a Gannett daily in New York covering the business beat before working for similar publications in Massachusetts. After going through the proverbial meat grinder as Consigli Construction Co. Inc. 's first-ever intranet communications specialist (yes, intranet), he took on increasingly larger roles in B2B and B2C tech agencies before managing the PR operations for the largest privately-owned broadband company’s eastern region operations. Today, Pedigree PR works with general contractors, construction managers, architects, restoration specialists, commercial real estate firms, and numerous other companies in the A/E/C space to execute their PR, marketing communications, and government relations goals. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Identify unique assets of each team member as it relates to PR and BD goals and develop strategies for how to effectively "extract" this data. 
• Learn how to engage outside voices - elected officials, community managers, nonprofit leaders - who can boost project relevance and visibility.
• Understand how to leverage media pitching and public official support to build visibility of projects and the A/E/C teams responsible for them.
• Connect PR objectives and results to BD team goals to increase the value that communications teams bring to A/E/C firms. 
   

Sponsored by: 

Pedigree Public Relations

This walking tour of Southwest Washington, DC, led by Joseph Himali, a public historian, licensed real estate agent, and lifelong Washingtonian, will discuss one of the first neighborhoods in the District to be developed. 

We will discuss the architectural styles and how development began in Washington in the 18^th Century. In addition, there will be discussion about the materials and construction methods used in early Washington, DC buildings.

This tour will discuss this history of the neighborhood and how the architecture and built environment of Southwest Washington, DC was used a political propaganda tool of the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.  It will discuss the redlining and restrictive covenants that were used to limit access to affordable housing for marginalized communities.

We will also review the ideas of Le Corbusier and other proponents of the “radiant city” ideals and how they were implemented in the urban renewal schemes employed in the redevelopment of Southwest during the mid-1900s. We will see unique architectural styles and interior configurations that led to new architectural styles in Washington, DC and around the country.

We will discuss the concept of the “Super Block” and the removal of alleys in the city and how that affected the people who lived there. Additionally, we’ll discuss the integration of landscape architecture in the design of the neighborhood.

The tour features some of the finest mid-century modern architecture in Washington, DC including work from Cloethial Woodward Smith, Charles Goodman, and the buildings that earned I.M. Pei his first awards. 

Learning Objectives

• Discuss the redevelopment of the mixed-use development of the Southwest Waterfront
• Summarize the impact of the “Super Block” in architecture and the integration of the landscape with the architecture of the buildings.
• Describe the history and impact of Cloethial Woodard-Smith who was the most influential woman architect of mid-century America.
• Analyze the impact of the Urban Renewal scheme on Southwest.  

This tour is organized by Best Address.

Join us after the panel for a relaxed Happy Hour and Networking session! Connect with fellow urban enthusiasts, architects, planners, and policymakers as we continue the conversation on how cities and metropolitan regions are reclaiming urban spaces to address climate resilience. Share insights, exchange ideas, and build connections inspired by visionary projects from Paris, Boston, Washington, D.C., and beyond. Let’s shape the future of our cities together!

Make sure to register through this link for the Commons in Transition (Panel Discussion): https://dupontunderground.org/events/commons-in-transition-panel-discussion