Please join the COTEdc committee for our June committee meeting. This month’s committee meeting will be hosted by Perkins Eastman and include Heather Jauregui, PE Sustainability Director and Juan Guarin, PE sustainability Specialist as our June “Friends of the Committee.” They will discuss the COTE Top Ten Award submission process in celebration of DC’s newest COTE award winner John Lewis Elementary School!! We will also share event updates for upcoming building tours and discuss potential fall events.  

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Patrick and Miranda at the following emails so we can plan the head count: patrick.keeney@wsp.com and m.ford@perkinseastman-dc.com

When: Thursday, June 19^th 5:30-6:30pm.  Please be sure to arrive promptly by 5:30pm to allow the meeting to progress on time. 

Where: Perkins Eastman – One Thomas Circle NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005

Join us for two lunchtime presentations hosted by TW Perry at their Silver Spring showroom. Space is limited to 20 attendees. Lunch will be provided between the two presentations. This is a free event.

Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early so the first program may begin promptly at 11:00 AM.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Program presentation #1
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Program presentation #2

Program 1: Industrial Design Doors/Windows
 

Description: This course provides an introduction to steel doors and windows for residential and commercial applications.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the market demand for steel doors and windows
• Understand the application of these materials.
• Understand the design, fabrication and installation processes.
• Understand the implication of installation-retrofits and new construction applications.

Credit: 1 LU

Presenter: Thomas Scardino, Jr., COO/Product Manager – The French Steel Company | thomas@frenchsteel.com; 202.809.9339
Provider: Scardino Doors (404108668); Course #101

Program 2: The Future of Folding Doors: New Innovations Driven by Design 

Description: Evolving design trends have driven the emergence of a new range of folding door products that complement modern architecture and improve user experience through performance and ease of operation. This course will review key attributes of these next-generation folding doors, including product styling and sightlines, size capabilities, hardware design and placement, and performance criteria. You will learn how these design improvements open up sightlines, ease operation, and boost the performance of folding doors.  

Learning Objectives:

• Examine how the lines between residential and commercial design are blurring, and how architects can use folding door systems in each market to enhance their designs.
• Explore how narrower stiles and larger panel sizes work together to improve sightlines and views to the exterior by minimizing obstructions and maximizing glazing.
• Discover how innovative hardware solutions improve aesthetics and make folding doors easier to operate.
• Review performance measures for folding doors, including water penetration, structural strength, and air infiltration, and understand how next-generation folding doors improve on each of these metrics.

Credit: 1 LU/HSW

Presenter: Terryl Cronin, Architectural Consultant – JELD-WEN/LACANTINA | tcronin@jeldwen.com; 202.655.1874
Provider: Jeld-wen, Inc. (J327); Course #JWLCFuture824

TW Perry is an Annual Partner of AIA Potomac Valley.

Organized by AIA PV and the Capital Area CRAN (Custom Residential Architects Network, an AIA Knowledge Community), a tri-chapter committee founded jointly by AIA DC, AIA Northern Virginia and AIA Potomac Valley.

THANKS TO OUR PV CRAN SPONSORS!

Celebrate Pride Month in DC with the AIA|DC Board and fellow members at a vibrant networking event designed to foster new connections and inspire future collaborations. Enjoy food, drinks, and great company in an inclusive and festive atmosphere.

• Connect with AIA members and grow your professional network!
• Meet leaders from our committees, including the Asian American Designers Union, Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program, Design Excellence, and the Latin American Interior Designers, Engineers, and Architects Committee!
• Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Perkins&Will!

Event in collaboration with AIA|DC Advocacy Committee, BuildOut Alliance, and AIA NOVA LGBTQIA+ Alliance.

Sponsored by

Clark Construction 

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Come join us to celebrate the opening of our latest exhibition, Two Words: No Plastics — Making Buildings Plastic-Free.

Plastic is intertwined with nearly every aspect of modern life, from the packaging of everyday goods to the construction of items like electronics, clothing, and furniture. Its versatility, affordability, and durability combined have made it an indispensable material in countless industries today. Architecture is no different from the rest of modern-day production, as plastic is used in many key components of building design.

However, the accessible and enduring nature of plastics comes at a cost. Plastics are a leading factor in climate change, as more than 99% of plastics are made from fossil fuels. By 2050, the combined greenhouse gas emissions from plastic could reach over 56 gigatons, devastating and irreversibly damaging the planet.

Plastics are toxic, and are taking a toll on not only the health of our planet, but on our bodies as well. Many toxic additives are mixed in with plastic polymers, to give plastics their color, flexibility and other properties. The petrochemical components of plastic have been linked to cancer; as well as neurological, reproductive, and toxicity impairment of the immune system.

Considering the harmful impact of plastics on our health, some companies have begun to identify ways in which buildings can be constructed without plastic. In fact, in 2022, UK company GreenSquareAccord completed construction on Europe’s first plastic-free affordable housing development. Other companies have taken the initiative to create new plastic-free materials to build with, such as tiles made from mussel beards, and other bio-based materials. The ability and desire to eliminate plastics from architecture is not just limited to larger companies. Whether a house needs a renovation or remodel, or you would like to construct your next home completely from scratch, there are many tips and tricks as to how you can avoid plastic in future home materials.

This exhibition explores not only how companies worldwide are making impressive strides in the movement away from plastic-use in architecture, but also how we as everyday consumers can aid in this cause. Join us in exploring how the architecture of the future can advance beyond plastics and learn why the move away from plastics is so crucial- for ourselves and our planet.

Drinks and light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Acknowledgments

The District Architecture Center would like to thank Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP and Prometheus Materials for sponsoring this exhibition. Additional support provided by AIA|DC Sustaining Firm Affiliate Members. 

_{EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Mary Fitch, AICP, Hon. AIA, District Architecture Center 
EXHIBITION CURATOR, SCRIPT WRITER, AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Molly Watkins, District Architecture Center
CONSULTING SCRIPT WRITER: Rachel Radvany, Center for International Environmental Law}

Join LA IDEA Committee at Glenstone Museum for a special gathering of architects, designers, and creatives. Surrounded by Glenstone’s stunning landscape, this event offers a chance to explore art and architecture while connecting with like-minded professionals. Enjoy thought-provoking spaces, inspiring discussions, and meaningful conversations in one of the most beautifully curated museum settings. Whether you’re passionate about innovation, heritage, or community, this is a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and share perspectives. This tour will be led by Latino Glenstone staff, offering unique insights into the museum’s design and philosophy. LA IDEA is dedicated to elevating Latino voices, fostering dialogue, and celebrating contributions to the fields of architecture and design.

Presented by:

Valentina Nahon, Senior Director of Public Engagement
Jose Castro, Capital Projects Manager
Sophia Figueroa, Design Lead
Sergio Candia Valdez, Construction Supervisor

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the role of design in shaping artistic and community engagement.
• Analyze the relationship between art and architecture in museum design.
• Explore innovative approaches to integrating nature and built environments.
• Evaluate the role of materiality and construction techniques in museum design.

Join AIA|DC + Build Out Alliance at World Pride DC 2025!

AIA members are invited to march with Build Out Alliance (BOA) in the 2025 World Pride Parade in Washington, DC—including the pre-March rally that afternoon. Sign up now via the BOA website: https://buildoutalliance.org/upcoming-events/2025-06-dc-world-pride-parade-in-washington-dc

Let’s show up in full force and celebrate inclusivity in the built environment!

The CIT program is an opportunity for high school students, in grades 9-12, to continue their architectural education, gain leadership skills and learn from professional architects, engineers, and designers. Counselors will make their own final project to present and receive feedback.  

Successful CITs will leave the program with strong leadership skills and a better understanding of architecture. CITs assist in creating ice-breaker activities, student check-in, chaperone field trips, crowd management, set-up, clean-up and help plan the end of the week presentation. 

Camp dates - choose a week:

Session 1 (8–10-year-olds) July 14-July 18, 2025

Session 2 (11–13-year-olds) July 21-25, 2025

•    CITs will receive two evaluations, one after the first day and one at the end of the week. 
•    CIT's must be available for the entire week of camp, 9:00 am- 3:30 pm

•    Mandatory orientation: July 1, 1:00-2:00 pm or July 11, 10:30-11:30 am at District Architecture Center

Youth Programs Manager, Heidi Sohng, 202-908-2804

This course is developed to cover the basic history of fiberglass, types of fiberglass production process, cost compared to non fiberglass product and environments of use. History of Fiberglass: Will learn about the development of fiberglass, the first uses of fiberglass and the different types of glass fibers used in the process of the construction of fiberglass.

• Fiberglass production process: Will learn about the main types of fiberglass production used in the door and frame industry.
• Mechanical properties of fiberglass: Will be presented the mechanical properties of fiberglass and how it compares to steel and aluminum.
• Door and frame construction: Will learn the basic construction of fiberglass doors and frames.
• Door and frame cost comparison: will be presented with a life cycle cost analysis of non corrosive fiberglass doors and frames compared to steel, aluminum and stainless steel.
• Environments: Will be made aware of the different environments that fiberglass doors and frames are utilized.

Learning Objectives:

• History of Fiberglass: Will learn about the development of fiberglass, the first uses of fiberglass and the different types of glass fibers used in the process of the construction of fiberglass.
• Fiberglass production process: Will learn about the main types of fiberglass production used in the door and frame industry. Mechanical properties of fiberglass: Will be presented the mechanical properties of fiberglass and how it compares to steel.
• Door and frame construction: Will learn the basic construction of fiberglass doors and frames. Door and frame cost comparison: will be presented with a life cycle cost analysis of non corrosive fiberglass doors and frames compared to steel and aluminum.
• Environments: Will be made aware of the different environments that fiberglass doors and frames are utilized.

HSW Justification:

Florida building code & Texas Department of Insurance both require health & safety for the product. Much of the verticals where this product is used in many healthcare areas, food processing centers & more.

This meeting will take place virtually and the link to join can be found here: https://ayerssaintgross.zoom.us/j/91492989987?pwd=uq8aIqMTKl00NoVoa6suXdQthliOU8.1

AIA|DC’s Design Excellence Committee is hosting an exclusive tour of The Stacks, DC’s transformative 6-acre development that encompasses two city blocks adjacent to the Anacostia River and Audi Fields. The first phase of the two-million SF, mixed-use development consists of multi-family residential and retail uses, aiming to create a vibrant public realm and a sense of community. During this event, members of the project team will lead a walking tour of the multi-building development, with brief introductions to the Colette, Bryon, and Everly residential buildings, including a tour of one of the residential units. The tour will conclude at the shared rooftop amenity space for an insightful panel discussion led by the project team and moderated by Chloe Hiyu, AIA, followed by networking.

Development team: Akridge and National Real Estate Development. Architecture team: Gensler, Handel Architects, Morris Adjmi Architects, and Eric Colbert & Associates. Master planning + landscape architecture team: West 8 and Urban Matters, Lee and Associates, Inc.

Meeting instructions: 101 V Street SW, Washington, DC (Meet at the corner of V St SW and 1st St SW) at 1:00PM. The walking tour will begin promptly at 1:10PM and conclude with a panel discussion at 2:00, with light refreshments and networking after.

Presented by:

AIA-DC Design Excellence Committee

Panelists:

Andrei Pomomarev, Development Manager, Akridge

Andrei Ponomarev is a Development Manager at Akridge, a premier full-service real estate company based in Washington, DC. Holding a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University, Andrei brings extensive experience with complex projects, including the development and construction of The Stacks, successfully delivering more than 1,100 units in the development’s first phase of three multi-family buildings.

Robert Jaekel AIA, Southeast Residential Practice Area Leader, Gensler

Rob Jaekel, a registered architect, leads Gensler's residential practice from Philadelphia to Miami. He has designed and developed diverse projects, including high-rise multifamily towers, mixed-use developments, and senior living facilities. Rob's team at Gensler coordinated The Stacks' design and served as the architect for Everly, a new residential offering in the neighborhood.

Jeff Lee, FASLA, President, Lee and Associates, Inc.

Jeff Lee, FASLA, founding principal of Lee and Associates, Inc., specializes in planning, urban design, and landscape architecture. He is renowned for green infrastructure and sustainable city design. A University of Virginia graduate, he has served on design award juries and held leadership roles in ASLA. With over 35 years of experience, his projects span globally, enhancing public spaces. Lee has significantly contributed to Washington, DC's growth and renaissance.

Moderator
Chloe Hiyu, Senior Principal, HOK 

Chloe Hiyu, AIA, an architect and Senior Principal at HOK based in Washington, D.C., collaborates with private and institutional clients globally, guiding mixed-use development projects from entitlement to occupancy.  

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how the design of The Stacks, as a cohesive development, fosters community engagement and activates the public realm.
• Recall details of the project’s phasing and how it aligns with broader urban development goals for the area.
• Apply knowledge gained during the tour to evaluate other mixed-use urban projects in DC and elsewhere in terms of placemaking and livability.
• Summarize insights shared during the panel discussion regarding design decisions, challenges, and project outcomes.