Across the design industry, firms large and small build their brands around the desire to make the world a better place. Those who really live their missions recognize that the world begins within the walls of their own workplace, where they have the power and responsibility to enact the change they—and their employees—want to see. The year 2020 marked a turning point for impact-driven organizations, and architecture firms of all shapes and sizes took a critical look at the delta between who they are and who they say they are to find meaningful and measurable ways to close the gap. Three years later, it’s time to ask ourselves if we’ve made the world—at least the part we can control—a better place.

This panel brings together leaders from medium, large, and extra-large firms to discuss how they used independent transparency programs to set goals and benchmark their equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. You'll learn how the pursuit of B Corp certification, IFLI’s Just label, and the UN Global Compact commitments helped them become more socially just firms—strengthening culture, expanding community impact, and bringing their mission to life along the way.

Everyone from emerging professionals to firm leaders is in a position to spark change and ensure the actions behind our words have an impact. You'll leave this session with a deeper understanding of the challenges and benefits of investing in these programs and ready to determine if one is a good fit for your firm.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe three independent transparency programs that firms can use to measure corporate responsibility, including the UN Global Compact, B Corp Certification, and the Just label
• Explain the specific policy changes and direct impact that applying for and attaining a transparency label had on three architecture firms of different sizes, including a global firm, a 100-person firm, and a 30-person firm
• Identify how participation in an independent transparency program can help their firm translate core values into measurable actions and outcomes
• Analyze the resources, effort, and stakeholders required to participate in these programs and the potential return on investment for their firm’s business and culture

Presented by:

Abigail Brown, AIA

Project Architect, Gensler

Abigail R. Brown, AIA, is a project architect at Gensler with over 14 years of experience on large scale, mixed-use, and multifamily residential projects primarily in the Washington, D.C., region. Abi serves as a 2022-2023 At-Large Director on the AIA|DC Board of Directors. She was the 2021 chair of the AIA National Young Architects Forum and the 2016 chair of the AIA|DC Emerging Architects Committee. In these roles she plans and lead programs and initiatives that provide education, networking, advocacy, and outreach opportunities for architectural professionals. Her leadership in these efforts has been recognized through the 2020 AIA National Young Architects Award and 2016 AIA|DC Emerging Architect Award. In 2021, she was named to the Building Design + Construction 40 Under 40 list.

Laura Ewan, CPSM

Senior Associate & Director of Brand + Culture, Hickok Cole

Laura Ewan, CPSM, is a senior associate and director of brand + Culture at Hickok Cole, a forward-focused design practice based in Washington, D.C. She leads a team charged with distinguishing Hickok Cole’s brand and market position in ways that further their mission to do work that matters. Laura specializes in internal and external communications practices that reinforce corporate culture, encourage transparent leadership, and drive accountability around firm goals. This includes spearheading annual strategic planning efforts, maintaining ILFI Just Label commitments, and producing the firm's award-winning Art Night fundraiser. She's an active member, past president, and current chapter advisor of SMPS Washington, D.C., and was named a Ginny Soloman Golden Tuba Award winner in 2022.

David Shove-Brown, AIA, NCARB

Partner, //3877

David Shove-Brown, AIA, NCARB, is a partner at //3877, an architectural + interiors architecture and design firm in Washington, D.C. David holds a bachelor's and a bachelor's of science in architecture from Catholic University.

As a partner at //3877, David has expertise in residential, restaurant, and health care design. His work and commentary have been featured in Forbes Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Details Magazine, the Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine, Hospitality Design Magazine, Boutique Design Magazine, Interior Design Magazine, Form Magazine, and the Puerto Rican-based El Nuevo Dia. David has been on numerous podcasts, including The Scrappy Entrepreneur, Business of Design, and StyleNations.

He loves coffee, bacon cheeseburgers, good beer, and, most of all, being a dad.

Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA, NOMA

Global Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, HKS

Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA, NOMA, is from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and global director of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion at HKS. As an activist architect, she works to dismantle barriers and bring visibility to underrepresented designers by creating inclusive workplaces where everyone belongs. Yiselle is a storyteller, a “Latinas in Architecture” book contributor, a 2015 Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program Scholar, cofounder of LA.IDEA DC Committee, an award-winning WIELD event founder, a 2020 AIA National Board Member, and a 2021-22 NOMA Research & Development Chair. Currently, Yiselle is the AIADC chapter president and recipient of the 2018 AIA Associate Award, the 2019 AIA Diversity Program Recognition Award, and the 2022 AIA Young Architects Award.

Organized by:

AIA|DC Equity Committee by WIELD

Sponsored by:

This Lunchtime Learning session will cover the basic foundation, designs, and NFPA codes pertaining to trash, recycle and linen chutes. We will also cover designs for shafts, discharge rooms and venting. Trash, recycling, and linen chutes must be designed, installed, and maintained to meet the 2019 NFPA 82 standard. This course addresses these requirements in detail and includes discussions on sound dampening, electric interlock doors systems as well as compactors and sorters.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the steps involved in the design of a typical trash, recycling, or linen chute, and accessory components to ensure an NFPA 82-compliant system.

• Discuss how interlock and pneumatic doors, disinfecting and sanitizing units, and heat sensors are used to protect building occupants from fire, falling debris, and odor and bacteria exposure.

• Explain the NFPA 82 requirement for automatic, fusible-linked sprinklers, and how they help eliminate fire hazards.

• Identify the various components that comprise a chute system and describe how trash, recycling, and linen chute systems differ.

Presented by:

Darren Harp

Architectural Representative, CHUTES International

After a successful, 15-year career in education, I began a new journey with CHUTES International as their Architectural Representative. It is my role to support all architects with their projects that contain permanent, internal chutes. My scope is National as well as the DMV. My focus is education, not sales. Whether it's NFPA code, offsets in the chutes or the size requirements for the discharge room, I am here to help find a solution for all your design and specification needs.

Organized by:

CHUTES International

Join us to celebrate not one but two summer exhibitions! Explore award-winning projects and marvel at the craft of model making. Mix, mingle, and toast over refreshments with exhibitions in both galleries.

2023 Awards Show

The 2023 Awards Show combines award-winning projects from two of AIA|DC’s largest competitions: Chapter Design Awards and Washingtonian Residential Design Awards. Each year, our competitions recognize practitioners who demonstrate excellence in design. Projects are selected by distinguished juries of design professionals based outside of the Washington metropolitan region.

Small Objects, Big Ideas: The Architect’s Model

Models play an important role in the creative and technical development of projects. They link design intent and building execution. Models are life-size buildings in miniature! This exhibition celebrates the architectural model as a tested instrument in the design process. From education to practice, these small informative objects offer big, exciting ideas.

Organized by AIA|DC and the Washington Architectural Foundation.

This year's Summer Block Party designer Suchi Reddy founded Reddymade in 2002. Her approach to design focuses on the emotional qualities of engaging with space. Guided by her mantra "form follows feeling," Reddy's architectural and artistic practice is informed by her research at the intersection of neuroscience and the arts. Working towards a larger idea of "design justice," she is dedicated to expanding our notions of empathy, equity, and agency—where the importance of design is recognized as an asset for the benefit of all, not just for some. 

Program Schedule:
Meditiation & Sound Bath (Optional) — 4:30 - 5:30pm

Doors Open — 5:30pm

Program Starts — 6:00pm

Complimentary Wine & Charcuterie — 7:30 - 8:00pm

Spotlight on Design is generously supported by the Anthony and Keiko Greenberg Foundation.

Schedule:

4:00 – 5:30, Meet & Greet Reception

5:30 – 6:20, Vapor Intrusion: Below-Slab Protection Methodologies

6:30 - 7:30, Subterranean Termites: Below-Slab Protection Methodologies

7:30 – 8:00, Happy Hour

Course Details:

Vapor Intrusion: Below-Slab Protection Methodologies

Overview:

For brownfields and contaminated sites, the focus has historically been to protect human health by preventing exposure to direct contact of contaminated soil or drinking contaminated water. We now know that inhaling chemical vapors poses a potential risk to the health of residents, workers, and other occupants who are inside of the buildings. Vapor intrusion is an evolving science and it presents challenges to redeveloping these sites. This seminar provides an in-depth look at below-slab vapor intrusion protection and how it can be a sustainable tool to control transmission of chemicals into the built environment.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will gain a better understanding of the different means and methods available for protection of vapor intrusion below the building.
• Participants will learn the differences between a chemical vapor barrier and a water vapor barrier.
• Participants will learn the science behind vapor migration below and through concrete slabs.
• Participants will learn what design, construction, and installation considerations can be employed to ensure success.

Subterranean Termites: Below-Slab Protection Methodologies

Overview:

An in-depth look at under-slab physical barriers as a means of preventing subterranean termite infestation, as well as moisture intrusion through concrete slabs. This seminar will help the audience develop a comprehensive strategy to protect their buildings and occupants from unwanted soil vapors and subterranean termites. Termites are well known destroyers of wood and other building components; however, soil vapor is often overlooked as a contributor to floor covering failures as well as poor indoor air quality which can compromise the health of a building. Design of Building Systems, Environmental Factors, and Occupant Comfort will be addressed in this seminar. Additionally, updated information from the relevant ASTM standards and ACI recommendations with regard to under-slab moisture protection will be incorporated into the presentation. All of the applicable information from these organizations will be presented, along with case studies highlighting the problems associated with using inadequate or improperly located termite control or vapor protection systems. This seminar advocates for the use of green, non-pesticidal, methods of termite control.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will gain a better understanding of termites, their geographic distribution, and the different methods available for subterranean termite control.
• Participants will learn how a physical termite barrier can be a part of an integrated pest management program.
• Participants will learn the science behind below-slab moisture migration and the subsequently resulting concerns with its intrusion into the building envelope.
• Participants will learn what design, construction, and installation considerations can be employed to ensure success.

In 2013, Quinn Evans began planning and design for the comprehensive renovation of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall. Construction began in late 2018 for the six-year construction effort, and Phase 1 of the renovation opened to the public in October 2022. The project includes the complete replacement of the building envelope, building systems, and most of the interior walls. A new vestibule and site modifications will create a more open and inviting entrance from the National Mall. The Museum’s interiors have been redesigned with a new look, while retaining the most character-defining aspects of this iconic building. Exhibits have been completely reimagined, and a variety of new public amenities have been added.

In planning the design of the project, the architects and engineers explored numerous sustainability objectives and strategies. Achieving sustainability goals for this museum presented a special set of challenges due to its monumental spaces, quantity of glazing, and the museum’s sheer size and popularity. Architectural features such as skylights and glass curtain walls introduced the need for daylight control, while the desire for winter humidification for artifact protection brought the risk of condensation. The project is on track for LEED Gold (v.4). The tour will include the Phase 2 construction site.

Participants will be required to bring their own personal protection equipment: hard hats, hard-soled shoes, eye protection, and gloves. (Extra sets of PPE can be furnished if requested in advance.)

The tour will be led by Leora Mirvish and Colin MacKillop, both principals at Quinn Evans.

Learning Objectives:
After attending this presentation, participants will be able to:

• Describe the design challenges, such as historic preservation issues, faced when an iconic building on the National Mall is renovated.
• Identify challenges museum buildings present for sustainability, as well as the specific challenges encountered in designing the renovation of the National Air and Space Museum.
• Understand the design strategies used to maximize daylighting and air quality standards.
• Understand the design strategies employed to bring a 1970s iconic building up to modern sustainability and health performance standards.

This program is part of the Sense of Place Tour Series.

The Washington Architectural Foundation is pleased to announce the Fall Design Fête will take place at the National Cathedral on November 8, 2023. This event will celebrate our community and honor several worthy individuals and programs that have made Washington a better place through their contributions as designers, advocates and clients.

This year’s Fete will include a cocktail reception and seated dinner with a program.  Along with celebrating the contributions of these worthy individuals, the Fall Design Fête supports the Washington Architectural Foundation’s education and community outreach programs. Thanks to wonderful sponsors like you, the Foundation can better meet its mission to share the power of architecture to transform community.

Please join us in celebrating this year's honorees:

Anna McCorvey, RA, LEED AP BD+C
2023 John ‘Wieb’ Wiebenson Award Winner for Architecture in the Public Interest.

Caitlin Brady, AIA, LEED BD+C
&
Mika Naraynsingh, AIA, LEED BD+C
2023 Emerging Architect Award Winners

Anica Landreneau, Assoc. AIA 
2023 Partnership for the Planet Award

and

Amy Weinstein, FAIA
2023 Centennial Medal Winner for distinguished service
to the Chapter, community, and profession.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Cornerstone Sponsor
AECOM

Bar Sponsor
Interface Engineering

Corbel Sponsors
American Institute of Architects
Barnes Vanze Architects
Bonstra|Haresign Architects
Clark Construction Group
David M. Schwarz Architects
HOK
Page/
Quinn Evans Architects
SGH
Smithgroup
The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Cocktail Sponsor
Perkins&Will

Music Sponsor 
Michael J. Armstrong 

Dessert Sponsor
DLR Group

Keystone Sponsors
Arcadis
ARUP
Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners
Building Bridges Across the River
Fentress Architects
Hartman Cox Architects
HGA
HKS
Lee & Associates, Inc. 
MV+A Architects
Perkins Eastman
Walter P. Moore
Winstanley Architects and Planners

Quoin Sponsors
Ames & Gough Insurance/Risk Management
Ayers Saint Gross
CGS Architects
Cunningham Quill Architects
Davis Construction
Delon Hampton
EskewDumezRipple
Mary Fitch 
Gensler 
Grunley Construction Company
Hickok Cole
Lam Partners
Lee/Shoemaker
David Metzger, FAIA
MKSK
Neumann Lewis Buchannan
OEHME, VAN SWEDEN | OvS
Shalom Baranes Associate Architects
Wyn Design Company

Become a Sponsor

Join AIA|DC and the Clara CFO Group for a seminar on how to manage and increase cash flow - all examples have been specifically tailored for architects. In 60 minutes, Clara CFO Group will cover the most important aspects of predicting cash coming in and out for small businesses, tips to accelerate cash collections, ways to anticipate cash needs better, and pay yourself more!

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how your business model affects cash flow  

• Discover best practices in A/R & billing to increase cash flow 

• Get tips for slowing cash going out the door 

• Learn the importance of a cash flow forecast and how to use it to make decisions  

• Learn how to identify cash flow red flags and take action BEFORE there is a problem! 

Presented by:

Hannah Smolinski, CPA

CEO & Founder, Clara CFO Group

Laura Shiel, CPA, CFA

Virtual CFO, Clara CFO Group

Hannah and Laura have a combined 30+ years of experience in the Accounting and Finance industry providing financial expertise to the small business community through financial strategy, best practices, and knowledge to help companies achieve their missions. Clara CFO Group provides virtual CFO and consulting services, financial strategy and educational resources. Check out The Clara CFO YouTube channel for information to help run your small business for long-term financial success!

David Rubin, founding principal of DAVID RUBIN Land Collective will lead a walking tour of the National World War I Memorial / Pershing Square Revitalization and Franklin Park, both of which have recently completed substantial renovation.

First on the tour, Land Collective was selected by the United States World War I Centennial Commission to assist with the strategic insertion of the National World War I Memorial into Pershing Park, a historic modernist park originally designed by Paul Friedberg, located within the Monumental Core of the nation’s Capital. Through a rigorous agency review process, the design gradually took shape while the team found the balance between the historic preservation of a culturally significant urban park and the creation of a National Memorial befitting one of the four major wars of the 20th century.

The tour will continue with an approximately 10-minute walk, five blocks to the north along 14th Street NW to the second stop at Franklin Park. The revitalization of historic Franklin Park in downtown Washington, DC, is the first-ever joint venture between the National Park Service (NPS), the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID), and the Department of General Services (DGS). The urban square was created in the 1800s to protect the primary water source serving the White House. Improvements to the park include a re-imagined historic fountain with new engaged expressions of water, improved seating, urban reforestation, on-site stormwater management, a natural play area, a green roof pavilion created in partnership with STUDIOS Architecture.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key elements and programming relating to revitalization and reimagining of urban parks.
• Describe how urban parks can address complex issues relating to resilience, equity, and commemoration.
• Identify challenges as well innovative design solutions utilized within the historic Franklin Park and the National WWI Memorial / Pershing Square Revitalization.
• Describe how urban parks can play a vital role in preserving and strengthening local communities, culture, and heritage.

Presented by:

David A. Rubin, PLA, FASLA, FAAR

David A. Rubin, PLA, FASLA, FAAR is the founding principal of DAVID RUBIN Land Collective, a landscape architecture, urban design, and planning studio committed to practicing socially-purposeful design. David’s visionary contribution to the field in “empathy-driven design” is a hallmark of the studio, earning increasing renown for fusing issues of social justice in cities with excellence in the design of public spaces. His projects have received awards and honors from the American Society of Landscape Architects and the American Institute of Architects, among others. David was recently appointed by the State Department to The Bureau of Overseas Building Operations (OBO) Industry Advisory Group to advise the U.S. government on best practices in landscape architecture.

Sponsored by:

Join LA.IDEA in supporting Liberty's Promise, one of our longest-term outreach partners of over 8 years. Together, we have been promoting the field of architecture among high schoolers in the DMV. This time our primary goal is to raise funds through a live auction in an afternoon of fun and discovering unique pieces.