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

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

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

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

Learning Objectives

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

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

    

Schedule:

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

6-7pm: Roundtable Presentation and Discussion

7-8pm: Networking Hour

Presented by: 

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

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

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

Maestrxs de Arquitectura is a unique lecture series created to recognize renowned Latin American architects for their professional accomplishments and personal journeys in the US and around the world.
Join us for an enriching evening with Jaime Correa, one of the most influential Latin American architects, urbanists, and educators.Come early to enjoy light food and refreshments accompanied by Latin hits!

Correa will share insights and experiences from his distinguished career, spanning groundbreaking work in New Urbanism, sustainable development, and innovative urban design. He will highlight key projects and unbuilt explorations that define his philosophy—where architecture, art, philosophy, and culture intersect to address the complexities of contemporary cities. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his path, offering a unique perspective on the evolving practice of architecture and urbanism in today’s world.

Additionally, Correa will delve into his approach to teaching and mentoring, drawing from decades as a professor and program director at the University of Miami. He will explore the methods and principles he employs to inspire the next generation of architects and urban designers—emphasizing creativity, critical thinking, and the role of education in shaping resilient, human-centered communities. Don’t miss this chance to gain insights from one of contemporary architecture and urban design’s leading voices.

Please arrive early. Due to venue capacity, registration does not guarantee entry.

Presented by:

Jaime Correa is the Director of the Undergraduate Program, an Associate Professor in Practice, and the former Director of the Master of Urban Design (aka: Suburb and Town Design) at the School of Architecture of the University of Miami (position held from 1996 to 2014) where he was also the Knight Professor in Community Building. He currently teaches design, theory/history, housing, and representation in the Miami and Rome programs of the University of Miami. In 2018, he was a Visiting Professor at Zhuhai College of Jilin University, in China. His paper practice of un-built projects (Jaime Correa and Associates) explores the intersection between architecture, art, philosophy, culture, and urbanism. He is one among the 14 architects and town planners that launched the American New Urbanism movement, one of its most important promoters in Latin America and Europe, and one of its most significant critics. From 2013-2017 he served as a Climate Reality Mentor under the tutelage of former Vice-President and Nobel Laureate Al Gore. He is the author of “Unbuilt Intentions: towards a new phenomenology of cities and architecture”, “Redacted Distillations: Le Corbusier’s transformative erasures”, “Seven Recipes for the New Urbanism”, “Self-sufficient Urbanism”, “Tales of the Departed” and “New Harmony: a counterproposal to Charles Fourier’s Phalanstery”, approximately 17 book chapters, and many articles and papers in peer-reviewed academic journals, newspapers, and magazines. He resides in the City of Miami with his wife and family.

Agenda:

6:00-6:30pm - Registration/Networking

6:30-6:45pm - Opening Remarks

6:45-7:45pm - Lecture

7:45-8:00pm - Q&A

Learning Objectives: 

• Analyze the morphological and typological processes in Jaime Correas’ projects to master urban mapping, diagramming, and form-generation techniques for both academic study and professional practice.
• Explore Jaime Correa’s approach to integrating environmental simulation, generative modeling, and other design methods to enhance virtual prototyping skills.
• Apply Correa’s research-driven and community-engaged design methods—drawn from built and unbuilt projects—to integrate sustainability, cultural context, and social equity into studio assignments and real-world proposals.
• Contrast vernacular architecture and informal settlements with Correa’s heritage conservation and inclusive design strategies to develop intervention frameworks that enhance resilience and user experience in academic and professional projects. 

Sponsored by: 

JAP Construction 

The Office of Planning has recently proposed the most sweeping changes to the D.C. Zoning Regulations since the 2016 re-write. Proposed amendments include (i) the long-overdue changes to the RA-1 zone; (ii) also long-overdue changes to Alley Lot subdivision and development; (ii) a change in the cumbersome 10-foot rule - to be increased to 16 feet!; and (iv) a 94-page Omnibus Amendment that proposes significant modifications and clarifications to 24 different areas of the Regulations.

Marty Sullivan, a zoning attorney with 25+ years experience in DC zoning, will summarize and explain the proposed changes, and will also provide instruction on how best to participate in the public process to provide the Zoning Commission valuable feedback from the AIA and from individual architects.

Presented by: 

Marty Sullivan

Marty Sullivan heads the Zoning and Land Use practice at Sullivan & Barros, LLP. Marty’s practice is focused exclusively on District of Columbia zoning, land use, and related regulatory matters related to the development and use of property. He represents developers, institutions, homeowners, and other property owners in the District. He assists these clients in enhancing or protecting their real property interests. Marty has handled hundreds of cases before the D.C. Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA), securing special exceptions and variances, and prosecuting and defending appeals of Zoning Administrator decisions. Marty has also represented clients in appeals from BZA and Zoning Commission decisions before the D.C. Court of Appeals.Marty assists clients with entitlement issues before DCRA and other District agencies. He works closely with architects, contractors, engineers, and others in pursuing BZA approvals.
Marty also advises clients generally on zoning and entitlement matters, preparing zoning analyses and opinions, and working closely with clients to create innovative solutions to maximize a client’s return on, and enjoyment of, their properties. Marty began his legal career in 1998 with the esteemed D.C. zoning practice at the law firm of Wilkes Artis, and from there he followed a core group of zoning attorneys to Shaw Pittman in 2000 (a group that now practices at Goulston Storrs). Marty, and Tony Barros, founded Sullivan & Barros, LLP in 2009. Since then, Marty has handled several hundred BZA cases, and several thousand non-BZA zoning matters.

Learning Objectives:

• After attending this program, participants will be able to describe the proposed changes in the zoning regulations to their clients, staff, and others.
• After attending this program, participants will have the means with which to explore and investigate the impact of these proposed changes, and how they may benefit their practice and their current and future projects.
• After attending this program, participants will be able to identify potential problems and/or helpful suggestions for improvements to the proposed revisions to the zoning regulations; and advocate before the Zoning Commission.
• After attending this program, participants will be able to identify opportunities and red flags in regard to the zoning requirements for a given project.

Step into the role of an architect and design a home for a prospective client!  This digital modeling course introduces students to 3D modeling for architectural, interior design and landscape architecture. Students will repurpose and reimagine old buildings for new purposes. Students will have a portfolio suitable for college admissions at the end of this course.  All levels of experience are welcomed.

Virtual classes for Fall 2025

Saturdays, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

• October 11
• October 18
• October 25
• November 1

• November 8

  (note: there is no class on November 15)

• November 22 

Canstruction 2025 will take place at the National Building Museum from Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 to Monday, December 1st, 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 Capital Area Food Bank, DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, Giant, National Building Museum, DPR Construction, and Washington Architectural Foundation.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Since its inception in 1997, the National Building Museum’s Spotlight on Design has presented the work of luminaries in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, and design. This lecture series presents a unique window into the creative journey and cultural influences of visionary practitioners, illuminating the powerful role of design in shaping the built environment.

Schedule

Nader Tehrani
September 17, 2025 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm

MVVA
October 7, 2025 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Deborah Berke
February 4, 2026 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Howeler + Yoon
March 5, 2026 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm

Interested in Housing Issues?

The National AIA Housing and Community Development Knowledge Community (HCD) is a network of architects and allied stakeholders that promotes equity in housing, excellence in residential design, and sustainable, vibrant communities for all—through education, research, awards, and advocacy.

Locally, the AIA|DC Board of Directors is considering the formation of a “Housing the DMV Region” Committee and is seeking local interest in the initiative.

The Washington, DC region faces some of the most dynamic and complex housing challenges in the nation, driven by rising costs, outdated zoning frameworks, infrastructure gaps, and mismatches between supply and demand. These challenges span a uniquely fragmented regional landscape that includes the District of Columbia and surrounding counties in Maryland and Virginia—each with its own planning authorities, development priorities, and political leadership. The need for coordinated action has never been greater.

The vision for the AIA|DC Housing the DMV Region Committee is to serve as a strategic platform to advance housing solutions that are equitable, implementable, and centered on design excellence, policy alignment, and community benefit.

As architects, we are uniquely positioned to navigate complexity, synthesize diverse inputs, and translate vision into built form. This committee will build on that expertise—not only by curating and amplifying ongoing research and activities, but also by leading targeted initiatives that drive innovation in housing design, construction technologies, zoning reform, and entitlement processes.

Light refreshments will be provided. 
 

Fall into fall and meet next year’s AIA|DC Chapter President, Ellen Hatton, at a vibrant networking event designed to foster new connections and inspire future collaborations.

Connect with local AIA and ICAA members while enjoying food, drinks, and great company in Georgetown at the offices of Barnes Vanze Architects.

Event in collaboration with the Washington Mid Atlantic Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. 

To enter the space, the front door is directly on Potomac Road, look for the blue awning and the glass door.

Join the design and construction team behind Stead Park Recreation Center for an engaging learning session that explores the transformation of a historic carriage house into a modern, net-zero ready community facility in the heart of Dupont Circle. This session will highlight the project’s unique challenges and innovative solutions, from navigating historic preservation requirements to implementing high-performance building systems. Attendees will gain insight into sustainable design strategies, adaptive reuse practices, and how the team balanced community needs with ambitious energy goals, while ensuring health, safety, accessibility, resilience, and lasting value for the broader community and future generations. This case study offers lessons applicable to a wide range of projects.

Presented by:

Gabe Oliver
With over two decades of experience in design and construction, Gabe brings a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to project planning and delivery. As Partner and Senior Vice President at GCS-SIGAL Gabe is known for fostering strong partnerships with clients, designers, and trade contractors, emphasizing early alignment and strategic planning to set projects up for long-term success. His leadership has contributed to numerous award-winning projects across the region.

Teresa Hamm-Modley
Teresa is a licensed architect with VMDO DC, a firm known for its thoughtful, community-centered design. With a background in construction and passive house design, Teresa’s passion for combining high performance details and energy-efficient strategies with transformative design has been translated into numerous local projects throughout the DMV. Her work reflects a unique blend of rigor and empathy, making her a trusted advocate for communities and a leader in shaping spaces that inspire.

Learning Objectives: 

• Understand the DC’s energy standards and historic preservation requirements and learn how to navigate achieving both with a cohesive high-performance design.
• Anticipate challenges of working with existing buildings on a tight site and identify relevant design solutions that prioritize energy use reduction, smart building systems, and proper envelope treatment to meet net zero energy requirements.
• Discover simple design strategies that are available pathways to meeting Net-Zero energy using limited public budgets.
• Identify challenges and solutions to achieving net zero energy details in the field and thoughtful quality control measures and team collaboration throughout construction.

HSW Justification: 

This course qualifies as HSW by addressing energy-efficient design strategies that improve safety, occupant health, and building performance. It also covers envelope, systems, and construction practices that support durability and sustainability.

Join this free(!) Back to School event hosted by U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) with COTE chapters from AIA Northern Virginia, AIA|DC, and AIA Potomac Valley for this Tri-COTE event. Team members from USGBC will share key information related to the release of LEED v5, important differences from past LEED versions, and intent of the newest rating system. USGBC has graciously offered to host us at their Headquarters office in Foggy Bottom. The event will be hosted at the building’s rooftop penthouse, with light snacks and refreshments provided. We hope to see you there!

HSW Justification:

This course addresses how buildings can measure their impact across a variety of measures in the LEED system. This content is eligible for HSW as it fits the definition of “Health,” clearly impacting “the physical, emotional, and social well-being of occupants, users, and any others affected by buildings and sites,” and “Welfare,” focusing on design that “benefits the environment.” Specifically, the content of this course addresses topics relating to human health, environmental responsibility and the expansion of the LEED v5 program’s efforts to address a greater range of metrics as our industry has continued to advance our understanding of our impact.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the three pillars which LEED v5 focuses: decarbonization, quality of life, and ecological conservation.
• Learn about new prerequisites for the credit categories of climate resilience, carbon assessment, and human impact.
• Understand primary updates of LEED v5 from previous versions of LEED.
• Insight into LEED Rating System: Prerequisites & Credits and the credit categories associated.