The Washington Architectural Foundation is pleased to announce the Fall Design Fête will take place at the Union Market Dock5 on November 20, 2025. 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.

Table and Ticket Sponsorships:

Cornerstone Sponsor: $10,000

• Prime seating for 10 guests
• Company or Individual Name on event materials
• Half-page ad in dinner journal
• Recognition from the podium
• Hyperlink on WAF website

Corbel Sponsor: $7,500

• Preferred seating for 8 guests
• Company or Individual Name on event materials
• Hyperlink on WAF website

Keystone Sponsor: $4,000

• Reserved seating for 4 guests
• Company or Individual Name on event materials, signage and at the podium

Quoin Sponsor: $2,000

• Reserved seating for 2 guests
• Company or Individual Name on event materials, signage and at the podium

Join these wonderful sponsors in an early commitment in support of the 13th annual Fall Design Fete:

Cornerstone Sponsor
SGH
District of Columbia Agencies

Bar Sponsor
Interface Engineering

Cocktail Sponsor
Hartman-Cox Architects

Music Sponsor
Michael Armstrong

Dessert Sponsor
The Whiting-Turner Construction Company

Corbel Sponsor
AECOM
The American Institute of Architects
Ayers Saint Gross
Barnes Vanze Architects 
Clark Construction Group
Fentress Architects
HOK
Perkins&Will
SmithGroup
SOM

Keystone Sponsor
ARUP
Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners
David M. Schwarz Architects 
DPR Construction
EE Reed East Coast 
Lee and Associates Inc.
MV+A Architects
Perkins Eastman
Thornton Tomasetti
Walter P. Moore

Quoin Sponsor
Ames & Gough Insurance/Risk Management
Buro Happold
David Metzger, FAIA
El Studio
Gensler
Grunley Construction Company
HGA
Hickok Cole
HKS
Lam Partners
Lee/Shoemaker
Neumann Lewis Buchanan
Steven Spurlock, FAIA
Torti Gallas + Partners
Zubatkin Owner Representation

The Washington Architectural Foundation is pleased to announce the Fall Design Fête will take place at the Union Market Dock5 on November 20, 2025. 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.

Honorees

2025 Centennial Medal Winner – Jonathan Penndorf, FAIA

2025 Glenn Brown Award Winner – Mayor Muriel Bowser

2025 Architect Educator Award Winner – Nea Maloo, FAIA

2025 Emerging Architect Winner – Gozde Yildirim, AIA

2025 Partnership for the Planet Award Winner – Greg Plavcan, Assoc. AIA

2025 Donald B. Myer Award for Public Service – Lance Davis, FAIA

Sponsor Fall Design Fête 2025 here

Washington Architectural Foundation is grateful to the following sponsors for the generosity and early commitment in support of the 13th annual Fall Design Fete:

Cornerstone Sponsor
SGH
District of Columbia Agencies

Bar Sponsor
Interface Engineering

Cocktail Sponsor
Hartman-Cox Architects

Music Sponsor
Michael Armstrong

Dessert Sponsor
The Whiting-Turner Construction Company

Corbel Sponsor
AECOM
The American Institute of Architects
Ayers Saint Gross
Barnes Vanze Architects 
Clark Construction Group
Fentress Architects
HOK
Perkins&Will
SmithGroup
SOM

Keystone Sponsor
ARUP
Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners
David M. Schwarz Architects 
DPR Construction
EE Reed East Coast 
Lee and Associates Inc.
MV+A Architects
Perkins Eastman
Thornton Tomasetti
Walter P. Moore

Quoin Sponsor
Ames & Gough Insurance/Risk Management
Buro Happold
David Metzger, FAIA
El Studio
Gensler
Grunley Construction Company
HGA
Hickok Cole
HKS
Lam Partners
Lee/Shoemaker
Neumann Lewis Buchanan
Steven Spurlock, FAIA
Torti Gallas + Partners
Zubatkin Owner Representation

Join GHT for an Lunchtime Learning session led by Senior Principal Don Norwood and Senior Associate Shannon Strong. 

This session introduces the latest best practices and regulatory requirements for designing Secure Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) in commercial office spaces. Attendees will gain a working knowledge of the current technical standards under ICD/ICS 705 Version 1.5.1, with a special focus on architectural and mechanical system coordination for SCIF compliance.

Drawing from recent project experience and federal guidelines, the session is ideal for professionals engaged in secure facility design, construction, or ownership.

Presented by: 

Don Norwood + Shannon Strong
Don Norwood: Senior Principal Don Norwood specializes in multi-floor tenant projects, mission-critical facilities, and historic renovations. Not only is Don an expert in his field, but he is also passionate about educating his GHT peers and colleagues, as well as clients, to improve project outcomes. Don leads the firm’s internal education program, GHT University, and spearheads additional technical training initiatives.

Shannon Strong: Senior Associate Shannon Strong specializes in commercial office, institutional, and secure projects —including SCIF spaces. With more than 25 years of experience in mechanical engineering design, Shannon is a trusted resource to both colleagues and clients. She is frequently consulted on the latest regulations across DMV jurisdictions and secure environments, helping teams navigate complex requirements with confidence. 

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the most current governing standard for SCIF design and explain its key chapters.
• Describe the spatial and functional components of a typical SCIF in an office environment.
• Recognize critical architectural and mechanical system modifications required for SCIF compliance.
• Coordinate with engineering teams and federal officials to ensure successful permitting and accreditation.

Modern design trends are favoring larger openings, and while this blank canvas offers the architect a wide range of options, it can also pose a challenge. Because of the almost unlimited variations of different types, styles, and available options for large doors, it is often more important that the architect understands how to make the selection process, rather than which specific door to choose. The process for specifying should include client aesthetic expectations, environmental conditions, building performance, and durability concerns.

• Describe what to consider when balancing the client needs with environmental conditions, building performance, and durability concerns
• Discuss the best process for specifying large doors in commercial and residential projects
• Understand the unique design elements of an indoor/outdoor living space and modern trends in large doors
• List the different door types and styles available for transition points between indoor and outdoor areas

Presented by:

Ken Clark

Ken’s career of specialty building products, focused in fenestration; scans over 30 years, making him uniquely qualified as an architectural consultant and business development advisor. Ken’s experience in all segments of the building supply industry, from manufacturing to dealer distribution has afforded him broad base insight ability to servicing discerning clientele. Ken has provided consulting services and appeared on segments of “This Old House” with Tom Silva, and “Home Again” with Bob Vila. Ken’s current role with TW Perry / BFS allows him the opportunity to share his knowledge, experience and expertise as a consultant to our valued clientele. Ken is also a certified AIA continuing education provider, and leads TW Perry’s / BFS architectural support services.  Ken’s efforts in evaluating the ever-changing business landscape, and adjusting TW Perry’s / BFS window products and services to meet the needs of our customer base and exceeding their expectations, adds an additional dimension to the TW Perry /BFS value proposition.   

Learning Objectives:

• Describe what to consider when balancing the client needs with environmental conditions, building performance, and durability concerns.
• Discuss the best process for specifying large doors in commercial and residential projects.
• Understand the unique design elements of an indoor/outdoor living space and modern trends in large doors.
• List the different door types and styles available for transition points between indoor and outdoor areas.

DEC and EAC Combined Committee Meeting on Wednesday July 9th to host a Summer Sketching Workshop, with special guest, Michael Abrams.  

The committees will be meeting at Cunningham|Quill Architects office and then head out to sketch in Georgetown. 

Do you have an innovative and sustainable product you would like to showcase? We are looking for your best environmentally-friendly products to showcase at our annual conference!

This design competition celebrates the most recently developed building materials that are not only innovative and creative, but also sustainable and scalable. We invite designers, engineers, researchers, and material scientists to showcase groundbreaking materials that push the boundaries of what’s possible in architecture and construction.

Whether it’s a bio-based composite, a carbon-negative concrete, or a smart material that adapts to its environment, we’re looking for solutions that inspire, perform, and pave the way for a more resilient future.

Eligibility

The competition is open to all, including students and professionals in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture and engineering. 

Categories

Entries may be submitted in two categories:

• Built
• Unbuilt

Schedule

Registration Open: July 1, 2025

Submission Deadline:  DEADLINE EXTENDED to September 5, 2025 

Jury Deliberations:  September 12, 2025, Winners will not be notified prior to the Awards announcement below

Awards announced:  If selected, your product will be displayed throughout the duration of our 2025 DesignDC event.

Submission Requirements

Please upload a PDF (6 mg max) that describes the innovative sustainability features of your product, including but not limited to:

• Technical Datasheet
• Sustainability Impact Report
• Design Application Example (rendering, model, or case study)
• Links to video descriptions
• Other information as needed to describe the product 

Jury composition

The jury will be made up of AIA|DC board members and industry professionals focusing on sustainable product development.

Come join Avalon Theatre for a screening of ADA - My Mother the Architect, a deeply moving portrait of an architect tested by the impossible choices between career, country and motherhood.

In this course, Tim Arvin and Mitchell Maxwell will discuss the latest flood maps and its implications on site design and building code design requirements. The team will explore the use of interactive flood maps and the three ways to view maps (Interactive Map, Map Image – FIRM, Dynamic Map – FIRMette). The team will also explain the different federal and local flood regulations, how civil and geotechnical engineers can help evaluate design options, and other factors to consider such as flood insurance, local flood events, etc.

This program will also address the current proposed changes to the DC’s floodplain regulations and how it might affect future development, permitting, and substantial improvement projects within DC.

Presented by:

Tim Arvin, PE
Tim Arvin is a site/civil engineer with over 10 years of experience in the Washington, DC region and overseas. Tim received his Bachelor's in Civil Engineering and Master's in Water Resource Engineering from George Mason University and is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Virginia. Currently, Tim is a project manager at Langan. He leads complex site/civil engineering projects involving site feasibility studies, site layout, grading and drainage design, stormwater management analysis and design, utility design, and design of erosion and sediment control plans. He has extensive project experience in the land development industry, education sector, medical facilities, and international work.

Mitchell Maxwell
Mitchell graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Engineering and a Master's of Civil Engineering at the University of Delaware. Mitchell moved to the DC metro area with a passion for international work and water infrastructure. He is involved in site/civil engineering designs for both local and international projects. His primary job responsibilities include the development of site plans, utility designs, stormwater management plans, and water resources focused assessments and reports.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain insight into how FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) are created, including data sources, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling techniques, and the map revision process. Learn how to access, interpret, and download the latest official floodplain maps.
• Learn to recognize and differentiate between flood zone designations (e.g., Zones AE, X, VE) shown on flood maps, and understand the general characteristics and risk profiles associated with each zone.
• Understand how floodplain designations influence site layout decisions, grading, foundation types, and stormwater strategies. Learn the relevant building code requirements triggered by floodplain location.
• Discover how civil and geotechnical engineers support design teams by assessing floodplain constraints, providing technical documentation for permits, and proposing site-specific solutions.
   

Sponsored by: 

Langan

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!