President Spotlights

Ayesha Shaikh wins Virginia Associates Award!

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our very own Ayesha Shaikh has won a Virginia Associates Award from AIA Virginia! This honor recognizes Associate members for outstanding leadership, creative thinking, and significant contributions to their communities and the architecture profession.

I first met Ayesha in January of 2023, shortly after she joined VIA Design. She had expressed to her firm leadership that she wanted to get involved with AIA Coastal Virginia, and she reached out eager to learn more. From that very first conversation, she stood out as someone who not only understood the value of engagement within the profession, but who also brought an infectious enthusiasm and maturity that made her a natural fit for leadership within our chapter.

Since then, Ayesha has been consistently engaged across a wide range of AIA CoVA programs and events, demonstrating a genuine commitment to the profession and our community. Her leadership has already made an impact—initiatives like the Pop Up Park and our outreach with Hampton University have benefitted greatly from her involvement.

Congratulations, Ayesha! We are so lucky to have you as part of our AIA Coastal Virginia family.