President Spotlights

Message from 2024 AIA Coastal Virginia President // Q3

Dear Members and Friends of AIA Coastal Virginia,

I hope this message finds you well as we enter the final quarter of 2024. It’s an exciting time to reflect on our progress and look ahead to the opportunities that will shape the next few months. I am pleased to share some of the key highlights that will help us advance our collective efforts as we close out the year.

This week, we successfully completed the Hard Hat Tour of Atlantic Park, where members were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at this highly anticipated development. It was an excellent opportunity to witness firsthand how architecture is playing a pivotal role in shaping this dynamic project, contributing to regional growth and community engagement.

Later this month, we will host the Designing Our CAMPUS Coastal Resilience event at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s Eastern Shore Laboratory. This will be an important opportunity to explore sustainable, resilient design solutions that are critical to our region’s future. This event directly aligns with our strategic mission of becoming leaders in Coastal Resilience and Adaptation of our built environment.

Additionally, we are excited to present the Placemaking Tour at Summit Pointe. This event will provide a closer look at how thoughtful urban design is supporting sustainable growth and innovation in our region. It is another example of how architecture can contribute to the evolving needs of our communities.

On the community service front, the AIA CoVA Pop-Up Park at ForKids has been an outstanding success. Over 150 parents and children attended the opening, and the park has already become a vibrant space for families. We are grateful to all the volunteers and partners who made this possible. This project has gained significant media attention, with WTKR News 3 and the Hampton Roads Morning Show(next week) featuring the Pop-Up Park, alongside the coverage from WAVY News 10. These features have highlighted how architects can serve the public and elevate the well-being of our communities.

As we look forward to closing out 2024, I am reminded of how our efforts are continuously aligned with AIA CoVA’s strategic mission: to lead in Coastal Resilience, provide Member Value, and enhance Public Reach and Regional Impact. I encourage all of you to stay engaged as we continue to make an impact, both within our profession and in the communities we serve.

Warm regards,

Barbara Benesh | AIA NCIDQ WELL AP
President, AIA Coastal Virginia

Final Message from 2024 AIA Coastal Virginia President

Dear Members and Friends of AIA Coastal Virginia,

As 2024 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished together as a chapter and to thank you for your continued support and engagement. Our shared dedication to advancing architecture and its impact on our community has made this year truly remarkable.

This year, we proudly aligned our chapter’s efforts with our strategic goals of Coastal Resilience and Adaptation, providing Member Value, and enhancing our Public Reach and Regional Impact. Together, we:

• Elevated our visibility through programs like the Pop-Up Park at ForKids, which highlighted architects' roles in serving the community while receiving coverage on WTKR News 3.
• Explored innovative design solutions during events such as the Hard Hat Tour of Atlantic Park and the Urban Planning Tour at Summit Pointe, connecting members with forward-thinking projects.
• Strengthened our community through networking opportunities, professional development workshops, and programs designed to empower architects at every stage of their careers.
• Advanced our chapter identity by aligning and transitioning our chapter’s name to AIA Coastal Virginia better reflect our values, mission, and regional impact, ensuring it resonates with our members and community.
• Laid a foundation for the future by building strategic partnerships, advocating for architects’ roles in shaping resilient communities, and fostering mentorship and leadership within our profession.

These achievements would not have been possible without the tireless work of our board members, committees, and volunteers. A special thanks to each of you who contributed your time and expertise to make these initiatives successful.

Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited about the opportunities before us. We’ll continue to champion Coastal Resilience, offer enhanced programming, and expand our advocacy efforts to support architects and elevate the profession. I encourage you to stay engaged, renew your membership, and explore how you can be part of shaping our chapter’s future.

On behalf of the AIA CoVA board, I wish you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous new year. Let’s continue building a better, more resilient, and more connected future together.

With gratitude and optimism,

Barbara Benesh | AIA NCIDQ WELL AP
President, AIA Coastal Virginia