President Spotlights

Final Message from 2025 AIA Coastal Virginia President (copy)

Dear Members and Friends of AIA Coastal Virginia,

As 2025 draws to a close, I’d like to thank all for participating, supporting, and genuinely engaging; the Board for their vision and commitment; and EVP Bernadette Keplinger for continuing to be a force of innovation and energy for the Chapter.  

I began my term with the goal of strengthening the local bridge between education and practice, hoping to inspire firms across the region to engage in Hampton University’s Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) program. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Conversations with Chapter firm leaders affirmed a collective desire to invest in the next generation of architects, especially those whose voices and perspectives have historically been underrepresented in our profession. This collaboration with Hampton University — one of the three accredited schools of architecture in Virginia, but the only HBCU - is not just about helping to build careers; it’s about building equity, opportunity, and a richer design culture for our region. 

Jumping ahead, past an array of compelling member and industry events spanning the year, it was at the recent Design + Honor Awards celebration that I was struck by not only the quality of design executed by Chapter firms, but more so by the holistic depth in both design and practice - evidenced by the Board’s decision to recognize two firms rather than one for the AIA Coastal Virginia Firm Award. We chose to honor two firms - GARC - G Architecture and Research Collaboration - and WPA - Work Program Architects - whose distinct approaches strengthen our profession and elevate our community – because both are exceptionally worthy. 

GARC has redefined what small firms can achieve. Research-driven and user focused, GARC bridges the space between boutique practice and large-firm capability — by their definition, the “Missing Small” model – where scale is not a limitation, but a platform for innovation, collaboration, leadership, and award-winning work. Their ascendency though is nothing short of remarkable considering their graceful assimilation culturally and adept navigation of the competitive market. Truly exceptional.

At WPA architecture is as much about people and process as it is about buildings. Transparency, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose reflect a fundamental belief that architecture is a public act – a belief faithfully consistent from WPA’s inception to present. Their practice model exemplifies building with purpose — rigorous process, generous spirit, and a belief that design can make our communities stronger.

I highlight GARC and WPA relative to an observation from our Design Awards Chair Percy ‘Rebel’ Roberts, FAIA:

“there’s never been a more important time to be in the design profession. Our communities need our best critical thinking to solve significant design challenges at every scale… and the work that we’re doing (now) will set the standard for the future”

Taking this to heart and looking ahead, I’m encouraged by what I know we have to offer and the promise that we bring.

With that I thank you all for your dedication to our profession and to each other. It’s been an honor to serve as your president during this remarkable year.

Many thanks,

Rob V Reis, FAIA
President, AIA Coastal Virginia