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