The Virginia chapter of the America Institute of Architects hosts a conference every November that is called “ArchExchange East.”  It’s a fabulous learning experience for me and my students.  Most of our department attends the event.  I’ve included photos of some highlights.

On November 8, my students and I attended ArchExchange East, sponsored by the Virginia chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

We participated in lectures and professional development seminars. We networked and visited the exhibition hall.

One of my favorite sessions was about women architects. It was presented by Martha Culpepper and Jennifer Rhoades of Galve and Holmes Architects.

Their presentation was inspiring and packed full of helpful information. They included marvelous graphics.

They discussed important architects and designers throughout history and from today.

Following the presentation, my students Imani Parker and Tamia Smallwood had many questions for the speakers.

Jennifer Rhoades and Martha Culpepper exchanged ideas with them for the better part of twenty minutes.

In another amazing session, one of my former classmates from Virginia Tech…

…Jessica Pearson presented a fascinating case study about spatial planning in architects’ offices. She is comparing the working environments of offices that win top design awards with typical firms and she is identifying differences.

In the exhibition hall, I caught up with architectural colleagues (like Joel Andre and Georgie Marquez) as well as former students (like Fred Perry, shown here).

We had the chance to hear Bernard Tschumi speak. He is a Swiss architect who used to be Dean of Columbia’s architecture program.

I presented reflection photos from Dublin in the Pecha Kucha session.

Pecha Kucha is a quick-paced presentation format that is being used all over the world.

At the end of the evening, Virginia Tech held a reception for alumni. Jack Davis, the Dean, welcomed us.

And I had the chance to chat with my friend and mentor, Lucy Ferrari, who was visiting from Carona, Switzerland.

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