AIA Central Virginia is proud to support students in our region's Architecture programs, and act as a bridge between the profession and the classroom.

Our Board's University Liaisons

Jori Erdman at James Madison University and Katie MacDonald at the University of Virginia.

We work with student boards and University liaisons to design and deliver programming, including:

Portfolio review - Member architects and firm leaders help students prepare for their next steps by providing feedback on portfolios and interview techniques by:

  • Reviewing resumes and portfolios

  • Conducting mock-interviews and assessing performance

Firm tours / Firm crawl - Visit local architecture firms and allied businesses to learn about their work and meet their leaders:

  • We visit multiple firms in Charlottesville and Harrisonburg

  • Students organize the tours, and we encourage firm participation

Firm Presentations - AIA CV members visit AIAS and NOMAS meetings to present and discuss their work.

Social & Educational Events - Students are welcome to join our Emerging Professionals to:

  • Attend EP group tours of local businesses and buildings

  • Enjoy regular EP Happy Hours and special Emerging Leaders in Architecture (ELA) events

  • Contact our EP Liaison Danielle Granger (Danielle@dgparchitects.com)

AIAS + NOMAS direct support for programs and members:

  • We provide funds to help pay for their programs

  • We offer small-dollar-grants to support individuals or groups with educational expenses (must be approved by Faculty Advisor)

Internship Support - AIA CV promotes internship opportunities, and connects members and their firms with University Liaisons and AIAS / NOMAS leadership.


Connect with Central VA!

We would love to plan an event and support our local Architecture Students! Please reach out to aiacentralva@gmail.com.

Resources across Virginia for students of all ages!

  • Design Discovery - 6 day summer program hosted by the UVA School of Architecture that invites high school students of all backgrounds to explore design school and the design process.

  • Explore Architecture - Incisive introduction to the ways in which designers think and work. For young people considering a future in design, this program cracks open the excitement and opportunities of architecture and related design disciplines. (For summer 2026 participants can choose between two sessions, Blacksburg, which includes on-campus experiences of dorm living and dining hall, or a virtual session. Everyone in grades 9 - 12 are welcome.)

  • VANOMA Project Pipeline - Annual summer camp empowers young people, in grades 8th-12th grade, to affect change in their community through design. (Two locations for 2026 Session! Brightpoint Community College + Hampton University)