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 - help us design and deliver programming for students and faculty, 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 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

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.

Please reach out to us here: aiacentralva@gmail.com.

We would love to connect and plan an event with your school!