“Towards a New Practice” is a year-long mentoring program offered in partnership by AIA Northern Virginia, AIA|DC, and AIA Potomac Valley to address the challenges of architectural practice in a post-pandemic world. 

The program will kick off in September and conclude in May. Three all participant virtual events will anchor the program with content focused on hiring and retention, balance at home and in the office, mental health, and flexible work environments. Participants will also be sorted into smaller groups of up to 5 people, varying in experience levels, to allow for more casual opportunities for networking, advice and connection. These groups will be given the choice of in person or virtual meetings.

The goal of 360 mentoring is to allow for participants of all ages to discuss the arc of their careers and consider the impacts of mentoring beyond the traditional top-down approach. Participants will be expected to commit to attending all three virtual meetings and a minimum of three of the four small group meetings.

Schedule:

• Aug. 25 – Sept. 13, 2022: Registration is OPEN
• Oct. 19, 2022: Session #1
• Nov. 2022: Small Group Session #1
• Dec. 2022: Small Group Session #2
• Jan. 18, 2023: Session #2
• Feb. 2023: Small Group Session #3
• March 2023: Small Group Session #4
• April 19, 2023: Session #3