AIAWS | February Section Lunch
- This event has passed.
AIAWS | February Section Lunch
February 16, 2021 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Matthew Burczyk, Winston-Salem’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Coordinator, will join us to speak about the new Pedestrian Master Plan right here in Downtown Winston-Salem!
With an ever present focus on health and vitality in these challenging times, the benefits of walking have never been more important. Furthermore, a walkable city not only improves the physical and mental health of its citizens, it also reduces inequality, increases active use of space, makes cities more beautiful, activates the street façade, and attracts skilled professionals who tend to migrate to walkable areas.
Winston- Salem has been studying these benefits and the many other positive effects of walkability and has developed a plan to prioritize, fund, and implement high-quality pedestrian infrastructure and supportive programs and policies for walking.
Check your emails for the registration link! The first 30 people who register by 5 pm today will receive a virtual gift card for a lunch of your choice, on us!
Design Awards Registration is OPEN! ![]()
![]()
These awards acknowledge the design expertise and excellence of architects within our AIA Chapter. Our awards will recognize firms and projects of all shapes and sizes. ![]()
![]()
There will be a $50 entry fee per project that is due at time of registration. Student and section awards will not have an entry fee.![]()
![]()
Check out the registration portal here: www.aiawinstonsalem.org/design-awards-2025/![]()
![]()
Dates to Remember:![]()
Registration Opens: Monday, October 20th![]()
![]()
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 29th![]()
(Registration Fee + Intent to Submit Form Due)![]()
![]()
Documentation Submission Deadline: Friday, November 14th ![]()
(Full Submissions Due)![]()
![]()
Design Awards: Thursday, December 4th
Only 27% of registered architects in the U.S. are women, and AIA Winston-Salem is working to change that. On May 17th, the 4th annual Girls’ Lego Day welcomed 37 girls from local schools to the WFU Center for Private Business. With support from parents, sponsors, and a record number of volunteers, participants explored architecture and design, created their own projects, and took home sketchbooks, pencils, and LEGOs—all at no cost.![]()
![]()
This year’s prompt, “What if Kids Ruled the World?” guided students through the design process. Sketches were made, ideas exchanged, and some groups naturally collaborated to form mini “communities.” During a snack break, volunteers transformed the room into a LEGO workshop and shared their roles in architecture, highlighting what they love most about the profession.![]()
![]()
With tables full of LEGO bricks, the girls brought their visions to life—golden houses, banks, vet clinics, and more. Volunteers encouraged creativity, offered suggestions, and helped find the perfect pieces to complete the girls’ designs. At the end, students proudly presented their imaginative communities and shared the stories behind them.![]()
![]()
According to National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the number of women in the architect population has shown a continuous trend toward greater gender parity. Events like these undoubtedly work to engage our communities’ young women & provide a space for their creativity to flourish. With ongoing support, growth, & endorsement from our communities, the built environment can better reflect the diversity of those who live in it. For those already in the field, the event offers a refreshing glimpse into the unfiltered creativity of youth. As Kellie Overberg shared in her interview with WSFCS, “Every idea proposed at the event might not be feasible, but they’re always full of inspiration.”![]()
![]()
Special thanks to our sponsors: Davie Construction Co. provided sketchbooks, pencils, and hardhats to get attendees in builder mode. Bricks & Minifigs Kernersville, a woman-owned business, donated LEGOs, go-bags, and a gift card for future visits. Their generosity—and that of our volunteers—was key to the event’s success.![]()
![]()
Can’t wait to see what next year brings!