The Places We Build.
The Lives They Shape.
Stronger Communities - Better Everyday Lives
How architects have helped West Virginia communities thrive, strengthened local economies, and shaped the places where life happens.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the AIA West Virginia Excellence in Design Awards, we’re launching a special project to honor the lasting impact of design across our state.
A school that helps children learn. A healthcare setting that supports healing. A renewed downtown that draws people and investment back.
Designing for the Mountain State explores the role architects have played in making places like these possible. Through the experiences of West Virginians, it will reveal how design shapes economic opportunity, health, well-being, and a sense of belonging - and why those choices matter to our future.
$20,000
A STRONG BEGINNING - AN INVITATION TO BUILD ON IT
In 2026, the project received $20,000 through AIA National's Strategic Plan Activation Fund. Additional support will help share these stories and invite more West Virginians into the conversation about their communities' future.
DESIGNING FOR THE MOUNTAIN STATE
Follow the Story as it Develops
Discover the people, decisions, and places behind the story as the project takes shape.
$20,000 in National Support
AIA National's Strategic Plan Activation Fund is helping move the project forward.
A Statewide Perspective
Our steering committee brings together architecture, community development, construction, preservation, and firm.
The Lives Behind the Places
The experiences of residents, business owners, and building users will help reveal what thoughtful design makes possible.
THE ROAD TO SPRING 2028
2026
Planning + Partnerships
2026 - 2027
Research + Oral Histories
2027 - 2028
Film + Exhibit Production
SPRING 2028
Premiere & Statewide Tour
HELP BRING THESE STORIES TO LIFE
Be Part of What Comes Next
Help more West Virginians understand how architects' work touches their lives - and why thoughtful design matters when communities invest in their future.
Preserve Local Experience. Help preserve the voices and records that show how architects and communities have worked together to create lasting change.
Make the Impact Visible. Help translate those experiences into a film that connects design with everyday life, local opportunity, and well-being.
Reach Communities Statewide. Help bring the exhibit, screenings, and public conversations to places where these stories can inform and inspire future decisions.
INDIVIDUAL GIFTS, BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS, & FOUNDATION SUPPORT
THE PEOPLE GUIDING THE PROJECT
A Shared Commitment to West Virginia
Our Steering Committee:
Ed Tucker
Chair, FAIA Edward Tucker Architects
Terrell Ellis
President & CEO, Advantage Valley
Mike Clowser
Contractors Association of West Virginia
Dr. Cicero M. Fain, III
Assistant Provost for Access & Opportunity
Wendy Scatterday
AIA Scatterday Architecture
Dave Lavender
West Virginia Film Office
Danielle Parker
Executive Director, Preservation Alliance
of West Virginia
FILM PARTNERS
Focus Media
Bringing the experiences of West Virginians to the screen and revealing the architects' work behind the places that serve them.
Morgan Robinson • Benjamin Robinson
