Brendon Glover Graduates from AIA Virginia 2025 Emerging Leaders in Architecture Program

Brendon Glover, an architectural designer in our Virginia Beach office, has graduated from AIA Virginia’s 2025 Emerging Leaders in Architecture (ELA) program. Culminating in a class presentation given at the Architecture Exchange East on November 6 in Richmond, Virginia, Brendon joins an elite group of leaders within the state and industry. 

“The Emerging Leaders in Architecture program has been incredibly rewarding,” said Brendon. “The skills I’ve learned, the people I’ve connected with, and the tools I’ve gained will not only make me a better leader, but a better person for my community.” 

The ELA program, developed in 2009, was created to jump-start the careers of young professionals. Led by a steering committee of successful architects, all of whom are past ELA alums, the program is designed to provide the tools and experiences needed to advance the careers of candidates and help them serve society as leaders in the community. Conducted during a calendar year, seven day-long sessions focus on developing essential skills like community engagement, collaboration, firm creation, financial management, advocacy, public service, and more. 

Additionally, a class project provides participants with a practical opportunity to apply leadership principles from the sessions by completing a real community project with a real client. This year’s class presented an exploration of the challenges of flooding within the city of Norfolk, examining past, present and future strategies with a focus on the historic West Freemason District. 

About AIA Virginia

The American Institute of Architects is a professional society with component organizations at the national, state, and local levels. AIA Virginia is a state component of the AIA, focused on delivering value to architects with statewide impact. Since 1914, AIA Virginia has represented the professional interests of architects and allied professionals in the Commonwealth of Virginia. AIA Virginia works in collaboration with five local chapters — Blue Ridge, Central Virginia, Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, and Richmond.