Architect group names new executive vice president/CEO

Published May 1, 2017 by Paula C. Squires

American Institute of Architects (AIA) Virginia announced Monday that R. Corey Clayborne will become its executive vice president/CEO starting June 1.

Clayborne will work in conjunction with departing AIA Virginia Executive Vice President/CEO Helene Combs Dreiling whose last day is June 30.

Nicholas E. Vlattas, AIA Virginia’s immediate past president and search committee chair, said in a statement that Clayborne is an architect known for his leadership skills and participation in the American Institute of Architects on local, state and national levels. “We look forward to working with him to mentor the next generation of architects and strengthen architecture and design professions at all levels.”

Currently a project manager and senior architect with Wiley |Wilson, Clayborne’s responsibilities include financial health, quality control, operational management and project management for a wide variety of local, state and federal projects.

He has been active in AIA Richmond and AIA Virginia, serving on both boards of directors. He has won many awards, including the AIA 2017 Young Architects Award and the AIA Virginia 2016 Award for Distinguished Achievement.

Clayborne also has served on several community boards including the Charlottesville Planning Commission, Virginia Board for Architects and the 100 Black Men of Central Virginia Mentoring program.

He lives in Charlottesville and earned his degree in architecture from Virginia Tech.  He will be AIA Virginia’s sixth executive officer since the position was created in 1970. According to AIA, he was one of 70 candidates who applied to lead the group that represents nearly 2,500 architects throughout Virginia.

Dreiling plans to focus on her own consulting firm. Through her company, The Plum Studio, Ltd., she will provide creative and consulting services to nonprofits and design firms.