Bio:

The great designer, Corey Clayborne, FAIA currently serves as the Executive Vice President of AIA Virginia. In this position, he is responsible for the success of the Advocacy, Education, Outreach, and Member Services portfolios. His volunteer service spans across the AIA, NCARB, gubernatorial, and local government appointments. Prior to his current role, Corey worked in private practice for 13 years serving as a project manager for local, state, and federal clients.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

Early in elementary school, I would draw the pictures of the strip malls I saw when riding around town with my parents. It seems that I have always had a level of fascination with the built environment.

 

What do you do?

I’m currently the Executive Vice President of AIA Virginia. The organization is the voice of the architecture profession in the state - so in a sense, this role is the face of the profession. For fun, I enjoy cooking, exercise, and traveling.

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What excites you in the work you do?

Two things stand out. One is advocacy in the General Assembly - shaping legislature and policy on the built environment. The other is pouring out into the next generation and giving talks at the schools of architecture or to emerging profes- sionals.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

Those who practice servant leadership are truly inspiring. This notion of elevating the importance of others above yourself seem to be lost in today's world.

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

Being elevated into the College of Fellows in the AIA. I didn’t do it for self-recognition. Those who do are missing the point. I did it for those who are coming up in the profession that look like me in hopes that I could be a role model.

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Object:

Object Three - Led the Institute, or a related organization

 

Year of Elevation: 

2020

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Featured Project Name: 

Advocacy for the Profession

 

Featured Project Location: 

Across the United States

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

Ongoing

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Role in Featured Project: 

Leadership + Advancement

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Featured Project Description:

The ongoing goal is to create a dramatically more diverse and sustainable leadership pipeline to the profession by accelerating the transition of students into practice, reshaping the path toward licensure, and empowering young architects to leave a legacy.

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Photography Credit:

Virginia Hamrick

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Featured Project Name: 

Suffolk Visitor Center and Pavilion

 

Featured Project Location: 

Suffolk, VA

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

2010

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Role in Featured Project: 

Project Manager and Administrator

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Featured Project Description:

The project relocated the City's Visitor Center to the former Nansemond County Courthouse, a circa-1840 Roman Revival style building. The 4,400 square foot structure is the gateway to downtown anchoring a prominent intersection. The cross-shaped pavilion is 2,600 square feet and is architecturally compatible with the visitor's center’s rear addition. Site improvements encourage pedestrian flow and gathering while enhancing the aesthetics of the site.

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Photography Credit:

Virginia Hamrick