Annapolis, MD – Rivers & Roads Consulting is proud to sponsor the Future Forward Conference & Expo, the inaugural annual conference of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Maryland, taking place on May 8, 2025, at The Crowne Plaza in Annapolis. This landmark event will bring together architects, engineers, trades professionals, and industry leaders from Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia to discuss the future of the built environment, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and industry leadership.
With more than 2,000 AIA Maryland members statewide, the conference offers a unique opportunity to engage with decision-makers shaping the future of architecture, development, and construction in the region. The event features expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, and an expo showcasing the latest advancements in materials, technology, and design solutions. Following the day’s programming, attendees will celebrate AIA Maryland’s 60th Anniversary with a special evening reception.
As part of the conference agenda, Sam Shoge, Partner at Rivers & Roads Consulting, will deliver a presentation titled “When Preservation Fails: The 5-Plex That Became a Grass Lot.” This session will explore a case study on how a five-unit apartment building in a historic multifamily zoning district was lost—not to redevelopment, but to demolition with no replacement. The talk will examine the unintended consequences of preservation policies, zoning rigidity, and community resistance, demonstrating how well-intended efforts can sometimes result in fewer housing options rather than protecting existing stock.
“The Future Forward Conference is an important step in fostering collaboration between architects, developers, planners, and policymakers,” said Shoge. “As a firm deeply engaged in real estate, community development, and land use planning, Rivers & Roads is committed to advancing conversations that lead to practical, forward-thinking solutions for the built environment.”
By sponsoring the Future Forward Conference & Expo, Rivers & Roads continues to support progressive dialogue and solutions-oriented approaches to development and planning across Maryland and beyond.
For more information about the AIA Maryland Conference, please visit the conference’s website.
About Rivers & Roads Consulting
Rivers & Roads Consulting is a regional leader in community, economic, and real estate development consulting. With a keen focus on driving transformative change, our firm collaborates closely with mission-oriented nonprofits, forward-thinking local governments, and ambitious entrepreneurs to conceptualize and execute initiatives that invigorate communities and stimulate sustainable growth.
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