Mark Orling, AIA Emeritus

Founder

Mark helped start the firm in 1979 and is now retired.  Over the course of his career, his practice has included urban planning, residential design, design of exhibit and conference facilities, specialized computer and TV facilities, office and commercial buildings, health care facilities, restaurant and hospitality design and restoration, churches, and adaptive reuse of old and historic structures. During a stint with the NEA “Architect-in-the-Schools” program, Mark taught environmental education and helped Martinsburg, WV schools to rehabilitate, restore, and preserve many of their facilities. Mark is passionate about environmental issues and tries to incorporate thoughtful sustainability in his designs. While no longer spending every day at the office, he considers himself fortunate at this stage in his career to have the freedom to invest his time and considerable expertise in projects close to his heart. He remains active with AIAVA and the Virginia Tech Architecture alumni groups. Mark is enjoying his retirement by traveling with his wife to experience all the architectural delights the world has to offer. Also gardening.