AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion for Architectural Education
The Topaz Medallion for Architectural Education, jointly presented by AIA and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), recognizes outstanding individual contributions in architectural education.
Nominations are now open for the AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion for Architectural Education. The deadline to submit nominations is September 15, 2024. For more information on opening and deadline dates, please see the AIA Awards FAQ.
Recognizing contributions in architectural education
Architecture’s future depends on its next generation of leaders—and the educators who impact their lives. The Topaz Medallion honors those who educate others to ensure architecture’s enduring excellence.
This award, jointly presented by AIA and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), recognizes outstanding individual contributions in architectural education. It is presented to an individual who has had a significant impact on architectural education and the discipline and practice of architecture. It is the highest award the organizations make to an educator and reflects their joint commitment to recognize service to the profession, academy, and society.
Questions? Email AIA Awards
Below is high-level information about the program criteria to help you determine if you are a good fit for the Topaz Medallion program. For full criteria and guidelines, please refer to the sample application in the Resources tab.
Eligibility
This program is open to individuals with at least a decade of experience in architectural education, primarily in North America.
Nomination
Colleagues, students, and former students may submit nominations. Ideally the nominator should be someone that knows the candidate well and can speak knowledgeably and critically about their accomplishments.
Nominator responsibilities
Nominators support the candidates as they prepare their submission and are required to write a letter of support for the candidate which summarizes their contributions and introduces the portfolio.
Nominators also assist the candidate by acting as a point of contact for the reference writers and providing guidance as needed.
Criteria
Candidates are evaluated based on how their contributions have:
- Affected a wide range of students.
- Addressed the future of architecture while honoring its tradition.
- Transcended or united specific areas of expertise.
- Become widely known for their quality by architects, designers, educators, and the public.
The ripple effect
Candidates are asked to demonstrate the "ripple effect" they have had on the profession. This is shorthand for your impact beyond the day-to-day work of your practice or outside your community. The ripple effect could be demonstrated by speaking, publications, mentoring, service to the profession, geographic impact, or legacy through others.
Recognition
Recognition for this program typically includes the following elements but may be subject to change. Recipients will receive additional information about this cycle’s recognition benefits with their selection notification.
- Public recognition at the ACSA Annual Meeting.
- Promotional recognition in AIA communication channels.
- Invitation for the recipient or a recipient representative to attend selected Honors & Awards event celebrations, commonly held during the annual AIA Conference on Architecture & Design.
Schedule & fees
For more information on opening and deadline dates, please see AIA Awards FAQ.
- Submissions open: July 15, 2024
- Submissions close: September 15, 2024
- Notification to recipient: Early December 2024
- Public announcement: December 2024
Fee: There is no fee for this program.
2025 Jury
Elizabeth Danze, FAIA, Chair, Danze Blood Architects, Austin, Texas
Illya Azaroff, FAIA, +LAB architects, New York City
Jordan Luther, Assoc. AIA, AIAS, Pittsburgh
Winifred Newman, Assoc. AIA, Clemson University, Greenville, South Carolina
Renee Chow, University of California, Berkeley
Andrew Chin, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee
Contacting the jury
To protect the integrity of the awards process, active nominees are prohibited from contacting members of the Jury during the submission process. Communication with jurors, from the time of submittal to completion of the jury process, by the candidate or anyone acting on their behalf is cause for immediate disqualification.
Submission guide & forms
The 2024 Topaz Medallion sample application contains the program's criteria and guidelines and a preview of the fields you will be asked to complete on the submission site.
The DQ checklist includes potential criteria that can result in disqualification. Use it to cross-check your materials before you hit the submit button.
Previous submission examples
Reviewing previous submissions can be helpful as you prepare your materials. To request a copy of a submission not listed here, you can email our archivist.
2025 Thomas Fisher, Assoc. AIA
2024 Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, FAIA
2023Dr. Sharon Egretta Sutton, FAIA
2022 Deborah Berke, FAIA
2021 Kathryn H. Anthony, PhD
2020 David Leatherbarrow
2019 Toshiko Mori, FAIA
2018 Jorge Silvetti, Int'l Assoc. AIA
2017 Robert A.M. Stern, FAIA
2016 Douglas S. Kelbaugh, FAIA Emeritus
Contact us for information on prior years' winners.
Tom Fisher, recipient of the prestigious 2025 AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion, has profoundly influenced architecture, design education, research, and professional practice. Over a career spanning decades
