Young Architects Award
Recognizes the exceptional work from young architects
For more information on opening and deadline dates, please see the AIA Awards FAQ.
Recognizing the exceptional work from young architects
Emerging talent deserves recognition. The Young Architects Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers.
Explore information on AIA member eligibility, award criteria, submission schedule, submission resources, and past winners of the AIA Young Architects Award.
Questions? Email AIA Awards
Below is high-level information about the award program criteria to help you determine if you are a good fit for the Young Architect Award program. For full criteria and guidelines, please refer to the submission guide in the Resources tab.
Eligibility
The following members in good standing are eligible to be nominated:
- AIA architect members whose date of initial licensure is less than ten (10) years from the submission deadline.
- Associate AIA members who have passed the ARE.
- International AIA members who meet one of the qualifications listed above.
Nomination
Any AIA member in good standing may make nominations for the Young Architect Award.
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 their contributions demonstrate commitment to:
- The value of design, practice, or education.
- Giving back to the profession through work with AIA or other industry-related organizations, mentoring, etc.
- Giving back to the community (through active unpaid service to the greater community).
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. 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.
- Promotional recognition in AIA communication channels.
- Invitation for the recipient or a recipient representative to attend selected AIA Awards event celebrations, commonly held during the annual AIA Conference.
Schedule & fees
For more information on opening and deadline dates, please see AIA Awards FAQ.
- Notification to recipients: Late January 2025
- Public announcement: Spring 2025
- Fee: There is a non-refundable fee of $150 for this program.
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 2025 Young Architects Award sample application contains the program's criteria, 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
Each year jurors and staff identify exemplary submissions to guide you in preparing your own materials. Ultimately, your submission should be unique to you, but it can be helpful to see visual examples of how previous candidates have told their stories.
To request a copy of a submission not listed here, please email our archivist. Please note that the program criteria may have changed since these portfolios were submitted. We recommend that you always defer to the current cycle materials for criteria and formatting guidelines.
2023 Brien Graham, AIA
2023 David J. Wilson, AIA
2024 winners
Rachelle Hassan Ain, AIA
Gabriella Bermea, AIA
Angela Boersma, AIA
Vicky Chan, AIA
Elizabeth Cox, AIA
Suni Dillard, AIA
Darguin Fortuna, AIA
Ryan Gann, AIA
George Gard, AIA
Andy Goolsby, AIA
Richie Hands, AIA
Kate Hier, AIA
Blake Jackson, AIA
Wesley C. Kean, AIA
Sae Kim, AIA
Ryan Kurlbaum, AIA
Bethany Lundell Garver, AIA
Shawna Mabie, AIA
Megan Martin-Campbell, AIA
Audrey Maxwell, AIA
Melvalean McLemore, AIA
Elissa Morrison, AIA
Erin Peavey, AIA
Erin Reilly-Sanders, AIA
Carl Sergio, AIA
Amanda Snelson, AIA
Matthew Teismann, AIA
Laura Wheaton, AIA
Danny Wicke, AIA
Jay Zapata, AIA
Past winners
Widely regarded as an architect of focus and fervor, Andy Goolsby, AIA, searches for architecture and opportunities to shape supportive environments for people to work and learn in community. A leader
