2025 AIA NC Design and Chapter Awards Submissions
The 2025 AIA North Carolina Call for Design Awards Submissions is here! These awards recognize the design expertise and excellence of architects from all sections in North Carolina. Awards recognize firms and projects of all shapes and sizes. From large to small, judges take every project into consideration.
AIA North Carolina’s Design Awards to align with AIA and urgent climate change:
The world today is facing broad and complex challenges that threaten every aspect of our lives. The architect’s call to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public has a new and broader meaning amid challenges such as increasing climate extremes and social inequity. Architects everywhere must recognize that our profession can harness the power of design to contribute to solutions addressing the most significant needs of our time. Every project can be used as a platform for addressing big problems and providing creative solutions. Every line drawn should be a source of good in the world.
The Framework for Design Excellence represents the defining principles of good design in the 21st century. Comprised of 10 principles and accompanied by searching questions, the Framework seeks to inform progress toward a zero-carbon, equitable, resilient, and healthy built environment. These are to be thoughtfully considered by the designer and client at the initiation of every project and incorporated into the work as appropriate to the project scope. The Framework is intended to be accessible and relevant for every architect, every client, and every project, regardless of size, typology, or aspiration. The Framework for Design Excellence challenges architects with a vision of what the profession strives to achieve.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, AT 11:59 PM
More About Design Awards
Housing Design Awards
Often a person’s first and most impactful interaction with architecture, housing shapes the way we live and react with our environment. Well-designed housing provides comfort, safety, and functionality, as well as influences our psychological and emotional well-being. By recognizing the best in housing design, AIA North Carolina aims to show others how well-designed, sustainable, and comfortable spaces can impact our society.
For AIA NC Members All entries, built or un-built, must be housing projects designed by members of the North Carolina Chapter of the AIA. The projects may be located anywhere in the United States or abroad. Built projects must have been completed within the past 10 years. Un-built projects must be fully commissioned with a scheduled construction start date.
For Non-AIA NC Members All entries, built or un-built, must be housing projects designed by architects licensed in North Carolina AND the projects must be located in North Carolina. Built projects must have been completed within the past 10 years. Un-built projects must be fully commissioned with a scheduled construction start date.
Pricing -
August 22 - September 12
$265 for AIA NC Member
$310 for Non-Member
Design Awards
For AIA NC Members All entries, built or un-built, must be commissioned building projects designed by members of the North Carolina Chapter of the AIA. The projects may be located anywhere in the United States or abroad. Built projects must have been completed within the past 10 years. Un-built projects must be fully commissioned with a scheduled construction start date
For Non-AIA NC Members All entries, built or un-built, must be commissioned building projects designed by an architect licensed in North Carolina, and the projects must be located in North Carolina. Built projects must have been completed within the past 10 years. Un-built projects must be fully commissioned with a scheduled construction start date.
Please Note: Housing projects will not be eligible for entry into the AIA NC Design Awards. Housing projects must be entered into the AIA NC Housing Design Awards. This is a separate entry. Housing projects entered here will automatically be moved into the Housing Awards program.
Pricing -
August 22 - September 12
$295 for AIA NC Member
$330 for Non-Member
More About Chapter Awards
F. Carter Williams Gold Medal
This is the highest honor presented by the Chapter to a member of AIA North Carolina. It is awarded to an individual in recognition of a distinguished career or extraordinary accomplishments as an architect. The award is named in memory of Raleigh architect F. Carter Williams, FAIA.
Eligibility– A current or deceased member of AIA North Carolina who the Board believes is qualified is eligible to receive the Gold Medal. No more than one such award shall be made in any year. Individuals who are current officers of the Chapter Board or members of the Chapter Awards Committee are ineligible for consideration.
William H. Deitrick Service Medal
The AIA North Carolina William H. Deitrick Service Medal will be presented to an AIA North Carolina member who exhibits extraordinary service to the community, profession, or AIA North Carolina. The medal is named in honor of the late William Henley Deitrick, FAIA, a former president of AIA North Carolina.
Eligibility- A current or deceased member of AIA North Carolina is eligible to receive the Deitrick Service Medal. No more than one such award shall be made in any year. Individuals who are current officers of the Chapter Board or members of the Chapter Awards Committee are ineligible for consideration.
The selection will be made from one of the following categories:
Service to the Community - This category recognizes the work of architects who serve as elected officials, public administrators, or institutional leaders and establish and contribute to the development of laws, regulations, and policies that promote excellence in architecture.
Service to the Chapter - This category recognizes the work of architects who, by their skill, professionalism, dedication, ability, and commitment, have consistently advanced the common goals of AIA North Carolina.
Service to the Profession - This category recognizes the work of architects who have had a significant impact on the profession of architecture and its public perception as a profession.
The AIA North Carolina Firm Award
The AIA North Carolina Firm Award is the highest honor the Chapter can bestow upon a firm. The award shall be given to a North Carolina firm that has:
Demonstrated great depth and breadth of their work, having a cumulative effect on the profession of architecture.
Produced work that is a product of a collaborative environment, consistently addresses the future of architecture, and positively contributes to the fabric of the community that it serves
Transcended or united specific areas of expertise
Become widely known and respected by clients, colleagues, and the public for the quality of their work
Consideration is given to firms with a demonstrated commitment to environmental stewardship.
Eligibility- North Carolina architectural firms practicing for at least 10 years under the leadership of either a single AIA North Carolina member principal or several AIA North Carolina member principals are eligible for the Firm Award. In addition, firms that have been reorganized and whose name has been changed or modified are also eligible, as long as the firm has been in operation in North Carolina for a period of at least 10 years. Although firms that are headquartered in other states or firms that perform the majority of their work in other states or countries are eligible, the firm’s work and impact within the state of North Carolina shall be of primary consideration. A firm owned or managed by (1) officers of the Chapter Board or (2) members of the Chapter Awards Committee shall not be eligible for consideration.
Gail A. Lindsey Sustainability Award
The Gail A. Lindsey Award is an honor bestowed to individuals or organizations in North Carolina that have worked in the architectural or an allied profession with the passion and commitment that is exemplary of Gail A. Lindsey. Advancing a cause; tirelessly working to improve the surrounding environment; performing work efforts with grace; and lifting the performance of all with whom one engages, are all qualities demonstrated by the award recipient(s). Like Gail, the annual award winner should be individuals or organizations that anyone would be proud to have worked with and/or called their colleague(s). Although the recipient(s) may have affected change in the area of environmental sustainability, the essential criteria is excellence in the chosen area of work related to architecture or an allied profession.
Eligibility- Individuals or organizations with a significant, positive, impact on North Carolina, or a region of North Carolina. Individuals who are current officers of the Chapter Board or members of the Chapter Awards Committee are ineligible for consideration.
Kamphoefner Prize
Established by Henry and Mabel Kamphoefner, the Kamphoefner Prize encourages individuals and firms to pursue the fundamental principles of the modern movement in architecture. The $10,000 prize is awarded annually at the Design and Chapter Awards program as funds permit.
Eligibility- The prize will be awarded to a licensed architect, or architectural firm currently practicing in North Carolina which has, for a sustained period of not less than 10 years, consistently contributed the most to the progress and excellence in the development of the Modern Movement in architecture. This is best understood by reading the words written by Henry Kamphoefner for the award certificate:
"The selection committee for this award believes that the chosen architect has demonstrated a consistent integrity and devotion over an acceptable period of time to further the development of the modern movement in architecture without yielding to any of the undesirable current clichés, neomodernistic mannerisms or artless historicism that have flawed the building culture of today.” – Henry Kamphoefner
The candidate must be a member of the North Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
AIA North Carolina Young Architect Award
Emerging talent deserves recognition. The AIA Young Architects Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers.
Eligibility - AIA members residing and licensed to practice architecture in North Carolina, whose initial date of licensure in any US jurisdiction is less than 10 years, and who is a member in good standing with AIA North Carolina, is eligible for the North Carolina Young Architect Award.
AIA North Carolina Associate Award
The AIA Associate Award is given to individual Associate AIA members to recognize outstanding leaders and creative thinkers for significant contributions to their communities and the architecture profession.
Eligibility - Associate AIA member residing in North Carolina, who is a member in good standing with AIA North Carolina and who has been an Associate AIA member for 10 years or less, is eligible for the North Carolina Associate Award.
The Steven D. Schuster Legacy Award
The Steven D. Schuster Legacy Award is given in recognition of an individual, group, corporation, institution, church, or government entity’s, long-standing commitment and contributions to architecture, for their support of the community of North Carolina architects and for their influence on North Carolina architecture. The award will be given from time to time as qualified candidates are brought to the attention of the North Carolina Awards Committee. No more than one award will be given annually and it will not be necessary that an award be given every year.
Eligibility - Nominations for the Legacy Award shall be limited to North Carolina individuals, groups, corporations, institutions, church, or government entities that have demonstrated long-standing commitments, made significant contributions, or influenced the preservation of North Carolina’s built environment and its resources. Such groups or individuals shall demonstrate that they have, with purpose, influenced the advancement of architecture and/or raised the public’s awareness of the positive impact that architecture and planning can make on the perception and livability of North Carolina communities.
AIA North Carolina Educator of the Year
The Educator of the Year Award is bestowed upon any educator, faculty member, administrator, or staff person who has furthered the objectives of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in the role of educating and supporting the next generation of architects. The Institute works to advance our nation’s quality of life. Educator of the Year recipients are consistent with AIA’s values as they stand for:
Architecture that strengthens our communities.
Building economic opportunities for architecture firms and architects.
Investing in the future of the profession and society.
A focus on sustainability in the firm’s projects,especially the impact of climate change through the built environment.
Equity, diversity, inclusion, and human rights as it applies to the profession and the built environment
Eligibility - This award is open to:
Educators of any rank or appointment (including faculty members, administrators, and staff) employed by and working at North Carolina State University (NC State), University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC-C), any architecture and design program at any other University of North Carolina System or North Carolina Community College System, private college or university, or any K-12 school with an architecture or design program inside the state of North Carolina.
AIA Membership is not required.
AIA North Carolina Emerging Professional Friendly Firm Program
As we envision the future of architecture, AIA North Carolina wants to highlight and celebrate workplaces that foster growth and opportunities for Emerging Professionals (EPs) to engage in the profession and in our communities. The AIA North Carolina – Emerging Professional Friendly Firm Award and Certification was developed to honor architecture firms that create supportive, career-advancing environments for EPs to flourish. Certification will be granted annually to architecture firms that foster the growth of diverse, creative, resilient, and knowledgeable architects. The Outstanding Award will be presented annually to firms that demonstrate they go above and beyond to offer superior support and opportunities to EPs in other exceptional ways.
Eligibility - To apply, at least one Emerging Professional and one firm principal from an NC office should meet to fill out the following survey together. Firms with multiple offices in North Carolina must fill out the survey with at least one Emerging Professional and at least one firm principal from each North Carolina office. One submission per firm. The Emerging Professional(s) should have a strong understanding of firm policies and working knowledge of their peers' status with NCARB's AXP program. The following questions are intended to be the framework and documentation of that conversation.
AIANC & NCNOMA Equitable and Inclusive Practice Award
Committed to transforming practices within our professional community, NCNOMA and AIANC have partnered to elevate diversity, equity and inclusion. Our goal is to build a place of belonging for all architects in North Carolina by investing in our members, especially those who have been, and continue to be, marginalized by the field and systems of inequity. We advocate for the intentional investment of time and resources in expanding the pipeline and developing architects throughout their career, so that the composition of our membership, the demographics of our firms, and the voices contributing to our celebrated designs are further enriched, reflecting the communities in which we work, live, and learn.
We recognize diversity as a broad range of visible and invisible differences in personal and group characteristics, including background, experience, belief, and preference. For this survey, we designate diverse professionals as individuals who identify as other than majority in regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.