2023 ASPIRE DESIGN AWARDS

INTENT
The AIA Aspire States have a long-standing tradition of recognizing a broad range of architecture activity that exemplifies the values of the Aspire Conference and improves the quality of the built environment in the communities we serve. The Aspire Design Awards program seeks to highlight the diverse range of projects by architects in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The AIA believes that awards programs should be carefully structured so that the selection and recognition of honorees elevates the general quality of architectural practice, establishes a standard of excellence against general quality of architectural practice, establishes a standard of excellence against which all architects can measure performance, and informs the public of the importance of design. 

NEW FOR 2023! FRAMEWORK FOR DESIGN EXCELLENCE (for Professional Design Awards only)
Developed by members of the AIA, the Framework for Design Excellence represents the defining principles of good design in the 21st century. It’s intended to be accessible and relevant for every architect, every client, and every project — regardless of size, typology, or aspiration. The 10 measures that make up the Framework are intended to inspire progress toward a zero-carbon, equitable, resilient, and healthy built environment.

New this year, entrants in the Aspire Design Awards are encouraged to provide a description of how their project addresses at least 1 of the 10 measures with a short description not to exceed 150 words for each measure the project fulfills. Entrants will have the opportunity to select which of the 10 measures they’d like to address by answering any of the questions below on the submission form. The Aspire Design Awards Jury may award a special citation for projects that demonstrate design excellence in addressing one or more of the 10 principles of the Framework.

1. Design for Integration: What is the big idea behind this project and how did sustainability inform the design concept?
2. Design for Equitable Communities: How does this project contribute to creating a walkable, human-scaled community inside and outside the property lines?
3. Design for Ecosystems: In what ways does the design respond to the ecology of its place?
4. Design for Water: How does the project relate to the regional watershed?
5. Design for Economy: How does the project efficiently meet the program and design challenges and provide “more with less”?
6. Design for Energy: Is the project energy-efficient and sustainable while improving building performance, function, comfort, and enjoyment?
7. Design for Wellness: How does the design promote the health of the occupants?
8. Design for Resources: How did the design team optimize the amount and makeup of material used on the project?
9. Design for Change: Is the building resilient, and able to easily accommodate other uses in 50-100 years?
10. Design for Discovery: What lessons for better design have been learned through the process of project design, construction, and occupancy, and how have these been incorporated in subsequent projects?

Click here to learn more about the Framework.

ELIGIBILITY
All entries in Professional Design Awards categories shall be projects executed and designed by AIA members in an Aspire state (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina). Projects may have been executed anywhere in the United States or abroad and must have been substantially completed after January 1, 2018. The number of entries submitted by a firm or individual is not limited. Projects that have previously won an Aspire award are not eligible in that category. All projects, regardless of style, building type, or location are eligible. Entries are welcomed and encouraged from both established and new practitioners at any size firm.

All entries in the Student Design Awards category shall be projects executed and designed by students currently enrolled in an architecture degree program, or those who have graduated after January 1, 2022. Students may enter individually or in teams and must be sponsored by an instructor or professor in an architecture program in an Aspire state. 

UNPAID LABOR DECLARATION POLICY FOR DESIGN AWARDS ENTRANTS
If you cannot answer 'Yes' to the Unpaid Labor Declaration Policy below, you are not eligible to submit for the Aspire Design Awards. 

“The firm does not utilize, employ, or otherwise engage labor that is unpaid, including working students, and neither does any firm of which the candidate is an owner or manager, in part or in whole.

The firm acknowledges this wording shall cover all persons working under their employ, regardless of position or title. Exceptions recognized by Federal law (such as legally defined internships or educational cooperative programs) are exempt from this Policy.

The firm further acknowledges that they have not utilized any unpaid labor as defined above for any work submitted for this awards program. The submitter personally acknowledges adherence to the terms of this Policy.”

DESIGN AWARDS JURY
The 2023 AIASC Design Awards Jury Chair is Tom Chung, FAIA, principal at Leers Weinzapfel Associates in Boston and recipient of the AIA Firm Award. 

QUESTIONS
Please direct all inquiries to Adrienne Montare, FAIA, AIASC Executive Director, at adrienne@aiasc.org.