2025 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. 

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, 2020. 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, 2024. 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 2025 AIASC Design Awards Jury Chair is Carey Nagle, FAIA, principal at BNIM. 

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