Celebrate design excellence at the AIAGR Honor Awards, where the architecture community gathers to honor outstanding achievements in West Michigan.
Every year, jurors reward submissions that best tell the story of a project, its design concepts, and its lasting impact. In addition to the jury’s own standards and criteria, AIA Grand Rapids will ask this year’s jury to look for specific answers to questions in response to the AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence as they judge the projects and give great weight to those answers.
Submissions are currently closed. The following is provided for general reference and is subject to change. No late submissions will be accepted. No registration fees will be refunded for disqualified or incomplete submissions.
*Award formerly known as the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD.
This is the highest honor that AIA Grand Rapids can bestow upon a member. This award is presented to a registered architect who has clearly demonstrated distinguished leadership in any aspect of the profession whose work has had a lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture over an extended period. Candidates must have demonstrated great depth and breadth having a cumulative effect on the profession of architecture. Nominees must be members of AIA Grand Rapids and should demonstrate dedication to the ideals of the American Institute of Architects, significant contributions to the profession and service to the community. The award can be awarded posthumously and no more than one will be given per year. Award may not necessarily be awarded every year and entries will be weighted and valued against criteria set forth.
*Award formerly known as the ARCHITECT OF THE YEAR AWARD.
This award recognizes a recent outstanding impact in the architectural profession and/or the community by a registered architect within the last (5) years. Nominees may demonstrate contributions to the knowledge of architecture through design, technology advancement, mentoring, public speaking, awards and recognition for design excellence, and dedication to the ideals of the American Institute of Architects. The Impact Award can be awarded posthumously and no more than one will be given per year. Award may not necessarily be awarded every year and entries will be weighted and valued against criteria set forth.
This award recognizes proficiency and exceptional accomplishments in and contributions to the profession and/or the community by a registered architect who has been a member of AIAGR for a minimum of three years and has been licensed to practice architecture fewer than (10) years by the submission deadline (after August 2015). More than one award may be granted per year at the discretion of the selection committee. Award may not necessarily be awarded every year and entries will be weighted and valued against criteria set forth.
Presented to an Associate AIA Grand Rapids Chapter member in recognition of emerging professionals who have made significant contributions to the profession of architecture, the community and/or the AIA Grand Rapids Chapter. Candidates must have experience working in the architectural profession, completed an undergraduate degree in architecture, and have been an Associate Member of the AIA Grand Rapids Chapter no more than (10) years. Award may not necessarily be awarded every year and entries will be weighted and valued against criteria set forth.
Seeking nominations in 2025.
This award is given to any current practicing architectural firm in business for a minimum of five (5) years. The award is presented to a firm that is well known and respected within the architectural community and has clearly demonstrated continued leadership and contributions in any aspect of the architectural profession, the AIA, or the community. No more than one award will be given per year. Award may not necessarily be awarded every year and entries will be weighted and valued against criteria set forth.
This award is given to any current practicing architectural firm in business for a minimum of five (5) years. The award is presented to a firm that is well known and respected within the architectural community and has clearly demonstrated continued leadership and contributions in any aspect of the architectural profession, the AIA, or the community. No more than one award will be given per year. Award may not necessarily be awarded every year and entries will be weighted and valued against criteria set forth.
David D. Smith, AIA was a dedicated architect behind the Grand Rapids Public Schools revitalization. A licensed Architect and respected member of the American Institute of Architects, David received his Bachelor of Architecture from Lawrence Technological University. For over nine years David was the Executive Director of Facilities Planning and Management at Grand Rapids Public Schools and was lauded as the force behind massive improvements to the city’s schools. He was tirelessly devoted to bringing great schools back to the kids in the Grand Rapids Public School System. Prior to his work with GRPS, David was the campus architect for Western Michigan University. David also volunteered his expertise in his community as an active member of the City of Rockford Planning Commission for over 16 years.
Presented to a non-architect not eligible for AIA professional membership. This award is in recognition of someone of esteemed character and has rendered distinguished service to the profession of architecture and fostered or promoted excellence in architecture. One or more awards may be presented at the discretion of the jury. Award may not necessarily be awarded every year and entries will be weighted and valued against criteria set forth.
Submissions are currently closed.
2025 Submissions will open early-summer. Learn more about the process to submit your work for an Honor Award.
