The NAAB Master of Architecture (MArch) degree program at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University has awarded their 2025 AIA Medal for Academic Excellence to Brendan Hutchings in recognition of extraordinary academic achievement.

For more than a century, AIA has provided a medal of excellence to the top graduating students in National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) accredited degrees, Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, or Doctor of Architecture.

The award for students in architecture was begun in 1914 by a resolution adopted by the AIA Board. Today, more than 100 schools annually submit the name of one graduate of a BArch, MArch, or DArch program, who displays “general excellence” throughout his or her academic career.

Brendan grew up in Grand Rapids and graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, focusing on management and entrepreneurship. He went on to earn his Master of Architecture from Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University in 2025.

While in grad school, he interned at AMDG Architects and joined the team full-time after graduation. Outside of work, Brendan enjoys playing golf, competing in men’s league hockey, hiking, and traveling—most recently spending his honeymoon exploring northern Italy after getting married in June.

Brendan will be formally recognized and honored at the upcoming AIA Grand Rapids 2025 Honor Awards Celebration on October 16, 2025.