FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Communities by Design, a program of the Architects Foundation, has opened its Call for Applications for 2027 Design Assistance Teams. Communities seeking support on complex local challenges—including climate resilience, disaster recovery, affordable housing, downtown revitalization, transportation, neighborhood planning, and equitable development—are encouraged to apply. Applications are due Friday, December 4, 2026.

Design Assistance Teams bring customized, interdisciplinary groups of volunteer professionals together with residents, civic leaders, and local stakeholders through a participatory public process. Each engagement develops community-driven strategies grounded in local context, informed by professional analysis, and designed to build momentum for implementable change.

With a track record dating to 1967, Communities by Design has completed more than 265 projects and helped communities generate long-term strategies for sustainable development. Impact surveys from participating communities found that 98 percent identified “strategic focus” and “new ideas and recommendations” as key outcomes, while 89 percent reported that the process helped build long-lasting community trust.

“Design Assistance Teams help communities turn shared priorities into clear, actionable plans,” said Joel Mills, Sr. Director, Communities by Design at the Architects Foundation. “The 2027 Call for Applications is an opportunity for communities to access national expertise while keeping local voices at the center of the process.”

The program has been recognized by leading public engagement and facilitation organizations for its replicable, community-centered process and measurable results. Selected communities will work with Communities by Design to shape a tailored engagement process and assemble the professional expertise best suited to their local goals.

Learn More and Apply

The 2027 Call for Applications is now open, with applications due December 4, 2026.

Visit the Communities by Design program page to access the online application, download the full application, review submission information, and register for upcoming informational webinars.

For questions or to discuss a potential project, contact Erin Simmons at esimmons@aia.org.

About Communities by Design

Communities by Design is an Architects Foundation program that uses design thinking and public participation to help communities address critical challenges and create a path toward implementation. Through Design Assistance Team projects, interdisciplinary volunteers work alongside residents, civic leaders, and local partners to develop action plans rooted in community priorities and professional expertise.

About the Architects Foundation

The Architects Foundation leads philanthropic efforts to attract, inspire, and invest in the next generation of architects while supporting programs that demonstrate the power of design to strengthen communities.

###

Architects Foundation has released its 2025 Impact Report, sharing the stories, milestones, and people behind a year of expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and preserving places that matter.

Across the Foundation’s scholarships and fellowships, Communities by Design, and The Octagon, the report explores what happens when investment in design extends beyond individual projects and creates opportunities for people and communities to shape their own futures.

In 2025, Architects Foundation awarded more than $211,000 to 62 scholars and fellows, helping students and emerging professionals pursue architectural education, licensure, leadership development, and new opportunities within the profession.

Through Communities by Design, volunteer design professionals continued a nearly six-decade tradition of working alongside communities to address their most pressing challenges. The report looks closely at Bakersville, North Carolina, where more than 200 residents helped shape a community-led vision for recovery and resilience following Hurricane Helene.

At The Octagon, a major accessibility project opened the National Historic Landmark to visitors with limited mobility for the first time in its 227-year history, while more than $806,000 in competitive preservation grants supported the continued stewardship of the historic building and its collections.

But the numbers tell only part of the story.

The 2025 Impact Report follows scholars designing their futures, communities rebuilding together, volunteers lending their expertise, and supporters making each of these efforts possible.

Explore the 2025 Impact Report and see what your support made possible.

READ THE 2025 IMPACT REPORT  →

$$

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — February 25, 2026 — The Architects Foundation (AF), the American Institute of Architects’ philanthropic partner (AIA), is pleased to announce the recent appointment of three new members to its board of directors: Elizabeth Daoust, Benjamin Prosky, and Yentil Rawlinson.

The newly appointed board members bring deep expertise across philanthropy, architecture and design leadership, and corporate culture. “We took time to seek out people with a passion for our mission,” said Dan Kirby, Board President. “We were able to find three outstanding partners and supporters that propel our growth trajectory as an organization and drive our ability to scale our impact.”

Daoust is a seasoned philanthropy and development leader with more than a decade at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and a strong record helping cultural organizations and universities secure significant philanthropic support; she will help advance the Foundation’s focus on capital renewal, programming, and endowment growth. Prosky, President of the Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation, has dedicated his career to advancing architecture and design through leadership roles at AIANY, Harvard GSD, Columbia GSAPP, and major international design institutions, bringing preservation expertise and deep networks to the Foundation. Rawlinson, Vice President of Belonging, Culture & Employee Experience at Sherwin-Williams, is a nationally recognized inclusion and culture strategist with experience shaping global talent and community impact initiatives for one of AIA’s longest-standing corporate partners; in her role, she provides leadership for the Foundation’s scholarship and equity efforts. Daoust, Prosky, and Rawlinson join an existing team of eleven dedicated architecture and design professionals serving on the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Their expertise comes at a dynamic time as the Foundation expands its national scholarship and international fellowship programs, scales Communities by Design, and renews The Octagon, its national historic landmark home, as part of AIA’s new Global Campus for Architecture & Design. For more information on the Board of Directors, visit: architectsfoundation.org/about/

About Architects Foundation
From our home at The Octagon, we demonstrate the cultural and societal impact of architecture and architects’ potential to create a just society; we invest in the next generation of the profession through our seven national scholarship programs; and utilize design thinking to help communities solve critical challenges through our Communities by Design (CxD) program. The Architects Foundation leads philanthropic efforts to inspire and empower the next generation of designers and the communities they serve.

Media Contact
Olivia Hutto, Sr. Manager of Development & Marketing
(202) 626-7455 | oliviahutto@aia.org

###

For more than fifty years, the scholarship program has helped emerging designers through scholarships and mentorship, supporting more than 3,200 students who today lead firms, teach, and contribute to civic life around the country.

Architecture remains one of the most expensive professions to enter. Master of Architecture graduates finish their degrees burdened by more than sixty-five thousand dollars in student debt, while starting salaries average just sixty thousand dollars. This financial gap limits who can access and remain in the field.

Scholarships from AF open doors for talented students from all backgrounds. Donors help communities benefit from architects who understand a range of needs and perspectives. Each annual gift is an investment in the future of the profession.

With your support, the Architects Foundation expands opportunities for students reflecting the full diversity of our society. Communities grow stronger when architects are prepared to address today’s challenges. Every contribution helps students focus on their education and future, not on overwhelming debt.

Current scholars are using this support to drive change in their universities and local communities .Read more below to learn how our current scholars are already making an impact in their schools and communities.

Make your gift today to help more students achieve their goals and strengthen the profession. If you would like to establish a named scholarship starting at twelve thousand five hundred dollars, and payable over multiple years, contact us at development@architectsfoundation.org to discuss this special opportunity. Your support keeps the field strong and growing for years to come.

Featured Scholars

Silvia Kim

Silvia is a rising junior at Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about using storytelling and graphic design to make architecture more accessible and community-centered. With a minor in Human-Computer Interaction, Silvia aims to connect architecture and interaction design to shape user experiences in both physical and digital spaces while exploring the intersection of architecture, graphic design, and urbanism. In the past year she served as a research assistant on a project about game design as a representation of architectural thinking, presented work at a university research conference, competed in the Eisenhower Fund Real Estate Competition, and served as President of the Artist Alley Club.

Omar Leon

Omar is a Colombian-born interdisciplinary artist and designer whose work uses architecture as a medium for healing and uplifting communities. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture at Cornell University, where he currently serves as co-president of the campus chapter of NOMAS. Omar is also the co-founder of Granito de Mostazas Miami Foundation serving underprivileged students in his hometown. He has interned at Safdie Architects, Gensler, Zyscovich, and Urban Promise while also collaborating on award-winning exhibits and earning multiple design and scholarship awards. Omar hopes to work in New York or Miami after graduation.

Gabriella Doe

Gabriella is a fourth-year McNeill Common Good Fellow at the University of Notre Dame pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture with a concentration in Preservation and Restoration and a minor in Latino Studies. Following a year abroad in Italy, Gabriella plans to connect what she learned with building traditions, climate change, and underrepresented communities in the U.S. and Panamá. She is conducting independent research through the McNeill Common Good Fellowship on preserving Emberá and Ngäbe-Buglé traditional architecture amid climate change and Indigenous tourism in Panamá. This semester she hopes to continue writing for STOA, the student-run architecture magazine, and complete her final McNeill Fellowship project. Outside the classroom, volunteers with La Casa de Amistad tutoring K–5 students in South Bend.​

Cassius Palacio

Cassius is a proud Chicagoan and Los Angeles transplant currently in his fourth year at the USC School of Architecture. He is eager to pursue a career in design research, innovation, or product design, with excitement to explore uncharted creative directions. His design work is rooted in narrative, viewing architecture as a machine that creates experiences, inspires imagination, and drives innovation. This perspective has guided Cassius through recent experiences conducting independent research in Belize on intercontinental architectural assimilation, developing concept technology as a design research intern with Corgan’s Department of Research and Innovation, and exploring design philosophies and material innovation in Tokyo.

Architects Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Calvert Hall and Octagon Sr. Manager Amanda Ferrario were interviewed by Willie James Inman for a CBS Saturday Morning segment about The Octagon’s history.

The interview explored The Octagon’s role in early Washington, D.C., and the colorful cast of characters who have called the building home – including the supernatural residents who are rumored to roam the halls. The story highlighted how the Architects Foundation utilizes The Octagon’s vibrant history to inspire conversations and programs that connect the past, present, and future of design in America.

Watch the full feature on CBS Saturday Morning to learn more about The Octagon’s legacy, and plan your visit to explore our historic campus.

WASHINGTON, DC — The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today announced a transformative $4 million matching commitment to the Architects Foundation in support of the comprehensive renewal of The Octagon, the 225-year-old National Historic Landmark that is among the most historically and architecturally significant intact Federal buildings in Washington, D.C., just one block from the White House.  

The matching pledge, the largest single commitment in the Architects Foundation’s history, reflects AIA’s continued investment in preserving one of American’s most significant architectural landmarks. The commitment will match contributions, as part of the Foundation’s early planning for The Octagon’s future. 

A Zenith of Federal Architecture 

Designed by Dr. William Thornton, architect of the U.S. Capitol, The Octagon is among the oldest private buildings in Washington. It served as the official residence for President James Madison and First Lady Dolley Madison during the War of 1812, and was the location where the President signed the Treaty of Ghent to end the war.  

AIA purchased the building in 1902, and the organization’s comprehensive rehabilitation was among the first major preservation projects in the United States, establishing important precedents for historic building conservation. Since 2006, the Architects Foundation has stewarded it as a public museum and community space serving thousands of visitors annually.  

“AIA’s Board made this decision because some buildings are too important to leave to chance,” said Stephen Ayers, Interim Executive Vice President and CEO of AIA. “This investment honors our profession’s heritage and ensures The Octagon remains a vital part of America’s architectural story.” 

Planning for the Future 

The Octagon requires essential infrastructure upgrades to remain viable as a museum and gathering place. The Foundation is in the early planning stages for a comprehensive renewal that will address deferred maintenance while positioning The Octagon as the historic anchor of the AIA Global Campus for Architecture and Design, opening January 2026. 

The Foundation is also the recipient of a $749,723 National Park Service grant, connecting The Octagon’s preservation to the nation’s Semiquincentennial celebration. All work will follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. 

“This is a pivotal moment for The Octagon,” said Jennifer Calvert Hall, Executive Director of the Architects Foundation. “At 225 years old, this building is both an artifact of American architecture and a beacon for its future.” 

The Architects Foundation expects to share more details about The Octagon’s renewal plans in the coming months. 

About the Architects Foundation 

The Architects Foundation is the philanthropic partner of the American Institute of Architects. Through scholarships, community design programs, and stewardship of The Octagon Museum, the Foundation advances architecture’s capacity to strengthen communities and inspire civic life. Learn more at architectsfoundation.org. 

Media Contact: 
Celia Carnes, celia@architectsfoundation.org  

WASHINGTON – October 1, 2025 – The Architects Foundation has named the 2025 recipients of three scholarship and grant programs that support emerging professionals in architecture. These programs focus on leadership development, easing student debt, and supporting the path to licensure.

As the philanthropic partner of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Architects Foundation is committed to investing in the profession’s future by recognizing individuals making an early impact. 

2025 Student Loan Relief Grant 

The Architects Foundation’s Student Loan Relief Grant provides $5,000 of support to architecture graduates. This year’s recipients are: 

Taylor Latimer 

David Zuniga 

---

2025 Sho-Ping Ching Women’s Leadership Summit Grant 

Established in memory of Sho-Ping Chin, a founding leader of the inaugural AIA Women’s Leadership Summit, this award provides free registration to the AIA Women’s Leadership Summit, as well as travel and expense reimbursement up to $700. This year’s recipients are: 

Samantha Strang 

Eunjin Shin 

Celine Haddad 

Danielle McCormick  

Romina Broglia 

---

2025 Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship 

Developed by the AIA National Associates Committee, the scholarship honors the memory of Jason Pettigrew, Assoc. AIA. Each recipient receives $1,910 to cover the cost of the ARE Architect Registration Examination and study materials. This year’s recipients are: 

Hillary Morales Robles 

Mohamad Zaina 

Soniha Nuzrat 

Aida Ayuk 

Taylor Latimer 

Alex Mendoza 

Filimon Alvarez 

Viraj Dave 

Sumanth Reddy Thummala 

Neşe Altıntaş 

Takudzwa Tapfuma 

Sierra Gillion 

Jasir Mills 

Sadie Thurston 

Lindsey Windom 

Pranoti Pakhare 

Cavan Walker 

Damaris Fernandez-Sierra 

Jerrica Arias 

Breanna Booker 

---

About The Architects Foundation 

The Architects Foundation leads philanthropic efforts that champion the future impact of architecture. From its headquarters, the historic Octagon, the Foundation demonstrates the cultural and societal impact of architecture and architects’ potential to create a just society; invests in the next generation of the profession through seven national scholarship programs; and utilizes design thinking to help communities solve critical challenges through the Communities by Design (CxD) program. For more information on the Architects Foundation’s mission and programs, visit architectsfoundation.org/org or follow on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Semiquincentennial Grant Program funds critical structural stabilization of National Historic Landmark designed by first architect of the U.S. Capitol 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Architects Foundation has been awarded $749,723 from the National Park Service Semiquincentennial Grant Program to support structural stabilization and rehabilitation efforts at The Octagon, one of the nation’s most architecturally and historically significant Federal period buildings. 

This comprehensive preservation project represents the most significant structural work undertaken at The Octagon in decades, ensuring the building’s long-term preservation as both a National Historic Landmark and active museum at the heart of Washington, D.C.’s AIA Global Campus for Architecture & Design. 

Created by Congress in 2020 to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Semiquincentennial Grant Program funds restoration and preservation for sites and structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places that commemorate the founding of this nation. 

“The Octagon stands as a testament to America’s architectural heritage and our nation’s early history,” said Architects Foundation Director, Jennifer Calvert Hall. “This grant enables us to undertake critical preservation work that will ensure future generations can experience this remarkable building and learn about the vital role architecture plays in our national story.” 

Hall emphasized that this National Park Service grant marks the beginning of a broader initiative. “This significant award kicks off our comprehensive campaign for The Octagon’s renewal—a transformative effort that will not only preserve this National Historic Landmark but also enhance its capacity to serve the public as a premier center for architectural education and design literacy.” 

Historic Significance and Architectural Innovation 

The Octagon holds an extraordinary place in both American architectural and political history. Designed by Dr. William Thornton, the architect of the U.S. Capitol, and built between 1799 and 1801, The Octagon served as the official residence for President James Madison and First Lady Dolley Madison following the burning of the White House during the War of 1812. 

One of the first National Historic Landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Octagon is significant for its distinctive, geometric Federal design and its direct connections to the founding era of Washington, D.C. 

Leading Preservation Innovation 

In 1902, The Octagon was purchased by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to serve as the organization’s headquarters. The AIA’s comprehensive rehabilitation of the then-century-old building was among the first major preservation projects in the United States, establishing important precedents for historic building conservation. 

Since 2006, The Octagon has served as headquarters for the Architects Foundation, the official philanthropic partner of the AIA. As a cornerstone of Washington, D.C.’s AIA Global Campus for Architecture & Design, The Octagon serves as both a historic landmark and active museum hosting exhibitions, educational programs, and events that connect the architecture profession with the public. 

The structural stabilization project will address critical building systems while ensuring The Octagon’s continued role as an active museum, educational center, and showcase for historic preservation. This investment supports The Octagon’s expanding role in architectural education and its position as a premier destination for design professionals and the public. 

This project is supported in part by a Semiquincentennial grant from the Historic Preservation Fund administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. 

WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2025 – The Architects Foundation (AF) is delighted to announce civil engineer Taryn N. Williams as the 2025 Fellow of the Richard Morris Hunt Prize (RMHP). As the philanthropic partner of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), AF annually joins with the French Heritage Society (FHS) and Les Amis du Richard Morris Hunt Prize to award one of the preservation field’s most distinguished fellowships.

An associate principal at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH), Williams will spend six months in France studying building envelopes and their preservation. Her research exploring French preservation approaches will potentially yield insights applicable to American practices that contribute to international heritage conservation standards.

Williams shared, “I’m deeply honored to be selected by the AIA and the Architects Foundation to receive the Richard Morris Hunt Prize. This fellowship is an exciting opportunity to broaden my technical knowledge of historic preservation alongside French professionals and to share what I learn as widely as I can.”

 “Taryn Williams exemplifies the vision behind the Richard Morris Hunt Prize—bridging cultures and generations to preserve our architectural legacy,” said Jennifer Calvert, AF Executive Director.  “Her expertise in building envelopes addresses preservation’s most pressing challenge of maintaining historic integrity while meeting climate demands, and her fellowship will undoubtedly advance both French and American approaches to heritage conservation”

About the Richard Morris Hunt Prize
Named for the first American architect to graduate from the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, Richard Morris Hunt (1827-1895), the Prize was established in 1990 and permits a French-American exchange of architects specializing in historic preservation. A French-American jury convenes each year to award the RMHP alternatively to an American or French architect committed to the preservation of patrimony, historic or contemporary. The architect is chosen for the excellence of his/her credentials, his/her leadership ability, and his/her research project’s potential for development. A six-month trip takes place alternatively in America or France.

About the Architects Foundation The Architects Foundation leads philanthropic efforts to inspire and empower the next generation of designers and the communities they serve. From our home at The Octagon, we demonstrate the cultural and societal impact of architecture and architects’ potential to create a just society; we invest in the next generation of the profession through our seven scholarship programs; and utilize design thinking to help communities solve critical challenges through our Communities by Design (CxD) program.

WASHINGTON – June 12, 2025 – The Architects Foundation has selected recipients for three of its scholarship programs, which aim to support the next generation of leaders in architecture.

As the philanthropic partner of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Architects Foundation is continuing to invest in the future of the profession by recognizing and supporting scholars through ever-expanding scholarship and grant programs. Names listed below represent the latest recipients of the Architects Foundation’s scholarship and grant programs.

2025 Next Generation Scholarship

The Architects Foundation is continuing to expand pathways into the architecture profession by awarding scholarships to six students entering and completing architecture school. Architecture is about enhancing the human experience by creating buildings that reflect, serve, and strengthen communities. This scholarship was created in 1970 with an initial grant from the Ford Foundation, after Whitney Young Jr. challenged architects in 1968 to create a more responsible field. Read more about Whitney Young Jr.

In 2025, the Architects Foundation updated the name of this award to the Next Generation Scholarship, reflecting its belief that the next generation of talented design leaders can, and should, reflect the society that they serve. This year’s Next Generation Scholars join a select group of students who through imagination, commitment to excellence, and participation in a supportive network, can change the landscape of the profession and future of the built environment.

Each student will receive $4,000 per year towards tuition for the next five years totaling $20,000 each. This year’s recipients are: 

Marcus Ezidore – Howard University 

Estefania Soto – Rice University 

Menkhu Jones – Pratt Institute 

Salma Rodriguez [Sherwin-Williams Scholar] – Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

Holland Harrell [Fireclay Tile Scholar] – Pennsylvania State University 

Lola Diaz-Suarez [Jacobs Scholar] – Cornell University 

2025 Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship 

The Architects Foundation is awarding the 2025 Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship to Anna Karel, attending Illinois Institute of Technology. 

2025 Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship 

The Architects Foundation is awarding the 2025 Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship to Krystel Jacinto, attending University of California, Berkeley. 

About The Architects Foundation 

The Architects Foundation leads philanthropic efforts that champion the future impact of architecture. From its headquarters, the historic Octagon, the Foundation demonstrates the cultural and societal impact of architecture and architects’ potential to create a just society; invests in the next generation of the profession through seven national scholarship programs; and utilizes design thinking to help communities solve critical challenges through the Communities by Design (CxD) program. For more information on the Architects Foundation’s mission and programs, visit architectsfoundation.org/org or follow on LinkedIn. 

On April 19, 1775, Paul Revere’s ride through the dark of night from Boston to Lexington, Massachusetts set in motion the start of the American Revolution.  250 years later, the houses around the Lexington Battle Green still stand, and the spirits of bravery and independence live as strong as ever in the hearts and minds of today’s Bostonians.  As a newly appointed member of the Architects Foundation, I could not be more excited to welcome all attendees to the AIA25 Conference on Architecture & Design to our city. 

Architectural gems, both old and new, abound. If you have not visited Boston in the past decade, you will not recognize the Seaport District, adjacent to the Convention Center where we will be gathering.  What was once a sea of surface parking lots is now a thriving hub of activity. Make sure to take a walk down to the waterfront where you can take in a view encompassing modern skyscrapers and the historic North End warehouses all from one spot.  No trip to Boston is complete without a stroll through the Public Gardens and the Back Bay neighborhood with its distinctive brownstones. 

Make sure to set aside time to head across the river to Cambridge where the Kendall Square neighborhood brings together people from all parts of the globe to explore new ideas and develop innovations that change peoples’ lives. It is what our city does best.  MIT’s campus stretches along the Charles River.  Here another spectacular view of the Boston skyline explains Alvar Aalto’s serpentine form for the Baker House dormitory. Right behind this building are the iconic Chapel and Kresge Auditorium, as well the recently opened Linde Music building designed by SANAA.  Two T stops away you will find Corbusier’s only building in the US, the Carpenter Center at Harvard University.  It is adjacent to the Fogg Art Museum, recently expanded by Renzo Piano. 

The historic context and the modern intervention have been part of Boston’s DNA since its beginnings 400 years ago.  We hope that your time here during AIA25 is filled with experiences that have you reflecting on the past and being inspired about the future.

Not yet registered for AIA25? There’s still time to claim your spot!

WASHINGTON – April 17, 2025

Architects Foundation, the philanthropic partner of the American Institute of Architects, announced the appointment of Jennifer Calvert Hall as its new Executive Director. Calvert Hall was identified following a highly competitive national search and brings extensive experience in fundraising and nonprofit management. The appointment of Calvert Hall as the Foundation’s Executive Director becomes effective on May 12, 2025.

Foundation President and Board Chair Dan Kirby, FAIA, said, “I believe that the appointment of Jennifer Calvert Hall as our new Executive Director represents an important milestone in our efforts. Her enthusiasm for the role paired with her success in non-profit management and development will advance our mission. I am confident that her appointment will be transformative in our efforts to expand our capacity to support aspiring architects, empower communities, and create impactful experiences.”

Calvert Hall shared, “It’s an honor to join the Architects Foundation as Executive Director, merging my passion for design, education, and community building. I believe in its mission to invest in the next generation of the design community and demonstrate the cultural and societal impact of architecture, and I look forward to working with the Board and staff to strengthen this commitment.” A Certified Fund Raising Executive, Calvert Hall currently serves as the Vice President of Membership and Advancement for the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). Prior to joining AAM, she served as the Executive Director at the Fund for Education Abroad, was a Major Gifts Officer at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery, and was the Associate Director of Individual Giving at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC. Calvert Hall holds a Master of Arts from the Parsons School of Design in the History of Design and Curatorial Studies Program held at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. 

Executive search firm Vetted Solutions assisted with the search.

###

by: Vaughn Lewis, Assoc. AIA, Architects Foundation Board Committee Chair

As a proud board member of the Architects Foundation, I’m honored to share my deep belief in the power of scholarships to transform lives—and in our responsibility as a foundation to build pathways for the next generation of architects.

I know this firsthand. Throughout my academic journey, I was fortunate to receive several transformative scholarships, including the Next Generation Scholarship—formerly the AIA/AF Diversity Scholarship—and the Architects Foundation/McAslan Fellowship. These opportunities enabled me to explore architecture across continents, revealing how the built environment both shapes and is shaped by the diverse cultures and communities it serves. These experiences expanded my worldview and deepened my commitment to design, equity, and service.

For the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as chair of the Architects Foundation’s Scholar Selection and Support Committee. In this role, I’ve continued to witness the enduring spirit of service reflected in the Next Generation Scholarship—established in 1970 in response to Whitney M. Young Jr.’s urgent call for a more just and inclusive profession. To this day, it remains a powerful vehicle for supporting students from all backgrounds who are passionate about architecture and driven to make a difference.

This year, many organizations face challenges that threaten their ability to support students in pursuing their education. In this moment, our role as a foundation is more critical than ever. We have a duty to advocate for our scholars and to ensure they have the resources and community they need as they begin their architectural journeys.

Our goal remains clear: to cultivate a profession that reflects the full richness and diversity of the communities it serves—and to uplift the future designers and changemakers who will shape our built environment for generations to come.

Together, we are building a more inclusive, inspired, and impactful architectural landscape.

Sincerely,

Vaughn Lewis | Assoc. AIA, NOMA

Scholar Selection and Support Committee Chair

by Milan Jordan, Assoc. AIA, Architects Foundation Board Secretary

The panel discussion “Breaking Barriers: Black Architects on Firm Ownership,” hosted at The Octagon, was a powerful conversation that highlighted the triumphs and challenges of Black architects who have forged their own paths in the industry. Using its backdrop of The Octagon, the Architects Foundation actively seeks partnership that supports the advancement of the profession and underrepresented architects; The Octagon is a historic space that welcomes activation and conversations on the future of architecture and design.

The distinguished panel included Michael Marshall, FAIA, Founder of Michael Marshall Design and Architects Foundation Board Member; Kathy Dixon, FAIA, Principal of K. Dixon Architecture and Architects Foundation Board Member; Ronnie McGhee, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Founder of R. McGhee & Associates Architects; Genell Anderson, AIA, NOMA, ICC, Principal of AMAR Group, LLC; and Sean Pichon, Principal at Michael Graves.

The event aimed to offer valuable insights for students, emerging professionals, and seasoned architects. Students were encouraged to learn from these trailblazers, gaining guidance on how to navigate their careers in a competitive industry. Emerging professionals were given strategies to advance and thrive, while seasoned architects had the opportunity to network and contribute to the ongoing conversation about fostering diversity and inclusion in architecture.

The panelists shared their personal stories, reflecting on key questions such as “What made you start your own firm?”, “What qualities are most important in becoming a leader”, and “What challenges did you face as Black firm owners?”

The Road to Firm Ownership

For some panelists, the journey to owning their own firms was driven by a sense of survival and resilience. Genell Anderson explained that for her, diversification was key to success. She made it clear that expanding her services—such as adding inspections to her offerings—was crucial in growing her business. Michael Marshall, on the other hand, recalled his early experiences of learning about the architect’s role in drawing “blueprints” (as they were more commonly called at the time) and dreaming as a young boy of owning a firm at the age of 11.

Challenges Faced by Black Firm Owners

The challenges panelists faced as Black architects and small business owners were significant. Kathy Dixon shared that starting a firm was particularly tough due to limited capital and marketing resources, with much of her business relying on referrals. Ronnie McGhee spoke about the importance of forming partnerships and being adaptable to secure work, especially when facing the limitations that often come with being a smaller firm. Genell Anderson noted the importance of surrounding yourself with talented people and being agile in order to overcome the challenges that come with running a small business.

The conversation also touched on the financial barriers and systemic issues Black architects face, including restrictive policies and the difficulties of securing insurance and certifications. Even when discussing challenges, the thread of creativity, problem-solving, and perseverance was always present and exemplified in the endurance of their firms.

Moderator Telicious Robinson (third from left) with panelists and AF Board members Michael Marshall and Kathy Dixon, and panelists Genell Anderson, Ronnie McGhee, and Sean Pichon.

What Makes a Good Leader?

When asked about the most important qualities of a leader, the panelists emphasized persistence, honesty, and the ability to listen. Ronnie McGhee stressed the importance of being a good listener and surrounding yourself with a strong team. He also emphasized learning from failures to improve in the future. Every project not awarded is an opportunity to learn how to respond stronger next solicitation. Genell Anderson spoke about the need for persistence and being honest with oneself, especially when it’s time to walk away from a project. Sean Pichon noted the importance of being resourceful and well-rounded, with a keen understanding of the financial aspects of a project.

The Role of Cultural Background

The panelists were also asked if their cultural background influenced the projects they pursued. Pichon explained that he specifically avoids projects related to incarceration, instead focusing on work that uplifts people. Genell Anderson shared that her background—particularly her connection to John’s Island—deeply influences her design approach, with African architecture playing a significant role in her work. She believes that her clients trust her because they know she understands their cultural context and values.

Reflections on Diversity and Inclusion

Reflecting on the last 30 years, the panelists shared their thoughts on the state of diversity and inclusion in architecture. Kathy Dixon noted that while there are fewer Black-owned firms today, she hopes to see more young people starting their own businesses in the future. The panelists agreed that access to capital and opportunities has improved, but challenges remain. Genell Anderson pointed out that limiting beliefs often hold Black architects back, and while progress has been made, architects are still losing ground in terms of representation, leadership, and opportunities.

The event provided valuable insights into the realities of Black firm ownership, the importance of diversity, and the ongoing challenges in the field of architecture. It was a reminder that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done in creating an industry that is truly inclusive and accessible to all.

Throughout history, architects have employed the octagon as a geometric symbol of transition, renewal, and rebirth. As we move forward in 2025, I’m excited to begin my term as president of the Architects Foundation. To prepare for the year, our Board of Directors and staff gathered for a leadership retreat. We conducted a review of our respective roles, our strategic plan, and annual work plans for the organization. Together, we are shaping a new future for the Foundation by implementing a strategic plan which emphasizes growth in capacity, leveraging partnerships, and building a platform for transformative engagement. We are counting on your help, so that we can do more to help others!

I’m an architect, planner, and a consultant. At its core, my work in our firm’s cities and places practice exists at the intersection of user experience, climate change, and technological innovation. This means defining problems, developing solutions, and creating places where people can thrive and do their best work. Being a volunteer leader at Architects Foundation is a natural extension of my professional work because it provides me with an opportunity to be an advocate for the next generation of leaders in our profession, for the empowerment of communities seeking to determine their future, and to serve as a steward for the built treasure that is The Octagon.

Join us as we lean forward into the theme of “Building on a Strong Foundation.” During this year, we will continue to share stories that reveal the impact of our work. In addition, we will spotlight other Architects Foundation volunteer leaders and dedicated professional staff. First up is our newest Board Member, Caroline Fitzgerald, PE.

Caroline leads Northeast Client Relations for RMF Engineering in Boston. As a structural engineer, Caroline has delivered complex projects and has a passion for design. Caroline has been active in leadership of the Professional Women in Construction and the Boston Society of Architects. She is a graduate of Tufts University, have earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, magna cum laude.

As the Architects Foundation moves forward in the new year, let us continue to build on a strong foundation. Let us continue to work with enthusiasm and deliberate speed on our own transitions and to support those of the scholars and communities that we serve. Finally, let us commit to the promise of renewal and rebirth as represented by the geometry of our home at The Octagon.

Dan Kirby, FAIA, FAICP
President

WASHINGTON — ­The Architects Foundation, the philanthropic partner of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), is accepting applications through January 10, 2025, for three  awards for architecture students and emerging professionals.

Diversity Advancement Scholarship

This multiyear scholarship supports high school and undergraduate minority students who are entering, enrolled in, or transferring into an architecture program recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Scholarships may be renewed every year for up to five years or until the degree is completed (up to $20,000 total award).

Scholarship sponsors include The American Institute of Architects, The Curry Stone Foundation, Fireclay Tile, Jacobs, Material Bank, and The Sherwin-Williams Company.

Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship
The Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship is a $10,000 award toward tuition and fees supporting a woman studying architecture within a NAAB-accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree program. The awardee will also receive mentorship from a senior Payette leader for the duration of the scholarship year.

Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship
The Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship supports a graduate student whose work demonstrates an exemplary focus at the design intersection of sustainability, resilience, wellness and beauty. The scholarship recipient receives $5,000 toward tuition and fees and mentorship from Yann Weymouth, AIA, for the scholarship year.

The application period for these scholarships is open through Jan. 10, 2024. More information on the Foundation’s scholarship programs can be found here. Interested applicants should read the scholarship FAQ.

Washington — The Architects Foundation today announced the recipients for three of its scholarship programs that support future leaders of the profession in equity, diversity, and sustainability.

The Architects Foundation is continuing to support the future of the architecture profession by recognizing and supporting scholars through an ever-expanding scholarship and grant program offering. Names listed below represent the latest recipients of the Architects Foundation’s scholarship and grant programs.

2024 Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship
The Architects Foundation is awarding the 2024 Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship to 10 emerging professionals to defray the costs associated with the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). This year marks the 20th anniversary of this prestigious award. Scholarship recipients will receive funds to cover the cost of the ARE, as well as $500 for study materials to prepare for testing. This year’s recipients are:

• Shanese Brown
• Monica Magcalas
• Matteo Ferraro
• Shannon Wehner
• Theodore Cannon
• Farnoosh Rafaie
• Ana Astiazaran
• Faiza Duale
• Janki Shah
• Grace Levey

2023 Student Loan Relief Grant
Statistics show that an architecture student graduates with substantially more debt than the average student. The Architects Foundation’s Student Loan Relief Grant provides $5,000 of support to architecture graduates. This year’s recipients are:

• Gabriella Fonseca
• Melissa Holder

Sho-Ping Chin Women’s Leadership Summit Grant
This award covers the costs of travel and registration for the AIA Women’s Leadership Summit, an annual event that empowers women through leadership, knowledge, and community. The grant was established in 2017 in memory of Sho-Ping Chin, FAIA, a Principal at Payette who founded the inaugural AIA Women’s Leadership Summit in 2009. This year’s recipients are:

• Ana Orosco
• Silvina Lopez Barrera
• Jameica Demercado
• Neşe (Neshé) Altıntaş
• Bethany Allen

WASHINGTON – September 18, 2024 – The Architects Foundation, the philanthropic partner of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), is embarking on a promising new era with a strategic shift in focus and the search for a new Executive Director.  This transition comes as the Foundation aims to strengthen its impact on the architectural profession and society by accelerating its initiatives and enhancing its mission. 

“We are immensely grateful to Marci Reed for her dedication and unwavering commitment to the Architects Foundation over the past seven years,” said Bill Roschen, FAIA, President of the Architects Foundation Board of Directors. “Her leadership has laid a strong foundation for our future, and now our focus is on finding an Executive Director who will drive forward our vision of empowering future generations of architects. The Foundation is poised to elevate our transformative initiatives that will expand our effectiveness.” 

Key among the Foundation’s strategic priorities is to grow its scholarship programs, aimed at supporting emerging architects and promoting equity and diversity within the profession. Additionally, the Foundation plans to reimagine The Octagon, leverage the work and legacy of Communities by Design, and explore global collaborations to enhance its influence worldwide. 

Dan Kirby, FAIA, the 2025 Board President, expressed, “In this transformative period, the Architects Foundation is poised to accelerate our efforts to support, empower, inform and collaborate.” 

About the Architects Foundation
The Architects Foundation leads philanthropic efforts that champion the future impact of architecture, empowering equity and diversity within the profession.  The Foundation’s cornerstone initiatives include its scholarship programs, community collaboration through Communities By Design, and positioning the historic Octagon house as a home and inclusive space for the Foundation, our scholars, and community convening.

Washington, D.C. – Since the company began in 1971, Heller has worked with a select group of the world’s top designers to bring striking and high-quality design to market. Now, Heller is thrilled to announce a partnership with The Architects Foundation to create a powerful exhibition at The Octagon, a National Historic Landmark deeply rooted in the history of Washington, D.C., designed by William Thornton in 1799.

Design For Living: Heller at The Octagon was created by the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) in partnership with The Architects Foundation and The Octagon, to cultivate an exhibition that encourages contemporary living, restyling The Octagon while furthering its reputation of design excellence. Heller’s modern aesthetic — complemented by contemporary carpet tiles by FLOR — ushers in the future of the design industry, positioning this historic residence as a home for the next generation of great design and great designers.

The house, which has been home to enslaved laborers, wealthy Washingtonians, immigrants, factory workers, and even a U.S. President, was restored by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 1898 as one of the country’s earliest preservation projects. The Octagon currently serves as the headquarters for the AIA’s philanthropic partner, the Architects Foundation.

Guests are invited to visit The Octagon and find inspiration in the juxtaposition of classical architecture and modern design. Design For Living: Heller at The Octagon is open now and will be up through the end of 2024. The exhibition is open to the public from 11AM – 4PM on Fridays and select Saturdays each month.

Photos by Kate Wichlinski, 2024.

Heller Press Contact:

Karen Brooking, bde&co., karen@bdeandco.com

The Octagon Contacts:

Celia Carnes, Sr. Manager for Development and Communications, celiacarnes@aia.org

Amanda Ferrario, Octagon Manager, amandaferrario@aia.org

About The Architects Foundation

As the official philanthropic partner of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Architects Foundation inspires, supports, and empowers the next generation of designers and the diverse communities they serve. From our historic headquarters, The Octagon, we fulfill this mission through our seven scholarship programs, which support architects at every career stage, and Communities by Design, a program which brings together volunteer teams of architects and allied professionals to work alongside community members around the world to develop solutions to critical issues like equitable housing, economic revitalization, and climate resilience. At The Octagon, we educate, entertain, and engage the local and national design community with programs and exhibitions that initiate important dialogues on historic preservation, sustainability, contemporary art and design trends, cultural and social issues, local history, and more.

About The Octagon

The Octagon house was built between 1799 and 1801 by enslaved workers for Virginia’s wealthiest plantation family, the Tayloes. The first architect of the United States Capitol, Dr. William Thornton, devised the home’s unique eight-sided design. A geographically and symbolically important building in our nation’s history, The Octagon served for six months as the home of President James Madison after the 1814 Burning of Washington. Recognizing The Octagon’s national importance, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) established their headquarters on site in 1898 and restored the building as one of the country’s earliest preservation projects. In the 1970s, the AIA constructed its current headquarters on the site of The Octagon’s original outbuildings, opening The Octagon to the public as a museum. Now the home of the Architects Foundation, this National Historic Landmark is a vibrant and dynamic home for the design community, and a catalyst for positive change.

About Heller

Heller began in 1971 and from the outset has been known for the true meaning of modern. Their timeless, functional designs are created without ego by some of the world’s greatest architects and designers – Frank Gehry, Massimo & Lela Vignelli, and Mario Bellini to name a few. Heller products have claimed the distinction of international design awards from the Compasso d’Oro to NeoCon and are featured in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art and recently, to the permanent collection at the Rochester Institute of Technology.  Heller continues to work with new technologies to create innovative products, explore new processes, and create a more sustainable, transparent manufacturing process for the future of design.  Made in America, with a strong commitment to sustainability, Heller will take back any of its products (and even pay for shipping) at any time during its lifecycle. Perfect indoor and outdoor, Heller is found in homes, restaurants, museums and offices around the world. We are proud to be the first company to work with the Digby Design Authenticator, guaranteeing authenticity in our designs and sustainability of our products for the future.

About Interface | FLOR

FLOR, the premium design brand of Interface, has brought high-end area rugs to homes, offices, and every space between since 2003. FLOR carpet tiles are beautiful, easy to install, and responsibly sourced. Our customizable designs are engineered for high-traffic spaces, from family room

Washington — The Architects Foundation today announced the recipients for three of its scholarship programs that support future leaders of the profession in equity, diversity, and sustainability.

The Architects Foundation is continuing to support the future of the architecture profession by recognizing and supporting scholars through an ever-expanding scholarship and grant program offering. Names listed below represent the latest recipients of the Architects Foundation’s scholarship and grant programs.

2024 Diversity Advancement Scholarship

The Architects Foundation is continuing to support diversity in the architecture profession by awarding its Diversity Advancement Scholarship to eight students entering architecture school. Each of the students will receive $4,000 per year towards tuition for the next five years totaling $20,000 each. This year’s recipients are:

• Ivy Monroe – Sherwin-Williams Scholar
• Anne Sandjol – Robert Ivy Scholar
• Kamryon Johnson – Fireclay Tile Scholar
• Emma Fernandes-Santinho
• Emily Van
• Isaiah Johnson
• Emmanuel Quiles
• Elle Fourie

2024 Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship

The Architects Foundation is awarding the 2024 Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship to Dagny Carlsson.

2024 Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship

The Architects Foundation is awarding the 2024 Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship to Jada Cannon.

Last week, the American Institute of Architects welcomed thousands of architects and design and building industry professionals to Washington, DC, for the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA24). Tours, workshops, panel discussions, exhibits, and events showcased the many ways that AIA members are designing a better world together.

With support from Material Bank, the Architects Foundation (AF) was able to host four Diversity Advancement Scholars throughout the week at AIA24. Rachel Wiggins, Taylor Pinkney, Samuel Leong, and Fionn Hui explored the city on architect-led tours, learned from vendors and exhibitors on the Expo floor, attended symposia and lectures, and enjoyed the lineup of stellar networking and social events. Staff and attendees were lucky to spend time with this talented group of emerging professionals. You can help us continue to provide wrap-around support and career opportunities to our scholars by supporting the Architects Foundation here.

On Wednesday morning, Communities by Design led a tour of Washington, DC’s U Street neighborhood that focused on the development conflict in that area and the role of the architect in finding solutions. The tour highlighted the work of Architects Foundation board member Michael Marshall, FAIA, whose firm is tackling the redevelopment of the Reeves Center, DC’s largest municipal services center, which occupies the geographically, historically, and culturally significant 14^th Street and U Street intersection. In DC and beyond, Communities by Design helps architects, community leaders, and citizens address critical challenges like development conflict, climate resilience, housing equity, and revitalization. You can support their transformative work here.

The same day, the Architects Foundation began welcoming guests to The Octagon as part of a series of tours of the AIA Global Campus for Architecture and Design that continued all week. Wednesday morning’s tour participants were the first to see four all-new exhibits on display at The Octagon, including Design for Living, a collaboration with Heller Furniture and the Museum of Design Atlanta. Contemporary, architect-designed furniture by Heller created an exciting juxtaposition with the historic building’s elegant interiors and allowed visitors to experience The Octagon in a whole new way. In our upstairs galleries, exhibits offered insight into the AIA headquarters renovation, ongoing sustainable historic preservation work at The Octagon, and case studies highlighting the innovative methods of Communities by Design.

On Thursday, our Scholars had the chance to walk the Expo floor and engage with hundreds of vendors. Conversations sparked their curiosity about emerging trends in design, building science, and construction, and revealed the myriad career possibilities that are open to architecture school graduates. Scholars, staff, and AF board members also had the chance to offer thanks to sponsors and donors who have provided support to our scholarship programs and AIA24 events, including Sherwin Williams, GAF, Material Bank, Benjamin Moore, and more! If you’re interested in supporting an AF scholarship, learn more here.

Thursday evening, AF gathered conference attendees and guests at the DC History Center to network and learn from a panel of diverse industry leaders and our Scholars. Caroline Van Acker, AIA, senior associate at Beyer Blinder Belle, moderated a conversation with panelists Eleanor Choi, AIA, project manager at SmithGroup; Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA, principal and global director of justice, equity, diversity & inclusion at HKS Architects; Avi Rajagopal, editor in chief of Metropolis Magazine; LaToya Thomas, principal and founder of Brick & Story; and Milan Jordan, director of HOPE Crew at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Guests mingled in the DC History Center’s beautiful space within the historic Carnegie Library building, the renovation of which was completed by Beyer Blinder Belle in 2019, before settling in the Center’s library for a wide-ranging discussion. Panelists urged the Scholars to cultivate creativity and pursue inspiration outside of architecture, and to remain open to unexpected experiences and opportunities within the design field. AF is grateful to Beyer Blinder Belle, Material Bank, HKS, SmithGroup, Hartman-Cox Architects, and The Beck Group for making this event possible.

The Communities by Design team hosted a series of events on Friday that delved deeper into the process of navigating community change. A workshop gathered conference attendees to share ideas about how to address development conflict at a community scale, and later in the afternoon, a panel discussion moderated by AF board president Bill Roschen, FAIA, brought together Rico Quirindongo, director of Seattle’s Office of Planning & Community Development, and Anita Cozart, director of DC’s Office of Planning, to discuss the role of public leaders. Elsewhere on the Expo floor, Scholars had the chance to network with dozens of other emerging professionals at the NextGen Lounge mixer. That event also celebrated the recipients of the inaugural Emerging Professionals Grant, a joint grant program from AF and AIA that allowed ten early-career architects to attend AIA24 for free.

On Saturday, Communities by Design led a final tour, exploring development conflicts in and around Alexandria and Arlington, VA. Later that day, the Communities by Design team joined the rest of the AF staff, Scholars, and guests at The Octagon to celebrate the conclusion of conference. With support from Benjamin Moore and Tylin | Silman Structural Solutions, the Architects Foundation was able to welcome hundreds of AIA24 attendees and community design partners from DC NOMA and AIADC to enjoy refreshments, explore the exhibition galleries, and experience The Octagon’s new installation of Heller Furniture. A courtyard bar also gave attendees a vantage point into the AIA headquarters building construction site—a party backdrop that delighted this crowd of architects and building industry professionals.

After the departure of the last guests on Saturday evening, the Architects Foundation bid farewell to our Scholars and to a successful AIA24 Conference on Architecture and Design.

We look forward to seeing you next year in Boston!

Special thanks to our AIA24 Event Partners:

And Event Sponsors:

The Beck Group
Benjamin Moore
DC Brau
Hartman-Cox Architects
HKS
SmithGroup
Total Wine & More
Tylin | Silman Structural Solutions

This year, the Architects Foundation commemorates the 20th anniversary of the creation of the Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship. To mark this significant milestone, we aim to raise $20,000 in support of the scholarship fund.

Since its inception, the scholarship has empowered talented individuals to continue on the path towards becoming a licensed architect, by covering the full cost of the Architect Registration Exam (ARE) and providing study materials. The more than 110 architects who make up the dedicated, passionate, and talented cohort of recipients have not only enriched the architecture profession but have also honored Jason’s memory in a profound and meaningful way. Learn more about Jason Pettigrew, Assoc. AIA, and his powerful legacy here.

Our ambitious goal symbolizes the 20 years of Jason’s enduring legacy and the countless lives he continues to enrich through this scholarship. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has committed to contribute $10,000 — with your help, we can raise $10,000 from our community of alumni and supporters to meet our target. If we reach our goal, we’ll be able to provide this life-changing support to an even greater number of emerging architects.

Here’s how you can help:

Make a donation: Your contribution, no matter the size, will directly impact the lives of aspiring architects. Every dollar brings us closer to our goal of $20,000.

Spread the word: Share this link with your networks and encourage others to join us in honoring Jason’s memory and supporting future architects through the Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship.

Together, we can ensure that Jason’s legacy continues to shine brightly, lighting the path for the next generation of diverse designers.

Written by AF Staff, Research by Kayla Laws

This Women’s History Month, The Octagon celebrates two dynamic women who have made a mark on this historic home.

Ann Ogle Tayloe was born in 1772 to Maryland Governor Benjamin Ogle and his wife, Henrietta. Ann married wealthy plantation owner John Tayloe III of Virginia in 1792, and eventually gave birth to 15 children, a remarkable 13 of whom lived to adulthood. A consummate and politically-savvy hostess, Ann was renowned for her lavish entertaining at the couple’s Washington, D.C., residence, The Octagon.

Following Ann’s death in 1855, her children decided to sell The Octagon. Artist Peter Waddell captured the scene of the Tayloe family packing up Ann’s opulent drawing room in his painting “Closing up Grandmother’s House,” part of The Octagon’s permanent collection.

---

First Lady Dolly Madison, born in 1768, was a widowed mother with two young children when she was introduced to James Madison, then a Representative from Virginia, in 1794. Just five months later, the couple were married.

In 1809, Madison was elected President of the United States, and moved with Dolley into the White House. Working with architect Benjamin Latrobe, Dolley contributed heavily to the building’s design, helping to select furniture and artwork that would decorate the White House’s entertaining spaces. Like Ann Ogle Tayloe, Dolley Madison was a well-regarded society hostess, and as First Lady she imbued the Washington, D.C., political sphere with gracious sophistication, hosting dinners and salons that attracted the city’s elites.

The War of 1812 upended the Madison’s tenure at the White House. British forces raided Washington in 1814, burning important buildings including the White House. Dolley was forced to leave, but according to Jesse J. Holland’s The Invisibles: The Untold Story of African American Slaves in the White House, the tale of Dolley Madison saving the portrait of George Washington from being destroyed in the flames is merely a myth—in actuality, it was Paul Jennings who rescued the portrait.

After leaving the White House, President Madison and Dolley moved to The Octagon, the nearby home of his acquaintances John and Ann Tayloe, for six months. Although archival materials indicate that Dolley Madison was displeased with The Octagon—citing shortcomings including its size (too small), its environment (too damp), and its decoration (lacking a piano, notably)—she swiftly resumed carrying out her relentless entertaining calendar at her new residence.

She wanted to keep the “morale of the city high,” according to Octagon archives. In The Octagon’s drawing room, she continued her tradition of the “Wednesday Night Squeeze,” so named because the large number of people in in attendance were forced to “squeeze in.”

According to Catherine Allgor’s A Perfect Union, “the most conspicuous object in the room, the observed of all observers was Mrs. Madison herself.”

The Madisons departed The Octagon in March 1815, but Dolley Madison’s legacy lives on. According to some, that’s not all she left behind. Some visitors to The Octagon, including another First Lady, Jaqueline Kennedy, have reportedly smelled a distinctive lilac perfume in The Octagon’s drawing room, said to be the favored scent of Dolley Madison. A ghostly presence, or total nonsense? You can decide for yourself during The Octagon’s annual Poltergeists and Pints tour each October.

References

“Ann Ogle Tayloe and Children.” National Portrait Gallery, npg.si.edu/object/npg_52.15.7.

“Dolley Madison.” WHHA (En-US), www.whitehousehistory.org/bios/dolley-madison.

“The Octagon.” Peter Waddell, 1 Jan. 2019, peterwaddell.com/commissions/the-octagon/.

Documents and images from The Octagon archives used with permission of the Architects Foundation.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Architects Foundation are thrilled to offer a grant opportunity for recipients to attend the 2024 AIA Conference on Architecture and Design. This grant provides emerging professionals an opportunity to attend the annual conference and gain access to career resources, the latest trends in the building industry, networking opportunities, and potential employment opportunities.   

AIA and the Architects Foundation seek applicants who are early-career professionals passionate about change in the architecture profession and bring critical perspectives to business, workplace health, technology, and climate action. The 2024 AIA Conference on Architecture and Design is set to take place in Washington, D.C., June 5-8, 2024, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.   

Grant benefits

• Free AIA24 registration (a $799 value) with access to valuable leadership resources, unparalleled networking, and CE credits that count toward AXP hours
• Access to select conference events
• 1:1 career coaching
• ARE support materials from Amber Book
• Meet and greet with other grant winners and influential AIA leaders
• Appointment as an ambassador for the AIA24 emerging professional audience and the NextGen Lounge
• Social media posts highlighting ambassador role on personal and/or official AIA channels
• Dedicated support to navigate the conference

Don’t miss out on this chance to transform your career! The application portal is open on our scholarship page.  Applications are due by Sunday, March 24, 11:59pm ET.  

Written by AF Staff, Research by Kayla Laws

Saturday, February 17 marks the 209th anniversary of the day that the Treaty of Peace and Amity reached President James Madison at The Octagon and was signed in what is known today as the “Treaty Room”.  

This treaty ended the War of 1812, fought between Great Britain and the fledgling United States. The war had caused great destruction in the young nation’s newly established capital. In 1814, British troops burned federal buildings, including the White House and the United States Capitol. After the burning of the White House, President James Madison and First Lady Dolley Madison moved into The Octagon House, the nearby Washington home of their acquaintances John and Ann Tayloe, for a period of six months, from September 1814 to March 1815.

The purpose of the treaty was to achieve “universal Peace between His Britannic Majesty and the United States.” Prisoners of war were to be returned; both sides agreed to seek peaceful relations with the Indians; and efforts would be made to end the slave trade,” according to Hugh Howard’s Mr. and Mrs. Madison’s War: America’s First Couple and the Second War of Independence.   

Three different copies of the treaty were sent from Ghent, Belgium, where negotiations took place, to Washington, D.C., in case one shipment was delayed or lost. After reaching the United States Congress, the treaty was delivered to The Octagon by Henry Caroll, secretary to Congressman Henry Clay. “Madison walked into his study, an exquisite wood-paneled circular room over the entrance hall.  He crossed the pine floor and sat down before a delicate mahogany desk; its round top covered by dark green leather stamped with gold.  With characteristic precision and formality, Madison put his signature to the “Treaty of Peace and Amity,” Howard said. 

  

 

 The ceremony took place in the “President’s office in the circular room on the second floor over the entrance of the Octogen,” according to historian, Audrey Cutler. 

Servants yelled down the stairs to bring the champagne, and Paul Jennings played “The President’s March” on his fiddle.  

In his Reminiscences, Jennings writes that “we were crazy with joy.” The butler liberally dispensed wine to all, including the servants and slaves… [Sioussat] and some others were drunk for two days, and such another joyful time was never seen in Washington.”’ 

According to Joseph Gale, an eyewitness, “Soon after nightfall, Members of Congress and others deeply interested in the event, presented themselves at the president’s house, the doors of which stood open. When the writer of this entered the drawing room at about eight o’clock, it was crowded to its full capacity, Mrs. Madison (the president being with Cabinet) doing the honors of the honors of the occasion. And what a happy scene it was.” 

Candles were later burned in The Octagon’s windows celebrating the end of the War of 1812 and Madison’s exemplary leadership.  

 

REFERENCES  

 Cutler, Audrey.  “A Synopsis of Events of the War of 1812 and its Relationship to the History of the Octagon” 

 From the Octagon Files. “Interpreter’s Insights: Presidential History and Legends at the Octagon” 

 Green, Contance McLaughlin. “Washington Village and Capital, 1800-1878. 

 Howard, Hugh. Mr. and Mrs. Madison’s War: America’s First Couple and the Second War of Independence. Bloomsbury Press, 2012 

 Hunt-Jones, Conover. “Doly and the ‘Great little Madison.’” AIA Foundation, 1977 

 Jennings, Paul.  A Colored Man’s Reminiscences of James Madison. Cornell University Library, 1865.  

Lord, Walker. The Dawn’s Early light, New York, 1972. 

 Miller, Hope Riding. “Great Houses of Washington.” 

 Taylor, Contributor: Elizabeth Dowling. “Paul Jennings (1799–1874).” Encyclopedia Virginia, 2 Dec. 2021, encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/jennings-paul-1799-1874/.  

For the fourth year in a row, Fireclay Tile has partnered with the Architects Foundation to support our scholarships!

This year, Fireclay is aiming to raise $50,000. Fireclay has committed to donating $25,000, and we invite you to help us reach our goal to support the education of three future architects! Join Fireclay Tile and donate today >

Learn more >

The Architects Foundation is thrilled to announce that Milan Jordan and Timothy Hawk, FAIA, have joined the organization’s board of directors in 2024.

With a background in architecture and a passion for nonprofit management, Milan’s career is the intersection of mission-driven work for built and cultural environments. Milan is currently the Director of the HOPE Crew at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. HOPE Crew is bringing Hands-On Preservation Experience to the next wave of preservation tradespeople. Under Milan’s leadership, the program has developed partnerships with all seven Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with colleges of architecture. Expanding from traditional trades training, the program now also engages architecture students on documentation methods and technology that builds on architecture education and supports the preservation movement. Milan looks forward to continuing Katherine Malone-France’s bridge of preservation and architecture on the Architect’s Foundation board of directors.

Prior to joining the National Trust, Milan was Director of Workforce and Emerging Professionals at the American Institute of Architects where she developed programming and resources for early-career professionals as well as women architects. She served on the inaugural advisory committee for the 2023 AIA Women’s Leadership Summit and enjoys other civic leadership including the Traditional Trades Training Task Force and Preservation Priorities Task Force. Milan holds a Master of Architecture degree from Georgia Institute of Technology and a Bachelors of Arts in American Studies from University of Maryland, College Park. In her spare time she is a Pilates instructor and enjoys tending to a large collection of indoor plants and exploring natural wonders.

Tim joins the Architects Foundation board after years of service as a national leader of the American Institute of Architects where he was the Treasurer, head of Government Advocacy, and a liaison to the architecture student organization, AIAS. Tim is a champion of design advocacy and has focused his career mentoring emerging professionals and students. He is both an architectural educator and a practice leader and looks to connect emerging talent to prosperity and opportunities for community connection. As an Architects Foundation board member, Tim will focus on expanding the mission and diversifying engagement.

Welcome, Milan and Tim!

Last month the American Institute of Architects (AIA) highlighted the impact of the Architects Foundation’s scholarship programs, featuring scholar Zuleika Baldeo and scholarship sponsor and mentor Clifford Curry, FAIA, in an article shared with AIA members. Check out the full article below, and on AIA’s website.

It’s not too late to make a contribution to the Architects Foundation’s year-end campaign to support this and other life-changing scholarship programs. In addition, your gifts to our annual campaign fund help amplify the impact of our educational programming, design assistance teams, and community engagement. The Architects Foundation is proud to be the official philanthropic partner of the AIA.

---

The Architects Foundation is Building Stronger Communities

By Patra Wroten

A scholarship from the Architects Foundation helps a Baltimore architecture student hold her dream close and inspires her to mentor others. The Architects Foundation will launch its year end giving campaign on November 28 – Giving Tuesday.

Zuleika Baldeo was elated to become an Architects Foundation scholar.

“I was at a pool party with my cousins, and that’s when the email came in. I remember reading it, and I just started crying,” recalls Baldeo, a junior at Morgan State University in Baltimore. “We were all so happy, and then we obviously started jumping for joy.”

Baldeo received a Diversity Advancement Scholarship from the Architects Foundation (AF) in 2021. In addition to great happiness, the scholarship brought peace of mind to Baldeo as she invests her time and resources into becoming an architect.  “It really helps me a lot because I also work while in school. So, there are periods of time, especially when we are in our midterm season, when the scholarship gives me a bit of relief if I am not working as much,” said Baldeo. “I don’t feel in debt in some kind of way or worried about work, because I have a little bit of money saved that way.”

Baldeo is among the 80+ scholars supported by AF donors.

“The Architects Foundation invests in the next generation of diverse designers and inspires the public with programs and exhibits that spotlight architecture’s value to our world,” said Marci Reed, AF executive director. AF is AIA’s philanthropic partner.

Baldeo received the Curry Stone Foundation Diversity Advancement Scholarship, funded by Clifford Curry, FAIA, and Dr. Delight Stone, RPA. With their support, Baldeo will receive $20,000 per year for five years, which will support her as she enters graduate school.

“This scholarship is a way to encourage more diversity in the industry. I hope that this award will enable Zuleika to worry a little less on paying her tuition costs and excel her forward as an architect,” said Curry. “Today, there are many people who are interested in increasing representation in the architect industry, but more still needs to be done.”

Curry and Stone meet with Baldeo often to offer support and mentorship, which she says is as valuable as the money.

“They’ve offered advice in a lot of different ways in terms of listening to what my goals and dreams are and offering the resources and people to contact in terms of just having more information,” said Baldeo. “They’ve been able to connect people all over.”

Having mentors has made Baldeo want to serve her community, as well. For the past year, she has volunteered as a mentor to sophomore and junior architecture students at Baltimore Design School. “I feel passionate about it, just in terms of bringing more exposure to the field, talking to younger people,” said Baldeo, who took a “nontraditional” path to college, and is older than some of her classmates. “When I was their age, I didn’t have any exposure to the field. I didn’t realize that this could be something I would be passionate about, and I think having that sort of impact is just a beautiful thing to do for somebody.”

Baldeo plans to become a licensed architect and is entertaining pursuits “in construction management and the software portion of architecture.” A dream job, she says, is marrying elements of both. For now, she is living her dream and hopeful other students will experience the support AF donors have offered her.  “I didn’t even know there were people out here giving this sort of money. Opportunities sort of find themselves, I think, in alignment of your path,” said Baldeo. “Unfortunately, money does become this object that controls us in certain ways or prevents us or elongates the journey to be able to get towards what we truly feel passionate about. There are resources and people out there who are willing to help you. It really comes down to holding your dream close to your heart.”

Support AF this holiday season

On November 28 – Giving Tuesday – the Architects Foundation will launch its year-end giving campaign to support students like Zuleika Baldeo. Support architecture students and other worthwhile programs in the design community during the holiday season.

WASHINGTON — ­The Architects Foundation, the philanthropic partner of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), is accepting applications through January 19, 2024, for three scholarships awards for architecture students and emerging professionals.

Diversity Advancement Scholarship

This multiyear scholarship supports high school and undergraduate minority students who are entering, enrolled in, or transferring into an undergraduate architecture program recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Scholarships may be renewed every year for up to five years or until the degree is completed ($20,000 total award toward tuition and fees).

Scholarship sponsors include The American Institute of Architects, The Curry Stone Foundation, Fireclay Tile, Material Bank, and The Sherwin-Williams Company.

Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship
The Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship is a $10,000 award toward tuition and fees supporting a woman studying architecture within a NAAB-accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree program. The awardee will also receive a senior mentor from Payette for the scholarship year.

Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship
The Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship supports a graduate student whose work demonstrates an exemplary focus at the design intersection of sustainability, resilience, wellness and beauty. The scholarship recipient receives $5,000 toward tuition and fees and mentorship from Yann Weymouth, AIA, for the scholarship year.

The application period for these scholarships is open through Jan. 19, 2024. More information on the Foundation’s scholarship programs can be found online. Interested applicants should read the scholarship FAQ.

Letter from the President

The state of the Architects Foundation (AF) is strong! In 2022, the dedicated and passionate individuals who comprise the AF staff and its Board of Directors remained committed to supporting architecture students by administering a variety of scholarships and served as stewards of the historic Octagon House, the original home of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in the nation’s capital. The year ended with AF agreeing to add AIA’s Communities by Design (CxD) program to its portfolio of opportunities to serve the profession. AF will begin raising funds for CxD in 2023, which presents an exciting opportunity for design professionals to serve alongside students on future Design Assistance Teams. I had the privilege of participating in a CxD session last year in Savannah, Georgia, and found renewed affirmation in the value of what we, as design professionals, can accomplish working side by side with community members. CxD migrated to AF to leverage its 501(c)(3) non-profit status for fundraising purposes, and we are grateful to have the CxD staff as the newest members of the AF family.

As AIA’s philanthropic partner, it is important that our efforts reflect AIA’s values and priorities. During my tenure as AF Board President, which concluded in December 2022, we chose to prioritize two of them: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Sustainability. This annual report showcases the ways in which AF donors made access to learning and design more available in communities across the built environment and took action to help protect the Earth.

I am especially proud of the growth of our Diversity Advancement Scholarship (DAS) program, which allows AF to offer financial assistance to a diverse group of students for whom such support can make the difference between continuing along the path toward becoming an architect or falling off it. Likewise, in partnership with the AIA Large Firm Round Table, AF offered financial support to candidates studying for and taking Architectural Registration Exams. One of the highlights of our student engagement process happens during the annual AIA Conference on Architecture, when recipients are invited to meet inspirational leaders at an event AF sponsors in partnership with Material Bank. Hearing their testimonials about the impact AF has made in their lives is what keeps us highly motivated to do this work!

The Foundation’s support of climate action should also be celebrated. Historic preservation is a cornerstone of resilient design, and in 2022 we registered The Octagon, the Architects Foundation’s historic home, for EarthCraft Sustainable Preservation (ECSP) certification. ECSP was designed by Southface Institute to focus on the challenges historic buildings face in balancing historic features with occupant health, resource efficiency, and high performance, especially in hot, humid climates. We received a grant from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities to have Southface perform building envelope testing on The Octagon as a first step in preparing for much needed building improvements that will allow us lead by example in updating our building to be a model of sustainable preservation.

In my final role as AF president, I would like to acknowledge my predecessor, James Walbridge, FAIA, who laid a clear path of succession that enabled me to effectively hit the ground running. I am particularly gratified to have led our active and diverse Board in a thoughtful and effective strategic planning process and the adoption of the resulting plan. As the torch has now been passed to my good friend and colleague, Bill Roschen, FAIA, I take comfort knowing that his leadership will continue to advance the work that we are charged to do with his own style and demeanor that leads with love and joy. The state of the AF is indeed strong!

R. Steven Lewis, FAIA, NOMAC

 

Year in Review

Scholarships 

Architects Foundation scholarships are building a more diverse profession. Innovation drives design, and diversity of thought and representation will bring better ideas and solutions to the built environment. In 2022, AF donors empowered the next generation of architects by investing $468,788 to award 54 new scholarships across 8 programs.  

Among the scholarships awarded in 2022: 

Diversity Advancement Scholarship (DAS) 

In 2022, donors contributed approximately $168,000 to the DAS, which was created in 1970 to support ethnically diverse students who are entering, enrolling in, or transferring to an NAAB-accredited undergraduate architecture program. Seven DAS awards were made in 2022.  

The DAS gives trade school and college students the chance to transform their career trajectory, with financial support and access to AF’s extensive network of alumni, mentors, and scholars. Students may renew scholarships every year until degree completion for up to five years ($20,000 total award). 

Large Firm Roundtable (LFRT) Architect Registration Examination (ARE) Scholarship 

In its second year, support from the LFRT/ARE is helping Black architects become licensed. This scholarship is working to help fulfill the LFRT’s goal to double the number of licensed Black architects by 2030 by defraying ARE costs. Recipients also receive $500 in study materials and one year of Associate AIA or NOMA member dues.   

In addition to awarding 40 scholarships, the AF Board connects regularly with scholarship recipients to let them know that the AF network extends beyond financial support. 

McAslan Scholars 

2022-23 marks the final year of AF’s partnership with global firm John McAslan + Partners to fund an international academic travel grant and mentorship program. The most recent recipient, Vijay Rajkumar, a graduate student at MIT, traveled to Florence, Italy, to study the Manifattura Tabacchi project and other significant works of Pier Luigi Nervi.  

Richard Morris Hunt Prize 

On alternating years, the Richard Morris Hunt Prize is awarded to historic preservation architects from France and the United States. Cultural exchange has never been as important as it is today, when the world needs to shine a bright light on the beauty we can create together, across cultures and physical boundaries. In partnership with the French Heritage Society and Les Amis du Richard Morris Hunt, the AF Board President and the Prize Founder together oversee the jury. The first-place laureate and the second-place scholar receive funding for six months and five weeks, respectively, of travel to the partner country to pursue a scholarly project. The results of their research strengthen the body of knowledge for the preservation field, as well as the ties between our two countries.   

In 2022 first-place laureate Lurita McIntosh Blank, NCARB, RBEC, APT RP, traveled to France to study Vertical Timber Framing Practices.  

Second-place scholar Marika Dalley Snider, PhD, AIA, focused her research on Curating Paris’s Layers through Historic Preservation. 

French scholars delayed by COVID will complete their American research trips in 2023. 

The Octagon 

A Washington, DC, landmark built in 1799, The Octagon is a living laboratory for historic preservation, sustainability, and community engagement, as well as the home of AF’s core programs. Originally constructed by local craftsmen and enslaved laborers, The Octagon is now a space to advance conversations about the architect’s role in creating a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive society. 

A new speaker series, “Revealing Parallel Histories Hidden in Plain Sight,’ was launched at The Octagon by AF President R. Steven Lewis, FAIA in 2022 to share historical knowledge and narratives across social divides. An installation of elegant tapestries from the CODA Award-winning I Was Here project, with contemporary artistic representations of enslaved workers, reminds visitors to The Octagon of the skilled and talented historic figures whose impact on the early American built environment is often overlooked.  

In 2022, AF engaged the consulting firm Alexion Fischer to help support AF’s efforts to scale donor giving. Early planning has begun to launch a campaign to build an endowment capable of sustaining the building and its programs in perpetuity.  

Campaigns 

The Architects Foundation leads philanthropic campaigns to support a core element of our mission: Attract, inspire, and invest in the next generation of architects. 

Collaborating with partners and sponsors who share in our mission, our campaigns raised more than $757,000 in donations and pledges throughout 2022. Highlights of these campaigns follow: 

Fireclay Tile Fundraiser for Black History Month 

Recognized in 2021 with the Webby Awards’ Inaugural Anthem Award and named by Digital Media Solutions as the #1 top brand+charity partnership making a difference for Black History Month, the Fireclay Tile Fundraiser for Black History Month raised more than $50,000 for our Diversity Advancement Scholarship to support Black Women. 

A’22 Conference Experience for Diversity Advancement Scholars 

With support from Material Bank, we were able to bring five Diversity Advancement Scholars to A’22. This inaugural event launched an ongoing initiative to provide scholars with opportunities to engage with diverse design professionals and hear about their career journeys. 

The Octagon Reopening and Membership Launch 

The Octagon reopened in May 2022 with a cocktail reception, audience engagement exercise with the I Was Here tapestries, and the launch of the Octagon Alliance, a membership program with benefits including free and reduced admission to select events. 

 Support the Foundation 

Our success depends on your support. Donate to the Architects Fund today to help us grow our scholarship and museum programs. Your gift is a direct investment in the next generation of architects and design professionals whose future work will make our world a better place. 

At this year’s AIA Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS), AIA and the Architects Foundation were honored to join Payette for a celebratory happy hour at their Boston office to honor the donors and recipients of the Sho-Ping Chin WLS Grant. Established in 2017, the grant is named in memory of Sho-Ping Chin, FAIA, a principal at Payette and one of the founders of the Women’s Leadership Summit. The grant covers the travel and registration costs to attend the summit, enabling a greater number of women architects to experience the community, knowledge-sharing, and leadership training that the Summit offers.

This year’s grant recipients, Laura Sherman of Decatur, GA; Libertad Lauren McLellan Harris of Beverly, NJ; Seher Hashmi of Orlando, FL; Mika Naraynsingh of Washington, DC; and Tooba Jalal of New York, NY; were joined at the reception by many past recipients. Also joining the happy hour were several Summit attendees who received funding from their local AIA chapters to attend the Summit, a testament to the impactful vision and generosity of Sho-Ping Chin, the WLS founders, and the donors who initiated the inaugural WLS grant in 2017.

A spectacular exhibition produced by Payette shared the life and legacy of Sho-Ping Chin and celebrated the success of the Women’s Leadership Summit and the community of women architect leaders it has inspired and cultivated.

The Architects Foundation was honored to recognize some of those visionary donors at the happy hour, with Executive Director Marci Reed and board president Bill Roschen, FAIA, presenting the Architects Foundation’s inaugural Inspiration Award to Carol Burns, FAIA; Heather Taylor, AIA; Janet Ross, AIA; Katy Flammia, AIA; Jeanne Lukenda, FASLA; and Carole Wedge, FAIA.

Looking ahead to next year’s Summit, the Architects Foundation is seeking donations to enable another cohort of future women architect leaders to attend. Support women in architecture by donating today.

WASHINGTON – The Architects Foundation today announced the recipients for five of its scholarship programs that support future leaders of the profession in equity, diversity, and sustainability.

The Architects Foundation is continuing to support the future of the architecture profession by recognizing and supporting scholars through an ever-expanding scholarship and grant program offering. Programs listed below represent the latest recipients of the Architects Foundation’s scholarship and grant programs.

2023 Diversity Advancement Scholarship
The Architects Foundation is continuing to support diversity in the architecture profession by awarding its Diversity Advancement Scholarship to 3 students entering architecture school. Each of the students will receive $4,000 per year towards tuition for the next five years totaling $20,000 each. This year’s recipients are:
• Sherwin-Williams Scholar Justin Chappell, a freshman at Florida A&M University.
• Fireclay Tile Scholar Gabriella Doe, a sophomore at University of Notre Dame.
• RS&H Scholar Silvia Kim, a freshman at Carnegie Mellon University.

2023 Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship
The Architects Foundation is awarding the 2023 Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship to Michelle Ovanessians.

2023 Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship
The Architects Foundation is awarding the 2023 Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship to Alec Harrigan.

2023 Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship
The Architects Foundation is awarding the 2023 Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship to 10 emerging professionals to defray the costs associated with the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Scholarship recipients will receive funds to cover the cost of the ARE, as well as $500 for study materials to prepare for testing. This year’s recipients are:
• Fallon Barrett
• Calvin Gallion
• Nancy De La Vega
• Jason Hegenauer
• Brittany Leneave
• Taisa Peree-Sehic
• Oswaldo Rivera-Ortiz
• Caroline Sorge
• Maddison Wells
• Ruichen Xu

This year, we had an extraordinary number of exceptional applicants to the Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship. Thanks to Tiffany Brown, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, 400FORWARD will fund the exam costs for an additional three applicants, expanding the reach and impact of this program and encouraging these emerging professionals at a pivotal point in their career. The applicants supported by 400FORWARD are:
• Darius Mathius
• Dezha McKoy-Overton
• Stephanie White

2023 Student Loan Relief Grant
The Architects Foundation is awarding the inaugural Student Loan Relief Grant to provide $5,000 of support to architecture graduates who are struggling with student debt. This year’s recipients are:
• Jasmyn Byrd
• Joshua Foster

Originally aired in February 2023, this Tangible Remnants episode at The Octagon Museum features a conversation with Sarah Shoenfeld and Derek Musgrove. The focus of the discussion was Sarah and Derek’s work to elevate 20th century Civil Rights sites and Black Power sites within Washington, DC. This is part of The Octagon’s programming series “Revealing Parallel Histories hidden in Plain Sight.”

WASHINGTON – The Architects Foundation today announced that the Communities by Design program at The American Institute of Architects will now be housed at the Architects Foundation. 

The Communities by Design program brings together architects and other professional disciplines to work alongside the residents, professionals and institutions of host communities on key local issues. Every project is community-driven and includes meaningful public participation in an intensive process to match professional expertise with public values and aspirations to create an action plan with phased, implementable recommendations for the future. 

Since the program’s start in 1967, the Communities by Design (CxD) program has completed over 230 projects and won more than a dozen awards globally. Past CxD projects have helped tackle critical issues including downtown and economic revitalization, disaster recovery and preparedness, affordable housing, zero carbon policy, and historic preservation. 

“The Communities by Design program aligns spectacularly with the values and programming of the Architects Foundation,” said Bill Roschen, FAIA, Architects Foundation President.  

“We are thrilled for the opportunity this program brings to expand our efforts as AIA’s philanthropic partner to attract, inspire and invest in the next-generation design community, and support the communities where we live, work, play, learn and thrive.” 

Learn more about the Communities by Design program , upcoming events and donation opportunities on the Architects Foundation website. 

 

Fireclay Tile has partnered with the Architects Foundation for a 3rd year to sponsor a Diversity Advancement Scholarship for Black women pursuing architecture.

This year, Fireclay is aiming to raise $75,000. Fireclay has committed to donating $25,000, and we invite you to help us reach our goal to support the education of three future architects!

Learn more >

Donate >

In December 2022, the Octagon Alliance hosted the first of its continuing lecture series.  “Revealing Parallel Histories Hidden in Plain Sight” is a premier lecture series to give visibility to BIPOC voices and stories underrepresented in the national architectural canon, aiming to educate and engage attendees in topics related to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

As the first installement in the series, photographer Andrew Feiler and Brent Leggs, Executive Director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, discussed Feiler’s book on The Rosenwald Schools.

Watch the full lecture below.

 

Octagon Alliance members receive exclusive benefits for Octagon visitation and events like the The Rosenwald Schools with Andrew Feiler and Brent Leggs. Become a member today.

 

The Architects Foundation is proud to present the 2023 Richard Morris Hunt Prize Fellow and scholar, selected at the December 2022 jury in Washington, DC at The Octagon. Congratulations to Lurita and Marika!

Lurita McIntosh Blank, NCARB, RBEC, APT RP, has received a 6-month travel fellowship to France to study Vertical Timber Framing Practices.

Lurita is a Principal with Raths, Raths & Johnson, Inc., a national engineering, architecture, and forensics consulting firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.  She is a Registered Architect in multiple states, a Registered Building Envelope Consultant through the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC), a Recognized Professional through the Association for Preservation Technology (APT), and holds of Master of Science in Historic Preservation from Columbia University. 

 With a 15+ year career in architectural forensics, Lurita’s practice focuses on issues with material degradation, building performance, and water intrusion.   Her expertise includes masonry, heavy timber, and roofing/waterproofing.   At RRJ, Lurita leads the historic preservation and federal markets, providing investigation, diagnosis, and repair design for heritage structures across the country.  Her current work includes multiple projects in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, on French colonial vertical log structures.

 

Marika Dalley Snider, PhD, AIA is the recipient of the 5-week scholarship whose research topic focuses on Curating Paris’s Layers through Historic Preservation.

Marika is an architect, educator, and storyteller who celebrates the small, the forgotten, and the under-appreciated architecture and its associated people through film and visualization, writing, and historic preservation.

Marika’s architectural practice spans a wide variety of small and medium-sized project types but her passion is history and historic preservation. Museum-quality restorations to state owned historic sites such as the home of former U.S. President Warren G Harding and investigative fieldwork on Harriet Beecher Stowe’s House are some of her proudest work. She is equally proud of her work on historic storefronts and supporting preservation in small towns in Ohio, Utah, and Tennessee.

Marika teaches undergraduate and graduate comprehensive studios and the history of architecture series at the University of Memphis. Her research  focuses on virtual and augmented reality for interpretation of historic African-American neighborhoods.

Learn more about the Richard Morris Hunt Prize here.

Spring Webinar Series – The Future of Cities

Our society is undergoing a profound transformation. By mid-century, an estimated two-thirds of our global population – 6 billion people – will live in cities. Global population growth and urbanization are putting enormous stress on our civilization, fueling a host of cascading crises from climate change to housing, health to inequality. Despite the unprecedented challenges facing us, cities are uniquely positioned to serve as the hub of a global strategy to address our current crises. This series will focus on a number of key themes facing the future of our cities, offering provocative ideas about how we conceptualize our collective future and the role of design leadership in achieving global goals.

Technology & the Future City

1 LU  |  February 1 at 2pm ET

This session will provide a broad overview of the major implications of key emerging technologies unfolding in cities and a framework for understanding urban design and development connections to them.

Decarbonization for Cities

1 LU HSW  |  February 22 at 2pm ET

This session will identify some of the common gaps in current city approaches and highlight innovative work happening at the local level that may provide broader guidance to community decarbonization strategies across the country.

Public Process Leadership in an Age of Distrust

1 LU HSW  |  March 15 at 2pm ET

The session will address technique selection, as well as tools, resources and networks where participants can develop skills in public participation and building trust.

The 15-Minute City: Sustainable Urbanism in the Future City

1 LU HSW  |  April 5, 2023 at 2pm ET

This session will feature real-world applied settings for the 15-Minute City with lessons learned for other jurisdictions seeking to mobilize action for more sustainable urbanism.

Introduction to Design Assistance Teams

1 LU HSW  |  April 26, 2023 at 2pm ET

This session will explain the guiding principles and methodology that Design Assistance Teams employ to help communities reach more equitable and sustainable outcomes.

Building the Equitable City: Lessons Learned in Anti-Displacement and Equitable

1 LU HSW  |  May 17, 2023 at 2pm ET

The session will share practical lessons learned from a range of diverse experiences in major American cities that can provide guidance to other community practitioners, designers and civic leaders.

Join one or all of our live courses. Want to join the entire series? Receive 25% off when you purchase all 6 courses in the series (discount will be applied at checkout). Explore the series and register >

In case you missed it over the holidays, check out the end of the year message from the President of the Architects Foundation, R. Steven Lewis, FAIA!

The Architects Foundation, the philanthropic partner of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), is now accepting applications for five scholarships awards for architecture students and emerging professionals.

Diversity Advancement Scholarship
This multiyear scholarship supports high school and undergraduate minority students who are entering, enrolled in, or transferring into an undergraduate architecture program recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Scholarships may be renewed every year for up to five years or until the degree is completed ($20,000 total award toward tuition and fees).

Scholarship sponsors include The American Institute of Architects, Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation, ConstructConnect, The Curry Stone Foundation, The Custom Residential Architects Network, Fireclay Tile, GGLO, HKS, Lord Aeck Sargent, Material Bank, RS&H, Safdie Architects, Semihandmade, The Sherwin-Williams Company, and ZGF.

Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship
The Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship is a $10,000 award toward tuition and fees supporting a woman studying architecture within a NAAB-accredited bachelor or master’s degree program. The awardee will also receive a senior mentor from Payette for the scholarship year.

Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship
The Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship supports a graduate student whose work demonstrates an exemplary focus at the design intersection of sustainability, resilience, wellness and beauty. The scholarship recipient receives $5,000 toward tuition and fees and mentorship from Yann Weymouth, AIA, for the scholarship year.

Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship

This scholarship covers the full cost of the Architect Registration Exam and provides study materials for emerging professionals working toward their architecture license.

Student Loan Relief Grant

This grant covers $5,000 in loan payments for emerging architects with student debt.

The application period for these five scholarships is open through Jan. 20, 2023. More information on the Foundation’s scholarship programs can be found online. Interested applicants should read the scholarship FAQ.

Earlier this year, the Architects Foundation awarded the 2022 Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship to Cheyenne Yamada. Yamada, a student at the University of Pennsylvania, will receive a $5,000 scholarship towards tuition for demonstrating an exemplary work focus of design that includes sustainability, resilience, wellness, and beauty. The scholarship honors practicing architect Yann Weymouth, FAIA, who will also mentor Cheyenne.

“Cheyenne demonstrated in her student work a practical and imaginative focus on creating environments to support those in society with few resources. She made inventive use of available local materials to respond to local climate and conditions. Her strongest project combined hand-drawn and digital images with which she portrayed her vision of a safe and welcoming community for homeless persons camping in remote Oahu beaches. The unexpected combination of techniques demonstrated a sensitive empathy and mature presentation,” said Weymouth.

“Ms. Yamada’s talent is coupled with a sense of responsibility for how it should be applied to creatively address issues of equity and sustainability.”

Prior to studying at the University of Pennsylvania, Cheyenne graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Architecture in 2021.

Cheyenne is of Chamorro and Filipino descent, born in Saipan of the Northern Mariana Islands and raised in the mainland U.S. just outside of Washington D.C. Coming from these dual landscapes of a fourteen by five mile long island in the Pacific versus a metropolitan area, she has been exposed to incredibly diverse natural, built, and socioeconomic environments. It is her unique upbringing to which she attributes her continuing curiosity about how design influences people from different walks of life as well as how it affects the natural environment in which it intervenes. This curiosity has sustained throughout her architectural studies thus far as her studio projects have naturally gravitated towards sustainable design efforts to simultaneously promote both cultural and environmental resilience.

Applications for the 2023 Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship will open November 7. Sign up to receive notifications about the application opening.

Earlier this year, the Architects Foundation awarded the 2022 Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship to Jada Cannon, a student at Cornell University.

This award honors late architect Sho-Ping Chin, FAIA, a long-time principal at Payette and a healthcare practice leader who was instrumental in defining and elevating the national discourse for women in design. As part of the prize, Jada will receive a $10,000 scholarship and will be mentored by an architect at Payette for the scholarship year.

Jada has acted as a historian for the University of Colorado Denver National Organization of Minority Architecture Students and as a volunteer for Architexx, a feminist architecture collective. Jada is now pursuing a Master’s in Architecture at Cornell University, and serves on the Diversity and Inclusion Council. Jada plans to utilize their background to become an architect who considers an array of different, often underrepresented, perspectives, and represents communal values in an accessible form.

“We are thrilled with the selection of Jada Cannon as the recipient of the 2022 Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Scholarship,” said Kevin Sullivan, CEO of Payette.

“Jada’s vision and passion for architecture to positively affect change in our environment and the communities and culture of the places that we live and work, is inspiring. Jada embodies all the characteristics of someone that Sho-Ping would have much admired and would have loved to have met.”

Applications for the 2023 Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship will open November 7. Sign up to receive news about the scholarship opening.

 

The Architects Foundation is recognizing and supporting women in architecture with the Sho-Ping Chin Women’s Leadership Summit Grant.

The Sho-Ping Chin WLS Grant provides travel and registration to the AIA Women’s Leadership Summit, empowering women through leadership, knowledge, and community. This year, the grant will fund ten women to attend the summit, which is being held from September 28-Oct 1 in Silicon Valley. This year’s recipients are:

• Valerie Caruolo, Assoc. AIA
• Elsa C. Garcia, Intl. Assoc. AIA
• Sarah Kleiner, AIA
• Sangyoon Park, AIA
• Taisa Peree-Sehic
• Alejandra Rodriguez Leon, Intl Assoc. AIA
• Saakshi Terway, Assoc. AIA
• Julie Trinh, AIA
• Kristine Wentworth, AIA
• Zakiya Wiggins, AIA

The grant was established in 2017 in memory of Sho-Ping Chin, FAIA, a Principal at Payette who founded the inaugural AIA Women’s Leadership Summit in 2009.

“The Architects Foundation is privileged to honor Sho-Ping Chin’s legacy through this grant program, which was established by her colleagues and is now entrusted with us,” said Architects Foundation Executive Director, Marci Reed. “We are thrilled to be gathering again in person to share one another’s passion and wisdom and to support and empower women in architecture.”

The Architects Foundation is seeking donations for the next class of recipients. Support women in architecture and donate today.

The Architects Foundation today announced recipients for the AIA Large Firm Roundtable (LFRT) ARE Scholarship.

The Architects Foundation’s AIA LFRT ARE Scholarship helps fulfill the LFRT’s goal to double the number of licensed Black architects by 2030. The scholarship defrays the costs associated with the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), provides a one-year subscription to ArchiPrep and covers one year of Associate AIA or NOMA member dues.

“The future of our profession is bright. These scholarship winners will continue to build upon efforts to push our profession to be equitable, inclusive, and diverse,” said Jonathan Moody, AIA, chair of the review committee and co-chair of the LFRT Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) committee.

“I look through the list and see 34 steps on our continued journey of progress. The result will be better outcomes for all those we serve.”

The 2022 LFRT ARE Scholarship winners are:

• Asmau Ikhuoria
• Carleigh Pope
• Chadelle Clark
• Charnice Burns
• Chisom Okwulehie
• Christa Frisco
• Christian Coles
• Courtney Prentiss
• DaMario Walker-Brown
• Domonique Jiles
• Ernest Banks
• Feyisope Quadri
• Franklyn Jason Campbell
• Girmay Berhie
• Greg Miller
• Gwendoline Ndikumagenge
• Jacob Powell
• Jasmin Jenkins
• Joenette Cobb
• Joy Cunningham
• Karyn Reddick
• Kristin Mason
• Kuleya Bruce
• Malachi Pursley
• Malcolm Jones
• Mark Brooks
• Marsha McDonald
• Me’osha Solsberry
• Moriah Sims
• Nicholas White
• Norissa Alexander
• Shanese Brown
• Teri Watson
• Tianna Williams
• Tyler Porter

Complete details on the LFRT ARE scholarship program are available on the Architects Foundation website.

 

The Architects Foundation has announced the recipients of its Diversity Advancement Scholarship, including the scholarship sponsored by Fireclay Tile. Oni Thornell of Brooklyn, NY will receive $4,000 per year towards tuition for up to five years to attend Syracuse University.

“Fireclay Tile is thrilled to partner with the Architects Foundation to support talented, inquisitive, and compassionate future architects like Oni Thornell” said Lindsey Bourcier, Fireclay Tile Brand Manager.

“Oni’s dedication to making meaningful change, her desire to lean into sustainable practices, and most importantly, her advocacy for equal access to the rights inherent in architecture resonated strongly with our team at Fireclay and aligns with our ethos of continuous improvement in building an inclusive world.”

Embracing diverse viewpoints and cultures in architecture is an asset to the profession, and the Diversity Advancement Scholarship offers students with a passion for studying the discipline of architecture an opportunity to successfully complete their studies no matter their color or where they come from.

The Diversity Advancement Scholarship was created in 1970 with an initial grant from the Ford Foundation, after civil rights leader Whitney Young Jr. challenged architects in 1968 to create a more responsible and equitable field. The Architects Foundation has been managing the program since 2009 and has expanded the program size thanks to the support of sponsors like Fireclay Tile.

 

The Architects Foundation today announced the recipients for four of its tuition scholarship programs that support future leaders of the profession in equity, diversity, and sustainability.

The Architects Foundation is continuing to support the future of the architecture profession by recognizing and supporting scholars through an ever-expanding scholarship and grant program offering. Programs listed below represent the latest recipients of the Architects Foundation’s scholarship and grant programs.

2022 Diversity Advancement Scholarship
The Architects Foundation is continuing to support diversity in the architecture profession by awarding its Diversity Advancement Scholarship to 7 students entering architecture school.  Each of the students will receive $4,000 per year towards tuition for the next five years totaling $20,000 each. This year’s recipients are:

• Bryan Terry Jr – Milwaukee, WI
• Cassius Palacio – Chicago, IL – RS&H Scholar
• Conrad Ontimara– Slidell, LA — Robert Ivy Scholar
• Kamea Johnson – Detroit, MI
• Nia Fletcher – Seattle, WA
• Oni Thornell – Brooklyn, NY – Fireclay Tile Scholar
• Raven Mills – Willingboro, NJ – Sherwin-Williams Scholar

2022 Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship
The Architects Foundation is awarding the 2022 Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship to Jada Cannon. Cannon, a student at Cornell University, will receive a $10,000 scholarship intended to support the education of women in architecture. They will also be mentored by an architect at Payette for the scholarship year. This award honors late architect Sho-Ping Chin, FAIA, a long-time principal at Payette and a healthcare practice leader who was instrumental in defining and elevating the national discourse for women in design.

2022 a/e ProNet David W. Lakamp AIA Scholarship
The Architects Foundation is awarding the 2022 a/e ProNet David W. Lakamp AIA Scholarship to Jennifer Stieben (University of Kentucky) and Sabrina Lem (University of Illinois at Chicago). Each will receive $5,000 to be used towards tuition for demonstrating a strong interest in practice and risk management. The scholarship honors David W. Lakamp, who was a founder of a/e ProNet and a trusted advisor to the profession of architecture.

2022 Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship
The Architects Foundation is awarding the 2022 Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship to Cheyenne Yamada. Yamada, a student at the University of Pennsylvania, will receive a $5,000 scholarship towards tuition for demonstrating an exemplary work focus of design that includes sustainability, resilience, wellness, and beauty. The scholarship honors practicing architect Yann Weymouth, FAIA, who will also mentor Yamada.

Learn more about AF scholarships >
Support AF scholars >

Updated September 14, 2022

Letter from the president

In a time of war, climate change, pandemics, famine, and other global catastrophes, it is only natural that many of us worry about our ability to solve massive problems. Personally, I approach the enormity of distressing circumstances by first taking a step back and examining what’s in my control and then acting within my sphere of influence. We take a similar approach at the Architects Foundation.

As America continues to grapple with racism today and in its collective past, the foundation plays an important role in revealing America’s parallel histories. Enslaved people built many of our nation’s historical homes and sites. Through exhibits like I Was Here, the foundation is shining a light on important yet hidden parts of our nation’s story.

Meanwhile, our mission to support all students—particularly students of color—has grown more important than ever. And you come through for them time and again.

Over the last 50 years, foundation scholarship programs have empowered the professional lives of nearly 2,500 students. Last year alone, donations to our Diversity Advancement Scholarship increased by more than $100,000. We also established the AIA Large Firm Round Table Architect Registration Exam scholarship, which enabled more than 30 Black architects to access ARE testing in 2022.

Looking ahead, supporting minority students will remain a top priority, as will the AIA Large Firm Round Table’s goal of doubling the number of licensed Black architects by the year 2030.

We also plan to leverage The Octagon—former AIA headquarters and home of President James Madison—as a special place to promote conversations about justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.  In effect, we are reclaiming The Octagon as a safe, respectful, equitable, inspirational, and thought-provoking space.

Without question, this has been a tumultuous year on many fronts. But your generous support allowed the foundation to achieve many important goals in 2021. Please enjoy this look back at our accomplishments and remember: By working together and taking one constructive, positive action at a time, we can repair our homes, our neighborhoods, our cities, and ultimately our nation.

Sincerely,

R. Steven Lewis, FAIA

2021–2022 Architects Foundation President

Year in review

Scholarships

The Architects Foundation proudly invests in the future of architecture through scholarships that empower our profession’s next generation.

In 2021, we awarded 32 new scholarships across eight programs, totaling $334,041. With the understanding that diversity drives innovation in design, we are committed to funding education for students of disparate backgrounds, experiences, and points of view. By promoting a wider range of voices within the architecture industry, we will strengthen our built environment and the ways in which we engage with, and understand, one another through shared space.

We look forward to seeing how these young practitioners leverage their diverse perspectives and lived experiences to develop as architects and change-makers.

Among the scholarships awarded in 2021:

Diversity Advancement Scholarship

Architecture professionals should reflect the diverse communities they serve. Since 1970, this multiyear scholarship has supported ethnically diverse students who are entering, enrolling in, or transferring to an NAAB-accredited undergraduate architecture program. Students may renew scholarships every year until degree completion for up to five years ($20,000 total award).

The scholarship also strengthens recipients’ career trajectory by giving them access to its extensive network of alumni, mentors, and scholars. In 2021, donors contributed approximately $250,000 to this scholarship fund—an increase of more than $100,000 from the year before—enabling us to award 10 scholarships. And, with a $150,000 gift, Sherwin-Williams set up an endowed Diversity Advancement Scholarship.

Scholar spotlight: Shannar O’Connor

“The past five years of architecture school have been the most transformative years of my life. I had many hardships, but also a plethora of rewarding experiences. From the beginning, the odds were never in my favor, being that I am a Black woman from a single-parent immigrant family. However, my hard work, determination, and aid from scholarships, such as the Architects Foundation Diversity Advancement Scholarship, The Villagers Preservation Scholarship, and the Colin MacDonald Betsch Memorial Award, helped me accomplish one of my major life goals—graduating Summa Cum Laude with a B.Arch degree from my dream university (the University of Miami).”

Large Firm Roundtable (LFRT) Architect Registration Examination (ARE) Scholarship

In partnership with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the Architects Foundation launched its inaugural LFRT Architect Registration Examination scholarship in 2021. This initiative aims to help fulfill LFRT’s goal of doubling the number of licensed Black architects by 2030.

A joint survey conducted by NCARB and the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) called Baseline on Belonging found that minority professionals experience more barriers as they pursue licensure. The report also found that Black and Latino candidates disproportionately face issues of ARE affordability, with most applicants spending more than $500 on study materials.

The scholarship covers the cost of the ARE and provides $500 in study materials, a one-year subscription to AIA’s exam prep resource (ArchiPrep®), one year of membership dues to either AIA or NOMA, and one year of NCARB Record fees. The scholarship opened for applications in 2021 and was awarded to 30 Black architects in 2022.

Donor spotlight: Jonathan Moody, AIA

“We wanted to remove as many barriers as possible for young people seeking this award,” said Jonathan Moody, AIA, NOMA, co-chair of the LFRT Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) committee. “And being the first year of granting these scholarships, we’re not sure how many applications to expect, but if you run the numbers, the need exceeds current resources. That being said, I believe the LFRT is committed to providing continued financial support and work with the Architects Foundation and others to support aspiring Black architects.”

McAslan Scholars

The merit-based Architects Foundation/McAslan Fellowship funds academic travel opportunities for undergraduate seniors and graduate students. It also provides mentor relationships for them with international architects.

In 2021, fellows Melissa Smith and Mike Lidwin focused on the problems confronting Scottish care homes during COVID-19: One half of COVID-19 deaths in the UK were tied to care homes. The two published a report on the homes’ design and how they could be adapted to better withstand pandemic conditions.

The pair also started work on another project on Turquoise Mountain in Jordan. This community-focused, heritage-led urban regeneration initiative focuses on Umm Qais, one of Jordan’s most important archeological sites. The fellows are developing the best response to support the built heritage, sustainably increase tourism, and radically transform locals’ lives through the employment and education benefits of a revitalized Umm Qais.

Scholar Spotlight: Melissa Smith

“Now that I’ve secured my Master’s in Architecture from the University of Kansas, I’ll be working with LRK in New Orleans to design WELL-certified buildings and communities, and I look forward to putting my Health & Wellness and Historic Preservation certificates to work. I hope to use my studies in Jordan and elsewhere around the world to design more sustainably and beautifully. Who’s to say where I may be in a year, or five years, or ten? But I’m excited to see where this next path takes me as I continue to embrace change and take advantage of opportunities, even if it means letting go of certain things I once held dear.”

Campaigns

The Architects Foundation leads several philanthropic campaigns to support a core element of our mission: Attract, inspire, and invest in the next generation of architects.

Working with partners and sponsors who share in our mission, our campaigns raised more than $450,000 in donations and pledges throughout 2021. Highlights of these campaigns follow.

Fireclay Tile campaign for Black women studying architecture

According to a 2020 report in Archinect, only 0.4% of licensed architects in the United States are Black women. Fireclay Tile partnered with the Architects Foundation during Black History month (February 2021) to sponsor a Diversity Advancement Scholarship specifically for Black women pursuing architecture careers. Impressively, the campaign reached its initial goal of $25,000 in its first three days. With a total of 173 supporters, Fireclay Tile eventually doubled its goal to $50,000. The AF/Fireclay partnership was honored with the Best in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion-Partnership or Collaboration, Silver Medal Class in the Inaugural Anthem Awards, presented by the The Webby Awards and judged by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS).

Partner Spotlight: Eric Edelson, CEO, Fireclay Tile

“This is a tremendous partnership, and we are honored to support the work of the Architects Foundation to help educate and inspire more amazing talent.”

Robert Ivy Tribute Fund

In 2021, the Architects Foundation created the Robert Ivy Tribute Fund to honor Robert’s service to AIA—including his 11-year tenure as CEO.

The fund recognizes Robert Ivy’s vision for the foundation as the philanthropic arm of AIA. Coming at a critical juncture in the foundation’s history, the fund represents an investment in ensuring continued growth during AIA’s leadership transition and will serve as a lasting legacy for a true pioneer in our field. We’re proud to share that the foundation has already raised more than $350,000 in donations and pledges.

Partner spotlight: Chris Anderson, CEO, AIA Contract Documents, powered by Catina

“Gifts are a fine way to say ‘thank you’ but Robert is deserving of so much more as a legacy for his leadership. I was happy to spearhead the fundraising in Robert’s honor to acknowledge his vision for the Architects Foundation to secure its ability to continue to attract, inspire and invest in the next generation design community for years to come.”

The Octagon

Long a symbol of power and influence in Washington, D.C., The Octagon serves “as a beacon in the nation’s capital for the Architects Foundation’s mission to promote a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive profession,” according to the foundation’s President, R. Steven Lewis, FAIA.

The Octagon remained closed to in-person visitors during much of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, by summer’s end, The Octagon began accepting appointments for small, private group tours and events, accommodating 200 visitors and earning modest revenue by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, virtual tours and activities, such as the CODAworx exhibit, attracted 12,700 unique online visitors.

Leadership took advantage of the facility’s closure to:

• Make repairs, focus on rebranding, and redevelop a membership program for 2022 launch complete with an annual building and program fund
• Hire strategic communications consultants, the InnovateHers
• Hire Amanda Ferrario, a historical preservation expert with more than 11 years of museum experience
• Launch I Was Here, a private history installation that documents and honors the enslaved African Americans who built and worked at The Octagon. Through this exhibit and related efforts, the foundation hopes to reveal the role enslaved craftspeople played in creating the architecture canon nationwide.

Support the Foundation

Our success depends on your support. Donate to the Architects Fund today to help us grow our scholarship and museum programs. Your gift is a direct investment in the next generation of architects and design professionals whose future work will make our world a better place.

WASHINGTON – The Architects Foundation today announced the launch of its latest exhibit at The Octagon. SAY IT LOUD, curated by Pascale Sablan, FAIA, will be on view through December 2022.

SAY IT LOUD is an exhibit featuring projects by women and diverse design professionals, as well as interviews about their experiences in the architecture and design professions. This exhibit shares, protects and celebrates the journey of the underrepresented to inspire the next generation.  SAY IT LOUD at The Octagon in Washington, DC, will include a special component featuring Black architects from The American Institute of Architects’ College of Fellows.

SAY IT LOUD is curated by Pascale Sablan, FAIA, the 2021 AIA Whitney Young Award recipient. SAY IT LOUD is sponsored by the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), the AIA College of Fellows, and the Architects Foundation.

The Octagon is open Thursday-Saturday from 11am-4pm. Museum admission is $10/adult, $5/children and teens under 18, and free for children under 5.

Free guided tours will be offered at 11am and 3pm (roughly 45 mins) and are included with museum admission. Self-guided tour information is available on-site.

For more information, please visit https://architectsfoundation.org/our-programs/.

On May 20, 2022, we celebrated our reopening of The Octagon to the public. Local guests were invited to tour the updated historic facility,  enjoy food and beverages, and experience the new art installation “I Was Here”.

The Octagon originally closed to the public in 2020 due to COVID-19. During the closure, we hosted digital exhibits, conducted several preservation projects as well as emergency and urgent repairs.

We also conducted planning for the museum programming and interpretation. “I Was Here”, launched in December 2021, is the first component of a multi year research project to commemorate the enslaved people who built and worked at The Octagon, their descendants and the role of enslaved people in the national architectural canon. This initiative is called “Parallel Histories Hidden in Plain Sight”.

Attendees were asked to give us their reactions to the installation (See: word cloud below). This activity brought about excellent dialogue. Some participants needed quiet space for reflection, while others were eager to discuss with others.

Interested in seeing “I Was Here” and touring at The Octagon? Book tickets today via architectsfoundation.org/octagon-tickets.

The Architects Foundation today announced the reopening of The Octagon Museum. The Octagon closed to the public in March 2020 with the start of the COVID pandemic.

The Octagon will be open Thursday-Saturday from 11am-4pm. Museum admission is $10/adult, $5/children and teens under 18, and free for children under 5.

Free guided tours will be offered at 11am and 3pm (roughly 45 mins) and are included with museum admission. Self-guided tour information is available on-site.

As a museum and exhibit space, the oldest private residence in DC now hosts programs demonstrating the cultural and societal impact of architects and architecture, and the architect’s potential to create a just and equitable society. In June, the museum will host “SAY IT LOUD,” an exhibition curated by Pascale Sablan, FAIA showcasing diverse designers from the DC area, as well as a special component featuring Black architects from The American Institute of Architects’ College of Fellows.

Individuals and companies interested in supporting the museum can sign up for the Octagon Alliance, the museum’s new membership program. Memberships start at $17.99/year and include free admission ($10 ticket value), one private tour, and other benefits.

To learn more, visit https://architectsfoundation.org/octagon-museum/