Design Awards submittal, all required documents, and registration fee(s) are due no later than Friday, July 11th at 5:00PM CST.

Registration Fees:

• AIA Member Entry: $195
• Non-Member Entry: $650
• Divine Detail Entry: $95
• Student Entry: $50

Please submit your registration fee via the AIA Design Awards registration page. If hyperlink does not work, copy and paste the following link into your preferred web browser: https://architecturehouston.org/event/2025-design-awards-registration/

The AIA Houston Design Awards program recognizes design excellence in architecture, residential architecture, interior architecture, restoration/renovation, divine detail, urban design, on the boards, and conceptual. Criteria to be used by the jury include quality of design, resolution of the program idea, sustainable responsibility, innovation, thoughtfulness, and technique.
 

ELIGIBILITY

Projects located in the Houston metropolitan area designed by an architect registered in the US; or projects, regardless of location, designed by an architect registered in Texas practicing in the Houston metropolitan area. 

Built projects must have been completed after August 1, 2020, except for special requirements in the Urban Design category. On projects where construction is phased, only completed phases are eligible. Where one firm is not the sole author, all participants in the design work must be credited on the Entry Form. AIA Houston reserves the right to disqualify any entry not submitted in accordance with the rules.

If there are architectural elements that were pre-existing on the project and designed by another architect, that architect should be identified on the entry form. For instance, an addition to an existing building should identify the architect of the existing building where practicable and should clearly delineate for the jurors the addition from what existed before the project.
 

COMMON APP QUESTIONNAIRE

To help us better understand how your project’s design addresses sustainability, resilience, and inclusiveness, and in support of AIA National’s Framework for Design Excellence, we ask that you fill out the Common App Questionnaire. This is an opportunity for you to showcase performance data and relevant information in this context. We do not expect projects to address all aspects of the Framework for Design Excellence. 

NOTE: The Common App is NOT required for the Conceptual, On the Boards or Divie Detail categories. Fill out the Common App to the best of your ability. You will not be penalized if left incomplete.

Fields that are not relevant can be marked “N/A.” 

The Common App is a document (in Excel) created by AIA to capture project performance metrics and simplify the awards submissions process across AIA components.
 

CATEGORIES

Built Projects

Built projects may be submitted for recognition in the following categories. The jury may move a project to a different category. LEED, AIA COTE guidelines, or other demonstrable environmental responses should be included with each entry and will be considered in judging.

• Architecture Greater Than 50,000 SF
• Architecture Less Than 50,000 SF
• Residential Architecture: Residential projects include single-family houses and multi-family projects up to 20 units. Large-scale apartment or condominium projects must be submitted under Architecture.
• Interior Architecture
• Renovation/Restoration: Restoration, renovation, or rehabilitation of existing buildings including adaptive reuse. A non-integrated addition to an existing building should be submitted under Architecture.
• Divine Detail: Recognizes architectural ingenuity in using a particular material, detail, or building technology.

Unbuilt Projects

• Urban Design: Urban Design projects must have an active client. Submittals may include urban design projects, planning programs, civic improvements, environmental programs, and redevelopment projects. Portions of the project must be under implementation; however, the whole project need not be completed. The Project Description must include the implementation schedule.
• On The Boards: This category is for unrealized or uncompleted work for an active client.
• Conceptual: This category is for conceptual work not for an active client.

NOTE: Student submissions are welcome, but must have a faculty sponsor.
 

REQUIREMENTS

All entries must be anonymous. Your name and/or firm name should not appear anywhere except where indicated on the entry form. For every entry, please prepare the following:

1. One Project Presentation PDF

• Pages should be 11 x 8.5 inches, and oriented horizontally (landscape). 
• The first slide (title slide) must include: one photo of the project, the project title, project total square footage, and project location. 
• Slide two of the presentation should include the project description with bullet points and/or a brief paragraph describing the project, all on a white back background. 
• The narrative must describe the project in no more than 300 words. Include program requirements, design solutions, and information supporting objectives such as sustainability, energy-efficient performance, etc. This slide should include the project name; it may also include an image. 
• A PDF file containing a maximum of 21 pages (20 pages + one sustainability page). Submittals may not contain transitions, sound, animation, video clips, panorama movies, hyperlinks, or links to other files. Images must be a minimum of 150  DPI.
• Pre-existing architectural elements not designed as part of the project, but visible in the images, should be clearly marked as pre-existing and the prior architect should be credited.
• All projects (except Interior Architecture) must include a site plan or aerial photography.
• All plans and elevations should be clearly marked with a north arrow or directional identification.
• For Renovation/Restoration projects, indicate pre-existing conditions with plans and/or photographs.
• For Interior Architecture projects, include floor plans and one exterior photograph of the building for reference.
• The presentation will be shown via Adobe Acrobat with enhanced thin-line OFF
• Do not identify architects, designers, or firms in the file name or on any image. File name should include award year, project name, and ProjectPresentation, e.g. 2025_ProjectName_ProjectPresentation.pdf.

2. One Project Image

• A 7"x5", 300 DPI image. The image will be used for the Design Awards Publication, in which all submittals will be published.
• Do not identify architects, designers, or firms in the file name or on any image. File name should include award year, project name, and ImageForPub, e.g. 2025_ProjectName_ImageForPub.jpeg.

3. One Common App Questionnaire: Download HERE.

• Do not identify architects, designers, or firms in the file name. File name should include award year, project name, and CommonApp, e.g. 2025_ProjectName_CommonApp.xlsx.

The AIA Houston Residential Committee is accepting entries for the AIA Houston Home Tour to be held October 18-19, 2025.  We seek to show the best new residential architecture by AIA members and are looking for various architectural styles.  New construction, renovations, and additions will all be considered.
 

All entries must be received no later than Monday, June 30th at 5:00PM CST. 

Eligibility is limited to homes located within the Houston metropolitan area, designed by an AIA Houston Architect, and completed within the last 5 years. Homes must be substantially complete* and available for photography upon submittal.

Architects from outside the Houston area are invited to submit but will be expected to fulfill all requirements of participating architects.
 

SELECTION PROCESS

A selection committee of qualified industry professionals will review the submittals and make recommendations to the AIA Houston Executive Committee. As Houston grows and its urban density increases, the variety of housing options and solutions continues to expand. Consequently, location will not be a determining factor in the selection process, and the committee will strive to have a variety of architectural styles represented on the tour. 

The criteria used to select homes for the tour will include:
                     1. Design Excellence
                     2. Quality and Craftsmanship
                     3. Innovative Design Solutions and Use of Materials
                     4. Sustainability of Design

ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES

• Single Family Home - projects meeting the R-3 Residential definition and permitted under the International Residential Code. May include outbuildings or ADU’s.
• Multiple Unit Residential (Condo, Apartment, Co-Op) - Custom-designed units within larger developments with unique homeowners.  Model units or showrooms may be accepted with prior approval from the AIA Houston Residential Committee.
• Alternative Residential Projects - Live/work homes with at least 50% of the space dedicated to living spaces.  Other building types with a strong residential focus and identifiable residential function may be accepted with prior approval from the AIA Houston Residential Committee.
• Remodels and Additions to the above project types

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Submittable Form: A submittal form must be completed for each house submitted and must include a 250-word description of the house.
2. Homeowner Permission: Before submitting a house, you must discuss it with and obtain approval from the homeowner. The house must be the work of registered architects who are members of AIA Houston and demonstrate the value of using an architect.
3. Eligibility: Homes are not eligible if they have been on or accepted by any other local home tour. Projects must be substantially complete, as denoted per AIA document A201*, by the date of submission. Preference will be given to furnished, occupied, and landscaped houses.
4. No Submission Limit: There is no limit to the number of home submissions that may be made. Architects or their firms must send the submittal. A maximum of two projects by the same architect and/or firm will be selected. The jury will be strongly encouraged to pick no more than one home per firm.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SELECTED ARCHITECTS

1. Photography: If your submission is selected to be included in the Home Tour, the home must be made available for photography, and the photographer will make appointments to visit each house. You may use the same photographs used in your submission, as long as they are high quality images.
2. Sponsorship: The architect will be responsible for securing a minimum of $2,000 per house in sponsorships. Sponsors are generally contractors, consultants, subs, etc.  Each participating architect has the option of securing four sponsors at a minimum of $500 each, paying the sponsorship fee themselves, or any combination of the two, totaling a minimum of $2,000.
3. Docents: The architect will be responsible for recruiting an adequate number of docents to staff the house during the tour.
4. The architect must be present at the home during the tour.

*Section 9.8.1 of the AIA Document A201-2007 defines substantial completion as “the stage in the progress of the Work when the Work or designated portion thereof is sufficiently complete in accordance with the Contract Documents so that the Owner can occupy or utilize the Work for its intended use.”

Overview: Beginning in 2013, the AIA|DC chapter undertook an initiative to develop a program which would train and nurture the next generation of leaders. With the success of the previous program years, the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program looks to secure a promising new faction of scholars in 2025. The year-long program consists of nine individual half-day sessions attended by a competitively selected group of 16 emerging professionals (this program is open to licensed and professionals pursuing licensure in the AEC industry within their first 20 years of experience). Prospective participants must go through an application process for selection where proven career success, community involvement and the individual’s firm/agency support will be considered.

Curriculum: The curriculum focuses on core professional skills such as entrepreneurship and firm management; teamwork and collaboration, negotiating skills, client development, community leadership, understanding trends within the industry, and developing your future within the practice. The selected scholars will be responsible for planning and participating in each of the individual sessions. The program will be kicked off by a “Boot Camp” session to introduce the participants and to develop the curriculum for the year.

     Sessions will be held monthly 12:00pm – 5:00pm, September through May. A full list of courses and specific dates are listed at:  Check out the full list of courses and dates.

Application Process: Individuals may be nominated by their firm or can nominate themselves and will be selected on the basis of a written application, recommendations, and resume. The sixteen (16) successful applicants will represent a diverse group of emerging professionals that demonstrate a strong potential as a future leader. The application process is not intended to be exhaustive, but is competitive and should not be taken lightly. Throughout the application process, candidates are encouraged to emphasize their previous leadership experience, explain what expertise they intend to provide to the program and clarify how they intend to utilize the skills learned through the program. A jury will convene in July 2025 to select 2025-26 program scholars.

 

• The official Call for Applications opens Monday, May 19, 2025
• Q+A Session (optional): An application Q+A Session will be held on June 4 at 5:00pm via Zoom and June 10 at noon via Zoom. Committee representatives will provide a short overview of the program and allow candidates to ask questions about what to include and what not to include within their application. Interested candidates are encouraged to attend this event. Attendance at this event is NOT mandatory for applications and will hold no merit on acceptance into the program.
• Application Deadline: All forms must be submitted by 11:59pm on Monday, June 30 to be eligible.
• Notification of Acceptance: Candidates will be notified of their selection into the program no later than the week of July 21, 2025.

Tuition: Tuition for AIA Members is $445. Non‐AIA member tuition is $535. AIA Houston may choose to offer tuition assistance to individuals from small firms that would otherwise not be able to participate. The amount and number of tuition assistance will be at the discretion of the Selection Committee.

AIA Membership: Though AIA membership is encouraged for all scholars, it is not mandatory. A preference will be given to AIA Houston members, though other allied organization members are welcome to submit an application for review.

Required Commitment to the Program: The program’s success is directly related to the attendance by the participants and therefore attendance is mandatory. Each participant of the program will be required to sign an Agreement Form that will require a signature from one of the participant’s principals of their firm/agency. Provided due notice to the committee, with extenuating circumstances, each scholar will be allowed one excused absence. If two sessions are missed, a fine of $50 will be sent to the participants’ firm/agency. A further absence will result in an additional $50 fine and expulsion from the program. All scholars are required to attend the “Boot Camp” Session and the Closing Reception, no exceptions.

AIA Continuing Education: This program offers the potential for up to 45 CEUs per academic year, with the opportunity for HSW depending on curriculum, which varies per program year. Each scholar remains responsible for compliance with the relevant CEU and HSW requirements for their organizations and jurisdictions.



REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

Online Registration (Required).

• Upload Following Documents (Required). You must be logged in to upload documents. Please create a Submittable account if you do not have one.
• Letter of Interest – candidates must submit a one-page written letter of interest that describes your past experiences and interest in the program, as well as what you feel you will contribute to the 2025-26 class. Letters are limited to one page and uploaded in PDF format. (Last Name-First Name-Letter of Interest.pdf)
• Letters of Recommendation – each application must include a minimum of one and maximum of three, letter(s) of recommendation. Letters are limited to one page each and uploaded in PDF format. (Last Name-First Name-Letter of Recommendation-1.pdf)
• Personal Resume – including applicant’s education, employment history, organizations or activity involvement, and honors and awards. Resumes are preferred to be no more than two pages and uploaded in PDF format. It is NOT in the best interest of the applicant to simply submit a 1-page firm resume with project experience. Instead, include relevant topics such as education, community involvement, industry involvement, volunteer work, etc. (Last Name-First Name-Resume.pdf)
• Agreement Form – completed, signed, and uploaded in PDF format. Please use the following format when naming your document: Last Name-First Name-Agreement.pdf
• Tuition Assistance Form (optional) – Assistance is limited to AIA Houston members and dependent upon firm size. Individuals are encouraged to apply for tuition assistance if they qualify. Please review the criteria carefully. Please use the following format when naming your document: Last Name-First Name-Assistance.pdf  The amount and number of tuition assistance will be at the discretion of the Selection Committee.
• Supplementary Questions  –  Questions are listed within the online application. NOTE: there is a WORD limit to responding to each of the following questions. This is intentional. Be succinct and to the point with your responses.