The Harris County Domed Stadium, also known as the Astrodome, has been called the Eighth Wonder of the World. An engineering marvel, its lists of firsts is substantial. Built in 1964 at the height of the Space Age, the Astrodome stood as the symbol for humanity’s zeal to accomplish the unimaginable. Now at age 60, it stands solemnly shuttered, with no purpose or path forward.

Architecture Center Houston (ArCH) will mount an exhibition exploring the Dome’s development, life, demise and possible future. Over the decades, designers, architects, engineers and students have imagined a new use for the Dome, from an outdoor adventure park to a new entertainment destination to a parking garage.

ArCH is holding a call for previously generated reuse ideas for the future of the Harris County Domed Stadium. From now through September 19, we invite submissions of past proposals—whether created 60 years ago or more recent—that reimagine new uses for this Texas Historical Landmark. Submissions should include 1–3 renderings and a brief description. Proposals, selected by the planning committee, will be featured in the upcoming 2026 exhibition. 

WiA Professional Development Scholarship for Licensure: 

The WiA Professional Development Scholarship for Licensure awards emerging female architecture professionals who are currently working towards licensure. Funded by the WiA Houston Professional Development Fund, the annual scholarship provides funding for ARE exam(s) for each awarded candidate that can be used towards testing fees, study materials, or other testing-related costs. At least 1 grant of up to $1,000 will be awarded annually. The number and value of awards may vary year-to-year based on applications and available funds.

The Scholarship awardees will be announced during the WiA Annual End of Year Celebration.

ELIGIBILITY

• Candidates must be eligible to begin licensure testing at the time of award. Applicants who have already begun testing are also eligible. 
• Live in the AIA Houston Chapter territory. Applicants are not required to be a member of the AIA.
• Identify as Female or non-binary 

TERMS OF FUND

The recipient will be assigned a mentor from the WiA Houston network to serve as a liaison, champion and accountability partner. Awardee will be asked to report to their mentor on their licensure journey, experience, challenges, lessons learned, and overall thoughts about the process. 

SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS​

Jury for the award will be composed of the current AIA Houston Women in Architecture (WiA) Chair, one selected WiA sub-committee member or WiA member appointed by the WiA chair, Chair of the AIA Houston JEDI Committee, Chair of the AIA Houston Emerging Professionals, the AIA Houston Board WiA Liaison, and the AIA Houston Executive Director or Staff WiA liaison (ex officio).  

Recusals – Jury members should recuse themselves from discussions of or voting on applications submitted by their family members, colleagues within their firm or close personal friends.

Applicants will be awarded based on:

• Eligibility to Test: Masters / Professional Degree in Architecture or enrollment in NCARB IPAL.
• Persuasive Essay
• Engagement in WiA Houston 
• Financial Need 

The Scholarship awardees will be announced during the WiA Annual End of Year Celebration.

Due: October 20, 11:59 PM

Professional development programs, conferences, and career coaching are powerful tools for developing leadership skills, expanding professional networks, and curating individualized career paths.  The AIA Houston Women in Architecture committee seeks to help eliminate the financial burden of these career opportunities through the WiA Professional Development Grant. Funded by the WiA Houston Professional Development Fund, the Grant provides financial support, a minimum of $800 per recipient, for Professional Development program costs including registration, accommodations, and travel expenses. The number and value of awards may vary year-to year based on applications and available funds.

The WiA Houston Professional Development Grant awards women in the architecture field who have shown strong leadership skills, a commitment to the growth and advancement of our profession, and are seeking to advance their careers through professional development programs and training. The fund will assist in sending women to local and national design conferences (AIA Women’s Leadership Summit, AIA National Convention, NOMA Conference, TxA Conference, etc.) to further their education as a working professional.

The flexible funding allows the recipient to develop their own unique path for success within the architecture profession - and share their findings with the WiA community.  

ELIGIBILITY

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the field of architecture or design OR a licensed AEC professional.
• Current member or associate member of the AIA
• Live in the AIA Houston Chapter territory
• Identify as female or non-binary
• Demonstrate a desire to advance personal career in the field of architecture or design

Due: October 20, 11:59 PM

TERMS OF FUND

Fund must be used within a year of the award announcement. During the awarded conference/program, awardee will post a minimum of one social media post per day documenting their findings and experience. After the conference/program, awardee will present to WiA network members their findings within 60 days of the event. Awardee will submit a reimbursement form to the Foundation for approved portions of travel and program fees, which will be distributed in January following the award. 

GRANT PROCESS

Jury for the award will be composed of the current AIA Houston Women in Architecture (WiA) Chair, one selected WiA sub-committee member or WiA member appointed by the WiA chair, Chair of the AIA Houston JEDI Committee, the AIA Houston Board WiA Liaison, and the AIA Houston Executive Director or Staff WiA liaison (ex officio). 

Recusals – Jury members should recuse themselves from discussions of or voting on applications submitted by their family members, colleagues within their firm or close personal friends.

Applicants will be awarded based on:

• Financial need
• Impact of participation on the candidate's professional development, career mobility or expansion of their professional network 
• Strong leadership skills and a commitment to the growth and advancement of our profession.

The Scholarship awardees will be announced during the WiA Annual End of Year Celebration.