Submissions

All information must be submitted online, the website will be activated in 2008. For all questions/concerns please contact the Honors & Awards department at ehenry@aia.org.

The American Institute of Architects established the Thomas Jefferson Awards for Public Architecture to recognize achievements in the following three categories:

• Private-sector architects who have established a portfolio of accomplishment in the design of architecturally distinguished public facilities
• Public-sector architects who manage or produce quality design within their agencies
• Public officials or other individuals who by their role of advocacy have furthered the public's awareness and/or appreciation of design excellence.

Category One

Thomas Jefferson demonstrated a commitment to excellence in architecture in order to improve the public's understanding of its own potential through various models of quality design. He pursued a more sensitive and responsible government as well as enhanced standards of living and learning for the general public.

The product of good public buildings, such as post offices, recreation centers, libraries, educational facilities, and infrastructure projects that impact a broad cross-section of a community structure, must be recognized for the significance of their lasting contribution to our enhanced quality of life.

Eligibility

Any AIA member, group of members, component, or Knowledge Community may nominate candidates for category one of the Thomas Jefferson Awards.

Architects licensed in the United States and practicing in the private sector who have made a significant contribution to the quality of public architecture and who have established a portfolio of accomplishment to that end are eligible to be nominated. The nominee shall have evidenced great depth, with a cumulative effect on the quality of public architecture.

Public architecture is defined as any work that is funded in part or wholly by public money.

Category Two

This category recognizes achievements of those public sector architects who, by their skill, professionalism, dedication, ability, and commitment, have consistently fostered quality in the public built environment and such quality is uniquely attributable to each recipient.

Eligibility

Any AIA member, group of members, component, or Knowledge Community may nominate candidates for category two of the Thomas Jefferson Awards.

Licensed architects employed in the United States public sector or governmental agencies who manage or produce quality public architecture within their jurisdiction are eligible to be nominated in this category.

Governmental agencies who, by their successful contribution as a whole have fostered quality in the public environment, may be nominated in this category.

Category Three

This category recognizes the critical role of elected officials, public administrators, and institutional leaders who establish or contribute to the development of laws, regulations, policies, etc. that effect the process and product of architecture as well as the public’s perception of such architecture as an important part of our environment, lives, and heritage. Of particular importance is recognition of their advocacy for design excellence as a critical issue in the formulation of such policies and the positive evolution of the public’s perception and demand for design quality.

Eligibility

Any AIA member, group of members, component, or Knowledge Community may nominate candidates for category three of the Thomas Jefferson Awards.

Public officials or individuals who by his or her role and advocacy have furthered the public’s awareness and/or appreciation of design excellence in public architecture are eligible to be nominated in this category. 

The candidate may be a nonarchitect who by his or her support and actions has significantly influenced or contributed to the promotion of quality design in the public sector.

Click here to view the required submission materials.

Contact:
Elizabeth Henry
202.626.7563
ehenry@aia.org
1735 New York Avenue, NW
Washington DC

Sponsoring Organization:
The American Institute of Architects