20 Emerging Professionals Awarded Grants to Attend the AIA Conference of Architecture & Design
AIA and the Architects Foundation are proud to announce 20 recipients of the 2025 AIA Emerging Professional Grant, awarding them complimentary registration to attend the AIA Conference on Architecture and Design, taking place June 4–7, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts.
WASHINGTON – May 28, 2025 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Architects Foundation are proud to announce 20 recipients of the 2025 AIA Emerging Professional Grant, awarding them complimentary registration to attend the AIA Conference on Architecture and Design, taking place June 4–7, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts.
Launched in 2024, the AIA Emerging Professional Grant program has doubled in scope in its second year – expanding from 10 to 20 recipients in 2025.
The Emerging Professional Grant supports early-career architects by giving them access to the profession’s premier annual event. This initiative highlights individuals who are helping to shape the future of architecture and drive conversations around equity, climate action, design innovation, workplace culture, and leadership.
Each recipient will receive a complimentary full conference registration, along with exclusive benefits tailored to enhance their professional growth. These include:
• Access to select conference events and programming
• Career development resources provided at the AIA25 NextGen Lounge
• ARE study resources from Amber Book
• Opportunities to connect with AIA leadership and other grant recipients
• Recognition as ambassadors for the AIA25 NextGen Lounge and emerging professional community
• Dedicated guidance to navigate the event experience
This grant cohort represents a vibrant and diverse group of individuals who bring fresh ideas and critical perspectives to the challenges facing architecture today. As ambassadors for the emerging professional audience, they will help shape conversations around the future of the profession at AIA25.
The AIA and the Architects Foundation remain committed to creating pathways for the next generation of architects and leaders to thrive.
Heidi Abrahamsen, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Logan Christensen, Assoc. AIA
Rashi Sonsakia, Assoc. AIA
Joseph McMurchie, Assoc. AIA, LEED Green Associate
Cheryl Dixon, Assoc. AIA, NOMA
Sarah Vala, Assoc. AIA
Beyza Kastan, Assoc. AIA
Maura Flaherty, Assoc. AIA
Pratiksha Achari, Assoc. AIA, LEED Green Associate
Sheetal Voral, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP
Madou Mahoro, Assoc. AIA
Rosa Manzo, Assoc. AIA
Muhammad Tijani Abubakar, Assoc. AIA
Emmanuel Vargas, Assoc. AIA, AIT
Sebastián Jose Feliciano García, Assoc. AIA, AIT
Vatsal Patel, Assoc. AIA
Tooba Jalal, Assoc. AIA
Aida Ayuk, Assoc. AIA
Nguyen Duong, Assoc. AIA
Ricard Charles, Assoc. AIA
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AIA is granting Honorary AIA Membership to Rebecca Johnson, Executive Director of AIA Philadelphia and President of the Philadelphia Center for Architecture and Design, for her extraordinary
