AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion for Architectural Education

This program is open to individuals with at least a decade of experience in architectural education, primarily in North America.

Nomination

Colleagues, students, and former students may submit nominations. Ideally the nominator should be someone that knows the candidate well and can speak knowledgeably and critically about their accomplishments.

Nominator responsibilities

Nominators support the candidates as they prepare their submission and are required to write a letter of support for the candidate which summarizes their contributions and introduces the portfolio.

Nominators also assist the candidate by acting as a point of contact for the reference writers and providing guidance as needed.

2026 

Submissions open June 20, 2025.

Specific information regarding program policies (i.e., applicant eligibility, nominator options, etc.), required application components (i.e., letters of reference, candidate/project information fields, etc.), and other elements relevant in the 2026 iteration of the program will be available in the online application portal once the award begins accepting materials. All materials must be submitted via the online portal (i.e., cannot be accepted via email, phone, shared online drive, fax, post, etc.) by the prescribed deadline(s): deadline extension or exception requests will not be granted. Applicants and interested parties are encouraged to seek award assistance well in advance of application deadlines to minimize the risk for ineligibility and/or application noncompliance rendering the entry removed from review. 

Fee: There isno fee for this program.

Application Components

Extensive information on the materials required to submit an application is housed in the AIA online application portal. Please reference the information in this portal when the program is receiving materials for the 2026 season. 

Review Criteria

• Candidates are evaluated based on how their contributions have:
• Affected a wide range of students.
• Addressed the future of architecture while honoring its tradition.
• Transcended or united specific areas of expertise.
• Become widely known for their quality by architects, designers, educators, and the public.
• The ripple effect: Candidates are asked to demonstrate the "ripple effect" they have had on the profession. This is shorthand for your impact beyond the day-to-day work of your practice or outside your community. The ripple effect could be demonstrated by speaking, publications, mentoring, service to the profession, geographic impact, or legacy through others.

Recognition

Recognition for this program typically includes the following elements but may be subject to change. Recipients will receive additional information about this cycle’s recognition benefits with their selection notification.

• Public recognition at the ACSA Annual Meeting.
• Promotional recognition in AIA communication channels.
• Invitation for the recipient or a recipient representative to attend selected Honors & Awards event celebrations, commonly held during the annual AIA Conference on Architecture & Design.

Recipients of this award from 2025 to 2023 can be found at AIA award winners. For previous recipients please contact AIA Archives.