AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion for Architectural Education 2026: Sarah Whiting, Assoc. AIA

Whiting, the Dean and the Josep Lluís Sert Professor of Architecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD), is celebrated for her profound impact on students, institutions, and the architectural discipline itself. Whiting’s career is distinguished by her dual role as a leading educator and a practicing architect with her firm, WW Architecture. This unique position has allowed her to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice, enriching both. Her leadership, first as dean at the Rice School of Architecture and now at the Harvard GSD, has been marked by a steadfast commitment to rethinking how architects are trained and how they can positively affect the world.

A Visionary Leader in Architectural Education

As the first female dean at Harvard GSD, Whiting has guided the institution through significant cultural and academic transitions. She has championed a healthier studio culture, broadened perspectives on the historical architectural canon, and cultivated a more inclusive and collaborative atmosphere. Her leadership has been described as steady, principled, and clear, particularly in navigating the global disruptions of the pandemic and present cultural pressures.

Whiting’s vision extends beyond a single discipline. She has nurtured a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting architecture with landscapes, city planning, and real estate. By instituting productive discussions at Harvard, she aims to train a generation of “doctors in architecture” who can engage with other fields and embrace the civic responsibility of their profession. This approach seeks to de-cloister traditional training, encouraging students to see architecture as a public good.

Rethinking the Foundations of Architecture

A significant part of Whiting’s legacy is her scholarly work. Her seminal essay “Notes from the Doppler Effect and Other Moods of Modernism,” co-authored with Robert Somol, challenged the profession to think differently. As the founding editor of the journal Point, she has consistently enabled, encouraged, and expanded conversations to advance architectural knowledge.

Her approach to education is about more than just technical skill; it’s about instilling a sense of purpose. Whiting pushes students to understand architecture’s capacity to address complex societal issues. She has re-centered the school’s degree programs and clarified its mission, amplifying its voice on a national and international stage. This focus ensures that graduates are not just skilled designers but also critical thinkers prepared to lead.

A Lasting Impact on Students and the Profession

Testimonials from colleagues and former students underscore Whiting’s profound influence. Michael Maltzan, FAIA, noted, “We are all better off in architectural education, and in architecture, because of Sarah.” Her long-standing dedication to teaching is evident from her tenure at institutions like Princeton University, the University of Kentucky, and the Illinois Institute of Technology. She lectures widely and serves frequently as a design critic, constantly engaging with new ideas and nurturing emerging talent. Joshua Ramus, REX founding principal, offered his unqualified support, stating he could think of “no one more qualified, or more deserving,” for the Topaz Medallion.

A Call to Support Innovative Education

Sarah Whiting’s receipt of the Topaz Medallion celebrates a career devoted to advancing architectural education. Her work serves as a powerful model for how academic leadership can foster innovation, inclusivity, and a deep sense of civic duty within the profession. She has shaped curriculums as well as the minds and careers of countless architects.

We can honor her legacy by championing the principles she embodies. Supporting architectural education, whether through mentorship, funding, or advocacy for innovative and inclusive programs, is crucial for the future of the discipline. By investing in the next generation of architects and encouraging interdisciplinary, purpose-driven education, we can help build a more resilient, equitable, and inspiring built environment for everyone.

Discover more about the prestigious AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion and explore its past winners here.