David Rubenstein Treehouse at Harvard University | Studio Gang

The Rubenstein Treehouse is the first mass timber building on Harvard’s campus, setting a model for holistically sustainable buildings in Boston and institutions worldwide. The 55,000-sf building provides dedicated event space and meeting amenities for Harvard affiliates, the community, academia, and industry and business leaders from around the globe.

Juror comments: “The Treehouse is a stunning architectural achievement that challenges conventional design thinking and pushes the boundaries of what architecture can accomplish. Its innovative structural expression creates a series of inviting, dynamic spaces that encourage creativity, exploration, and discovery. Rather than simply serving as a building, the project becomes an experience, inspiring occupants to interact with and engage in their environment in unique ways. Through its bold engineering, thoughtful design, and seamless integration of form and function, the Treehouse demonstrates how architecture can both captivate the imagination and enrich the user experience.”

Forty Acres Fresh Market | Latent

This $5-million adaptive reuse and community preservation project transforms a former Salvation Army 12,000-sf bowtruss structure through functional, utility, and façade retrofits, bringing produce access deep within a 30 year food desert.

Juror comments: “This project is supported by an inspiring mission and a compelling story that is clearly reflected in its design. The design creates a warm, vibrant environment that encourages people to gather, connect, and share experiences. By emphasizing community, comfort, and interaction, the space becomes more than a place to shop—it serves as a hub for engagement and belonging. The result is a project that successfully combines mission, architecture, and community impact, creating a meaningful and memorable experience for all who visit.”

Computer Design, Research, and Learning Center, University of Illinois Chicago | Booth Hansen/LMN

The 135,000-square-foot facility provides a flexible, forward-looking environment that positions students at the forefront of the digital world. Designed to foster collaboration, the building integrates classrooms, labs, offices, and lounges around a five-story atrium filled with natural light.

Juror comments: “This submission is transformational on multiple levels. From its achievements in sustainability and accessibility to its incorporation of biophilic design and integrated water management strategies, the project demonstrates a holistic approach to the built environment. Thoughtfully conceived and expertly executed, it serves as a model for how architecture can address environmental, social, and human-centered goals simultaneously. This is the kind of project that transcends disciplines, offering meaningful inspiration to architects, engineers, planners, and other professionals alike.”

 National Public Housing Museum | LBBA Architects

The project transformed the last remaining 1938 building of the historic Jane Addams Homes into a cultural destination, including restoration of the existing masonry walls and concrete structure, as well as installation of a new roof, windows, MEP systems, and life safety systems to meet the museum’s operational demands.

Juror comments: “This project is breathtaking. It breathes life into a historic treasure that had been neglected for two decades. The thoughtful modern insertions are respectful and functional. The programming is appropriate and brings a lot of good to the residents and the surrounding community and preserves a critical part of our nation’s history. This is a project that I will be thinking about for a while.”

A Chapel Reborn | BRUSH Architects

For the meticulous restoration and historic conservation of St. Andrew’s Chapel located inside the historic St. James Cathedral at 69 E. Huron Street in Chicago, Illinois, including intricate faux-finish plaster restoration and partial, art glass conservation, and furniture restoration.

Juror comments: “This project show architecture skill at its best. The skills used to honor the past materials, colors and craftsmanship is truly amazing. The final project is one that provides future generations the opportunity to experience these masterpieces. It is not common with today’s construction process and budgets to experience a cathedral like this.”

David Rubenstein Treehouse at Harvard University | Studio Gang

The Rubenstein Treehouse is the first mass timber building on Harvard’s campus, setting a model for holistically sustainable buildings in Boston and institutions worldwide. The 55,000-sf building provides dedicated event space and meeting amenities for Harvard affiliates, the community, academia, and industry and business leaders from around the globe.

Midcentury For the Next Century | Tom Bassett-Dilley Architects

This special project was an extensive renovation of Better Homes and Gardens “The House You Asked For of 1953” resulting in a durable, decarbonized house for the next century.

Juror comments: “This exceptional renovation successfully preserves the home’s original character while incorporating modern materials and amenities with great sensitivity. The finished residence is inviting and comfortable yet filled with moments of architectural interest and discovery. The wood ceilings are especially noteworthy, providing warmth, depth, and a refined craftsmanship that beautifully complements the overall design.”

LaGuardia Airport Terminal B | HOK

LaGuardia Airport’s new Terminal B symbolizes the top-to-bottom transformation of one of the nation’s highest-profile airports. The transparent, fluid design of the four-story, 850,000-sq.-ft. Arrivals and Departures Hall (headhouse) celebrates movement while conveying a strong civic presence in a city known for its remarkable architecture.

Juror comments: “This project is an outstanding example of how design can transform challenges into opportunities for innovation. Rather than allowing existing site conditions or operational requirements to limit the vision, the design team embraced these constraints as catalysts for creative problem-solving. The project’s forward-thinking planning strategies are particularly impressive, demonstrating a willingness to challenge conventional approaches and develop solutions that are both practical and inspiring.”

 UChicago Medicine Crown Point | Perkins+Will

One of the nation’s newest multispecialty care centers. This innovative, free-standing microhospital is filling a gap in a region where accessibility to high-quality medical care was previously limited, offering a new way of delivering a variety of health services to the community, with access to abundant natural light, color, graphics, and views of nature.

Juror comment: “This project exemplifies the exceptional value and aesthetic quality that can be realized through the design-build approach. The carefully coordinated color scheme and material selections resulted in a bright, modern facility that balances economy, functionality, and architectural appeal. More importantly, the facility will serve as a vital center for healing and support, making a lasting positive impact on the community it serves.”

A jury of esteemed architecture colleagues from throughout the county, including experts in high performance buildings and appointed by the AIA Illinois President, will review nominations in the Design Award category.

Nominations in the Service Award category will be selected by the AIA Illinois Board of Directors.

The AIA Illinois President serves as an ex-officio member of both juries.

Decisions of the juries are final. AIA Illinois reserves the right to not choose an award recipient in ANY category, should they and the jury make that determination.

• Design Awards: Nominees must reside in ILLINOIS, but their project may be located anywhere in the world. Projects must have been completed within the last five (5) years, except for those competing for the Excellence in Planning Award.

• Service Awards: Nominees must reside in ILLINOIS.
• • Award winners will be licensed architects or architectural interns, except recipients of Non-Architect Achievement Award and the President’s Award.
  • Nominations may be submitted without the knowledge of the nominee.
  • You may nominate yourself or your project(s).
  • You may submit for multiple award categories, but a separate entry is required for each nomination.
  • An entry fee is required for each Design Award submission with a discount for additional submissions. (AIA Member: $155 / Non-AIA Member: $225)

Entries for the 2026 AIA Illinois Honor Awards will only be accepted online through this submission website. No submissions will be accepted after Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm CT.

The jury relies entirely on the representation made in the nomination. Submitters are asked to objectively state the nominee’s achievements in a clear and succinct manner.

Melanie is a licensed architect and a registered interior designer. She is a Senior Architect with Clark Nexsen, a JMT company. Melanie holds licenses in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. She earned a Master of Architecture Degree from the University of Virginia and a BA in Architecture from UNC Charlotte. Her varied professional experience includes work for public, private, local and international clients in all phases of project development. Melanie is also a part-time instructor for UNC Charlotte’s School of Architecture, as well as the current chair of the Mecklenburg County Historic Landmarks Commission. She is the immediate past president of AIA North Carolina.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniereddrick/

Robert G. Bohlmann, AIA

Bob is the owner / Founder RGB Architectural Group in Kankakee (1994-2016) and previous executive director of the B. Harley Bradley House in Kankakee, Frank Lloyd Wright’s first Prairie style home. He is recognized as a guiding force and inspiration for his leadership, hard work and life-long devotion to the profession.

From the nomination: “Robert has been an advocate for the architectural profession…telling everyone…that he “never worked a day” in his life because he loved being an architect so much. His long-standing involvement with the American Institute of Architects at the local, state, and national levels…reflects his dedication to advancing the profession and advocating for preservation and thoughtful development across Illinois.”

“Andrea Aggertt, AIA, NCARB, Architect of the Capitol in Springfield, Illinois.

She is recognized for working tirelessly to provide leadership in civic improvement, development and implementation of government projects that conserve and enhance the Capitol Complex of the State of Illinois.

From the nomination: “Andrea represents the qualities this award is intended to recognize: leadership, service, stewardship, and dedication to the public good through architecture. Her leadership on initiatives such as the Illinois State Capitol 2050 Master Plan reflects a thoughtful balance between historic preservation, modernization, accessibility, and responsible stewardship of the Capitol Complex.”

Kerl LaJeune, Assoc. AIA, NOMA

Through education, mentorship, and the development of accessible tools, he has contributed to a more equitable and inclusive vision of the profession. His contributions have helped bridge the gap between the profession and the public, ensuring that more people – especially young people – can engage with and shape the built environment.

From the nomination: “He has guided emerging architects and students—particularly those from underrepresented communities—helping to expand access to the profession, cultivating the next generation of leaders and fostering a more inclusive future for architecture. His work exemplifies how architects can lead not only in design, but in shaping stronger, more equitable communities.”

Yash Mehta, Assoc. AIA Co-founder Defining Humanity

Credited for his vision and extraordinary leadership capacity, he has successful built and mobilized a diverse network of designers, students, professionals, and community advocates united around a shared mission of social impact.

From the nomination: “Yash Mehta’s work begins with a conviction that architecture is not simply about buildings. It is about the conditions we create for people to learn, heal, gather, age, recover, and belong.”

Giacomo Tinari, AIA

Recognized for bringing exceptional skill, creative vision, and unwavering enthusiasm to the profession. He exemplifies the future of architectural profession through his passion and professional excellence.

From the nomination: “I have had the pleasure of working with Giacomo and have consistently been impressed by his exceptional talent, dedication, leadership and professionalism. He brings not only skill and creativity but also a genuine passion for architecture and design.”

Sheetal Vora, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, WELL AP

Through AIA Chicago, ACE Mentorship, and organizations that advocate for underrepresented voices in the profession, she has shown a consistent willingness to contribute beyond day-to-day work, representing the best of what an emerging professional can be.

From the nomination: “What makes Sheetal especially deserving of this recognition is not one individual accomplishment, but the consistency with which she gives back to the profession. She leads with humility, curiosity, and empathy, and I truly believe she represents the values of leadership, mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement that align closely with the mission of the American Institute of Architects.”

Prof. Charles (Charlie) Pipal, Adjunct Professor, SAIC

For excellence in teaching in both the Architecture and Historic Preservation Departments at SAIC, a dedication to architecture, preservation education and serving as the graduate advisor for architecture students pursuing a Certificate in Historic Preservation.

From the nomination: “I have known Charlie Pipal for over 35 years and have taught with him for nearly 25 of those. I know no kinder person, more willing to help a friend or colleague under any circumstances, who is a consummate professional and is literally adored by his students. He excites the students, and they achieve work they never could have imagined they would.”

Illinois Main Street

For their 4-point approach that explicitly calls out “Design” as one of the pillars to creating successful main street revitalizations and their efforts tie into the AIA Illinois mission