CALL FOR ENTRIES | 2025 AIA Illinois Honor Awards
A Celebration of Better Illinois Communities by Design
Deadline: Friday, May 31 | SUBMIT HERE
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The AIA Illinois Honor Awards recognize people and projects epitomizing the contributions of the architecture profession, the transformative power of design, and the dedication of individuals to service and excellence. All award winners have positively impacted citizens throughout the world by helping create communities in which people are drawn to live and work, and to live healthier, happier lives.
Eligibility​
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All ILLINOIS licensed architects or architectural interns or designated staff may submit a project for a DESIGN AWARD, regardless of location. All SERVICE AWARDS must be a person or group based in ILLINOIS.
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All projects must have been completed within the last five years, except for those competing for the Master Planning Awards.
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Nominations may be submitted without the knowledge of the nominee.
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You may nominate yourself or your project. You may also submit for multiple categories. An entry fee is required for each design submission, with a discount for additional submissions.
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Design entries will be blinded for the jury and you should not include identifying information in the text or images you provide outside of the Contact Form.
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Design nominations are encouraged to demonstrate evidence of incorporating ONE OR MORE of the Ten Principles outlined in the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. It is not required that a submission meet ALL ten principles to be eligible.
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Design nominations should also explain when, where and how a project demonstrates a commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within the architecture profession.
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Fee Per Submission: $155 AIA Member; $225 Non-AIA Member. There is a discount for any additional submittals.
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Resources
Building Energy Use Measurements
https://sustainabilityworkshop.venturewell.org/node/1256.html
Tips for Standout Submissions
https://architectureprize.com/7-tips-for-standout-entries-for-architectural-awards/
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
â–º Do I have to start and finish my submission in one session? No. You can start your submission and come back to finish it before the program deadline date. Please note, though, certain sections with required fields will need these completed before you can move to the next page.
â–º Do I need to be an AIA Illinois member to submit for an award? We accept nonmember submissions for design categories and some Service Awards.
â–º Who should be included in the ADDITIONAL COLLABORATORS for a Design Award? This is where you list all members of a project team. If this includes you or your firm, be sure to add your name to the list
â–º Can I upload a video to the Support Materials section? Yes, you can.
â–º What does Blinded or Redacted materials mean? It means there’s should be no mention of the firm anywhere in the submission where indicated. If their name appears in any articles, picture captions, on blueprints, etc. it will need to be redacted so it is not visible to the jury.
â–º Can I revise my submission after I've finalized and paid? Yes, provided your request is made and changes are complete by the entry deadline. After the deadline, submissions will be locked down.
â–º How will I know my submission has been received? Upon submitting your entry, you will receive a confirmation e-mail.
â–º How do I pay for my submission? Upon submitting your entry, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with a link to submit payment.
â–º What should I do if I did not receive a confirmation e-mail? Check your junk mail folder in case the confirmation was caught in your spam filter. If you don't find it in your junk mail folder, please contact Fran Barloon at fbarloon@aiail.org
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2025 AWARD CATEGORIES
DESIGN AWARDS - For the award categories with square footage or cost listed, ONE award will be given for each of those designations. In all other categories ONE award will be given unless the jury determines otherwise..
THE CAPITOL AWARD
Submissions not accepted. The highest state honor given for a transformational project - one designed for the human experience that works towards cultural transformation - and will be selected from all submissions, chosen directly by the jury. You need not submit for this individual category.
FOR EXCELLENCE IN INTERIORS - Project 5,000 SF and over
For innovation in architecture and unique design ideas
FOR EXCELLENCE IN INTERIORS - Project under 5,000 SF
For innovation in architecture and unique design ideas
FOR EXCELLENCE IN MASTER PLANNING
For master planning or implementation of a master plan
FOR GREATEST IMPACT - Project Construction Value $5M and above
For new design or renovation of an individual building that enhances the natural and built environment of a community
FOR GREATEST IMPACT - Project Construction Value Below $5M
For new design or renovation of an individual building that enhances the natural and built environment of a community
FOR DESIGN EXCELLENCE IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDINGS - Project 5,000 SF and over
Recognition for buildings that exceed code-minimum energy performance and do not burn fossil fuels, for example: All-Electric Buildings, PHIUS Certified Buildings, and Net Zero Energy Buildings, LEED v4.
FOR DESIGN EXCELLENCE IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDINGS - Project under 5,000 SF
Recognition for buildings that exceed code-minimum energy performance and do not burn fossil fuels, for example: All-Electric Buildings, PHIUS Certified Buildings, and Net Zero Energy Buildings, LEED v4.
FOR EXCELLENCE IN HISTORIC PRESERVATION - Project Construction Value $5M and above
For historic preservation, restoration or adaptive reuse of a building.
FOR EXCELLENCE IN HISTORIC PRESERVATION - Project Construction Value Below $5M
For historic preservation, restoration or adaptive reuse of a building.
MEMBER SERVICE AWARDS
Nominees should be active AIA Illinois members unless otherwise noted.
GOLD MEDAL AWARD
Given to a member in good standing for demonstrating time-honored, exceptional leadership and making significant contributions to the architecture profession and the association.
EDUCATOR AWARD
Recognizing the exemplary dedication and talent of an architecture educator in Illinois.
Formerly the Nathan Clifford Ricker Award
EARLY CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Recognizes members who have shown exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the profession in the early stages of their career.
Formerly the John Wellborn Root Award
More than one award can be presented in this category:
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Emerging Professional - Associate Members 10 years post-graduation
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Young Architect - Licensed 10 years or less
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SUBMIT HERE
CHAMPION AWARD
Honors exemplary individuals who embody AIA Illinois’ mission to “champion the profession of architecture” and are change-makers in pursuit of our vision for “more vibrant & equitable communities for all.” More than one award can be presented in this category:
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For Social Impact
Formerly the R. Buckminster Fuller Award, recognizes a member involved in humanitarian or community-driven projects.
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For Equitable Practice
Formerly the Alan Madison Award, recognizes a member who is a positive change-maker and an inspiration to their fellow practitioners.
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For Public Service
Formerly the Charles W. Nothnagel Award, recognizes a member’s dedication to public service through exemplary efforts at the local, state, or national level.
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For Non-Architect(s)
Formerly the Richard Nickel Award, recognizes the achievements of an individual non-architect who demonstrated a dedication to the principles of the architecture profession and the AIA Illinois mission and vision.
THE PRESIDENT'S AWARD
Submissions not accepted
May be bestowed by the AIA Illinois President on any single group, institution, or organization demonstrating extraordinary achievements in advancing livable communities and promoting the understanding, appreciation and progress of the profession of architecture in the State of Illinois. Design firms are not eligible.