Submission Period:
February 2, 2026, 2026 – March 9, 2026 March 16,2026
Contact
David Southerland
Executive Director
Email >
2023 Rothschild Award Recipient, Cheryl McAfee, FAIA | Photo Credit: Brian Reeves
AIA Georgia is proud to continue its tradition of celebrating the accomplishments of its members and the organizations doing work that uplifts the community and consequently, the profession. Our five top honors place a spotlight on those creating meaningful opportunities, economic growth, and a sustainable future for our State.
Winners are revealed at the AIA Georgia Design and Honor Awards. This year’s program will be at Summit at 8West. The event is our most-attended of the year, uniting a diverse audience of those passionate about great design and outstanding architects and future designers.
For questions, email AIA Georgia Awards.
Honor Award Categories
You can review the 2026 submission guidelines and tips on the Georgia Honors Criteria.
- Bronze Medal Award:
The Bronze Medal is bestowed upon any program, firm, institution, or AIA member that has furthered the objectives of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The Institute works to advance our nation’s quality of life. Bronze Medal recipients reflect AIA’s values and stand for architecture that strengthens communities, builds economic opportunities for architecture firms and architects, invests in the future of the profession and society, emphasizes sustainability in projects—particularly in addressing the impacts of climate change through the built environment—and advances equity, diversity, inclusion, and human rights within the profession and the built environment. View Criteria >
- Emerging Professional Award:
The Emerging Professional Award is bestowed upon AIA members in good standing who have furthered the objectives of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The Institute works to advance our nation’s quality of life. Award recipients are consistent with AIA’s values and stand for architecture that strengthens communities, builds economic opportunities for architecture firms and architects, invests in the future of the profession and society, emphasizes sustainability in projects—particularly in addressing the impacts of climate change through the built environment—and advances equity, diversity, inclusion, and human rights within the profession and the built environment. View Criteria >
- Architecture Firm of the Year:
The Architecture Firm of the Year Award is bestowed upon a firm whose passion and practice have produced notable architecture and meaningful contributions to society for at least a decade, while furthering the objectives of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Recipients of this honor demonstrate a visible commitment to AIA’s values by creating architecture that strengthens communities, building economic opportunities for architecture firms and architects, investing in the future of the profession and society, emphasizing sustainability in their projects—particularly in addressing the impacts of climate change through the built environment—and advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, & human rights within the profession & the built environment. View Criteria >
- Bernard B. Rothschild FAIA Award:
The Rothschild Award is the highest honor that AIA Georgia can bestow on members, living or deceased. The award honors Bernard B. Rothschild, FAIA, who served the profession at many levels through his leadership and active participation throughout his career. It is bestowed in recognition of the architect—or architect partners—who have demonstrated the broadest and most distinguished service to the profession of architecture in the State of Georgia over the course of their careers. This award may or may not be presented each year, and no more than one award is given annually. View Criteria >
- Ganesh Nayak, AIA – Memorial Leadership Award
The Ganesh Nayak Memorial Leadership Award is therefore bestowed upon deserving recipients who share his values and priorities and who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing sustainability, equity, and inclusive design within the built environment, as well as leadership within organizations dedicated to these same principles. View Criteria >
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be nominated to apply?
For people-based programs (e.g., Emerging Professional, Educator of the Year, etc.), there is usually a required nominator or sponsor, though some programs allow for self-nomination. Please refer to the specific program criteria for more information.
Do I have to be an AIA member to apply?
This varies depending on the program’s criteria. For organizational awards you do not have to be an AIA member to apply. Membership is however required for nearly all of the people-based programs. Please refer to the specific program criteria for more information.
How do I apply?
All honor awards are accepted via the same online nomination form. The Honors Criteria is a resource to guide you in preparing a submission where you will find the materials for each program on their respective pages.
Who are reference letters addressed to?
All reference letters should be addressed to the Jury Chair. Sometimes a chair has not been named by the time applications open. In that case, we recommend addressing the the letter to “Jury Chair, [award name]”.
How long are reference letters kept on file?
Reference letters for successful candidates are archived with the submission. Unsuccessful applications reference letters are kept on file for up to two years following the original application submission.
How are winners recognized?
Winners are announced and celebrated at the annual AIA Georgia Design & Honor Awards each Spring. We encourage successful candidates to attend and bring their family and friends to celebrate.
