June 2025 | AIA Atlanta

AIA Atlanta Opens Submissions for 2025 Awards for Architectural Distinction

Posted on June 30, 2025June 28, 2025 by Malachi G

ATLANTA — June 30, 2025 — AIA Atlanta is now accepting submissions for the 2025 Awards for Architectural Distinction (AAD), a unified program that honors both the built work and the individuals shaping the future of architecture. Submissions are open through August 29, 2025.

This year’s program brings together two distinct paths — Places and People — under one banner to elevate excellence across the profession. The streamlined approach aligns the submission period and co-brands what were previously separate programs to increase visibility and impact.

Places, formerly known as the Residential & Hospitality Design Awards (RHDA), celebrates outstanding architectural projects across residential, commercial, hospitality, and institutional categories.

People, formerly the Honor Awards, recognizes individuals and firms whose service, leadership, and innovation are advancing the profession. Categories include Sole Practitioner of the Year, Firm of the Year, and the Exceptional Young Architect Award, among others.

Winners will be recognized during Build Something Great, AIA Atlanta’s annual awards celebration, taking place on November 15 at Buckhead Theatre.

Learn more and submit at aiaatl.org/awards-recognition

Photo: Ten 5 Summerhill by XMETRICAL (Galina Coada)

Introducing the AIA Atlanta Awards for Architectural Distinction

Posted on June 9, 2025June 28, 2025 by Malachi G

For nearly a decade, AIA Atlanta has celebrated excellence in the built environment through its annual design awards. What began as the Residential Design Awards, later expanding to the Residential & Hospitality Design Awards, has grown in both scope and impact, reflecting the evolving work of Georgia architects.

Today, we’re proud to unveil a new name for our flagship awards program: the Awards for Architectural Distinction.

This new name is more than a rebrand; it represents a broader vision of what truly matters—distinction in concept, execution, and impact across a broader range of typologies.

Why the Change?

Our members produce work that is not confined to a single project type or place. From innovative public buildings to commercial campuses and culturally rooted homes, the profession is more expansive and influential than ever.

The Awards for Architectural Distinction reflect that evolution. The program is now open to new project types located anywhere in the world, as long as they are designed by a Georgia-registered architect.

What’s Included

The program now houses two distinct pathways for recognition:

Places Awards

For built projects of exceptional quality, innovation, and problem-solving. Juried by nationally recognized leaders in architecture and design. Accepted project types include:

Commercial
Hospitality
Institutional
Residential

People Awards

For people and firms shaping the profession. From emerging talent to lifetime achievement, these honors recognize those whose leadership, service, and creativity are making a lasting mark.

Both will be presented at our annual celebration, Build Something Great, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Buckhead Theatre.

Submission Details

Detailed categories and submission criteria will be available at a later date. Submissions for the 2025 Awards for Architectural Distinction open on Monday, June 30, and will close on Friday, August 29.

Featured Project: Nami
Firm: ASD | SKY
Category: Restaurant – New Construction
Award: 2024 Honor Award
Photographer: Richard Cadan

View All Winners »