Introducing the AIA Atlanta Awards for Architectural Distinction
Monday, June 9, 2025
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