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Category: Press Releases

2025 Awards for Architectural Distinction Winners Announced

Posted on by Malachi G

ATLANTA — November 17, 2025 — AIA Atlanta is proud to announce the winners of the Awards for Architectural Distinction (AAD), honoring design excellence, leadership, and service across the built environment. The awards were presented during Build Something Great at the Buckhead Theatre on Saturday, November 15.

For nearly a decade, AIA Atlanta recognized outstanding residential design, later expanding to include hospitality work before launching its new flagship program, the AAD, in 2025. The updated name signals a broader focus on conceptual strength, execution, and impact across a wider array of project types.

This year’s program recognized four individuals and 14 projects, selected from a record number of submissions. An online gallery of the winning projets will be available in late November. The winners are as follows:

People Awards

The John A. Busby Jr. Exceptional Young Architect Award

  • Jon Gould, AIA

Dorothy Spence Citizen Architect Award

  • James Pirch, AIA

James G. Fausett Service to the Profession Award

  • Jessika Nelson, AIA
  • Robin Puttock, AIA

Places Awards

Civic & Government Buildings

  • BNA FBO Terminal and Hangar by Niles Bolton Associates — Merit Award
  • Braselton Grist Mill by Architectural Collaborative (Arcollab) — Merit Award
  • Newberry Customer Service Center by Lord Aeck Sargent — Honor Award

Cultural & Religious Institutions

  • Georgia College & State University, Andalusia Interpretive Center by Page, now Stantec — Merit Award

Educational & Research Facilities

  • Agriculture and Natural Resources Building at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA)
    by BarberMcMurry Architects and Lord Aeck Sargent — Honor Award
  • Braselton Library by Architectural Collaborative (Arcollab) — Honor Award
  • Georgia Tech Campus Center by Cooper Carry — Merit Award

Hotel — 26–100 Guest Rooms

  • Palm House by Cooper Carry — Honor Award

Multifamily/Mixed-Use – Over 50 Units

  • Loria Ansley by Niles Bolton Associates — Merit Award
  • Stella at Star Metals by Dwell Design Studio — Honor Award

Office Buildings & Tenant Interiors

  • Cardon Film Studio by Office of Design — Merit Award

Renovations/Adaptive Reuse – Under 5,000 Sq Ft

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Library by McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture — Merit Award

Single-Family – Contemporary

  • Alleghany County House by Point Office Architecture & Design — Merit Award
  • Moreira Guest House by Architectural Collaborative (Arcollab) — Honor Award

AIA Atlanta Opens Submissions for 2025 Awards for Architectural Distinction

Posted on 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)

2024 RHDA Winners Revealed

Posted on by Malachi G

ATLANTA — November 16, 2024 — AIA Atlanta is delighted to announce the winners of the 11th Annual Residential & Hospitality Design Awards (RHDA), celebrating exceptional architectural achievements in residential and hospitality projects. The awards were presented during Build Something Great at Buckhead Theatre on Friday, November 15.

The RHDA program honors projects that exemplify design excellence, educate the public on the value of high-quality architecture, and position architects as innovative problem-solvers. This year’s competition attracted submissions from Atlanta to the Cayman Islands, showcasing diverse projects that push the boundaries of design.

The 2024 RHDA winners are:

Affordable & Workforce Housing

  • Edgewood Center II by Smith Dalia Architects — Merit Award
  • The Melody by The Beck Group — Merit Award

Multifamily & Mixed-Use – 50 Units or Less

  • Ten 5 Summerhill by XMETRICAL — Merit Award

Multifamily & Mixed-Use – Over 50 Units

  • The Goat Farm Apartments by Niles Bolton Associates — Honor Award

Single-Family – Contemporary

  • Honabach House by Philip Babb Architect — Merit Award

Restaurant — New Construction

  • Nami by ASD | SKY — Honor Award

Restaurant — Renovation or Tenant Build-out

  • Old Hickory Renovation by BLUR Workshop — Honor Award
  • Predalina by Smith Dalia Architects — Merit Award

Hotel — 101+ Guest Rooms

  • Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman by BLUR Workshop — Merit Award

AIA Atlanta extends heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and expresses gratitude to all participants for their contributions to advancing architectural excellence.

For more information about the winning projects, please visit aiaatl.org/rhda.

About AIA Atlanta

AIA Atlanta, the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, represents 1,900 architects and designers in Metro Atlanta. AIA advocates for the value of architects and provides resources for continuing education, political advocacy, networking, and leadership development.

AIA Atlanta Announces 2024 RHDA Finalists

Posted on by Malachi G

ATLANTA — October 28, 2024 — AIA Atlanta is excited to announce the finalists for the 11th Annual Residential & Hospitality Design Awards (RHDA), which recognize outstanding architecture in residential and hospitality projects. RHDA showcases projects from around the world designed by Georgia architects and those located in Georgia by architects from anywhere in the United States.

The 2024 program was juried by prominent residential and hospitality architects, including Ben Allen, AIA (Studio BKA, New Orleans), Samantha Josaphat-Medina (Studio 397 Architecture, New York), and Vicki Yuan (Lake|Flato Architects, San Antonio).

The winners will be revealed at Build Something Great, presented by Dri-Design and YKK AP, at Buckhead Theatre on Friday, November 15, 2024

Finalists by Category

Affordable & Workforce Housing

  • Edgewood Center II – Smith Dalia Architects
  • The Melody – The Beck Group

Multifamily & Mixed-Use – 50 Units or Less

  • JD Kirkwood – XMETRICAL
  • Revival Lofts – Choate + Hertlein Architects
  • Ten 5 Summerhill – XMETRICAL

Multifamily & Mixed-Use – Over 50 Units

  • The Goat Farm Apartments – Niles Bolton Associates

Single-Family – Contemporary

  • Honabach House – Philip Babb Architect
  • The Level Up House – Jones Pierce Architects

Hotel — 101+ Guest Rooms

  • Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman – BLUR Workshop
  • Signia by Hilton Atlanta – Gensler

Restaurant — New Construction

  • Nami – ASD | SKY

Restaurant — Renovation or Tenant Build-out

  • Old Hickory Renovation – BLUR Workshop
  • Predalina – Smith Dalia Architects

About AIA Atlanta

AIA Atlanta, the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, represents 1,900 architects and designers in Metro Atlanta. AIA advocates for the value of architects and provides resources for continuing education, political advocacy, networking, and leadership development.

For more details, visit the AIA Atlanta website.

2023 Residential & Hospitality Design Awards Winners Revealed

Posted on by Malachi G

ATLANTA, Nov. 20, 2023 — AIA Atlanta, with presenting sponsors SIXmm and YKK AP America, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Residential & Hospitality Design Awards. Winners were announced during Build Something Great at Buckhead Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 18.

The yearly program recognizes exemplary homes, restaurants, and hotels designed by architects registered in Georgia. Out of nineteen finalists, the jury awarded eight projects with the Merit Award distinction and two with the highest distinction, the Honor Award.

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN WINNERS

Single-Family – Contemporary

  • Merit Award: 23 Perry (Lightroom Studio, LLC)
  • Merit Award: Black Mountain Cross (35 Degrees North)
  • Honor Award: Brevard House (Point Office Architecture & Design)

Multifamily/Mixed-Use – Over 50 Units

  • Merit Award: 1200 Ponce (Choate+Hertlein Architects)
  • Merit Award: The Foundry (Cooper Carry, Inc.)
  • Merit Award: Whistler (Niles Bolton Associates)

HOSPITALITY DESIGN WINNERS

Restaurant – Renovation/Tenant Build-out

  • Merit Award: Biggerstaff Brewing Co. (Office of Design)
  • Merit Award: Elliott’s Restaurant (Office of Design)

Restaurant – New Construction

  • Merit Award: The Summit House at Balsam Mountain (Kuo Diedrich Chi Architects)

Hotel – Guest Rooms 101+

  • Honor Award: Virgin Hotels Nashville (BLUR Workshop)

About AIA Atlanta

AIA Atlanta, the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, is a professional organization representing 1,900 architects and designers in Metro Atlanta. AIA advocates for the value of architects and provides architects with the resources to do their best work, including continuing education, political advocacy, networking, and leadership development.

AIA Atlanta Announces 2024 Board of Directors

Posted on by Malachi G

ATLANTA, Nov. 14, 2023 — AIA Atlanta is pleased to announce the newly elected members of the 2024 Board of Directors, comprising six officers and directors who will play pivotal roles in the organization.

Architect Marc Johnson, AIA, a graduate of Howard University and an associate at CHASM Architecture, has been elected president-elect. This marks the commencement of a three-year term during which he will serve as the president in 2025, followed by the role of past president.

Desmond Johnson, AIA, will continue in the role of treasurer, ensuring the continued financial stability of the organization. Additionally, Corey Miller, AIA, and Zachery Terry, Assoc. AIA, have been re-elected to their positions as directors of continuing education and emerging professionals, respectively.

Heli Shah, Assoc. AIA, previously the chair of the Young Architects Forum of AIA Atlanta, has been elected as the programs director. Ashvini Dinoy, AIA will take on the responsibilities of communications director.

The complete 2024 AIA Atlanta Board of Directors is as follows:

  • President: Shelby Morris, AIA
  • President-elect: Marc Johnson, AIA
  • Past President: Emily Shickner, AIA
  • Treasurer: Desmond Johnson, AIA
  • Secretary: Laura Morton, AIA
  • Public Director: Terry Miller, AIA
  • Development Director: Mark Chen, AIA
  • Development Director: Mae Murphy, Assoc. AIA
  • Continuing Education Director: Corey Miller, AIA
  • Local Political Advocacy Director: Meghan Shannon, AIA
  • Emerging Professionals Director: Laura Sherman, AIA
  • Emerging Professionals Director: Zachery Terry, Assoc. AIA
  • Membership Director: Sumegha Shah, AIA
  • Programs Director: KK Loy, AIA
  • Programs Director: Heli Shah, Assoc. AIA
  • Communications Director: Ashvini Dinoy, AIA
  • Communications Director: Howard Kuo, AIA
  • Allied Director: Amy Granelli

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About AIA Atlanta

AIA Atlanta, the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, is a professional organization representing 1,900 architects and designers in Metro Atlanta. AIA advocates for the value of architects and provides architects with the resources to do their best work, including continuing education, political advocacy, networking, and leadership development.

AIA Atlanta Announces 2023 Residential & Hospitality Design Awards Finalists

Posted on by Malachi G

ATLANTA, Oct. 30, 2023 — Today, AIA Atlanta announces the finalists of the 2023 Residential & Hospitality Design Awards (RHDA). The annual program recognizes exemplary homes, restaurants, and hotels designed by architects registered in Georgia.

RHDA winners will be revealed at Build Something Great on Saturday, November 18. Presented by SIXmm and YKK AP, the event will be held at the historic Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta.

This year’s jury comprised four esteemed peers and leaders in the built environment, including:

  • Frank Barkow (Barkow Leibinger, Berlin, Germany)
  • Pavilina Ilieva, AIA (PI.KL Studi, Baltimore, Maryland)
  • Steve Nygren (Serenbe, Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia)
  • Korey White, AIA (DLR Group, Chicago, Illinois)

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN FINALISTS

Single-Family – Contemporary

23 Perry
Lightroom Studio, LLC

490 Glen Iris
Lightroom Studio, LLC

Black Mountain Cross
35 Degrees North

Brevard House
Point Office Architecture & Design

Cantilever House
Sheila Lee Davies Architecture

Renovations/Adaptive Reuse – Under 5,000 Sq Ft

Ormewood Park Residence
Point Office Architecture & Design

Wylie Chapel Lofts
Jones Pierce Architects

Multifamily/Mixed-Use – Over 50 Units

1200 Ponce
Choate+Hertlein Architects

Centennial Yards South
Choate+Hertlein Architects

The Foundry
Cooper Carry, Inc.

Revival Lofts
Choate+Hertlein Architects

Whistler
Niles Bolton Associates

HOSPITALITY DESIGN FINALISTS

Restaurant – Renovation/Tenant Build-out

Biggerstaff Brewing Co.
Office of Design

Cigar Club
The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry

Elliott’s Restaurant
Office of Design

Restaurant – New Construction

Harrah’s Cherokee
BLUR Workshop

The Summit House at Balsam Mountain
Kuo Diedrich Chi Architects

Hotel – Guest Rooms 101+

Nobu Atlanta Hotel and Restaurant
The Beck Group

Virgin Hotels Nashville
BLUR Workshop

About AIA Atlanta

AIA Atlanta, the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, is a professional organization representing 1,900 architects and designers in Metro Atlanta. AIA advocates for the value of architects and provides architects with the resources to do their best work, including continuing education, political advocacy, networking, and leadership development.

AIA Atlanta Announces 2023 High School Design Competition Winners

Posted on by Malachi G

ATLANTA — April 12, 2023 — AIA Atlanta and presenting sponsor YKK AP announce the winners of the 18th Annual High School Design Competition (HSDC). The awards celebration was held at the Kennesaw State University College of Architecture and Construction Management, returning in person for the first time since 2019.

HSDC invites Georgia high school students to immerse themselves in fundamental architecture concepts and learn skills that will be useful in college and beyond. The competition focuses on a design prompt to which students will create a solution using their creativity and architectural knowledge. HSDC comprises two levels to accommodate students’ varying levels of experience, including beginner and advanced.

The 2023 competition received 211 submissions from 36 schools. Winners of the advanced level receive cash prizes. This year’s winners are as follows:

Beginner – Individual

  • 1st Place: Olivia Power, Sequoyah High School
  • 2nd Place: Wyatt Rock, Sequoyah High School
  • 3rd Place: Rylee Trusner, Sequoyah High School
  • Honorable Mention: Pia Ramirez-Weninger, Decatur High School
  • Honorable Mention: Nola Lepp, Marietta High School
  • Honorable Mention: David Paliotta, Sequoyah High School
  • Honorable Mention: Sierra Freeman, Decatur High School

Advanced – Individual

  • 1st Place: Mikka Wolff, Decatur High School
  • 2nd Place: Kaden Johnson, Union Grove High School
  • 3rd Place: Gavin Webster, Union Grove High School
  • Honorable Mention: Katherine Gentner, Wheeler High School
  • Honorable Mention: Joseph Galviz, Maxwell High School Of Technology

Advanced – Group

  • 1st Place: Noah Crowder, Vivian King, Zachary Marino, and Edwin Cheung, Wheeler High School
  • 2nd Place: Mikayla Parks and Megan Reed, Etowah High School
  • 3rd Place: Joshua Franklin and Benjamin Choi, Mountain View High School
  • Honorable Mention: Addison Kowall, Katie Swanson, and Ansley Perdue, Wheeler High School
  • Honorable Mention: Louis Messonnier, Owen Joiner, Johnny Treadwell, and Aiden Martinelli, Decatur High School

AIA Atlanta congratulates all students for their successful participation in the program. In addition to presenting sponsor YKK AP, AIA Atlanta thanks event sponsors Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers and the Kennesaw State University.

About AIA Atlanta
AIA Atlanta, the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, is a professional organization representing 1,800 architects and designers in Metro Atlanta. AIA advocates for the value of architects and provides architects with the resources to do their best work, including continuing education, political advocacy, networking, and leadership development.

About YKK AP America Inc.
YKK AP America Inc. is a technology-oriented manufacturer of commercial façade systems and residential doors and windows. With every finished good, we push the boundaries in next-generation manufacturing and create value for architectural applications. Driven by a desire to provide exceptional service in our markets, YKK AP America builds upon our foundation of advanced engineering, vertically integrated manufacturing, and customer focus on delivering the highest level of quality at a competitive price.