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Honoring Leadership and Service in Architecture

In addition to honoring built work, the AIA Atlanta Awards for Architectural Distinction (AAD) celebrate the people and practices that are shaping the future of the profession. These honors recognize a broad spectrum of impact, from emerging architects making their mark to established leaders whose influence spans decades. Whether through design excellence, community service, mentorship, or organizational leadership, each recipient represents the values and vision of architecture at its best.

Eligibility criteria vary by category to ensure a wide range of contributions are considered, reflecting the diversity of practice and purpose within the AIA Atlanta community.

Winners are recognized at Build Something Great, the chapter’s signature awards celebration hosted each November.

Nominations will open in June 2026.

  • 2024 Honorees

  • Ivan Allen Sr. Award

    Janice Wittschiebe, AIA

    The most prestigious prize, the Ivan Allen Sr. Award, is awarded to the member who has made a deep and lasting impact on peers, AIA and the built environment, and therefore sustained the highest ideals of the profession.
  • Firm of the Year

    Square Feet Studio

    The Firm of the Year award is the highest honor bestowed upon an architecture firm for its general excellence. The recipient has sustained outstanding performance in design quality and in community, political or AIA leadership in the interests of the profession.
  • The John A. Busby Jr. Award

    Jessika Nelson, AIA

    The John A. Busby Jr. Award is given to a young member excelling in one or more of the areas: design excellence; AIA leadership; community involvement; pursuit of lifelong education; and/or managing or starting a firm.

Past Winners