Robert L. Easter, FAIA, NOMAC, has been named the 2025 recipient of the William C. Noland Medal, the highest honor awarded by AIA Virginia, recognizing a career of distinguished, far-reaching contributions to architecture.
Easter is President of KEi Architects, with offices in Richmond, VA and Charlotte, NC. A graduate of Hampton University and Virginia Tech, he is also an ordained minister. His early career included military service, academic teaching, and architectural practice, before co-founding Kelso & Easter Architects.
A dedicated educator, Easter recently retired as Chair of Hampton University’s Department of Architecture, where he led significant program advancements including implementation of the IPAL program.
As the 15th President of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), he worked nationally and internationally to increase minority representation, including helping form the Association of Black Architects in South Africa, and working to reconcile black and white architects in that country during the transition between apartheid and democratic rule.
Easter has held leadership roles in AIA Virginia, NCARB, and on national accreditation boards. He’s been instrumental in advancing diversity in the profession through partnerships between major firms and HBCUs.
His accolades include elevation to the AIA College of Fellows (2020), the NOMA Council (1994), the AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Award (2022), and the Marcellus Wright Jr. Award (2024).
Easter will be honored with the Noland Medal on Thursday November 6, 2025, at the Visions for Architecture event in Richmond, VA. Tickets will be available starting September 2, 2025 at www.aiava.org.