The 2026 Virginia Prize Awarded

Posted on by Delaney Ogden

The Results of the 2026 AIA Virginia Prize

Over the weekend of the 30 January – 2 February, students at Hampton University, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech (both in Blacksburg and at the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center/the WAAC), William & Mary, and James Madison University participated in the 2026 AIA Virginia Prize competition. Faculty at James Madison University developed a brief for a site in Bridgewater, Virginia that challenged students to imagine a “third space” to bring people together in new ways, support creative activity, and strengthen the rhythms of everyday life.

The submissions were reviewed by an impressive jury that included Jury Chair James (Jim) Cutler, FAIA, Bruce Anderson, AIA, Marlon Blackwell, FAIA, and Ed Weinstein, FAIA.

The jury was charged with selecting projects for special recognition and awarding $5,500 in cash prizes. The jury awarded a tie for First Place to Isabel Alarcon (VT) and Noah Depeyrot (UVA) – who each received $2,250. Third Place, and $1,000, was awarded to Nick Wald (VT).

First Prize: Noah Depeyrot (UVA) “Bridgewater Stoop” – $2,250

Of Noah Depeyrot’s Bridgewater Stoop the jury remarked that “the design is simple and direct in one large gesture.  It takes a mundane service garage and visually converts it into a recognizable public space”.  The jury felt the proposal would be eminently achievable in the real world.  They commented that the combination of the scale and the big roof makes the project more accessible to the community.  And they commended the entry as an example of “the importance of learning to edit the design down, rather than adding more to the project”.

First Prize: Isabel Alarcon (VT) “Re-fuel” – $2,250

In response to Isabel Alarcon’s Re-Fuel the jury felt that the designer had a fundamental understanding of what it takes to make a civic building “alive” – programming this project as a multipurpose building, that would naturally have some constant activity.  They commended the physical design of the building, which they considered deft in both plan and section. Stating that “this was a project of substance”, they also appreciated how the project responded to the scale to the street.

They noted that the first place submissions were “similar in some important ways” while offering “a strong yet dramatically different approach”.

Third Place: Nick Wald (VT) “Hearth” – $1,000

The jury admired how the boldness of Nick Wald’s Hearth “put a stake in the ground to mark the civic heart of Bridgewater”. They appreciated how the arcade surrounding the ‘obelisk/chimney’ could serve multiple functions and events – it was “decidedly urban” while recalling an industrial port or cenotaph. 

We congratulate the winners and appreciate the engagement of the many students, faculty, and institutions that participated in this year’s edition. We thank the Architectural Design faculty at JMU’s School of Art, Design and Art History for developing the provocative brief. And we thank the jury for their thoughtful deliberations.

If you’d like help us support this effort, which launched in 1980, you are most welcome to make a contribution to the Virginia Prize designated fund on the AIAVA Foundation page of our website.

2026 AIA Virginia Prize Jury Announced

Posted on by Delaney Ogden

Over the weekend of the 30 January – 2 February students at Hampton University, the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech (both in Blacksburg and at the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center/the WAAC), William & Mary, and James Madison University participated in the 2026 AIA Virginia Prize competition. Faculty at James Madison University developed a brief for a site in Bridgewater, Virginia and challenged students to imagine a “third space”; a central space that brings people together in new ways, supports creative activity, and strengthens the rhythms of everyday life.

The students have completed their work and the submissions have been delivered for consideration by an impressive jury. Jury Chair James (Jim) Cutler, FAIA, is joined by Bruce Anderson, AIA, Ed Weinstein, FAIA, and Marlon Blackwell, FAIA.

About the Jury

James Cutler, FAIA

James Cutler, FAIA is one of the last students of the Louis Kahn Studio at University of Pennsylvania who is actively practicing architecture. Many of his design philosophies he learned in studio are reflected throughout his work. His designs are based upon a deep understanding of the land, materials, program and institution. He surveys each piece of land at the onset of every project which allows him to reflect its essence and spirit in the design work. Some of Jim’s most recognized projects have been a single family home built across an old logging pond in Newberg, Oregon, a residential compound for Bill Gates in Medina, Washington as well as the Edith Green Wendell Wyatt Federal Building remodel in Portland, Oregon which was awarded the “Best Tall Building in an Urban Context in the Western Hemisphere” by the Council of Tall Buildings. As the founder of Cutler Anderson Architects, this small 10-person firm is currently designing residential and mixed-use projects in Maine, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, California, Washington, Oregon and Singapore.

Marlon Blackwell, FAIA

Marlon Blackwell, FAIA together with his partner in life and work, Ati Blackwell, AIA, ASID lead the internationally recognized practice Marlon Blackwell Architects. Their work has received recognition with significant publication and more than 200 design awards including the 2016 Cooper Hewitt National Design Award in Architecture and the 2025 Mies Crown Hall Americas Prize. Working between the universal language of architecture and the particulars of place, they have cultivated a studio recognized for its formal clarity, contextual depth, and architectural integrity. In 2020, Marlon was honored with the Gold Medal from the American Institute of Architects for his enduring impact on the theory and practice of architecture. He’s a lifetime member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and an inductee of the American Academy of Arts and Science. Equally respected as an educator, he served as the E. Fay Jones Distinguished Professor at the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas where he taught for over 30 years. Most recently, he was the Louis I. Kahn Visiting Professor at Yale University for the Fall of 2025. A monograph of their recent work, titled “Radical Practice”, was published in 2022 by Princeton Architectural Press. 

Ed Weinstein, FAIA

Ed Weinstein, FAIA is an award-winning architect who has practiced in Seattle for over 50 years. A Principal and founder of Weinstein A+U, Ed has assisted a broad array of clients in solving complex problems, leading to unique design solutions that meet the specific needs of each project. Ed is recognized as one of our region’s leading designers. His firm has received more than 80 Seattle Chapter, Northwest and Pacific Region, and National AIA Design Awards. He has been invited to serve on numerous design juries throughout the country including the 2000 National AIA Honor Awards Jury. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (1993) and was awarded the 2011 AIA Seattle Medal of Honor for lifetime design achievements.

Bruce Anderson, AIA

Bruce Anderson, AIA has been a Principal at Cutler Anderson Architects on Bainbridge Island, Washington since 2001. Along with partner, James Cutler, their unobtrusive style preserves the land while incorporating form, function and esthetics into a building’s design and placement. He holds a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington and is a registered architect in the states of Washington, Utah, Vermont and Kentucky. Bruce is known for his design skills, but also has extensive experience in project management and regulatory issues. From 1996 – 1998, Bruce served as Chair of the Bainbridge Island Planning Commission. Additionally, while serving as President of the Bainbridge Island Land Trust, he was instrumental in decisions pertaining to acquisitions of vacant land for not only the Land Trust, but also for the Bainbridge Island Park District. Throughout his tenure Bruce has taught architecture courses for the University of Washington and served as a design critic and juror for several design competitions throughout the country.

2026 AIA Virginia Prize

Posted on by Delaney Ogden

The AIA Virginia Prize is a design charrette that engages students at all of the architecture programs in Virginia.  Conducted simultaneously at each institution, students are given the competition program Friday at 5 p.m. They work over the weekend to create a board presenting their design solution by 9 a.m. the following Monday.  The competition is intended to promote collaboration between the profession, students and professors in Virginia.

The first round of submissions is juried at the university level and up to 10 finalists from each school will be sent to be juried at the state level.

The 2026 competition takes place over the January 30 weekend. Faculty at James Madison University are finalizing the brief. The challenge brief will be posted to this page at 5 p.m. on Friday, January 30 and submissions are due to the school at 9 a.m. on Monday, February 2.

If you would like to make a donation to the AIA Virginia Prize, please click here. All donations are tax-deductible.

We wish the participating students a pleasant outing and look forward to considering and celebrating their proposals.

2021 Student Prize Winner Announced

Posted on by cguske

AIA Virginia is pleased to announce the students recognized as honorees in 2021 AIA Virginia Prize competition. The competition — which took place over the weekend of Jan. 22–25 — was inspired by the Equal Justice Initiative’s Community Remembrance Project and challenged students to design a pillar installation for the City of Alexandria’s Market Square. Each school’s faculty reviewed the submissions and sent up to 10 finalists for final consideration by the jury.

In a new initiative this year, AIA Virginia is convening a post-competition conversation with the students from the 4 schools, the jurors, and designers from the region. The virtual panel discussion takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 16. Register to join the discussion.

AIA Virginia Prize
The top award and $2,000 prize goes to Ryan Burnett, a student at Virginia Tech for their untitled submission.

2021 AIA Virginia Prize winner by Ryan Burnett
“untitled” by Ryan Burnett, Virginia Tech

The jury called it a strong, powerful idea that was beautifully rendered. “I loved the subtlety and the power. The walk — traveling that pathway — embeds you into the experience,” said one juror. Another commented, “Contextual monuments that are part of the events of our social fabric should also reference or be part of the physical fabric, while at the same time standing out enough to draw the attention necessary to bring awareness and, hopefully, engagement. What I’ve dubbed ‘Subtle Gestures’ does just that. What’s at the apex of these paths? Where do the paths go to or originate from in the opposite direction? Being able to follow each path and stand in the place where the lynchings took place, and then to look back at the pillar or monument could be a powerful experience.”

Hampton University Best of School
Best of School Award for Hampton University and $300 goes to Jarrett Thomas for “The Onlookers.”

2021 Best of School Award Hampton University by Jarrett Thomas
“The Onlookers” by Jarrett Thomas, Hampton University

The jury appreciated the consideration of sun and shadow, noting that the idea of being surrounded by a mob of oversized observers feels “relevant both to the past and today.”

University of Virginia Best of School
The Best of School Award for University of Virginia and $300 goes to Adam Johnson for “In Context.”

2021 Best of School Award UVA by Adam Johnson
“In Context” by Adam Johnson, University of Virginia

“The order, simplicity, and clarity are both sobering and powerful. The contrast of trees aligned along the landscaped edges softens and invites visitors to a field of tomb-like monuments referring the astounding number of places where lynchings occurred, all deferring to the single stroke of color rising above,” remarked the jury.

Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center Best of School
The Best of School Award for Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center and $300 goes to Ellie Cuthrell for their untitled submission.

Best of School Award WAAC by Ellie Cuthrell
“untitled” by Ellie Cuthrell, Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center

The jury said, “I liked the idea of the sun being involved and the shadows that the poles cast … There’s a tension expressed that is speaking to both the past and the present.” The jury also appreciated that the poles are intended to change over time.

The following were recognized with an Honorable Mention

Matias Montenegro Sandoval from Virginia Tech for their untitled submission.

2021 Honorable Mention VT Matias Montenegro Sandoval
“untitled” by Matias Montenegro Sandoval, Virginia Tech

“This is reminiscent of the data visualizations by W.E.B. Du Bois … The rammed earth pillars are brilliant ways to represent the centuries of slavery and terror. Like the rings in a tree, they dutifully measure or depict each year and the ‘conditions,’ but more importantly these layers bluntly indicate the length of time that our society allowed the atrocities to endure.”

Audrey Bolesta from the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center for their submission “Alexandria Community Plaza for Racial Justice.”

2021 Honorable Mention-WAAC-Audrey Bolesta
“Alexandria Community Plaza for Racial Justice” by Audrey Bolesta, Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center

“I liked that the student respected that this is already an active community space. I appreciated that the design was thoughtful, and the intent is clear.”

Pete Paueksakon from the University of Virginia for their submission “The Three Pillars.”

2021 Honorable Mention-UVA-Pete Paueksakon
“The Three Pillars” by Pete Paueksakon, University of Virginia

“Intentionally set in the otherwise bustling square, and beyond the careful planning of the order and placement of elements, this composition of monumental black stone planes would trigger curiosity and draw people in to explore – a critical factor in terms of engaging and then effectively informing and enlightening visitors.”

Andre L. Jackson from Hampton University for “Illuminating the Shadows of a Dark Past.”

2021 Honorable Mention-HU-Andre L. Jackson
“Illuminating the Shadows of a Dark Past” by Andre L. Jackson, Hampton University

“Beautiful, and powerful rendering! The somewhat obscure but beautiful nature of the image compels closer inspection — much like the sculptural composition would actually do — especially at night. Illumination and shadow work together in contrast to reveal the symbolic presence of the other.”

About the AIA Virginia Prize

Conducted simultaneously at Hampton University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center, the competition is a design charrette that engages students at all of the accredited schools of architecture in Virginia. Students are given the competition program on a Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. They work over the weekend to create a design solution and submit it by 9 a.m. the following Monday.

Launched in 1980, the competition is intended to promote collaboration between the profession, students, and professors in Virginia.

Development of the competition brief rotates between the four schools annually — the 2021 Prize challenge was developed by the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center.

About the Jury

Robert V. Reis, AIA, Principal and Design Director, Hanbury | Jury Chair
Audrey Davis, Director of the Alexandria Black History Museum
Brad Grant, Professor, Department of Architecture, Howard University
Sequoyah Hunter-Cuyjet, Design Advocate, Determined by Design
Chris Lee, FAIA, President, Johnson & Lee, Chicago
Ashley Montgomery, Assoc. AIA, Associate and leader of the Hanbury Resiliency Initiative, Hanbury

2020 Student Prize Winner Announced

Posted on by cguske

AIA Virginia is pleased to announce the students recognized as honorees in 2020 AIA Virginia Prize competition.

AIA Virginia Prize
The top award and $2,250 prize goes to Kyle Quinn, a student at the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center, for the submission “Coexist.” The jury called it “a standout, singular idea that made you consider the challenge in an entirely new way … It was completely different from all the others in the way it engaged the waterfront.”

“Coexist” by Kyle Quinn

Special Jury Citation
A special jury citation goes to Shunsuke Araki for “Pier Park” from the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center. The jury appreciated the use the river vernacular as well as the deployment of the barrier and floating components to address flooding. The jury also noted the diagrams, calling them “incredibly strong.”

“Pier Park” by Shunsuke Araki from WAAC

Hampton University Best of School
Best of School Award for Hampton University and $250 goes to Rachel Collins for “Pearl Shore Oyster Hatchery.” The jury noted that the “aspirational” concept displayed some “sophisticated thinking.”

“Pearl Shore Oyster Hatchery” by Rachel Collins from Hampton University

University of Virginia Best of School
The Best of School Award for University of Virginia and $250 goes to Kelsey Smith for “Cluster.” The jury appreciated that visitors could make a waterborne approach to the site and the park-like setting. “I loved the restraint that was used here,” said one juror.

“Cluster” by Kelsey Smith from UVA

Virginia Tech Best of School
The Best of School Award for Virginia Tech and $250 goes to Laurie Booth for “Grit and Shine.” The jury called it “extremely well presented … probably the strongest graphic presentation we received. It really commands the site.” They also appreciated the business component on the terrace and the references to oysters in the materials selection.

“Grit and Shine” by Laurie Booth from Virginia Tech

The following were recognized with an Honorable Mention

“Aw Shucks Oyster Hatchery” by Emily Broadwell from the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center

“Full Circle” by Paris Casey from Hampton University

“Norfolk Oyster Research Hatchery” by Vidusha Sridhar from Virginia Tech

“Norfolk Oyster Research Hatchery” by Alex Boardwine from Virginia Tech

“Norfolk Oyster Research Hatchery” by Randa Malkawi from the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center

“Oyster Barge” by Luke Rumage from the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center

“The Hatchery” by Mustafa Shafique from Virginia Tech

“Untitled” by Bryan Bay from Virginia Tech

About the Challenge

The competition — which took place over the weekend of Jan. 24–27 — challenged students to design a small oyster research hatchery [Read the full competition brief.]

About the AIA Virginia Prize

Conducted simultaneously at Hampton University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center, the competition is a design charrette that engages students at all of the accredited schools of architecture in Virginia. Students are given the competition program on a Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. They work over the weekend to create a design solution and submit it by 9 a.m. the following Monday. The top submission wins a $2,250 prize, with $250 prizes to each “Best of School” honoree.

Launched in 1980, the competition is intended to promote collaboration between the profession, students, and professors in Virginia. Historically, the charrette has taken place in January, however over the last several years, the competition has been hosted in September to accommodate an ongoing scheduling conflict at one of the schools. Now that the conflict has been resolved, the Prize weekend has shifted back to the spring semester to better align with the demands of the academic calendar.

Development of the competition brief rotates between the four schools annually — the 2020 Prize challenge was developed by Hampton University.

About the Jury

Each school’s faculty reviews the submissions and sends up to 10 finalists to Richmond for final consideration by the following Jury.

Bob Moje, FAIA, founding partner, VMDO Architects | Jury Chair
Patrick Farley, AIA, owner, Patrick Farley Architect
Donna Phaneuf, FAIA, president and lead design principal, VIA Design Architects
Chuck Swartz, FAIA, principal, Reader & Swartz Architects

Jury Announced for 2020 AIA Virginia Prize

Posted on by cguske

AIA Virginia is pleased to announce the jury for the 2020 AIA Virginia Prize. The competition — which took place over the weekend of Jan. 24–27 — challenged students to design an oyster hatchery in Norfolk. Students were asked to imagine sustainable solutions where humans and nature could gracefully coexist. [Read the full competition brief.]

Each school’s faculty reviews the submissions and sends up to 10 finalists to Richmond for final consideration by the jury.

Jury

Bob Moje, FAIA, founding partner, VMDO Architects | Jury Chair
Patrick Farley, AIA, owner, Patrick Farley Architect
Lynden Garland, AIA, project manager, Baskervill
Donna Phaneuf, FAIA, president and lead design principal, VIA Design Architects
Chuck Swartz, FAIA, principal, Reader & Swartz Architects

The Prize is expected to be awarded in April.

About the AIA Virginia Prize

Conducted simultaneously at Hampton University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center, the competition is a design charrette that engages students at all of the accredited schools of architecture in Virginia. Students are given the competition program on a Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. They work over the weekend to create a design solution and submit it by 9 a.m. the following Monday. The top submission wins a $2,2500 prize, with $250 prizes to each “Best of School” honoree.

Launched in 1980, the competition is intended to promote collaboration between the profession, students, and professors in Virginia. Historically, the charrette has taken place in January, however over the last several years, the competition has been hosted in September to accommodate an ongoing scheduling conflict at one of the schools. Now that the conflict has been resolved, the Prize weekend has shifted back to the spring semester to better align with the demands of the academic calendar.

Development of the competition brief rotates between the four schools annually — the 2020 Prize challenge was developed by Hampton University.

AIA Virginia Prize Competition

Posted on by cguske

Students from around the state took part last month in the AIA Virginia Prize, a design charrette that engages students at all of the accredited schools of architecture in Virginia. Conducted simultaneously at each institution, students were given the competition brief on Friday, September 15th at 5 p.m. They work over the weekend to create a board presenting their design solution by 9 a.m. on Monday, September 18th. This year’s prize brief focused on a Waterfront Terminus on King Street in Alexandria, Virginia.

The winner of this year’s prize will be announced during the General Session at the upcoming Architecture Exchange East conference. The top 10 boards from each school will be on display throughout the conference.

Register to attend ArchEx>>

The competition is intended to promote collaboration between the profession, students, and professors in Virginia.