The Virginia Emerging Architect Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers.

Eligibility
AIA Virginia members who are in good standing and have been licensed to practice architecture fewer than 10 years by the submission deadline are eligible.

Evaluative Criteria
Candidates will be evaluated on their contributions to the profession in one or more of the following categories:

  • Advancement of design and/or design discourse
  • Advancement of the profession, including service to the AIA through local, state, or national components
  • Advancement of architectural education
  • Service to community
  • Service to the profession
  • Advancement of social justice, equity, diversity, or inclusion

Submission Materials

  • Nomination form
  • Nominator’s statement
    The statement should be no more than a paragraph and should include a concise description of the applicant and summarize how the nominee meets the criteria for the award.
  • A brief biography and resume/curricula vitae of the candidate, not to exceed three pages
  • Narrative information, not to exceed 10 pages
    This information should detail nominee’s qualifications for award, citing specific examples and any images related to evaluative criteria.
  • At least one letter of support from a Virginia member in good standing

Submissions should be no larger than 15MB and no more than 20 pages long (not including letters of support).

Recipients

2015
Christopher Charles, Assoc. AIA
Jeana Ripple, AIA

2016
Rachel Shelton, AIA
Katherine Williams, AIA

2017
Braden Field, AIA
Nathan Harper, Assoc. AIA
S. Maggie Schubert, AIA

2018
Kevin Jones, AIA
Erin Webb, AIA

2019
April Drake, AIA
Emily Hogan, AIA
Andrew McKinley, AIA

2020
Whitney McDermott, AIA
Carrie Parker, AIA

2021
Scott Campbell, AIA
Kelley Holmes, AIA
Jenine Kotob, AIA

2022
Sonny Joy-Hogg, Assoc. AIA
Alec Yuzhbabenko, AIA

2023
Jessie Gemmer, AIA
Erin Agdinaoay, AIA