Honor Awards

The Gold Medal is the highest honor that AIA Ohio can bestow on a member. The AIA Ohio Board of Directors confers this award, which recognizes the exemplary contributions and significant accomplishments of AIA Ohio members, in fulfilling the criteria in one or more of the categories identified below. Each of the categories shall be considered as equal pathways to achievement of the award. One category shall not be valued higher than another nor shall a category be unequally weighted in the evaluation process.

Eligibility

Any member of AIA Ohio in good standing, who has been a member of the AIA for a minimum of ten years, is eligible to receive the Gold Medal. The award may be conferred posthumously to those individuals who had a cumulative membership in the AIA of ten years or more and who meet all of the other defined requirements. AIA Fellowship is not a requirement for consideration, however, candidates shall have made a significant and exemplary impact on the profession or within the AIA Ohio.  The member’s service shall have had an ever increasing impact that broadens and elevates the standards of leadership, service or design within the profession or the Institute.  No more than one such award shall be made in any year.

Submissions

Each submission shall include the following:

1.  Information and Identification Sheet, in a format designated by AIA Ohio (online form
2.  A one page letter of nomination from a member of AIA Ohio
3.  A one page letter of support from the candidate’s local AIA Ohio component
4.  Statement of Compliance with AIA Ohio Unpaid Labor Policy

The nominations may also include the following:

1. A biography of the candidate
The biography shall focus on the candidate’s overall experience and roles in the profession, establishing the level of involvement and participation of the member in the profession, the organization, and in service to community.

2. A summary of the candidate’s substantial achievements
The summary shall define how contributions or work of the candidate have had a substantial impact on the profession or the AIA.

3. Supporting exhibits
Exhibits may include information on specific contributions, work or examples of service that demonstrate the extraordinary and notable contributions of the candidate.  They may include summaries of books, articles, leadership and service or examples of design authored by the candidate. Separate information or examples that cannot be embedded within the document shall not be included.

4. Letters of Support
The candidate may provide up to six letters in support of the candidate’s exemplary work and achievements.  Each letter shall not exceed one page.  The authors of these letters shall not be restricted to members of the profession or Institute, although they should have a direct understanding and knowledge of the candidate’s contributions.  Members serving on the AIA Ohio Board of Directors are not permitted to provide letters of support.  It is highly recommended that those providing letters of support do so for only one candidate for the Gold Medal each year.  Members of the AIA Ohio Honor Awards Jury may not provide or be solicited for letters of support.

Submission Format

The submissions for the AIA Ohio Gold Medal shall be made by the end of business on the day as determined by AIA Ohio in the Honor Award Call for Entries. Submissions shall be in compliance with the guidelines and requirements as established above and shall meet the following format restrictions:

• Submissions shall be provided as a single PDF to AIA Ohio using the award software OpenWater.  The size of the PDF document, including any embedded photos, videos, etc. shall not exceed 8 MB.  The candidate is responsible for verifying the document has been submitted online by the deadline.
• Submissions shall be formatted to demonstrate, in both written and graphic format, the candidate’s contributions.  The final format of the PDF may not exceed 11” x 17” (tabloid or “B” size).
• The submission packet, excluding the four documents required by AIA Ohio, shall not exceed twenty two (22) pages.
• The Board has the right to waive irregularities in the submissions, provided the irregularities are minor in nature and do not provide the candidate with a notable advantage over other candidates.

The AIA Ohio Gold Medal Firm Award is the highest honor AIA Ohio can bestow on an architectural firm. The AIA Ohio Board of Directors confers this award, which recognizes the exemplary contributions and significant accomplishments of firms lead by AIA Ohio members. This award recognizes a firm’s ongoing commitment to a focus on design excellence, innovation in practice and design, or the advancement of firm culture, each of which contribute to the firm’s unique place as a leader in the profession. Through this Award, the Board of Directors recognizes exemplary efforts and significant accomplishments in one or more of the following criteria. Each of the categories shall be considered as equal pathways to achievement of the award. One category shall not be valued higher than another nor shall a category be unequally weighted in the evaluation process.

Eligibility

Any firm or successor firms, whether an individual or an organization of architects, in which the continuing collaboration among individuals of the firm has been the principal force in consistently meeting the above mentioned criteria for a period of at least 10 years, is eligible for the AIA Ohio Gold Medal Firm Award. To be eligible for the AIA Ohio Gold Medal Firm Award, nominations must show that the majority of financial ownership in the firm is held by registered architects, and that all the registered architect principals are AIA Ohio members. No more than one such award shall be made in any year. Firms which have been recognized with the AIA Ohio Gold Medal Firm Award shall be eligible for re-nomination after an interval of 25 years.

Submissions

Each submission shall include the following:

1. Information and Identification Sheet, in a format designated by AIA Ohio
2. A one page letter of nomination from a member of AIA Ohio
3. A one page letter of support from the firm’s local AIA Ohio component
4. Statement of Firm Ownership and Principal Membership
5. Statement of Compliance with AIA Ohio Unpaid Labor Policy

The nominations may also include the following:

1. A brief description of the firm
The description shall outline the firm’s history, principals and its progression toward becoming a leader in design or in the profession. The description shall focus on the firm’s overall contributions and its ongoing impact on the architectural community.

2. Supporting exhibits
The exhibits may include information on the specific contributions, designs or examples of service that demonstrate the extraordinary and notable contributions of the firm. They should include a focus on the firm’s unique programs, recognized and awarded designs, or innovative approaches to design, practice or community service. Separate information or examples that cannot be embedded within the submission document shall not be included.

3. Letters of Support
The firm may provide up to six letters in support of the firm’s exemplary work and achievements. Each letter shall not exceed one page. The authors of these letters shall not be restricted to members of the profession or Institute, although they should have a direct understanding and knowledge of the firm’s contributions. Members serving on the AIA Ohio Board of Directors are not permitted to provide letters of support. It is strongly recommended that those providing letters of support do so for only one candidate for the Gold Medal Firm each year. Members of the AIA Ohio Honor Awards Jury may not provide or be solicited for letters of support.

Submission Format

The submissions for the AIA Ohio Gold Medal Firm shall be made by the end of business on the day as determined by AIA Ohio in the Honor Award Call for Entries. Submissions shall be in compliance with the guidelines and requirements as established above and shall meet the following format restrictions:

• Submissions shall be provided as a single PDF to AIA Ohio using the award software OpenWater.  The size of the PDF document, including any embedded photos, videos, etc. shall not exceed 8 MB.  The candidate is responsible for verifying the document has been submitted online by the deadline.
• Submissions shall be formatted to demonstrate, in both written and graphic format, the contributions of the firm.  The final format of the PDF may not exceed 11” x 17” (tabloid or “B” size).
• The submission packet, excluding the five documents required by AIA Ohio, shall not exceed twenty two (22) pages.
• The Board has the right to waive irregularities in the submissions, provided the irregularities are minor in nature and do not provide the firm with a notable advantage over other submissions.

The AIA Ohio Mentor Award recognizes a member who has demonstrated strong leadership, guidance and service in the support of mentorship to fellow professionals or in her/his community. Awarded by the AIA Ohio Board of Directors, this award recognizes the exemplary contributions and significant accomplishments an individual has made to the profession via mentorship.

The nomination of an individual for this award, shall explain the individual’s impact on the profession via mentorship.  Local component support is highly regarded in consideration of this award.

Eligibility

To be eligible, candidates must have been members of AIA Ohio for at least ten years.  The AIA Ohio Board may choose to award more than one Mentor Award in any year.

Submissions

Each submission shall include the following:

1. Information and Identification Sheet, in a format designated by AIA Ohio (Online Form)
2. A one page letter of nomination from a member of AIA Ohio
3. A one page letter of support from the candidate’s local AIA Ohio component
4. Statement of Compliance with AIA Ohio Unpaid Labor Policy

The nominations may also include the following:

1. A written statement (not to exceed four pages) illustrating the candidate’s impact on the profession through mentorship.  Include a list of individuals whom the candidate has mentored.

2. Letters of Support (4 are encouraged)
The nomination may also include up to four additional letters from individuals whom the candidate has mentored.  Each letter shall not exceed one page.  The authors of these letters shall have a direct understanding and knowledge of the candidate’s contributions to the profession through mentorship.

Submission Format

The submissions for the AIA Ohio Mentor Award shall be made by the end of business on the day as determined by AIA Ohio in the Honor Award Call for Entries. Submissions shall comply with the guidelines and requirements as established above and shall meet the following format restrictions:

• Submissions shall be provided as a single PDF to AIA Ohio using the award software OpenWater.  The size of the PDF document, including any embedded photos, videos, etc. shall not exceed 8 MB.  The candidate is responsible for verifying the document has been submitted online by the deadline.
• Submissions shall be formatted to demonstrate, in both written and graphic format, the contributions of the candidate.  The final format of the PDF may not exceed 11” x 17” (tabloid or “B” size).
• The submission packet, excluding the five documents required by AIA Ohio, shall not exceed eight (8) pages.
• The Board has the right to waive irregularities in the submissions, provided the irregularities are minor in nature and do not provide the firm with a notable advantage over other submissions.

The AIA Ohio Public Service Award recognizes a member who has made a significant impact in his/her community, as well as to the profession, through public service. The nomination of an individual for this award shall explain the individual’s impact on his/her community. The nomination shall list the candidate’s participation in community boards, panels or other community-related activities. Local component support is highly regarded in consideration of this award.

Eligibility

To be eligible, candidates must have been members of AIA Ohio for at least ten years.  The AIA Ohio Board may choose to award more than one Public Service Award in any year.

Submissions

Each submission shall include the following:

1. Information and Identification Sheet, in a format designated by AIA Ohio (Online Form)
2. A one page letter of nomination from a member of AIA Ohio
3. A one page letter of support from the candidate’s local AIA Ohio component
4. Statement of Compliance with AIA Ohio Unpaid Labor Policy

The nominations may also include the following:

1. A written statement (not to exceed four pages) illustrating how the individual has impacted his/her community.  Include a list of the candidate’s participation in community boards or panels with supporting documentation on how that participation has positively impacted the community.

2. Letters of Support (4 are encouraged)
The candidate may also include up to four additional letters of support that act as documentation in support of the candidate’s public service efforts.  Each letter shall not exceed one page.  The authors of these letters shall not be restricted to members of the profession or Institute, although they should have a direct understanding and knowledge of the candidate’s contributions.  It is highly recommended that those providing letters of support do so for only one candidate for the Public Service Award each year.

Submission Format

The submissions for the AIA Ohio Public Service Award shall be made by the end of business on the day as determined by AIA Ohio in the Honor Award Call for Entries. Submissions shall comply with the guidelines and requirements as established above and shall meet the following format restrictions:

• Submissions shall be provided as a single PDF to AIA Ohio using the award software OpenWater.  The size of the PDF document, including any embedded photos, videos, etc. shall not exceed 8 MB.  The candidate is responsible for verifying the document has been submitted online by the deadline.
• Submissions shall be formatted to demonstrate, in both written and graphic format, the contributions of the candidate.  The final format of the PDF may not exceed 11” x 17” (tabloid or “B” size).
• The submission packet, excluding the five documents required by AIA Ohio, shall not exceed eight (8) pages.
• The Board has the right to waive irregularities in the submissions, provided the irregularities are minor in nature and do not provide the firm with a notable advantage over other submissions.

The AIA Ohio Emerging Professional Award identifies and promotes exceptional accomplishments of Associate Members and Young Architect members and their continuing development within the profession.

The AIA Ohio Board of Directors confers this award, which recognizes exemplary achievements and future promise of AIA Ohio members, in fulfilling the criteria in one or more of the categories identified below. Candidates shall clearly identify the category or categories under which they are submitting. Each of the categories shall be considered as equal pathways to achievement of the award. One category shall not be valued higher than another nor shall a category be unequally weighted in the evaluation process. 

Eligibility

To be eligible, candidates must be Associate Members or Young Architect members of AIA Ohio. The definition of these membership categories are as follows:

Associate Members: Those individuals who have a professional degree in architecture, work under the supervision of an architect, are enrolled in AXP, or are a faculty member in a university program in architecture and are not yet licensed to practice architecture by the submission deadline.

Young Architect Member: Those individuals who have been licensed fewer than ten (10) years by the submission deadline.

The AIA Ohio Board may choose to recognize qualified Emerging Profession Award as deemed appropriate, but may not confer more than four (4) awards in any one year. Members of the AIA Ohio Board of Directors, and those individuals who served on the Board of Directors within the immediate twelve months prior to the release of the call for nominations, are ineligible for consideration of this award.

 Submissions

Each submission shall include the following:

1.  Information and Identification in a format designated by AIA Ohio. 
2. A one (1) page letter of nomination from a member in good standing of AIA Ohio that summarizes the nominee’s qualifications and contributions.
3. A one (1) page letter of support from the candidate’s local AIA Ohio component. This letter of support may be provided by either the component President or Executive Director and shall support the contributions outlines in the letter of nomination.

The nominations may also include the following:

1. Biography. A written one (1) page biography of the candidate listing achievements, positions, recognitions, honors, publications, presentations and other information that supports their work and contributions.

2. Exhibits. The nomination shall include at least one (1), but not more than five (5) pages of supporting exhibits that best demonstrates the nominee’s qualifications and contributions. These exhibits may include articles, drawings, photo, letters or other material that validates the candidate’s nomination and supports the quality of their work and contributions.

Submission Format

The submissions for the AIA Ohio Emerging Professional Award shall be made by the end of business on the day as determined by AIA Ohio in the Honor Award Call for Entries. Submissions shall comply with the guidelines and requirements as established above and shall meet the following format restrictions:

• Submissions shall be provided as a single PDF to AIA Ohio. The size of the PDF document, including any embedded photos, videos, etc. shall not exceed 8 MB. The candidate is responsible for verifying that the document has been received by AIA Ohio by the deadline.
• Submissions shall be formatted to demonstrate, in both written and graphic format, the contributions of the candidate. The final format of the PDF may not exceed 8 ½” x 11”.
• The submission packet, excluding the documents required by AIA Ohio, shall not exceed eight (8) pages.
• The Board has the right to waive irregularities in the submissions, provided the irregularities are minor in nature and do not provide the candidate with a notable advantage over other submissions. Prior to the discussion of each candidate, AIA Ohio Staff shall complete the AIA Ohio submissions checklist and provide a copy to the Board identifying any irregularities discovered in the submissions for Board consideration.