AIASC DESIGN & CHAPTER AWARDS 

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AWARDS CATEGORIES

A.  DESIGN AWARDS CATEGORIES

DESIGN AWARDS 
AIA South Carolina has a long-standing tradition of recognizing a broad range of architecture activity that exemplifies the values of South Carolina architects and improves the quality of the built environment in the communities we serve. The annual award program seeks to highlight the diverse range of project types that exist within the state. The AIA believes that awards programs should be carefully structured so that the selection and recognition of honorees elevates the general quality of architectural practice, establishes a standard of excellence against which all architects can measure performance, and informs the public of the importance of design. 

Each entry will be judged for the success of the solution to the problems presented by the project and its worthiness, as determined by the jury, for an award of excellence in architecture. Awards will be classified into eight categories for publicity and organization purposes. The categories will be New Construction, Small Projects, Urban Design/Master Planning, Robert Mills Residential Award, Adaptive Reuse/Preservation, Interior Architecture, and Unbuilt Projects, and the 25 Year Award. Firms can enter a project in more than one category but must pay the associated fees for each entry. Jury retains the right to reclassify projects. Information on each category is provided below. Additional citations or project recognition may be awarded at the discretion of the jury. The written project description should provide basic information about the project and verbally convey the design concept to the jury. Information requested in the awards subcategory descriptions should be addressed clearly. Project descriptions should not provide information which discloses or identifies project team members.

Projects, excluding Unbuilt or Student entries, may be executed anywhere in the United States or abroad and must have been substantially completed after January 1, 2018. 

New Construction (over and under 5,000 SF)
Projects submitted in this category will include a broad range of types such as Commercial, Educational, Multifamily, Housing, Institutional, or Faith-based Architecture. Renovations and addition projects are eligible, but project scope must be clearly and accurately presented through graphics and written descriptions. Projects eligible for an Adaptive Reuse/Historic Preservation Award are not eligible for this category.

New this year, submissions in the New Construction category will be entered into two subcategories based on project gross square footage: under 5,000 SF and over 5,000 SF. 

Small Projects – NEW!
Projects submitted in this category include construction, objects, works of environmental art or architectural design under 1,000 square feet. Renovations, additions, and projects that are within the scope of a larger project are eligible, but project scope must be clearly and accurately presented through graphics and written descriptions. Projects in this category are eligible for Honor and Merit Awards.

Urban Design/Master Planning  - NEW!
Projects submitted in this category include municipal master plans, civic improvements, private development plans, campus plans, environmental programs, redevelopment projects, and transportation plans that have a significant urban design or master planning component. Urban Design/Master Planning projects should not be individual buildings. Projects that involve changes to existing context are eligible, but project scope must be clearly and accurately presented through graphics and written descriptions. Projects in this category are eligible for Honor and Merit Awards.

Robert Mills Residential Design Award (over and under $1 million)
Projects submitted in this category will include single family residential projects or multi-family projects of no more than (4) units. Larger multi-family projects will be categorized under New Construction or Adaptive Reuse. Renovation and addition projects are eligible, but project scope must be clearly and accurately presented through graphics and written descriptions.

New this year, submissions in the Robert Mills Residential Design Award category will be entered into four subcategories based on gross project cost:

• New Construction under $1 million
• New Construction over $1 million
• Renovation or Addition under $500,000
• Renovation or Addition over $500,000

Adaptive Reuse / Historic Preservation
Projects submitted in this category may be of any project type (Commercial, Educational, Residential, etc.) but should include either a renovation within an existing building or a new construction that expands an existing structure or site. Projects that have been recognized for historical value through inclusion in Historic Districts or listing on Historic Registers should identify the type and reason for recognition in the written project description. Projects that do not have official recognition or designation are also eligible and should outline the historical significance in the project description. The intent of this award is to recognize thoughtful interventions or restorations that create a synergy between old and new construction. Routine maintenance, such as painting or reroofing, is not considered restoration work for the purposes of this award. Projects eligible for a New Construction award are not eligible for this category.

Interior Architecture
Projects submitted in this category should illustrate outstanding building interiors created by architects. These projects may include new construction or renovations of existing construction. Multiple entries may be submitted, but individual rooms or spaces within the same project shall be considered as one project.

Unbuilt Project
Projects submitted in this category may be unbuilt architectural designs of any project type or conceptual design studies that investigate a specific topic or project type for research purposes. Unbuilt client-sponsored projects (commercial or residential buildings, interiors, transportation, infrastructure, monuments, etc.) are eligible for recognition. Projects under construction or otherwise apparently assured of construction are not eligible. Project descriptions for Unbuilt Projects shall include a brief statement on the purpose of the project (competition, unrealized project for a client, theoretical investigation, etc.), and for client-sponsored projects include information describing why the project will remain unbuilt (lack of funding, change of design direction, etc.). All client-sponsored projects must submit a release from the owner. Projects cannot have been undertaken for academic credit or as a non-commissioned design competition entry.

25 Year Award – NEW!
The 25 Year Award recognizes completed building projects — either individual buildings or groups of buildings — completed at least 25 but not more than 50 years ago. The projects must have been designed by firms with architects registered and practicing professionally in South Carolina. The award honors one exemplary architectural project that stands the test of time and continues to set standards of excellence for its architectural design and significance, both in its original form and by today’s standards. Projects must be completed after January 1, 1972, and before December 31, 1997.

Entries must be nominated or submitted by a current AIA South Carolina member. Nominations may be made by any AIA South Carolina member; the nominator does not need to be the original architect on the project.

STUDENT DESIGN AWARD
Projects submitted in the Student Design Award category should be the work of students currently enrolled in architecture degree program, or those who have graduated after January 1^st, 2021. Projects must have been completed in pursuit of a degree or academic credit. Entrants must be sponsored by a professor at their university. Group projects are eligible for recognition and will be considered as a group submission. All group members should be credited with roles clearly identified on the submission form.

B.  CHAPTER AWARDS CATEGORIES

MEMBER RECOGNITION AWARDS (Chapter Awards - Member) 
AIA South Carolina has a long-standing tradition of recognizing individuals, organizations, and projects for exemplifying the very best in architecture. The AIA believes that awards programs should be carefully structured so that selection and recognition of honorees serve two distinct purposes: one directed to the profession, and the other to the public. By focusing attention on activity within the profession, the general quality of architectural practice is elevated. By informing the public on the breadth and value of architectural practice, the entire profession is held in higher esteem. AIASC achieves this purpose by establishing and sponsoring the following chapter awards.  All chapter awards are conferred by the AIASC Board of Directors.

Associate Award
Nominees for the Associate Award must be sponsored by an AIASC member in good standing. Award may be given to an Associate AIASC member in good standing recognized as having demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the profession early in their career, or, having made a major accomplishment in the Architect Experience Program and distinguished himself/herself professionally by not just meeting the requirements of the program but surpassing them. The award may be based on professional, technical, and personal accomplishments.

Medal of Distinction
The Medal of Distinction is the highest honor that AIA South Carolina can bestow upon an AIASC member. The AIA South Carolina Board of Directors confers it in recognition of a significant body of work and/or service that has made a lasting influence on the practice of architecture in South Carolina. Any member is eligible, living or deceased. An AIASC member in good standing must make nominations to the Board. These individuals and or entities should have consistently demonstrated the spirit of strategic cooperation through their teamwork and partnership in the design and building process.

Firm Award
The Firm Award is the highest honor that AIASC can bestow upon a South Carolina architectural firm. The AIA South Carolina Board of Directors confers it in recognition of a significant body of work and/or service that has made a lasting influence on the practice of architecture in South Carolina. Any firms with principals who are members of AIASC are eligible. An AIASC member in good standing must make nominations to the Board. The Board will consider firms, regardless of size, which are deserving of recognition for design excellence, contribution to the profession of architecture, and continuity of service to the public.

Social Justice Award (Member & Non-Member)
Nominees for the Social Justice Award must be sponsored by an AIASC member in good standing. Award may be given to an AIA member or community group, organization, or public entity that has demonstrated the power of a participatory design process to eliminate inequities in the built environment. This award may be given to an individual or group for distinguished work embodying social responsibility to actively address relevant issues.   Recipients may be recognized for work addressing equity, diversity, inclusiveness, universal access, affordable housing, or a variety of other social issues.  Nominees for this award will be reviewed by the AIASC Equity in Architecture Committee, which will make a recommendation to the AIASC Board of Directors for conferment.  

COMMUNITY RECOGNITION AWARDS (Chapter Awards – Non-Member)
Throughout its history, AIA South Carolina has recognized individuals and organizations outside the field of architecture for service to society and a commitment to elevating public awareness and demand for design excellence in the community. In 2018, AIASC introduced two new awards to honor those non-architects who exemplify these traits.

Patron Award
Bestowed upon elected officials, public administrators, or community leaders who contribute to the development of laws, regulations, or policies that affect architecture, or the public's perception of architecture, as an important part of our environment, lifestyle, and heritage. Included is advocacy for design excellence in such policies and work to nurture the evolution of public perception and appreciation for design quality.

Community Collaboration Award
Bestowed upon programs, institutions, or individuals who advance the public understanding and appreciation of design in the built environment, or for a project exhibiting exceptional engagement of the community in the design process. The Community Collaboration Award will recognize the important role of the public, the communities and neighborhoods within which we practice, in the development of projects and their ultimate success. Engagement of communities in the design process brings value to the work of AIASC members.

 

 

 

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