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Dear COD Members,
I'm pleased to announce the formation of AIA's new National Honors & Awards Committee (NHAC) to help steward the future of AIA's portfolio of national awards.
As the committee's inaugural vice chair, I'm honored to help lead this important work that will strengthen AIA Awards and better support the applicants, jurors, and volunteers who help shape them.
AIA Awards represent some of the profession's highest recognitions. They celebrate design excellence, leadership, service, innovation, and the many ways architects contribute to our communities and the built environment. As the profession continues to evolve, it is important that the systems supporting these honors evolve thoughtfully as well.
The newly formed NHAC will advise the AIA Board of Directors on matters related to the creation, assessment, governance, and ongoing performance of national awards programs.
Importantly, the committee's work is rooted in continuous improvement and member engagement to ensure AIA Awards align with the AIA's vision, mission, and values. NHAC will help:
- Evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of awards programs over time
- Support transparency and consistency across awards processes
- Improve resources and guidance for applicants, jurors, and volunteers
- Strengthen jury development and training
- Engage stakeholder groups and members to gather feedback and perspectives, such as streamlining the recommendation letter process in collaboration with the National Associates Committee
The committee is also structured to include a broad range of voices and experiences across the profession, including representation from the Strategic Council, emerging professionals, Associates, Fellows, past jurors, and other stakeholder communities connected to AIA Awards.
In the coming months, AIA will share additional information and resources related to NHAC and its work. In the meantime, we encourage you to visit the NHAC webpage to learn more about the committee, review its charter, and find answers to frequently asked questions.
Thank you for the many ways you contribute to the strength and excellence of the profession. We look forward to working with members and stakeholder groups across AIA as we help support the future of these important programs together.
Sincerely,
Karen Lu, FAIA, NOMA
Vice Chair, National Honors & Awards Committee
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