DESIGN AWARDS

the Community Impact Through Design award

2025 COMMUNITY IMPACT THROUGH DESIGN AWARD SUBMISSION CRITERIA & CHECKLIST

Inspired by the legacy of community-driven work by both Phil Freelon and Steve Schuster, the Community Impact Through Design Award seeks to recognize built architectural projects that have catalyzed, reimagined and advanced communities in the United States for the purpose of serving the general public. This award celebrates architecture whose design is framed by servitude and results in a project that is considered an invaluable community resource.

Evaluation Criteria

1. The Design helps solve a problem in the community.
   • • The project team included stakeholders in the design process through engagement, workshops and vision sessions.
     • The project is a reflection of the community and its context.
     • The project is a catalyst for advancing community-building.
     • The project is people-centered.
2. The design addresses sustainability and seeks to improve its environment or context.
   • • The design reimagines the site and space for community use.
     • The construction methods and materials draw from local talent and resources.
     • The project responsibly employs community resources.
3. The design empowers and uplifts.
   • • The design embodies optimism.
     • The design is inclusive and welcoming to all.
     • The project is universally accessible.
4. The design surpasses preconceived notions or expectations about the project type.

Submittal requirements

1. The project must be built and completed within the past 7 years. For this year’s award, the project must have been completed no earlier than Jan. 1, 2018.
2. Eligible entries must be authored by a member or associate member of AlA Triangle. Entries can have any location, but the design team must include meaningful impact by a member of AIA Triangle.
3. The format is entirely up to the person or team submitting but should clearly illustrate the design process & engagement as well as tell the story of the impact to the community.
   • • In PDF format – no more than 12 pages in length
     • There is no need to conceal the identities of project owner or design team.
     • No fee is required to submit.

The Jury

The Community Impact Through Design Award jury is made up of five members:

1. One or two members of the design team that won the award the prior year;
2. One or two members of the client/ownership team behind the project that was awarded the prior year;
3. One representative from NC State’s College of Design;
4. The chair of the AIA Triangle Design Awards Task Force.

Please send your submission to the AIA Triangle at info@aiatriangle.org no later than Friday, March 14, 2025 at 6:00 pm. Please send any questions to the same email address.