The Connecticut Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Connecticut) will host its 2025 Annual Awards Gala on Dec. 11 at Bristol Event Center in Bristol, Connecticut. This event celebrates excellence in residential and commercial architecture, the transformative power of design and the achievements of emerging professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the field. It also honors individuals and groups for their significant impact on the architecture profession and the organization. Fifty-five awards will be presented to individuals and firms, culminating in the announcement of the Project of the Year, selected by the Design Awards Jury. The evening will also recognize members celebrating 25- and 50-year milestones of AIA membership.
The 2025 Alice Washburn Awards, which are named for the distinguished, self-taught Connecticut designer and builder of the 1920s, whose work is known for her thoughtful, stylistic and programmatic invention. Focusing on style, this program acknowledges excellence in traditional house design through the thoughtful adaptation of tradition to address 21st-century needs.
The Elizabeth Mills Brown Awards recognize design excellence in the restoration, rehabilitation, adaptation and reuse of historic structures. The award is named after and honors the work of Betty Brown, a prominent Connecticut architectural historian, preservationist, civic leader and author of the extraordinarily comprehensive and meticulously researched “New Haven: A Guide to Architecture and Urban Design” (Yale University Press, 1976). This award is presented in collaboration with PreservationCT.
The AIA Connecticut Design Awards honor outstanding achievements in architecture by Connecticut-based firms and firms outside the state with projects in Connecticut. These awards celebrate excellence in both built and unbuilt projects, highlighting exceptional creativity, sustainability, and design innovation. This year, of the 111 submissions, 20 projects will be awarded, showcasing the remarkable talent and impact of architectural design locally and beyond.
The Sustainable Architecture Awards program honors architects’ projects that have innovatively addressed environmental challenges by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering energy consumption and demand and conserving water in both built and natural environments. Equally vital is the creation of spaces that are durable, comfortable and promote health and well-being. The program also seeks to raise public awareness of the climate crisis and the significant impact that building construction, maintenance and operations have on our planet. The Women in Architecture Awards recognize licensed women architects within AIA Connecticut who showcase exceptional design skills, advocate for fair and sustainable practices and positively impact the industry.
The Emerging Professionals award honors emerging architects and recent graduates who have demonstrated exceptional, innovative contributions to the architecture profession. It recognizes those who have excelled not only within the discipline but also through exemplary service in the public realm, advancing both the field and the communities they serve. The award celebrates creativity, leadership and dedication, supporting the growth and impact of the next generation of architects.
Connecticut Treasures highlight the richness and diversity of architecture across all eight counties in Connecticut. Each year, the public is invited to participate by voting for their favorite building, celebrating the unique history, character and cultural significance of structures throughout the state. This statewide award offers an opportunity to recognize and honor the enduring legacy and architectural heritage that these buildings represent in Connecticut’s communities. This year’s building theme for Connecticut Treasures focused on Museums.
For many years, AIA Connecticut has recognized individuals and organizations who have given outstanding service to the Connecticut architectural community as a whole, including service to the profession, public service and education. Individuals, groups, associations and members of the Connecticut community at large are eligible for this award. Past honorees have included architects, municipal and state leaders, educators, authors and organizations of various types.
Member-volunteers are and will always be AIA Connecticut’s greatest asset. Instituted in 2018, the President’s Award recognizes an AIA Connecticut architect member who has made outstanding contributions to the organization through participation, service and promotion of AIA CT’s mission and vision.
The organization recognizes allied members who are not architects, but by their interest, participation and concern have promoted and contributed significantly to the profession of architecture through their membership and participation in the Connecticut Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
As a valuable resource for architects and the public, AIA Connecticut has a membership of over 1,500 individuals, including architects, designers, students and professionals in related fields. It is dedicated to supporting the architectural profession, fostering design excellence and contributing to societal improvement by prioritizing the quality of the built and natural environments and adhering to the highest standards of practice and a code of ethics. For more, visit AIA Connecticut at .aiact.org.
