The AIA established the Thomas Jefferson Awards for Public Architecture in 1992 to recognize achievements by:
• Private-sector architects who design architecturally distinguished public facilities
• Public-sector architects or agencies who manage or produce high-quality design
• Public officials or other individuals who by advocacy further the public's awareness and/or appreciation of design excellence.

Do you know outstanding individuals or government organizations who fit the bill? Why not nominate them for a 2003 Thomas Jefferson Award? The procedure is relatively simple, and the rewards are immense. The winners will be publicly recognized at the annual Accent on Architecture Awards gala in Washington, D.C., and receive their awards at the AIA national convention in San Diego on May 10, 2003.

Who is eligible for nomination?
• Category One: Private-Sector Architects Who Design Public Architecture
Architects licensed in the U.S. and practicing in the private sector who have made a significant contribution to the quality of public architecture and who have established a portfolio of accomplishment to that end. The nominee must have evidenced great effect on the quality of public architecture, which is defined as any work that is funded in part or wholly by public money.

• Category Two: Public Sector Architects and Agencies Who Manage or Produce Quality Design
Public sector architects who, by their skill, professionalism, dedication, ability, and commitment, have consistently fostered quality in the public built environment—and such quality is uniquely attributable to each recipient. Licensed architects employed in the U.S. public sector or government agencies who manage or produce quality public architecture within their jurisdiction are eligible. Government agencies that, by their successful contribution as a whole, have fostered quality in the public environment also may be nominated in this category.

• Category Three: Public Officials or Others Who Advocate Good Design
Elected officials, public administrators, and institutional leaders who establish or contribute to the development of laws and policies that affect public architecture as well as the public's perception of such architecture. Of particular importance is recognition of their advocacy for design excellence. This category includes non-architects who by their support and actions have significantly influenced or contributed to the promotion of quality design in the public sector.

Who can nominate candidates for the awards?
Any AIA member, group of members, component, or PIA may nominate candidates for the Thomas Jefferson Awards in any of the three categories.

What is required for submission?
Each submission must contain:
• A nomination letter by the AIA member, group of members, component, or PIA
• A biography of the nominee, not to exceed two pages, including a list of offices, positions, honors, publications, and presentations that relate to the purpose of the award
• A one-page statement of contributions that illustrate the effect of the work (for Category Three nominations, this statement may be up to four pages)
• Exhibits—for Category One and Category Two, submit at most 15 photographs and drawings that represent 1 to 5 projects relating to the purpose of the award; for Category Two, also include a maximum of three publications that relate to the purpose of the award, such as design guidelines, professional services procurement systems, etc.; and for Category Three, submit articles, clippings, or other materials that illustrate and support the nomination
• Five letters of support that give testament to the achievements presented
• A black-and-white photograph, suitable for reproduction, of the individual
• A signed intern declaration (only applicable in Category Three if the nominee is an architect).

What format should the submission take?
All exhibits must be submitted in an AIA uniform binder obtained by contacting the AIA Honors and Awards Department, 202-626-7586.

When are submissions due?
They must be postmarked no later than October 11, 2002.

Where do I send the submissions?
Send all submissions to the AIA Secretary c/o:
AIA Honors and Awards Department
Attention: Thomas Jefferson Awards for Public Architecture
1735 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006-5292

Why should I nominate someone?
Thomas Jefferson demonstrated a commitment to excellence in architecture to improve public understanding of the public's own potential. Good public buildings, be they post offices, recreation centers, libraries, educational facilities, or infrastructure projects; the people who design them; and those who champion their design must be recognized for enhancing our quality of life.

How do I get more information about the Thomas Jefferson Awards?
Contact the AIA Honors and Awards Department, 202-626-7586.

Thomas Jefferson Awards Recipients

1992
James Ingo Freed, FAIA (Category One)
George M. White, FAIA (Category Two)
The Honorable Patrick J. Moynihan, Hon. AIA (Category Three)

1993
The Honorable Jack Brooks, Hon. AIA (Category Three)

1994
Richard Dattner, FAIA (Category One)
M.J. "Jay" Brodie, FAIA (Category Two)
The Honorable Joseph P. Riley Jr., Hon. AIA (Category Three)

1995
Herbert S. Newman, FAIA (Category One)
Edward A. Feiner, FAIA (Category Two)
Henry G. Cisneros, Hon. AIA (Category Three)

1996
Thomas R. Aidala, FAIA (Category Two)
The Honorable Douglas P. Woodlock (Category Three)

1997
John Tarantino, AIA (Category Two)
Richard A. Kahan (Category Three)
Hunter Morrison (Category Three)

1998
Arthur Rosenblatt, FAIA (Category Two)

1999
Lewis Davis, FAIA (Category One)
Robert Kroin, AIA (Category Two)

2000
Charles Emil Peterson, FAIA (Category Two)
Jayanta Chatterjee, Assoc. AIA (Category Three)

2001
Terrel M. Emmons, FAIA (Category Two)
Stroud Watson (Category Three)

Copyright 2002 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.