The William Strickland Achievement Award for the Profession of Architecture is AIA Tennessee’s highest annual honor, recognizing individuals whose work has had a lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture. The Award is modeled after the AIA National Gold Medal.
Eligibility
The Award is open to a single individual or two individuals, (living or deceased), who through their efforts have created a singular body of distinguished architectural work. Award nominees shall be in good standing of the AIA and active or emeritus members of AIA Tennessee.
Considerations
Candidates will be evaluated on how well they meet the program criteria as they have demonstrated great depth in:
- having a cumulative effect on the profession of architecture.
- influencing the direction of the profession of architecture.
- contributing to the profession of architecture consistently in informing the future as well as respecting the past.
- transcending specific areas of expertise and positive impact if the candidate's focus is considered circumscribed.
- being widely known by the quality of their works be it the practice, teaching, and/or leading of architecture.
Throughout the submission, where applicable and to the extent possible, you are encouraged to highlight any aspects of the nominee’s work or life experience that may have reflected contributions or sensitivity concerning areas of special interest to the Institute, its members, and the architecture profession, including but not limited to the Policy and Position Statements of the AIA. These might include such areas as diversity, sustainability, or the mentoring of emerging professionals, to the degree the nominee has had the opportunity to address them, or as these topics may enhance the nominee’s presentation.
Submission Requirements:
- Nomination letter: 1 page letter (maximum of 500 words) by an AIA Tennessee member summarizing the contributions made by the nominee.
- Nomination letter: 1 page letter (maximum of 500 words) by an AIA Tennessee member summarizing the contributions made by the nominee.
1 Executive Summary for items 2-8 below
2 Service to the community [boards, committees…]
3 Service to the profession [AIA components, other entities…]
4 Service to education [teaching, mentoring…]
5 Publications [architecture, related industries…]
6 Presentations [speaking, roundtables…]
7 Juries [ AIA, related industries…]
8 Recognition [awards, honors…]
- Exhibits: 15 pages (maximum) of work examples with images, drawings, and supporting information for a maximum of five projects relevant to the submission
- Letters: A maximum of seven one-page letters of support with at least one from a member in each of the AIA components in Tennessee, that are explicit in their recommendation and contain specific reasons for support. Each letter is to be written on company letterhead or email containing an original or digital signature.
Award Information
- Nominations must be made by an AIA Tennessee member.
- No more than one such award shall be made in any year for each award.
- The awards ceremony will take place at the AIA TN Celebration of Architecture, August 12 - 14, in Chattanooga, TN.
- All submissions must be uploaded by 5pm/central, May 1, 2026.
Questions
For any questions, please contact David Powell, FAIA at 615.329.1399 or via email at dpowell@haa.us