2026 AIA Chicago Foundation Dubin Family Young Architect Award

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Description

ABOUT THE DUBIN FAMILY 

Thanks to the generosity of the late M. David Dubin, FAIA and his family, this award has been endowed with a cash prize of $2000.  Mr. Dubin was an avid supporter of emerging professionals, and a former AIA Chicago President.   

The Purpose: 

The AIA Chicago Dubin Family Young Architect Award recognizes architects early in their career who are shaping the future of the profession through design excellence, leadership, and impact. Honorees may be recognized for exceptional work in a specific area of practice or for broad, influential contributions to the field. Above all, recipients should embody the spirit of a change maker: advancing professional practice by promoting excellence in design, social justice issues, technical innovation, and/or invigorating the profession in meaningful ways. 

 

 

Rules

Eligibility

To be considered for the AIA Chicago Dubin Family Young Architect Award, applicants must meet the following criteria: 

  • Be between the ages of twenty-five (25) and thirty-nine (39) OR licensed for 10 years or fewer 
  • Hold a current license to practice architecture in the United States 
  • Be actively practicing in the Chicago metropolitan area  
  • Be a current member of AIA Chicago  

Note: Individuals currently serving on the AIA Chicago Board of Directors and AIA Chicago Foundation Board of Trustees are not eligible to apply 

Juries & the Jury Process 

All projects will be evaluated by a five-member jury. The jury includes three (3) members of the AIA Chicago Foundation Board of Trustees and two (2) practicing architecture professionals who are not members of the Board. 

Evaluation 

The Jury will evaluate candidates based on how well they meet the following criteria:  

  • Advances the value of design, practice, and/or education   
  • Contributes to the profession through AIA involvement, mentoring, or other industry-related service 
  • Engages with the broader Chicago community  
  • Demonstrates leadership within the profession and beyond 

FAQs

Is there a cost to apply?

  • No, it is free. 

Will I need to submit a single PDF of my application? 

  • No, you will write directly into the platform for all written responses and upload images individually for each project. 

Are letters of recommendation required? 

  • Yes, at least three (3) letters from AIA Chicago members and up to two (2) letters, not necessarily from architects. 

How are letters of recommendation submitted? 

  • Letters are submitted through the Reviewr portal

How should letters of recommendation be addressed? 

  • Letters should be addressed to: Jury Chair for the Dubin Family Young Architect Award.