This year’s competition, Second Nature, invites students to explore architecture through the lens of perspective, experience, and our relationship with the natural world. Students will be challenged to design an immersive experience center for an extinct species, carefully considering how visitors encounter the building, the landscape, and the animal itself. From choreographing views and movement to integrating architecture with diverse habitats, this year’s program encourages thoughtful design from both the viewer’s and the building’s point of view. With a wide range of creative approaches and no single “correct” solution, Second Nature offers an engaging and accessible challenge for students of all skill levels who are interested in art, architecture, drafting, or interior design. This design competition is an excellent opportunity for students to explore an interest in architecture and design, build portfolio-quality work, and strengthen college and scholarship applications. Since 1971, this statewide competition has been hosted by AIA Indiana to encourage the next generation of architects and to promote the importance of architecture and design throughout Indiana. Top prizes of $1,000 in cash and scholarships should be motivating as well! Submissions are due March 27. CLICK HERE to learn more.

This year’s design awards were presented during the 2025 AIA Kentucky/AIA Indiana Convention on Friday, September 19, at the Central Bank Center in downtown Lexington, KY. Through the Design Awards program, AIA Indiana asks a jury of peers to select projects by leading Indiana registered architects that serve as a tribute to design excellence. This year’s jury was from AIA Oklahoma and chaired by Lisa Chronister, FAIA. Other jurors included: Joshua Hill, AIA – Studio Architecture; Sally Talley, AIA – Winterrowd Talley Architects; Shane Aaron, AIA – Narrate Design; and Brian Freese, AIA – Freese Architecture. This year there were 51 entries and 16 winners. All design award recipients were selected by the jury — with two exceptions. The H. Roll McLaughlin 25 Year Award and the Legacy Award were reviewed and selected by the 2025 AIA Indiana FAIA Design Awards Task Force. CLICK HERE to view this year’s winning submissions.

This year’s service awards were presented during the 2025 AIA Kentucky/AIA Indiana Convention on Thursday, September 18, at the Kentucky Theater in downtown Lexington, KY. This year’s awards included the AIA Indiana Architecture Outstanding Service Award, the Walter S. Blackburn Award, the Tony Costello Young Architect Award, the Juliet Peddle Award, the Next Gen Award, the Distinguished Firm Award, and finally, AIA Indiana’s highest honor, the Gold Medal. All awards, except for the Gold Medal and the Outstanding Service Award, were selected by the 2025 AIA Indiana Service Awards Jury, which included: Andrea Swartz, AIA, Ball State University Associate Dean of the College of Architecture and Planning and Professor of Architecture (Muncie); State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (Indianapolis); Pat Pasterick, Chair and Executive Coach at Vistage Worldwide, Inc. (Fort Wayne); and Richard S. McCoy, Founding Executive Director, Landmark Columbus Foundation (Columbus). The Gold Medal Award winner is selected by the AIA Indiana Executive Board and past Gold Medal winners. The Outstanding Service Award winner is selected by the AIA Indiana Board of Directors. CLICK HERE to view this year’s award recipients!

The AIA Indiana Emerging Professional (EP) Friendly/Exemplary Firm Recognition is a newly established annual designation approved by the AIA Indiana Board of Directors.

This program celebrates firms that provide exceptional support and opportunities for early professionals. It also aims to foster dialogue among firms across the state to encourage the development of policies and practices that promote innovation, professional growth, and progressive workplaces for future members of the design profession.

An early professional (EP) is defined as an architectural staff member who has been working in the profession for 10 years or less and falls into one of the following categories: recent graduate or unlicensed emerging professional.

This recognition provides a clearer, more accessible path for individuals pursuing licensure. Firms may receive one of two designations: AIA Indiana EP Friendly Firm or AIA Indiana EP Exemplary Firm.

2025 AIA Indiana Emerging Professional Friendly Firm Designation Award Winners
• Browning Day
• CSO
• Progress Studio
• Ratio Architects LLC
• Schmidt Associates

2025 AIA Indiana Emerging Professional Exemplary Firm Designation Award Winners
• Alliance Architects
• American Structurepoint Inc.
• arcDESIGN
• Arkos Design
• Arteckna Design
• Barton Coe Vilamaa Architects and Engineers
• Curran Architecture
• Delv Design
• Design Collaborative
• DLZ Indiana, LLC
• Elevatus Architecture
• Garmann Miller
• Grinsfelder Associates Architects, Inc.
• Guidon Design
• Hafer
• Jones Petrie Rafinski
• KRM Architecture
• Lancer Associates, Inc.
• Luminaut
• MD Architects, PC
• MKM Architecture + Design
• Performance Services, Inc.
• RQAW | DCCM
• Salas O’Brien
• Tower Pinkster Titus Associates Inc.

The firms were recognized and presented their award certificates at the 2025 AIA Kentucky-AIA Indiana Convention on Thursday, September 18, at the Kentucky Theater in downtown Lexington, KY. Congratulations to all 2025 AIA Indiana EP Friendly/Exemplary Firm award winners!