For architects · Historic preservation · International
A travel and research award that sends a U.S. preservation architect to France to study emerging trends in historic preservation.
Applications for the 2027 prize are open through Tuesday, December 15, 2026. One application covers both the Fellow and Scholar awards.
An exchange more than 30 years strong.
Since 1990, the Richard Morris Hunt Prize has fostered professional exchange between France and the United States. U.S. architects study in France and French architects study in the United States, in alternating years.
Laureates receive guidance and access to a network of leading historic preservation professionals in both countries. The travel and research program for American laureates is managed with the program’s team in France.
Fellow and Scholar
Richard Morris Hunt Fellow. An intensive, curated six-month program, which may be completed in two or three periods, with a stipend to research emerging trends in historic preservation.
Richard Morris Hunt Scholar. A curated five-week program in France with a $5,000 stipend to research emerging trends in historic preservation.
Within one year of completing the program, each laureate submits a final report on their findings to AIA, the French Heritage Society, and Les Amis du Richard Morris Hunt Prize.
What to submit
- A letter of intent in English and French
- A research thesis or proposed research statement (500 words or fewer)
- A curriculum vitae
- A portfolio
- Two letters of recommendation, plus an optional (and highly recommended) letter supporting your portfolio
After applications close, Architects Foundation reviews submissions and invites selected applicants to a virtual interview. Finalists interview with the Grand Jury.
Key dates
- Applications closeTuesday, December 15, 2026
- InterviewsEarly to mid-January 2027
- Jury reviewLast week of January 2027
- Laureates announcedFebruary 2027 newsletter
Eligibility and selection decisions are based solely on the published program criteria and the merits of each application. Architects Foundation and its program partners administer the program in accordance with applicable law.
Meet the laureates
Fellows and Scholars have studied in France and the United States since 1990. See past laureates at rmhprize.org