Architects Foundation Honors WLS Grant Founders at Boston Summit
At this year’s AIA Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS), AIA and the Architects Foundation were honored to join Payette for a celebratory happy hour at their Boston office to honor the donors and recipients of the Sho-Ping Chin WLS Grant. Established in 2017, the grant is named in memory of Sho-Ping Chin, FAIA, a principal at Payette and one of the founders of the Women’s Leadership Summit. The grant covers the travel and registration costs to attend the summit, enabling a greater number of women architects to experience the community, knowledge-sharing, and leadership training that the Summit offers.
This year’s grant recipients, Laura Sherman of Decatur, GA; Libertad Lauren McLellan Harris of Beverly, NJ; Seher Hashmi of Orlando, FL; Mika Naraynsingh of Washington, DC; and Tooba Jalal of New York, NY; were joined at the reception by many past recipients. Also joining the happy hour were several Summit attendees who received funding from their local AIA chapters to attend the Summit, a testament to the impactful vision and generosity of Sho-Ping Chin, the WLS founders, and the donors who initiated the inaugural WLS grant in 2017.
Payette President Kevin B. Sullivan, FAIA, chats with Annping Chin, sister of Sho-Ping Chin, and Heather Taylor, AIA, a founding donor of the WLS SPC Grant.
A spectacular exhibition produced by Payette shared the life and legacy of Sho-Ping Chin and celebrated the success of the Women’s Leadership Summit and the community of women architect leaders it has inspired and cultivated.
Payette exhibition honoring the life and legacy of Sho-Ping Chin.
The Architects Foundation was honored to recognize some of those visionary donors at the happy hour, with Executive Director Marci Reed and board president Bill Roschen, FAIA, presenting the Architects Foundation’s inaugural Inspiration Award to Carol Burns, FAIA; Heather Taylor, AIA; Janet Ross, AIA; Katy Flammia, AIA; Jeanne Lukenda, FASLA; and Carole Wedge, FAIA.
AF Inspiration Award recipients.
Looking ahead to next year’s Summit, the Architects Foundation is seeking donations to enable another cohort of future women architect leaders to attend. Support women in architecture by donating today.
End of year message from AF President R. Steven Lewis, FAIA
In case you missed it over the holidays, check out the end of the year message from the President of the Architects Foundation, R. Steven Lewis, FAIA!
2022 Architects Foundation Scholars Selected
The Architects Foundation today announced the recipients for four of its tuition scholarship programs that support future leaders of the profession in equity, diversity, and sustainability.
The Architects Foundation is continuing to support the future of the architecture profession by recognizing and supporting scholars through an ever-expanding scholarship and grant program offering. Programs listed below represent the latest recipients of the Architects Foundation’s scholarship and grant programs.
2022 Diversity Advancement Scholarship The Architects Foundation is continuing to support diversity in the architecture profession by awarding its Diversity Advancement Scholarship to 7 students entering architecture school. Each of the students will receive $4,000 per year towards tuition for the next five years totaling $20,000 each. This year’s recipients are:
2022 Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship The Architects Foundation is awarding the 2022 Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship to Jada Cannon. Cannon, a student at Cornell University, will receive a $10,000 scholarship intended to support the education of women in architecture. They will also be mentored by an architect at Payette for the scholarship year. This award honors late architect Sho-Ping Chin, FAIA, a long-time principal at Payette and a healthcare practice leader who was instrumental in defining and elevating the national discourse for women in design.
2022 a/e ProNet David W. Lakamp AIA Scholarship
The Architects Foundation is awarding the 2022 a/e ProNet David W. Lakamp AIA Scholarship to Jennifer Stieben (University of Kentucky) and Sabrina Lem (University of Illinois at Chicago). Each will receive $5,000 to be used towards tuition for demonstrating a strong interest in practice and risk management. The scholarship honors David W. Lakamp, who was a founder of a/e ProNet and a trusted advisor to the profession of architecture.
2022 Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship
The Architects Foundation is awarding the 2022 Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship to Cheyenne Yamada. Yamada, a student at the University of Pennsylvania, will receive a $5,000 scholarship towards tuition for demonstrating an exemplary work focus of design that includes sustainability, resilience, wellness, and beauty. The scholarship honors practicing architect Yann Weymouth, FAIA, who will also mentor Yamada.
WASHINGTON– The Sherwin-Williams Company has made a permanent endowment to the Architects Foundation to support a Diversity Advancement Scholarship.
Through their $150,000 gift, Sherwin-Williams will support a minority architecture student’s career path by funding their college experience with $20,000, to be distributed evenly over the course of up to five years.
“At Sherwin-Williams we are committed to advancing a culture of inclusion and equity, where our differences are welcomed, celebrated and appreciated,” said Yentil Rawlinson, vice president of inclusion, diversity and equity at Sherwin-Williams. “This endowment reflects our pledge to support the advancement of underrepresented students in their educational journey and our continued focus and commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity in our workforce, workplace and communities we serve.”
“Sherwin-Williams’ commitment to advancing equity, diversity and philanthropy in the architecture profession is an inspiration, especially for building product manufacturers across the country,” said Architects Foundation 2021 President R. Steven Lewis, FAIA. “We are committed to advancing these critical and long overdue pathways in the profession. It’s leadership from manufacturers like Sherwin-Williams that can help make progress a reality.”
The Architects Foundation annually runs an application process for Diversity Advancement scholars. Applications for the 2021-2022 academic year are under review and will be announced in late spring of 2021.
Founded in 1866, The Sherwin-Williams Company is a global leader in the manufacture, development, distribution, and sale of paints, coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. Sherwin-Williams manufactures products under well-known brands such as Sherwin-Williams®, Valspar®, HGTV HOME® by Sherwin-Williams, Dutch Boy®, Krylon®, Minwax®, Thompson’s® Water Seal®, Cabot® and many more. With global headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, Sherwin- Williams® branded products are sold exclusively through a chain of more than 4,900 company-operated stores and facilities, while the company’s other brands are sold through leading mass merchandisers, home centers, independent paint dealers, hardware stores, automotive retailers, and industrial distributors. The Sherwin-Williams Performance Coatings Group supplies a broad range of highly-engineered solutions for the construction, industrial, packaging and transportation markets in more than 120 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.sherwin.com.
Five strategic partnerships making an impact in 2021
Source: Digital Media Solutions
This year, Black History Month is hitting a little differently for a lot of people, and brands are responding accordingly. After a year of COVID-19, in which Black and Brown people were disproportionately impacted, and the racial justice uprisings in the summer of 2020, the expectation from consumers is that brands and retailers will take Black History Month more seriously. In lieu of one-off campaigns that can be perceived as performative, brands this year are aiming to create lasting impact by embracing partnerships and collaborations with Black creators, Black storytellers and nonprofits that amplify Black voices.
“As brands make plans to celebrate diverse communities through Black History Month and others, it’s important that they approach their campaigns with authenticity, empathy and cultural intelligence,” said Cassandra Blackburn, director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Sprout Social. “Center your campaign on advancing the mission and purpose of the celebration by seizing the opportunity to honor the accomplishments of Black Americans.”
1. Fireclay Tile X Architects Foundation
Architects Foundation, a philanthropic organization which undertakes “philanthropic efforts that lay the foundation of architecture’s future, by attracting, inspiring and investing in new and diverse generations of architects who will create inclusive spaces and places of tomorrow” partnered with decor brand Fireclay Tile to promote more Black women in architecture. According to an Instagram post from Fireclay Tile, only “0.4% of all licensed architects in the U.S.” are Black women. Fireclay Tile teamed up with Architects Foundation to create a “Diversity Advancement Scholarship” that will be used specifically for Black women pursuing architecture.
WASHINGTON – The Curry Stone Foundation (CSF) has pledged $125,000 to the Architects Foundation’s 2021 Diversity Advancement Scholarship program, to support five scholars through 2025.
The multiyear scholarship will support students of an ethnically diverse background, with a preference for those attending one of the seven accredited architecture programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The CSF, whose mission is to empower the practice of community-driven social impact design, is co-founded by Clifford Curry, FAIA, and Dr. Delight Stone, RPA.
“We are extremely grateful to Cliff and Delight for their continued support of the Architects Foundation,” said Architects Foundation President R. Steven Lewis, FAIA. “The opportunity created by the CSF is a huge stride toward our goal of a more diverse and inclusive profession.”
The Architects Foundation annually runs an application process for Diversity Advancement scholars. Applications for the 2021-2022 academic year are under review and will be announced in late spring of 2021.
ABOUT THE CURRY STONE FOUNDATION
CSF’s mission is to empower the practice of community-driven social impact design. The Foundation supports groups and individuals using design to build healthier, more vital communities. CSF actively advocates for the use of design as a tool for social change, especially in marginalized communities. In all cases, the Foundation encourages designers and communities to work in close collaboration.
Safdie Architects funds $20K scholarship
WASHINGTON – Safdie Architects today announced their commitment to support the Architects Foundation’s Diversity Advancement Scholarship by funding a five-year student scholar entering or transferring into an architecture program in fall 2021.
The recipient will be supported throughout their scholarship by a mentor from Safdie Architects, as well as a paid internship at the firm following their 3rd, 4th or 5th year of school. In addition to the $20,000 scholarship, Safdie Architects will select a current Diversity Advancement Scholar for a paid internship this summer.
“We are thrilled to join with the Architects Foundation in its mission to broaden diversity within the field of architecture. At a time when systemic racism persists and the rights of many are being violated, we recognize the need for our industry to be proactive and outward-focused,” said Christopher Mulvey, Assoc. AIA, Safdie Architects’ Managing Principal. “We are committed to creating more opportunities for Black, Indigenous and people of color, both within the firm and in the profession-at-large.”
Foundation President R. Steven Lewis, FAIA, expressed gratitude for the firm’s generosity. “The Architects Foundation is so pleased to work with Safdie Architects to create a more diverse profession,” Lewis said. “As the philanthropic partner of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Foundation is working to create a culture of philanthropy within the AIA. Let’s hope other firms follow this example.”
The Architects Foundation annually runs an application process for Diversity Advancement scholars. Applications for the 2021-2022 academic year are under review and will be announced in late spring of 2021.
About Safdie Architects
Safdie Architects is an architecture and urban design studio imbued with a spirit of idealism and innovation. The practice is research oriented and forward thinking, drawing upon a depth of experience to solve contemporary building challenges in imaginative and unexpected ways. Headquartered in Somerville, MA, with offices in Toronto, Jerusalem, Singapore and Shanghai to support ongoing projects, Safdie Architects is constantly engaged in the design of a diverse range of projects in terms of building type, scale and geographic location.
David Adjaye, Forensic Architecture and Daniel Libeskind donate works to support black women in architecture school
David Adjaye‘s gold sketch of multifaith complex The Abrahamic Family House and Mark Foster Gage‘s satirical plan for a Trump presidential library are among works for sale in an auction fundraising to support black women in architecture school.
Organised by architectural initiative ARCH, the auction launches today and will run for one week to raise funds for a scholarship programme for black women.
“To tackle systemic racism in the field of architecture and design, we need to make studying these subjects more accessible to aspiring black, indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) architects, who have historically been underrepresented and under-supported,” said ARCH, which stands for Architecture for Change.
The 2021-2022 Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship
Source: Payette In partnership with the Architects Foundation, we are pleased to announce the 2021-2022 Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship. This $10,000 grant is intended to support women pursuing a professional degree in architecture recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). In addition, to help the scholarship recipient establish contacts within the profession, she will be assigned a senior mentor from Payette for the scholarship year. Qualified students entering at least their third year of undergraduate, or any level of graduate study, are encouraged to apply. The deadline is January 15, 2021.This scholarship honors the late architect Sho-Ping Chin, FAIA, a long-time principal at Payette and a health-care practice leader who was instrumental in defining and elevating the national discourse for women in design. Allexxus Farley-Thomas (Cornell University) was the 2020-2021 recipient. Earlier recipients of the scholarship, which was established in 2016, are: Michelle Badr (Yale), Naureen Mazumdar (Harvard GSD), Olivia Huang (MIT) and Orli Hakanoglu (Yale).
Among other requirements, applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and are required to provide an essay that discusses the influence of architecture and architects to improve the human condition and quality of life their resume, a professional resume, a portfolio of their creative work and two letters of recommendation. To apply, visit the Architects Foundation.
We’re incredibly proud to offer this scholarship as a way to honor Sho-Ping’s legacy and mentor future architects. Sho-Ping was a wonderful mentor and the impact of her work at our firm and in the profession is still felt today. I’m always inspired by the applicants and am thrilled we’re able to offer this opportunity.
CHING-HUA HO, PRINCIPAL
REMEMBERING SHO-PING CHIN, FAIA During her tenure at Payette and throughout her career, Sho-Ping Chin, FAIA brought a fierce determination to designing high caliber spaces for those in need. This determination translated to a passion for civic responsibility and equity in the profession, as evidenced by her work for Saint Boniface Hospital in Haiti, among other endeavors. Sho-Ping led the healthcare practice at Payette from 2000 to her untimely passing in 2015. At Payette she focused exclusively on healthcare because she felt passionately about it. She worked continuously to inspire others to feel similarly. Her involvement on projects was comprehensive from inception with planning and programming to occupancy. She firmly believed successful outcomes are derived from an inclusive design process where she worked effectively to build and obtain consensus. In addition to her contributions as a Principal of the firm, she was a wonderful mentor and instilled her teams with a sense of camaraderie and commitment to design.
Architect’s anonymous donation inspires
Despite some gains, ethnically diverse individuals are still significantly underrepresented in architecture. Expanding the profession’s outreach and support to the next generation is one of the most urgent and important steps we can take to provide underrepresented students and communities the opportunities they deserve to develop their talents.
Architects are stepping up to make a difference – including a generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous. A FAIA Emeritus, this benefactor worked with the Architects Foundation earlier this year to identify the best way to make an impact. Based on that research, he is now donating $15,000 to each of five university programs.
And his story is just as inspiring as his financial contribution.
Here is his message to AIA members, in his own words:
Early this year, when I was 91 years old, one of my best friends, also 91, died and left me a young fortune. Really! For the first time in my life I was in a position to do something that might make the world a better place. Maybe not the world, but at least make the profession of architecture a notch more accessible for high school architectural aspirants and freshman African American architectural students.
Architectural college graduates know that with their degree also comes a key to a better quality of life for their families and for themselves. And yet in the last 70 years, the percentage of African Americans entering architectural colleges has risen from less than 1% to only 5%. Because BLACK LIVES DO MATTER, I decided to find the individuals who are in the best position to reverse these percentages and take appropriate actions.
My first step was to request help from the national AIA office in locating an individual who was well-informed regarding current architectural colleges. AIA fortunately pointed me to the Architects Foundation. Together, we decided no one would be better informed on the needs of these incoming students than the deans of the architectural colleges. After some basic research, we arbitrarily selected five notable colleges from across the country. After speaking by phone to each dean individually they were asked these same three questions:
1. In the recent past, what has your college done to promote diversity for African Americans on campus?
2. Currently, what are you doing to advance African American diversity on campus?
3. If the college gave you, personally, a financial grant to advance diversity for high school architectural aspirants and freshman African American architectural students, how would you utilize the grant?
The deans’ answers to these questions provided a wealth of information on ways to assist African American students as they join the architectural profession.
Our greatest hope is that other professions will see the opportunities made available by our profession and follow our lead!
The Architects Foundation was grateful to facilitate this emeritus member’s kind contribution.
It’s exactly the kind of informed, targeted support AIA is working to expand as we enhance our efforts to help students overcome barriers to education and advancement.
“This emeritus member demonstrates the true meaning of the term ‘citizen architect,’ and I’d like to express AIA’s gratitude on behalf our members,” said AIA 2020 President Jane Frederick, FAIA. “His thoughtful involvement and generosity as a retired member show that, no matter where architects are in our careers, we can make a difference.”
“The Architects Foundation has been awarding the Diversity Advancement Scholarship since 1970, but there is still much work to do,” said Architects Foundation President James Walbridge, AIA. “We were happy to help this emeritus member put his personal plan into action. Our approach is just one of many tools needed to make a difference.”
Efforts this year include surveying deans at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to identify needs; distributing $12,000 each to seven NAAB-accredited programs housed at HBCUs; and launching a campaign through the Architects Foundation to support the Diversity Advancement Scholarship. A multiyear award that supports ethnically diverse undergraduates studying architecture with up to $20,000, the Diversity Advancement Scholarship is a critical tool.
AIA members have contributed $156,283 so far this year, and through our Giving Tuesday campaign, the Architects Foundation is inviting 20,000 AIA members to donate $20 or more in 2020.
Not all of us have the ability to match the anonymous supporter’s $75,000 donation. But by giving what we can, we can make a difference – for the next generation of deserving students, and for the future of the architecture profession.
Build a brighter future for architects by donating here.
Architects Declare “Black Lives Matter”
Over 400 architects and design professionals ran a stark full-page advertisement in the October 25 edition of the New York Times in “complete commitment to and support for the protection of Black lives and the advancement of Black livelihood.”
Architects Foundation Now Accepting Applications for Scholarship Programs
WASHINGTON –The Architects Foundation, the philanthropic partner of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), is now accepting applications for five scholarships supporting students pursuing architecture degrees.
Diversity Advancement Scholarship
This multiyear scholarship supports high school and undergraduate minority students who are entering, enrolled in, or transferring into an undergraduate architecture program recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Scholarships may be renewed every year for up to five years or until the degree is completed ($20,000 total award toward tuition and fees).
Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship
The Payette Sho-Ping Chin Memorial Academic Scholarship is a $10,000 award toward tuition and fees supporting a woman studying architecture within a NAAB-accredited bachelor or master’s degree program. The awardee will also receive a senior mentor from Payette for the scholarship year.
Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship
The Yann Weymouth Graduate Scholarship supports a graduate student whose work demonstrates an exemplary focus at the design intersection of sustainability, resilience, wellness and beauty. The scholarship recipient receives $5,000 toward tuition and fees and mentorship from Yann Weymouth, AIA, for the scholarship year.
The a/e ProNet David W. Lakamp Scholarship
The a/e ProNet David W. Lakamp Scholarship is awarded annually to two students who demonstrate a strong interest in practice and risk management in the field of architecture. Each student receives a $5,000 award toward tuition and fees.
The Architects Foundation / McAslan Fellowship
Established in 2019, the Architects Foundation/McAslan Fellowship supports travel for two students to engage with UK-based firm John McAslan+ Partners. Each student will receive a $7,500 award to work with the firm on a homelessness initiative in Scotland.
The application period for these five scholarships is open through Jan. 17, 2020. More information on the Foundation’s scholarship programs can be found online.
AIA Knowledge Community becomes Foundation’s first donor providing support in perpetuity for the Foundation’s diversity initiative.
WASHINGTON – The Architects Foundation is receiving a permanent endowment from The American Institute of Architects’ Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) to fund additional Diversity Advancement Scholarship recipients.
Through its $150,000 gift, CRAN will support a minority architecture student who shows interest in residential architecture as a career path by funding their college experience with $20,000 to be distributed evenly over the course of up to 5 years.
“CRAN is pleased to further the educational needs of future residential architects,” said 2019 CRAN Chair Mary S. Cerrone, AIA. “The positive experience from this first scholarship investment prompted CRAN to invest more fully in the education of future minority architects.”
This is not the first time CRAN has supported the Diversity Advancement Scholarship. Last year, the CRAN Legacy Committee—a volunteer group comprised of the knowledge community’s past chairs—previously gave $20,000 to support one scholar in 2018.
“This very generous gift from CRAN has set the stage for new foundation pillars of giving focused on scholarships in perpetuity” said Architects Foundation President James Walbridge, AIA. “Our board has created a fundraising campaign called ‘Pillars for the Future.’ Each pillar represents one Diversity Advancement Scholarship in perpetuity.
‘With this gift, CRAN has become the foundation pillar. We are so delighted to have CRAN as our partner in this effort to attract, inspire and invest in a diverse next-generation design community.”
The Architects Foundation has been working to expand the Diversity Advancement Scholarship. Last week, the Foundation awarded ten minority students entering or transferring to accredited architecture programs with scholarships.
Applications for the 2020-2021 Diversity Advancement Scholarship will open in fall 2019. Complete details are available on the Foundations website.
Individuals and organizations interested in creating a lasting impact to support and empower a diverse next-generation design community are encouraged to contact the Architects Foundation.
Architects Foundation Quadruples its Diversity Advancement Scholarships
Scholarship expansion provides financial support to 20 students enrolling in architecture studies.
Washington – The Architects Foundation is awarding 20 new multiyear scholarships to students attending NAAB-accredited schools of architecture, quadrupling the number of scholarships made in 2017.
The Foundation–the philanthropic partner of the American Institute of Architects (AIA)—is also more than doubling the number of students currently assisted by its multiyear scholarship program with a $1 million investment from the AIA. As part of the Foundation’s program, scholars receive $4,000 per year for up to five years.
Two of the new 20 scholars are funded by Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation and will receive an additional $1,000 per year. The AIA Custom Residential Architects Network also funded a scholar this year who has expressed interest in residential architecture. Recipients of the 2018-2019 Diversity Advancement Scholarships will be recognized at the AIA Conference on Architecture (A’18) in New York City.
“The Diversity Advancement Scholarship was established by the AIA and the Ford Foundation following a 1968 speech by Whitney M. Young Jr. calling upon architects to do more for the community. Young’s charge included scholarships for minority students, and in 1970, 20 awards were made,” said Marci Reed, Executive Director of the Architects Foundation. “Fifty years after Young’s challenge, we are pleased to be back at this impressive level of effort to create a diverse next generation of architects and community builders.”
Eight scholarship recipients, including new scholars Maly Sears and Caroline Senyszyn, will attend A’18 this week, which was made possible in part by Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation, ConstructConnect, Cooper Carry, and Lord Aeck Sargent.
The 2018-2019 Diversity Advancement Scholarship recipients are:
Esmeralda Aceituno of Los Angeles, CA
Daniel Allen of Chicago, IL
Elizabeth Amigon of Sunnyside, NY
Annabelle Asali of Los Angeles, CA
Shanelle Brown of Fairhope, AL
Nina Crosby Walton of Frederick, MD
Andrea De Haro of Doral, FL
Genesis Gadberry of San Angelo, TX
Isabella Greco of Chicago, IL
Joya Ma of Phoenix, AZ
Lauren McLean of Mount Vernon, NY
Hana Morrison of Honolulu, HI (scholar funded by AIA Custom Residential Architects Network)
Amy Rojas of San Antonio, TX
Sarah Saad of East Elmhurt, NY
Maly Sears of Adrian, MO (scholar funded by Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation)
Caroline Senyszyn of Fort Worth, TX (scholar funded by Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation)
Luiza Vara of Phoenix, AZ
Ania Yee-Boguinskaia of Houston, TX
Nahom Zeleke of Columbia, AL
Carolina Zuniga of Doral, FL
Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation & Architects Foundation announce 2018-2019 Diversity Advancement Scholarship recipients
Paint company’s foundation gives $50,000 in scholarships to two aspiring architects
Washington, DC – May 8, 2018 – Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation, in partnership with the Architects Foundation, is announcing recipients of its 2018-2019 Diversity Advancement Scholarship, which provides assistance to minority students who are pursuing a professional architecture degree recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
“We are proud to continue to support scholarship programs such as the Architects Foundation’s Diversity Advancement Scholarship and assist and encourage students who are pursuing careers in the architecture and interior design fields,” said Mike Searles, CEO of Benjamin Moore & Co. and Chairman of the Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation. “We congratulate Caroline Senyszyn of Fort Worth, Texas and Maly Searsof Adrian, Missourion earning the 2018-2019 Diversity Advancement Scholarships and look forward to seeing how the next generation of architects shapes the industry.”
As part of the scholarship, Senyszyn and Sears will each receive $5,000 annually for five years and will have the opportunity to attend the AIA Conference on Architecture 2018 in New York City this June.
“Thanks to Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation, we are able to provide the top two Diversity Advancement Scholarship recipients with additional funding and opportunities to travel to AIA’s annual conference,” said Marci Reed, Executive Director of the Architects Foundation. “We are truly grateful to Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation for their support of minority students aspiring to become architects.”
Over the past three years, Benjamin Moore Foundation has been committed to supporting the architecture and design fields, which has included donating $150,000 to support aspiring architects through the Diversity Advancement Scholarship program.
Each year, the program selects two candidates, which must be either high school seniors and transfer students planning to attend architecture school , or first-year college students currently enrolled in a NAAB-accredited architecture program. In order to enroll, qualified candidates must submit two examples of their creative work, a high school transcript, a personal essay, and two letters of recommendation, among other requirements.
Complete details on the Diversity Advancement Scholarship program are available on the Architects Foundation website.
About Benjamin Moore & Co. Benjamin Moore & Co., a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883. One of North America’s leading manufacturers of premium quality residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings, Benjamin Moore & Co. maintains a relentless commitment to innovation and sustainable manufacturing practices. The Benjamin Moore premium portfolio spans the brand’s flagship paint lines including Aura®, Regal® Select, CENTURY®, Ultra Spec®, Natura® and ben®. The Benjamin Moore & Co. Family of Brands includes specialty and architectural paints from Coronado®, Lenmar® and Insl-x®. Benjamin Moore & Co. coatings are available primarily from its more than 5,000 locally owned and operated paint and decorating retailers.
Charitable Giving at Benjamin Moore & Co. Benjamin Moore and the Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation are committed to enhancing North American communities. Through in-kind and financial donations, Benjamin Moore & the Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation are able to support numerous national and regional nonprofits that embody their giving mission including AIA Architects Foundation, Gary Sinise Foundation, National Trust for Historic Preservation, The Mission Continues and YouthBuild® USA, among others. Additionally, teams of Benjamin Moore employee volunteers give thousands of hours each year to charities across North America.
About The Architects Foundation The Architects Foundation was created to celebrate architecture’s value by advancing tomorrow’s design leaders and preserving architectural treasures of the past. Through its scholarship programs, the Foundation aims to attract and cultivate a diverse next generation of architects, and provide new opportunities to support the evolution of the profession. The Architects Foundation also preserves the historic Octagon building in the nation’s capital, seeking ways to best express the values of historic preservation work and keep the Octagon’s legacy alive with exhibits, educational programs and partnerships. For more information, visit the Architects Foundation website.
About The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Founded in 1857, AIA consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through more than 200 international, state, and local chapters, AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business. In addition, the Institute engages civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation, and world.
Architects Foundation announces the Yann Weymouth Scholarship
Scholarship to provide financial support to architecture student and mentorship from Yann Weymouth, AIA.
Washington, DC – The Architects Foundation is announcing the establishment of a new scholarship program in honor of architect Yann Weymouth, AIA.
“I am deeply honored to be a part of this scholarship,” said Weymouth. “This opportunity will allow me to engage, mentor, and guide some of the most talented young architecture students so that they can carry the torch forward to shape our future. For that, I am deeply grateful.”
The Yann Weymouth Scholarship will be granted annually—beginning next year—to a graduate architecture student dedicated to integrating exceptional design with sustainable initiatives. In addition to financial support, students will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to personally seek guidance and support from Weymouth.
During his career, Weymouth served as chief of design for I.M. Pei on the National Gallery of Art East Wing in Washington and the Grand Louvre Project in Paris. In addition, he held positions as senior vice president, design director, and worldwide design board member for HOK Architects, where he contributed to four major museum commissions in the state of Florida. He now serves as Design Director of St. Pete Design Group.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Yann’s world-renowned career with this scholarship,” said Architects Foundation President Jeffery Potter, FAIA. “I look forward to seeing his impact on these students translate into successful careers in the architecture profession.”
The Architects Foundation held a private reception at the Octagon Thursday to honor Weymouth and announce the scholarship. At the event, Weymouth was joined by his daughter Katharine and his wife Susana; David Skorton, Smithsonian Institution; Chien Chung Pei, AIA, Pei Partnership Architects; William Hellmuth, FAIA, HOK; Charles Hine, Salvador Dalí Museum; Laura Hine, The James Museum; Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan, Washington Post.
