What are the AIA East Tennessee Design Awards?
To recognize excellence in architecture, AIA East Tennessee conducts an annual juried Design Awards program. This program seeks to honor built and unbuilt works of distinction designed by AIA East TN members and to serve as a catalyst for local participation in the AIA Tennessee Awards program. The program also brings public attention to outstanding examples of architecture, cultivating an ongoing public interest in architectural excellence. All AIA East Tennessee members are eligible to submit a project for an award.
This year’s award winners will be announced and celebrated at our 2026 Design Awards Gala on Thursday, October 1st at Jackson Terminal in downtown Knoxville.
2026 Gala Schedule & Tickets
Join AIA East Tennessee on Thursday, October 2nd in the heart of the Old City as we honor and celebrate built and unbuilt works of architecture designed by our members during our annual Design Awards Gala – presented by SESCO Lighting – at Jackson Terminal.
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Check-in & Cocktail Hour
Mingle with fellow professionals and enjoy crafted drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.
6:30 PM – 7:15 PM | Seated Dinner
Indulge in a thoughtfully curated meal as we gather to celebrate the evening’s honorees.
7:15 PM – 8:30 PM | Awards Ceremony
Join us as we recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of the design community.
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM | SESCO After Party at Jig and Reel
Keep the celebration going! Join us for drinks and live music, open to all guests.
Ticket Prices:
$35 – Student or Associate AIA Member
$60 – AIA Member (includes Allied)
$80 – Non-AIA Member
$500 – Table Sponsor (full table of 8 seats)
Gold Medal and Friend of Architecture Awards
Brandon Pace, FAIA- 2024 Gold Medal Winner
John Sanders, FAIA- 2024 Gold Medal Winner
Gold Medal Award
The Gold Medal is the AIA East Tennessee Chapter’s highest honor.
The award recognizes individuals whose work has had a lasting influence on the theory or practice of architecture. The Gold Medal is open to an architect (living or deceased), or architects, who have created a body of distinguished work.
The Board of Directors evaluates candidates based on how well they meet this criterion, which includes how their contributions have:
- Demonstrated great depth and breadth
- Having a cumulative effect on the profession
- Addressed the future of architecture while honoring its tradition
- Transcended or united specific areas of expertise
- Become widely known—by architects, designers, educators, and the public—for the quality of their work
CLICK HERE to learn more about and nominate someone for the Gold Medal Award.
We are no longer accepting nominations for this award. Check back in 2027!
Dr. Robert ‘Bob’ J. Booker- 2024 Friend of Architecture Winner (posthumously)
Friend of Architecture Award
The Friend of Architecture Award is bestowed on an individual or organization that has demonstrated significant support to architecture but is not a practitioner or architectural firm.
The Board evaluates candidates based on how well they meet this criterion, which includes how their contributions have:
- Demonstrated great support of architecture an/or architects in the public realm.
- Had a positive, cumulative effect if the profession.
- Supported the future of architecture, while honoring its tradition.
- Is or was widely known by architects for their role in contributing to the profession.
CLICK HERE to learn more about and nominate someone for the Friend of Architecture Award.
We are no longer accepting nominations for this award. Check back in 2027!