Celebrating Excellence in Architecture
The NC Architectural Foundation Awards recognize outstanding achievements that shape the built environment and advance the profession of architecture. From innovative design to community impact, these awards honor individuals, firms, and projects that exemplify creativity, leadership, and a commitment to excellence in North Carolina. Explore past winners, learn about award criteria, and see how the Foundation celebrates the best in architecture.
J. HYATT HAMMOND ACHIEVEMENT GRANT
Supporting early career architects and emerging professionals with merit awards for leadership and professional development, including attendance at the Aspire Conference each year. It is open to all AIANC Associate Members and architects licensed for less than 10 years.
HENRY KAMPHOEFNER PRIZE
Supporting architectural excellence in North Carolina through awards for practicing architects and fellowships for emerging designers.
AIA PIEDMONT
Supporting the next generation of architects in NC's Piedmont region. Offering financial assistance to students pursuing architectural studies, fostering educational advancement and professional growth.
NC AIA ACTIVATE
ACTIVATE North Carolina empowers architects and citizens to collaborate in shaping vibrant, resilient communities.
UNRESTRICTED FUND GRANTS
Financial support advancing the mission and goals of the NCAF is awarded each year
WILLIAM K. LANGDON, JR.
For students and young professionals to forward Bill's vision for more sustainable, habitable, and regenerative build environments.
J. Hyatt Hammond Achievement Grant
The J. Hyatt Hammond Achievement Grant was created to provide young professionals a chance to attend the state’s premier gathering of architects. Established in 1999, supporting early career architects and emerging professionals with merit awards for leadership and professional development, including attendance at the Aspire Conference each year. It is open to all AIANC Associate Members and architects licensed for less than 10 years.
Applications will open in Spring of 2026
Each year, we will award 10 scholarships, each $1000, for professional and leadership development for young architects.
Henry Kamphoefner Prize
The Kamphoefner Prize celebrates the legacy of Henry Kamphoefner, the first dean of NC State University’s School of Design and a champion of modernist architecture. The fund supports both practicing architects and emerging designers in North Carolina.
- Kamphoefner Prize: Recognizes architects or firms with at least ten years of dedication to modern architecture.
- Kamphoefner Honor Fellowship: As may be determined by the selection committee, awards of $1500 may be made to outstanding graduate architecture students demonstrating exceptional promise and commitment to design principles.
AIA Piedmont Scholarship
The AIA Piedmont Scholarship supports students pursuing architectural studies in North Carolina’s Piedmont region. This scholarship provides financial assistance to foster educational advancement, professional growth, and a strong connection to the architectural community.
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in an accredited architecture program with a focus on contributing to the Piedmont region’s built environment.
- Impact: Helps emerging designers attend conferences, access learning opportunities, and develop the skills needed to shape the future of architecture locally.
AIA NC ACTIVATE
ACTIVATE North Carolina empowers architects and the public to work together in creating positive change. Since 2016, we’ve granted over $320,000 to more than 100 programs across the state — supporting education, design-build projects, and community engagement initiatives.
- Guide – Find design-driven solutions
- Listen – Understand needs and challenges
- Advocate – Support citizens seeking change
- Connect – Build meaningful partnerships
- Observe – Offer new perspectives
- Envision – Illustrate the future communities desire
Unrestricted Funded Grants
The Unrestricted Fund Account supports the North Carolina Architecture Foundation (NCAF) in fulfilling its mission through impactful projects, programs, and grants. It allows the Foundation to provide resources and opportunities that strengthen the architectural community and expand public understanding of design.
- NCAF Grants that empower architects, scholars, and artists in advancing architectural knowledge and creativity.
- Foundation-led projects and programming that promote education, innovation, and public engagement in design.
- Support for institutions—both public and private—whose missions align with or complement NCAF’s goals.
- Investment in education and idea-sharing to inspire future generations and expand access to architectural knowledge.
William (Bill) K. Langdon, Jr. Scholarship
The AIA Western North Carolina established this scholarship to continue Bill Langdon’s vision for more sustainable, habitable, and regenerative built environments.
- $500 value
- Includes free attendance to the annual Climate Symposium in Asheville
- Eligible for AIA North Carolina Associate Members and Architects licensed for less than 10 years
AIA North Carolina will select the recipient who best embodies Bill’s legacy. The scholarship is administered through the North Carolina Architectural Foundation.
