AIA International Distinguished Service Award - Call for Entries

SUBMIT By Monday 19 October

AIA International is pleased to introduce the AIA International Distinguished Service Award, an annual recognition program established to celebrate our members at all career stages who have made significant contributions to AIA International.

The award recognizes members who have demonstrated sustained dedication and contributed their time, leadership and expertise to AIA International and its Chapters and Sections.

We rely on the commitment of our volunteers to support our events, initiatives and the development of our global professional community. This award provides an opportunity for AIA International to recognize the value and impact of these contributions.

Interested in nominating yourself or another for the Distinguished Service Award? Please review the details below.

ELIGIBILITY 

Candidates must:

  • Be a member of AIA International in good standing

  • Have given a minimum of five (5) years of service to AIA. This may be through AIA International, an international Chapter or Section, or other AIA chapters or committees.

Current AIA International board directors are NOT eligible.

CRITERIA 

Submissions will be evaluated based on the on the demonstrated quality, impact, dedication and significance of the member's contributions. These may include volunteer service, leadership, committee participation, organizing of events and initiatives, mentorship, advocacy or other activities benefitting AIA and its members.

Submissions should demonstrate a sustained commitment to supporting the mission and activities of AIA International.

NOMINATION PROCESS 

The nominator must fully explain the candidate’s service contributions and submit relevant supporting documentation. Nominations may be submitted by AIA International members familiar with the nominee's contributions, or by the member themselves. International chapters and sections are encouraged to submit on behalf of outstanding team members.

 KEY DATES 

  • Submission Deadline: Monday 19 October 2026 at 5pm (Eastern US time)

  • Award Announcement: November 2026.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS  

For each entry, the submission PDF must be uploaded to a web-based file transfer platform (e.g. Dropbox, WeTransfer, etc.).  

Please share the download link via email to: DistinguishedService@aiainternational.org.

The submission must comply with the following guidelines:

  1. A single file in PDF format. Do not use password protection or other document restrictions.

  2. A combination of text and/or images. All portfolio elements must be contained in the document, i.e. avoid links to external materials, embedded videos, etc.

  3. Maximum twenty (20) pages long.

  4. Contents must be as follows, in order:

  • Nomination Letter: Max. 500 words.

  • Recommendation Letters: In case of an individual nominating themselves, please include 1-2 letters of support, max. 1 page each, by AIA International members who know the quality of the nominee’s service; letters should contain specific reasons to support.

  • Candidate Biography/ CV. Max. 2 pages.

  • Summary of Service: i.e. narrative demonstrating how the candidate has contributed, including years of service, leadership positions, volunteer activities. Max. 2 pages.

  • Supporting documentation: Include materials such as such as publications, event programs, certificates, photographs or other evidence of service.

  • Submissions should demonstrate the candidate’s sustained commitment to volunteer service

  • Candidate photograph: please include as a separate JPEG; no larger than 300 dpi and 1 MB.

Please submit any questions here: AdministrativeDirector@aiainternational.org.

 

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