Learn more about all of the AIA Iowa Awards here. 

Download this full tutorial on how to submit for on Iowa Architecture.org.

View a recording of our Awards Town Hall from July 2024 on the new updates to the Awards Program.

In 2019, the AIA adopted the Framework for Design Excellence (FFDE) as the set of guidelines and requirements to assess project performance. Climate action requires a holistic approach to addressing the interdependencies among people, buildings, infrastructure, and the environment. The Framework for Design Excellence provides the elements that support this vision during project evaluation. While projects submitted do not need to address all the measures included in the framework, they do need to highlight how they perform in this context and highly relevant narratives and metrics when applicable. 

When completing Award Submissions for the Excellence in Design, 25 Year, and Central States Awards (when presented by Iowa),  please choose 3 of the 10 measures of the Framework for Design Excellence to provide narratives with relevant metrics that apply to your submission (300 words max each). 

For more information on the FFDE, see AIA Framework for Design Excellence Page

Downloadable AIA Framework for Design Excellence Infographic 

The AIA 2030 Commitment is an actionable climate strategy that gives us a set of standards and goals for reaching net zero emissions in the built environment. Join more than 1,300 architecture firms who have already made the commitment.

• How can I tell if my project is meeting the 2030 Challenge?
• Architecture 2030 has developed an online tool, Zero Tool, that enables users to determine the average energy consumption of specific building types in a specific region, as well as to determine energy reduction targets in accordance with the 2030 Challenge. Zero Tool should be the first resource in determining a projects energy consumption target.  
• What does “logging to the AIA DDx mean?”
• If you’re not familiar with the AIA DDx, the AIA Design Data Exchange, that likely means you haven’t taken the first step of committing to the AIA 2030 Commitment. To learn more and join the commitment, review the information here. 
• Once firms have joined the commitment, they use the DDx to track energy performance and progress toward goals, visualize your portfolio, and benchmark projects against industry averages. Projects typically take less than 15 minutes to enter. To create an account or log into the AIA DDx, go here.