2026 Young Architect of the Year Submissions are now open!

About the YAYA Program

AIA San Diego’s Young Architect of the Year program honors emerging professionals who demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:

Leadership
Industry Volunteerism/Community Outreach
Service to the Chapter or the Profession
Design
Advocacy, including work in local governance, climate action, and/or equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice

To be eligible, applicants must be:

An AIA Architect Member of the San Diego Chapter (including AIA Palomar) or employed by a member firm that pays supplemental dues
Applicant must be licensed for less than ten years from date of submittal. For the 2026 submittal, applicant’s license may have been obtained anytime from the year 2016 to submittal date.

Key Dates

Submission Deadline: September 11, 2026
Jury Deliberations: September 2026
Notifications Sent: October 2026
Awards Ceremony: November 5, 2026

SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

Provide a maximum of 16 pages, including the following:

Pg. 1: A one-page biography of the nominee. (Consider including a headshot and/or photo of the nominee in action)

Pg. 2: A one-page statement of contributions that identifies the nominee’s *Focus Area(s), supports the submission, and illustrates the nominee’s individual contribution(s).

Pgs. 3-12: Exhibits of a maximum of 10 pages with images and/or drawings or other materials that best demonstrate the nominee’s outstanding accomplishments, particularly as they pertain to your specific Focus Area.

Pgs.13-14: Two (2) one-page letters of recommendation (to be written on company letterhead containing original or electronic signatures).

Pg. 15: Attestation Form

Pg. 16: Photo Release Form

Submission requirements for download and reference

Additional comments:

Applicant may submit the 16-page (or less!) packet as a PPT (wide screen) or PDF (up to 11x17). Try not to exceed 12MB file size.

Please label file(s) clearly when uploading. For example: 2026YAYA_NomineeName

Email your questions or submission to programs@aiasandiego.org with the subject line “2026 YAYA Submission.”

Young Architect Of the Year Awards

The Young Architect of the Year Award recognizes professionals in the early stages of their careers who are already making a significant impact on the profession and the community.

Presented during AIA San Diego’s annual awards ceremony, this honor is given alongside the Robert Mosher Lifetime Achievement Award, which celebrates the legacy and accomplishments of long-serving professionals. Together, the two awards offer a powerful look at the future and the foundation of architectural practice.

Learn more about the Robert Mosher Lifetime Achievement Award »