US Architecture: "Awards are benchmarks of excellence and innovation."

iF: The AIA is the oldest, largest and most influential network of architects and designers in the USA (and potentially the world). What are the main goals and responsibilities of the AIA?

Jesse Lazar: Founded in 1857, AIA New York (AIANY) is the oldest and largest chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Our Chapter consists of over 5,000 practicing architects, allied professionals, students, and design enthusiasts, and we are dedicated to three goals: design excellence, public outreach, and professional development.

We offer networking and educational opportunities, recognize exceptional design through awards, and promote public awareness of the value of design. Our over two dozen volunteer program committees organize initiatives to provide members with the resources to advance their technical skills, address key industry topics, and foster a network of support. Our exhibitions, talks, and tours explore topics vital to the architecture profession, including housing, planning, historic preservation, and urban design.

iF: The AIA and the iF DESIGN AWARD have recently entered into a new partnership. What is it about? What most excites you about the opportunity?

Jesse: We are so excited to be entering into this partnership with iF Design and to be promoting design excellence on a global scale. The iF DESIGN AWARD represents quality and creativity in design, highlighting innovative solutions across different disciplines. By leveraging AIANY’s prominent role in the architecture community and the iF DESIGN AWARD’s international prestige, this partnership enhances the opportunity for New York architects to gain wider visibility and recognition for their projects. This collaboration opens avenues for international, cross-cultural exchange and we’re excited to be a part of a broader conversation on the advancement of design, its impact, and its community.

iF: In architecture and interiors generally, what is the significance of awards and award programs?

Jesse: Awards and award programs in architecture and interiors are significant because they serve as benchmarks of excellence and innovation. They celebrate individuals’ and firms’ creativity and expertise, providing recognition for outstanding work, while also elevating the profession’s visibility and encouraging a high standard of design. We love how our changing lists of award winners over the years provide a snapshot of the kinds of projects that have inspired the architecture community and captured the attention of the public, too.

iF: What motivates creative leaders in architecture? How are they most likely to be inspired? Do you see any major intercultural or geographic differences in this?

Jesse: Creative leaders in architecture are driven by a desire to solve complex problems and push the boundaries of design. They lead with a sensitivity and awareness of the social-emotional health of communities and cities; they are inspired by the opportunity to contribute to cultural dialogue and address social issues through their work. While this is likely true for architects and designers universally, professionals in different regions may prioritize their processes in different ways based on their local climate and community needs. Designers in densely populated urban areas, for instance, may focus more on space optimization or adaptive reuse, while those in regions with rich historical contexts might draw from traditional design elements or local materials.

What is the state of architecture today and where is it heading? (i.e. how will the work of architects change in the future given newer technologies, climate change, growing urbanization, other trends and more)

Jesse: As urbanization continues to accelerate globally, we are concerned now more than ever with how to create efficient, community-minded cities. There is, of course, a tremendous focus on sustainability and resilience. The integration of sustainable practices like carbon neutrality, LEED certification, or adaptive reuse are paving the way. Moreover, architects and urban planners today are prioritizing fostering a sense of place­, designing buildings rooted in their community contexts. Equity is also at the forefront of this conversation—inclusivity in architecture is essential to creating spaces that are accessible, equitable, and reflective of our communities. This means amplifying youth design education, dismantling barriers to access, and ensuring representation and greater community engagement in design processes.