Center for Architecture Design Scholarship

Supported jointly by Center for Architecture and the American Institute of Architects (AIA), this scholarship is for students seeking their first professional degree in architecture, or related design discipline from an accredited school within New York State. The dean or chair of the architectural school or accredited design program may invite up to two students from their respective college or university to apply based on their high level of academic performance and evidence of financial need. Financial need of the student shall be determined by the guidelines of the Financial Aid Officer of the school nominating the candidate.

Award

Single or multiple awards up to $5,000.

Purpose

Merit-based scholarships that support deserving students acquiring their first professional degree in architecture, design, engineering, planning, or a related discipline in a program within New York State.

Eligibility

Students seeking their first professional degree in architecture, or related design discipline from an accredited school within New York State. The dean or chair of the architectural school or accredited design program shall invite up to two students from their respective college or university to apply based on their high level of academic performance and evidence of financial need. Financial need of the student shall be determined by the guidelines of the Financial Aid Officer of the school nominating the candidate.

Note: Students cannot be nominated for both the Center for Architecture Design and Allwork awards. Students in their final year of school are not eligible to apply. Students must be nominated by their dean or chair of their accredited program that they are currently studying in order to apply for this award.

Eligible Engineering Programs

• Architectural, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical, Structural

Eligible Design Programs

Architectural, Environmental, Furniture, Industrial, Interior, Landscape, Sustainable, Urban

Note: Graduate students pursuing the M. Arch degree from an NAAB-accredited school within New York State are eligible to apply if their undergraduate degree is in a field other than architecture. Current M. Arch students who hold a 4-year degree in architectural studies or other non-accredited pre-architecture programs are also welcome to apply.

Application Requirements

A complete application includes the online application, a portfolio, and two letters of recommendation. All aspects of the application must be submitted electronically via the application form.

Application Form

The Cover Page Form must be placed at the beginning of submission.

Portfolio

The portfolio should include three student projects as examples of work. Submissions of collaborative projects where the applicant’s role is not clear are discouraged. Do not submit slides.

Two Letters of Recommendation

All letters of recommendation must be signed and on letterhead.

• One letter must be written by the nominating dean or chair. This letter will serve as the Dean’s official nomination. Students cannot be nominated for both the Center for Architecture Design and Allwork scholarships.
• One letter must be written by a faculty member familiar with the applicant’s work.
• If your recommender would like to submit their letter directly to scholarships@centerforarchitecture.org, please upload a document including their name and contact information and that they will be submitting their letter via email. The same deadline of March 18 applies.

Optional: The applicant may submit up to two more academic or professional references from an educator and/or design professional testifying to achievement and professional promise demonstrated through academic or professional work in an office environment.

Note:

• There is no entry fee.

Submission Instructions

Electronic Submission

All aspects of the submission (online application, portfolio, and two letters of recommendation) must be submitted electronically via the online form.

Portfolio

The portfolio should be saved in the following manner:

• CFA Design Portfolio Applicant’s Last Name

Letters of Recommendation

Recommenders should save letters in the following manner:

CFA Design Recommendation Applicant’s Last Name

All letters of recommendation must be signed and on letterhead.