NCARB Award

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In 2013, a total of $75,000 was distributed to three schools. Three additional schools were recognized with honorable mentions. “The caliber of these proposals reflects the academy’s commitment to innovation and addressing real-world scenarios,” said NCARB CEO Michael Armstrong. “The fact that two of the winning proposals involve partnerships with both practitioners and manufacturers demonstrates the truly collaborative nature of the architecture profession.”

2013 NCARB Award Recipients
University of MassachusettsKansas State UniversityFlorida Atlantic University

Through a series of bi-weekly site tours and firm visits, this seminar exposes students to the nuances of the construction process—knowledge typically attained after graduation. By examining active projects throughout the region, students will learn about the relationship between concept and technical design, develop an understanding of construction sequences, and become familiar with the architect’s role in construction administration. During site visits, students will also get the chance to compare documentation to projects in construction. This seminar exemplifies the way architecture students of the future should integrate construction needs into the design process. “As a student with little experience on construction job sites, I found the spring 2014 Voices in the Field course to be very informative,” wrote Master of Architecture student Samantha Greenberg. “It was particularly useful to examine projects of varying scale and scope; to meet with designers, project managers, and contractors; and to visit buildings in various stages of construction and occupancy.”Program: University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Art, Architecture, and Art History—Amherst, MAProposal: “Voices from the Field: From Design Concept to Reality”Total Award: $25,000 This project seeks to explore the relationship between research and practice by joining forces with a leading manufacturer of envelope systems. In a studio setting, students—aided by a team of practitioners—will use computer analysis and instrumented mockups to develop, test, and integrate building skins that can reduce energy use. By applying environmental and building physics knowledge to the design process, this course will tackle real-world problems associated with building performance. More importantly, the project reveals that architects have the capacity to become leaders in advancing sustainability. “It was really exciting to work with practitioners and having BNIM at our reviews,” said Master of Architecture student Lindsey Telford. “It’s easy when you’re in school to get into a little bubble where you’re not sure if your work is relevant … So having BNIM interested and excited about our research was great reassurance that what we’re doing is valuable.” Program: Kansas State University, College of Architecture, Planning & Design—Manhattan, KSProposal: “Designing for Performance: Research and Innovation in Building Envelopes”Total Award: $25,000 By forming a partnership with an architecture firm and a manufacturer, students will develop environmentally reactive materials that improve energy efficiency and enhance users’ well-being. Students from multidisciplinary backgrounds will refine their design and research skills through a series of lectures, workshops, manufacturer-led reviews, rapid prototyping, testing and experimentation, full-scale model assembly, and public exhibits. By linking emerging professionals and practitioners with manufacturers, this proposal has the potential to transform how architects collaborate with industry allies. “The overall intention of the research is to provide opportunities for integration within academia by bringing together students from various backgrounds, but also within a broader context to establish and facilitate collaboration between academia and individual practice,” said Assistant Professor Emmanouil Vermisso. Program: Florida Atlantic University, School of Architecture—Fort Lauderdale, FLProposal: “Interdisciplinary Collaboration on Prototyping for Responsive Kinetic Design”Total Award: $25,000

Honorable Mentions

The NCARB Award Jury recognized three additional programs that demonstrated a commitment to uniquely integrating practice and education:

Roger Williams University, School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation—Bristol, RIProposal: “Designing Health Stations for Primary Care and Healthful Living” The University of Kansas, School of Architecture, Design & Planning—Lawrence, KSProposal: “Integrating Specialized Knowledge: a ‘Mini’ MOOC Pilot” University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), School of Architecture—Las Vegas, NVProposal: "The New School, Interdisciplinary Research & Design Investigation of the Contemporary Learning Environment"

Award Jury

The 2013 NCARB Award Jury rigorously and impartially evaluated proposals against a published set of criteria. The jury was comprised of eight architects who volunteered extensive time and expertise to fulfill their charge. Led by Hans R. Hoffman, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, chair of the 2013 NCARB Award Jury, members included: Terry Allers, AIA, NCARB, Fort Dodge, IA; David M. Biagi, NCARB, Lexington, KY; Andrew T. Malanowski, NCARB, Milwaukee, WI; Mark R. McKechnie, AIA, Medford, OR; Bert L. Mijares Jr., AIA, El Paso, TX; Wendy Ornelas, FAIA, Manhattan, KS; and Megan Katherine Schoch, Seattle, WA.

Award Jury members with any connection or potential conflict of interest abstained from voting on that school’s proposal.

Since 2001, NCARB has awarded nearly $900,000 to architecture programs that find innovative ways to bridge the gap between education and practice. The NCARB Award, formerly known as the NCARB Grant, has helped transform the way students and faculty approach the path to licensure by recognizing new programming that:

● Integrates practice and education

● Raises awareness of the architect’s responsibilities for the public health, safety, and welfare; and

● Brings non-faculty practitioners into the academy.

NCARB Award