The Kemper Award program is a prestigious recognition within the American Institute of Architects (AIA), designed to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the architecture profession and the AIA. This guide provides a clear overview of the eligibility criteria and nomination process for the Kemper Award, helping potential nominees and nominators understand if they are a good fit for this esteemed program. For complete details and official guidelines, always refer to the submission guide available in the Resources section of the official AIA website.
Kemper Award Eligibility: Is It For You?
To be considered for the Kemper Award, nominees must be active AIA members in good standing. A crucial aspect of eligibility for the Kemper program is the nominee’s commitment to ethical labor practices. Specifically, nominees must formally declare that neither they nor their architectural firm employs unpaid intern architects. This commitment extends to working students as defined under Section 11.0 of the AIA Rules of the Board, ensuring fair opportunities and compensation within the architecture field.
It’s important to note that there are restrictions based on prior AIA leadership roles. Individuals who have served on the AIA Board, Strategic Council, or as past AIA National Officers are not eligible for nomination until a period of three (3) years has passed following the conclusion of their service. This waiting period ensures a fair and balanced nomination process.
Nominating a Candidate for the Kemper Recognition
The nomination process for the Kemper Award is open to a broad spectrum of the AIA community. Any AIA member who is currently in good standing has the authority to submit nominations. Furthermore, nominations can also be made by AIA Board members, members of the Strategic Council, local AIA components, and AIA Knowledge Communities, reflecting the inclusive nature of the Kemper program.
Responsibilities of a Kemper Award Nominator
When an individual takes on the role of a nominator for the Kemper Award, they assume certain key responsibilities. If the nominator is an individual AIA member, they too must affirm that neither they nor their firm engages in the practice of employing unpaid intern architects, including working students as defined by AIA guidelines. This parallel affirmation underscores the AIA’s commitment to fair labor practices across the profession.
A primary responsibility of the nominator is to author a compelling letter of support for the nominated candidate. This letter serves as an introduction to the nomination submission, highlighting the nominee’s qualifications and contributions. Beyond the letter, nominators play a crucial supportive role by acting as the main point of contact for those writing letters of reference for the candidate. They also provide guidance and assistance to the candidate throughout the nomination process as needed, ensuring a smooth and well-supported submission.
Kemper Award Finalist Rollover Policy
The Kemper Award program offers a unique advantage to finalists who are highly regarded but not selected in a particular cycle. These finalists have the option to rollover their application materials for consideration in the subsequent award cycle. This means that their applications will be included in the initial pool of applicants for the next Kemper Award selection process, giving them a continued opportunity for recognition without needing to start the application anew.
Recognition for Kemper Award Recipients
Recipients of the Kemper Award receive significant recognition for their achievements. While the specific elements of recognition can be updated each cycle, they typically include prominent promotional acknowledgment across AIA communication channels, ensuring visibility among peers and the wider architecture community. Recipients, or a designated representative, are also invited to attend selected AIA Awards event celebrations. These celebrations are often a highlight of the annual AIA Conference on Architecture & Design, providing a platform to celebrate their achievements alongside other distinguished award winners. Furthermore, Kemper Award recipients may be eligible for elevation to the prestigious AIA College of Fellows, further honoring their contribution to the profession.
