Honors and Awards
Design Awards
AIA Mid-Missouri bestows Design Awards in each odd-numbered year. The Design Awards program recognizes excellence in design, planning, and construction of projects located anywhere in the world that are designed by AIA Mid-Missouri architects, or projects of merit designed by others but located within the area of our Chapter.
The intent of the Design Awards program is to honor the highest standards of design in response to user requirements, site, context, climate, and environmental considerations. Each entry, regardless of size or classification, is judged individually on the basis of total design merit.
Awards are ranked as Honor Award, Merit Award, and Honorable Mention (in order of importance). The jury decides the number of awards to be presented. Certificates are presented to award winners, and their projects are featured at the annual Architecture Awards Celebration. In 2019 we added a new category for "Architectural Drawings." This category was defined broadly and attracted several entries. There is only one rank for awards in this category - Certificate of Merit for Architectural Drawing.
Distinguished Citizen Award
AIA Mid-Missouri presents it's Distinguished Citizen award in even-numbered years. This is an honor bestowed on a local citizen from the mid-Missouri community who exemplifies the values and purposefully promotes the efforts of design professionals to maintain, protect and augment the fabric of the built environment. Any member of AIA Mid-Missouri may nominate any non-architect for this award.
Distinguished Citizen Award Recipients through the years
2022 – Carrie Gartner, LPM, Executive Director of The Loop, a collaborative and creative group of industries, economic engines and outside the box learners. Ms. Gartner’s award recognizes her long-term endeavors related to the Arts and her continued support of smart growth development and revitalization efforts in downtown Columbia, Missouri.
Due to Covid, there was no award in 2020.
2018 -- John Simon, Building Regulations Supervisor for the City of Columbia. Mr. Simon has held a lifelong passion for the natural and built environment. His award recognizes his efforts to educate, collaborate with and support local design professionals as they preserve and develop the fabric of the city.
2016 -- Jim Crabtree, Vice President of Corporate Physical Assets for Central Bancompany, whose work has sought to maintain the high standards for the built environment and quality of life for staff and patrons alike. As noted in his nomination letter, “Over time, Jim Crabtree has become synonymous with his employer’s appreciation for architectural advocacy.” He is 2016's Champion of the Built Environment.
2014 -- Barbara Buffaloe who, as a member of city government, was honored for her enthusiasm and personal commitment to sustainable design and promoting responsible architecture within our community.