AIA Minnesota

AIA Minnesota Awards

Next Gen Award

Celebrating emerging professionals whose leadership potential and dedication are already making a meaningful impact on AIA, architecture, and the community.

In support of AIA Minnesota’s mission to build and mentor the profession, the Next Gen Award is presented annually to up to two recent graduates of a NAAB-accredited architecture program. This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate early leadership potential or exceptional service to the AIA, the architecture profession, or the broader community.

The submission window for the 2026 AIA Minnesota Next Gen Award will open April 1, 2026, and close May 29 at 12:00 noon CST.

Two Receive 2025 Next Gen Award

Nathan Anderson, AIA

Nathan Anderson, AIA »

“Nate exemplifies the spirit of collaborative leadership and two-way mentorship, actively engaging peers, mentors, and community members in co-creating a more dynamic future for our profession.”

Debanjana Chatterjee, Assoc. AIA

Debanjana Chatterjee, Assoc. AIA »

“Debanjana has a drive to advance the industry through leveraging her passion for sustainability. In short, she is actively helping us become a better firm.”

Eligibility

AIA Minnesota members and Associate members who graduated from a NAAB-accredited architecture program within the past five years (2021 or later) are eligible. Licensure is not required.

Selection Criteria

Submissions should demonstrate the candidate’s achievements in one or more of the following areas:

  • Early leadership potential and exceptional service
  • Significant involvement in an AIA Minnesota committee, knowledge community, or initiative
  • Contributions to the architecture profession through academic, professional, or volunteer efforts
  • Meaningful contributions to the community through volunteering, activism, or leadership activities

Next Gen Award Process & Past Recipients

Submission Requirements

Submissions must include the following components:

  • Nomination Letter (maximum one page): A letter submitted by a registered AIA member that clearly outlines the candidate’s qualifications for the award.
  • Candidate Biography and Accomplishments (two to three pages): A summary of the candidate’s educational and professional background, including relevant positions, honors, publications, and presentations. This statement should include a personal narrative demonstrating how the candidate’s work reflects early leadership potential, exceptional service to AIA or the profession, or community impact through volunteer efforts.
  • Exhibits (maximum five pages): Photos, images, drawings, or other materials illustrating the breadth of the candidate’s accomplishments. Examples may include volunteer work documentation, publication samples, or project imagery. Each exhibit must identify the candidate’s direct involvement and include a Declaration of Responsibility.
  • Two Recommendation Letters (maximum one page each): Letters from individuals with direct knowledge of the candidate’s relevant efforts. Letters must be written on company letterhead, signed, explicitly recommend the candidate, and provide specific reasons supporting the nomination.

The combined PDF booklet, including the title page, may not exceed 12 pages.

Timeline

April 1, 2026: Submission window opens

May 29 at 12:00 noon CST: Submission window closes

June: Jury

July: Recipients and unsuccessful candidates informed of selections

August: Recipients honored at the AIA Minnesota Summer Awards Celebration

Jury Composition

The Next Gen Award jury is composed of:

  • One AIA Minnesota Committee on Design member
  • One previous Young Architects Award recipient
  • One previous Next Gen Award recipient
  • One AIA Fellow
  • One additional AIA member leader

The members of the 2026 Next Gen Award jury will be listed here in spring 2026.

Young Architect Award & Next Gen Award Open House

Each year, AIA Minnesota invites two or three recent recipients of the Young Architect Award and Next Gen Award to share their approaches to creating a successful entry in a virtual open house for new award candidates. (View a recording of the 2025 Open House.) The 2026 event is scheduled for Thursday, April 2, at 4 p.m. Stay tuned for more details, including the registration link.

Recent Recipients

2025
Nathan Anderson, AIA
Debanjana Chatterjee, Assoc. AIA

2024
Ashley Vanden Bosch, AIA
Patricia Mutebi, Assoc. AIA

2023
Ellie Ziaie, Assoc. AIA

2022
Nicole Bauknight, Assoc. AIA

Entry Deadline

Application deadline is Friday, May 29, 2026, at 12:00 noon CST.

Recent Recipients

Designer Patricia Mutebi, Assoc. AIA, recipient of a 2024 AIA Minnesota Next Gen Award

2024 Recipient

Patricia Mutebi, Assoc. AIA (now AIA) »

“Through mentorship and her strong involvement in AIA, NOMA, and the Minnesota Architectural Foundation, Patricia is a trailblazer in establishing paths forward for BIPOC students to become architects.”

Architect Ashley Vanden Bosch, AIA, recipient of a 2024 AIA Minnesota Next Gen Award

2024 Recipient

Ashley Vanden Bosch, AIA »

“As co-chair of the Emerging Professionals Committee, Ashley played a crucial role in fostering vital connections and community engagement during a time of unprecedented isolation [the pandemic].”

Staff

Editor-in-Chief

Chris Hudson, Hon. AIAMN