1st Annual ENYA Merit Award

Beginning February 2009, The AIA New York Chapter and its Emerging New York Architects committee (ENYA) launched a pilot Boot Camp Review program to get intern architects in shape for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). In the summer 2009, AIANY added graphic vignette workshops to its class offerings, established an ARE Resource Library and several other classes and events to promote and encourage emerging architects to stay focused on the licensure track. The revenue from these programs was used to expand the existing programs and create new support programs for local ARE candidates.

The purpose of the award is to recognize the significant contributions of interns at an early stage of their career to the AIA New York Chapter, and to help encourage them to complete their licensure by rewarding them upon completion. Awards are not based on financial need, as much as they are based on contributions the intern has made to their profession, their community and the AIA New York Chapter.

AWARD DETAILS
Merit Award recipients will receive:
• ENYA Merit Award Certificate
• $1,500 Monetary award (Equivalent to the cost of passing all divisions of the Architect Registration
Examination (ARE) one time)

CRITERIA
Applicants should demonstrate more than one of the following attributes:
• Outstanding achievement in the creation, development and delivery of creative programs for interns, Associates, and/or young architect members of the AIA New York Chapter;
• Significant contributions at an early stage of career to the profession and/or community;
• Exemplary involvement in community and/or professional organizations;
• Traditional or alternative career path, with demonstrated passion for pursuit of registration
• Strong letters of support detailing personal and professional contributions; and/or
• Inspiring statement of contribution.

ELIGIBILITY
In order for an applicant to be eligible for this Award, both of the following must apply:
• AIA New York Chapter Member in good standing
• Recently licensed architect, licensed for the first time in the previous calendar year that the application is due.

SUBMISSION INFORMATION
In order to ensure the fair and thorough evaluation of all candidates for the ENYA Merit Award, the following materials must be submitted in the manner described below.
• All entries submitted without the required materials will be disqualified.
• Submission materials must be within an 8-1/2” x 11” electronic format, limited to no more than the page specifications stated below.
Note: By making a submission, the applicant grants permission to the AIANY to reproduce and publicly display submission material if the applicant receives an award. Materials submitted will not be returned to the applicant

NOMINATION
Each candidate for the ENYA Merit Award must be nominated by an AIA NY member or an AIA component executive.
• The nominator must submit a letter of nomination (limited to 1 page)

APPLICATION
The application must include:
• Completed ENYA Merit Award Application (download here)
• One letter of nomination (See previous section)
• One statement of contribution written by the applicant (limited to 1 page)
• One biography and/or resume (limited to 2 pages)
• Two letters of recommendation. Letters are limited to 1 page each. Letters should come from individuals who can speak to the candidate’s accomplishments outlined in the personal statement. We recommend no more than one letter from each company/organization. The ideal candidate will have a variety of letters from their firm, a community organization, a member of the architecture profession, and/or a mentor.
• Proof of licensure (copy of NYS Department of Education letter/certificate)
Submissions and questions may be addressed to: [email protected]

SCHEDULE
Electronic submissions must be received by Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 5PM ET. The AIA assumes no responsibility for the delivery of the material. It is the responsibility of the nominating individual to see that the submission is delivered to the ENYA Committee by the appropriate date.

May 25, 2010 Official call for nominations. Posted on the www.aiany.org website
September 15, 2010 Electronic submissions due @ 5pm [email protected]
October 2010 Review of Applications; Jury convenes (See list below for Jury)
November 2010 Award winner(s) announced
Dec 7, 2010 Award will be presented at AIA NY Inauguration Ceremony

JURY
The ENYA Merit Award jury will be comprised of the following members of the AIANY Chapter:

Chapter President
Emerging NY Architects Committee chair(s)
Associate Director
Vice President of Professional Development (or) Alternate Director of Professional Development

About the Emerging NY Architects Committee of the AIA New York Chapter
The Emerging New York Architects (ENYA) American Institute of Architects (AIA) New York Chapter is one of the most active young architect groups in the country. At the national level, ENYA falls under the umbrella of the Young Architects Forum, an AIA Knowledge Community that provides national advocacy and leadership for the group. In conjunction with the AIA New York Chapter, ENYA develops its own programming that addresses issues specific to the New York City audience.

AIA National defines membership in young architects groups as open to “all professionals ten years or less from licensure.” However, ENYA is an-equal opportunity committee and welcomes participation from anyone willing to promote the positive development of the profession and its practitioners. ENYA strives to meet all skill levels, scholastic backgrounds and professional interests, and hosts programs of general interest to all architects. In this way, ENYA will continue to educate, expand and improve the understanding and interpretation of New York City’s architectural environment with a focus on topics of interest to young architects.