The Emerging Professionals award honors emerging architects and recent graduates who have demonstrated exceptional, innovative contributions to the architecture profession. It recognizes those who have excelled not only within the discipline but also through exemplary service in the public realm, advancing both the field and the communities they serve. The award celebrates creativity, leadership, and dedication, supporting the growth and impact of the next generation of architects.

Candidates can be nominated by peers, mentors, allied professionals, employers, or self-nominated.

2025 Awardees

Joy Ortiz-Colón, AIA, NOMA, LEED Green Associate
Amenta Emma Architects

As a Project Architect at Amenta Emma, Joy Ortiz-Colón brings a thoughtful and impactful approach to her work, demonstrating a strong commitment to design excellence and community-centered practice. Her leadership in advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion is equally noteworthy—having co-founded a JEDI committee at her previous firm and currently serving as chair of Amenta Emma’s JEDI+B Committee, Joy has led numerous outreach initiatives that connect students to the field of architecture and promote a more inclusive profession.

Joy’s dedication to mentorship and service is evident through her involvement with the ACE Mentorship Program, participation as a guest critic at several academic institutions, and active engagement with AIA Connecticut’s EDI Knowledge Community, NOMA CT’s K-12 Outreach Committee, and the Washington Street Planning Committee. Her continued service to her community further reflects a deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact. 

Through her design talent, leadership, and passion for advocacy, Joy is helping shape a more equitable future for the architecture profession.

Aurora Perreault, Assoc. AIA, NOMA
Patriquin Architects

Since joining Patriquin Architects, Aurora Perreault has made meaningful contributions across all phases of design and construction for the firm’s educational and commercial projects. As co-chair of the firm’s Sustainability Committee, she has led research initiatives focused on carbon-positive design, building performance enhancement, and the selection of socially responsible materials—advancing the goals of climate-conscious architecture.

Aurora is being honored with this prestigious award not only for her strong commitment to sustainable design but also for her mentorship and leadership in advancing the profession. As an active member of AIA Connecticut’s EDI and Emerging Professionals Committees, and as a Board Member and Programs Chair for NOMAct, she continues to elevate and connect the architecture community through impactful educational and social programming. 

Her mentoring roles—as a frequent juror at the University of Hartford and a mentor for the ACE Program in New Haven since 2023—further exemplify her dedication to supporting emerging talent and fostering the next generation of architects.

Grace Rykard

Grace Rykard, AIA
Pickard Chilton

Grace Rykard’s path to this honor reflects a deep and consistent dedication to mentorship, design excellence, and community engagement. From her time at Oklahoma State University, she has demonstrated a thoughtful ethos of supporting others and building community. Since joining Pickard Chilton in 2022, Grace has continued this momentum, contributing meaningfully to major design projects and playing an active role in recruitment efforts that help strengthen the future of the profession.

Her impact extends well beyond the studio. As a co-leader of New Haven’s ACE Chapter, she mentors 20–30 high school students annually, with her teams achieving strong placements in national design competitions. She has represented the profession at multiple high school career days and has led Junior Achievement’s Career Walk for the past three years—connecting countless students with pathways into architecture.

Through her thoughtful mentorship, design contributions, and commitment to outreach, Grace is helping shape a more inclusive, engaged, and forward-looking profession.

    • Candidate must have attained an architectural degree from an accredited architectural school
    • Candidate’s efforts must have contributed to the public realm or the profession at large, not just internal to the office where they work
    • Candidate must be employed by a Connecticut-based AIA Connecticut Firm or by an Allied professional or institution
    • Candidate must be licensed or actively working toward licensure in Connecticut AND be a member of AIA Connecticut

    The submission form will require the following items:

    • A supporting statement written by the nominator (250 words or less) that includes descriptions of:
      • the nominee’s impact,
      • contributions to the public realm or profession at large, and
      • public recognition of endeavors (if any). 
    • Nominee’s headshot

    AIA Connecticut member: $20.00

    2025 Nominations Open: March 31st
    Nominations Closed: April 30th

    2024 Awardee

    Deep Chaniara, AIA, NOMA

    Pickard Chilton Architects

    2024 Awardee

    Jason Levy, Assoc. AIA

    Patriquin Architects

    2023 Awardee

    Cassandra Archer, AIA, NOMA

    Centerbrook Architects and Planners

    2023 Awardee

    Bedus_Laura

    Laura Bedus, AIA, Well AP, NOMA

    JCJ Architecture

    2022 Awardee

    Andrew Barnett, Assoc. AIA, LEED GA

    Pickard Chilton

    2022 Awardee

    Misha

    Misha Semënov-Leiva, AIA

    Centerbrook Architects and Planners

    2021 Awardee

    MAX E. BALLARDO

    Max Ballardo, Assoc. AIA

    Patriquin Architects

    2021 Awardee

    Thomas Barker

    Tom Barker, AIA

    Amenta Emma Architects

    2021 Awardee

    Alexis Hoff

    Alexis Hoff, AIA

    Amenta Emma Architects

    2020 Awardee

    Katie Scanloncropped

    Katie Scanlon, Assoc. AIA

    Svigals+Partners

    2019 Awardee

    Andrew Gorzkowski, AIA

    Pickard Chilton

    2019 Awardee

    Emilia Baker, AIA

    Atelier Cho Thompson

    2019 Awardee

    Emily Ky, AIA

    The S/L/A/M Collaborative

    2019 Awardee

    Kelsy Janus, Assoc. AIA

    Point One Architects

    2018 Awardee

    Alana Konefal, AIA

    Svigals+Partners

    2018 Awardee

    Antonia Ciaverella

    Tecton Architects

    2018 Awardee

    Nina Caruso

    Crosskey Architects, LLC

    2017 Awardee

    Aaron Trahan, AIA

    Centerbrook Architects and Planners, LLC

    2016 Awardee

    Alyssa Kent

    Becker + Becker

    2016 Awardee

    Adrienne Nelson, AIA

    Pickard Chilton

    2015 Awardee

    John Sepples, AIA

    TLB Architecture

    2014 Awardee

    Katelyn Chapin, AIA

    Svigals + Partners