For many years, AIA Connecticut has recognized individuals and organizations who have given outstanding service to the Connecticut architectural community as a whole, including service to the profession, public service, and education.
Individuals, groups, associations, and members of the Connecticut community at large are eligible for this award. Past honorees have included architects, municipal and State leaders, educators, authors, and organizations of various types.
2025 NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
Eligibility
Any of the following may be eligible for the Public Service Award:
Previous recipients of the Public Service Award are eligible for nomination after ten years have passed since initially receiving the award.
Nominations are submitted by AIA Connecticut members.
Nominations close on October 3, 2025 at 11:59pm EST.
Nominations must be submitted through the nomination page.
Questions? Contact communications@aiact.org
2025 Nominations closed on October 3, 2025 at 11:59pm EST.
A steadfast advocate for historic preservation, Susan Godshall dedicated her career to celebrating and protecting New Haven’s architectural and cultural heritage. Her leadership, scholarship, and tireless volunteerism made her an essential force in preservation, commerce, and community life.
Susan retired as Senior Vice President of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, where she guided economic development, government relations, and regional initiatives. Her distinguished career also included roles at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and Yale University, where she helped launch programs strengthening Yale’s ties to the city. Earlier, she served as Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of New Haven.
A graduate of Oberlin College with degrees from Yale Law School and the Yale School of Architecture, Susan was a driving force within the New Haven Preservation Trust (NHPT), serving as Board Member, Treasurer, and Awards Committee Co-Chair.
Most recently, she led the successful nomination of New Haven’s Long Wharf Pier to the National Register of Historic Places, honoring African American engineer and builder William Lanson.
Susan’s passing is deeply felt across the preservation community. She leaves a lasting legacy of vision, generosity, and devotion to New Haven’s built environment.
Nominated by Duo Dickinson, FAIA
Alder Caroline Tanbee Smith is recognized with an Honorable Mention for her exceptional leadership in connecting civic engagement, design, and community building. Her work demonstrates how architecture and urban planning can foster inclusion, accessibility, and pride in place.
Caroline’s leadership in the I-91 Neighborhood Reconnection Initiative reflects her visionary approach to transforming neglected infrastructure into dynamic public spaces. Through this initiative, she brought together residents, city leaders, and design professionals in an open, collaborative process that gives the community ownership of its built environment.
Her advocacy has driven improvements across New Haven, including the Mill River Trail extension, Grand Avenue Special Services District, and Lawrence Street Plaza pilot—projects that enhance safety, accessibility, and neighborhood vitality while securing over $2 million in funding for public space enhancements.
As co-founder of Collab, Caroline has empowered hundreds of local entrepreneurs to launch businesses that strengthen the city’s economic and social fabric. Her service on the New Haven Green Conservancy further underscores her commitment to preserving the city’s historic and civic heart.
Through her vision and dedication, Caroline exemplifies the power of public service to shape vibrant, resilient, and equitable communities.
Nominated by Laura Pirie, AIA and Amy Albandoz Jimenez
With more than 20 years of experience in transportation, real estate, and nonprofit management, Doug Hausladen has been a driving force in advancing sustainable and equitable mobility solutions for New Haven. As Executive Director of the New Haven Parking Authority, he leads transformative initiatives that balance smart growth with preservation of the city’s built environment.
Doug has spearheaded major projects including the renovation of Union Station, the expansion of EV charging infrastructure, and efforts to enhance parking accessibility citywide. Under his leadership, the Ride New Haven e-bike share program was relaunched, and Via NHV, an innovative app-based microtransit service, was introduced to improve connectivity and reduce congestion.
In addition to managing New Haven’s two major rail stations, Doug serves on several transportation-focused boards, including the New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation, the Connecticut Public Transportation Council, and the Greater New Haven Transit District.
Through his vision and dedication, Doug continues to optimize public assets and champion accessible, sustainable mobility, ensuring New Haven remains, in his words, the “Greatest Small City in America.”
Nominated by Christopher Bockstael, AIA and Karin Patriquin, AIA