For Immediate Release

2020 National American Institute of Architects Young Architect Award

(New Haven, CT February 19, 2020)  Ming Thompson, an architect member of the American Institute of Architects, Connecticut chapter (AIA Connecticut),  has been selected as one of the 22 National awardees for the AIA Young Architect 2020.

The AIA Young Architects Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers.

As the leader of an innovative multidisciplinary firm, Ming Thompson, AIA, has proposed a new paradigm for architecture and challenged the rigid definition of practice.  After years of working for firms, from traditional studios to community development corporations around the world, Thompson founded Atelier Cho Thompson with partner Christina Cho Yoo in 2014.  With offices in New Haven and San Francisco, the multidisciplinary practice employs 14 people and has embarked on a new initiative to connect more deeply with the communities both offices serve. The firm never shies from pro bono and low-fee work. It is currently working on a community parklet to replace an abandoned New Haven lot and recently tackled a project to promote children’s food education in schools.

Equity is a hallmark of Atelier Cho Thompson’s practice, and as a woman of color, Thompson is not the average firm principal. Her work has received national attention, and she and her partner have been named “Next Progressives” in the pages of ARCHITECT magazine and “Designers You Should Know” in Contract magazine. Thompson regularly lectures on the firm’s work, and its unique business model was celebrated with IIDA’s 2019 Visionary Firm award.

In working with AIA Connecticut, Thompson has emerged as a vital advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in a state where women and minorities are significantly underrepresented. She co-chairs AIA Connecticut’s Women in Architecture committee, which, just nine months after it was founded, led programming at a state conference, hosted a panel on women leaders, and launched a series of statewide panels on the AIA Guides to Equitable Practice. She is also active with Connecticut’s budding National Organization of Minority Architects chapter.

“Ming is a dynamo.  She is a proponent for change and a role model for our component and the American Institute of Architects,” said Gina Calabro, Executive Director and CEO of AIA Connecticut.  “Her stamina and desire to make a difference is admirable and the profession is fortunate to have her leadership voice.”

ATELIER CHO THOMPSON

is a multidisciplinary design and concept firm with offices in San Francisco and New Haven. We are engaged in the art of architecture, interiors, graphics, brand strategy, furniture, installations, and exhibitions. Our expertise and passions transcend the conventional boundaries between these disciplines, resulting in a richness borne of the cross-pollination of ideas and strategies from across this spectrum of design. This integrated design approach produces holistic environments in which all elements are deeply related to each other and to the heart of a central concep

About AIA Connecticut:

AIA Connecticut, a statewide chapter of the American Institute of Architects, serves the architectural profession, encourages design excellence, and works to improve society through a concern for the quality of the built and natural environments. Members commit themselves to the highest standards of practice and code of ethics that addresses responsibilities to the public, clients, the building industry, and the art and science of architecture.

AIA Connecticut serves as a resource to architects and the public. Its membership of over 1,500 is comprised of architects, associates working towards licensure, students, and professionals in affiliated fields.

For more information, visit AIA Connecticut’s website at www.aiact.org