The AIA Mississippi Design Awards
On Thursday, October 2, 2025, AIA-Mississippi announced the winners of the 2025 AIA Mississippi Design Awards. This annual event seeks to elevate the quality of architecture and encourage excellence by recognizing and honoring the distinguished work of AIA-Mississippi members. A jury of independent architects, educators, critics, and planners from outside Mississippi convened virtually to select this year’s winners.
“We are thrilled to recognize those who have made significant contributions to the profession, whether through their influence or through their practice… it is a privilege to honor the dedication, hard work, and sacrifice of these individuals and firms.” – Ben Kitchens, AIA MS President
33 projects were submitted for this year’s review. These projects and the architecture firms that designed them represent the exceptional work of AIA Mississippi members and architects practicing in Mississippi. In total, 10 winners were selected for recognition. Each project was evaluated on its individual merits and awards were given in three categories: Honor Award, Merit Award, and COTE Award. Honor Awards represent the highest level of distinction and are reserved for projects that exhibit overall design excellence. Merit Awards are designated for projects that exhibit distinguished achievement in design. Lastly, COTE Awards were given to projects that exhibit distinguished achievement in architectural design. These projects exemplify the integration of design excellence with environmental performance. Each winning project was chosen for its design quality, response to its context and community, innovation, thoughtfulness, and technique. The jury was impressed with the extensive variety of projects this year that highlighted the incredible creative talent in the State of Mississippi. Each entry showed great thought through sophisticated form making, inventive material selection, and intentional siting.Other jury comments included appreciation for intelligent use of natural light, thoughtful melding of old and new, and, most importantly, deep respect and consideration for the communities and people these buildings serve. Furthermore, the entries show great care towards addressing our increasing environmental concerns. From elevating buildings due to floodwaters and rising tides, renovating and revitalizing structures in order to curb excessive waste, and selecting ecologically friendly materials, these projects show that intelligent, beautiful design can make a bold difference in mitigating the impact of climate change. These innovative designs not only respond to the pressing environmental issues of our time but alsoinspire a more responsible and sustainable approach to construction and development.
Projects may be viewed HERE
2025 Award Winners
Honor Award:
Jones Headquarters by Wier Boerner Allin Architecture
Small Arms Training Center by Duvall Decker
The Koller House by Tall Architects
Merit Award:
Needmore Community Center by Architectonics PLLC
Splinter Creek Mail Center by Howorth and Associates Architects
Madison City Hall Restoration and Rehabilitation by Belinda Stewart Architects
Lagniappe Leland by Kudzu Collective
Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation, Ole Miss by McCarty Architects and Ellenzweig
COTE Award:
Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation, Ole Miss by McCarty Architects and Ellenzweig
Koller House by Tall Architects
