Announcing our three finalists!
Thank you to all the participants of the #DesigningTogetherAIA24 social media contest! We received so many innovative and creative submissions worthy of being a finalist. Our esteemed jury carefully reviewed each submission based on the contest criteria of innovation, creativity, and social engagement.
We’re excited to announce the three finalists whose talent rose to the top! Their submissions had strong, impactful visuals and thoughtful explanations—addressing real-world social issues.
David Zuniga, Assoc. AIA
The Mexico–United States border re-imagined as a bi-national park that fosters collaboration and innovation.
Sung Bin “Tim” Son
A new urban architecture in the form of bus stop canopies/umbrellas to create shelter from the elements in Los Angeles where 75% of bus stops do not have adequate shelter.
Shadia Jaramillo, AIA
A new way to repurpose waste in construction materials by combining non-renewable plastic bottles with renewable materials like bamboo.
All three finalists will receive a complimentary Ultimate Pass to AIA24 in Washington, D.C. where the Grand Prize winner will be announced live on stage and receive $2,000 cash!
Contest submissions
Judging team
Judges are looking for creativity, social engagement, and innovation! Meet the judges:
Lee Anderson
Lee Anderson (they/them) is an undergraduate student at Northeastern University in Boston and the incoming secretary/treasurer for the board of The American Institute of Architecture Students. Lee is passionate about improving the culture of architecture education and making change in their community through advocacy.
Suzanne Bilbeisi, AIA
Suzanne Bilbeisi, AIA, (she/her) joined the continuing education services team at AIA in 2023, after having been a professor of architecture for thirty years at Oklahoma State University. Over her career as an educator, Suzanne taught more than 3,000 students, introducing them to many of the exciting facets of the architecture profession and the vast catalog of impressive architectural work across the globe. Suzanne is a licensed architect and brings her considerable knowledge of architecture and architecture education to assist the operations of course reviews and CE provider success for AIA.
Colt Brock, Assoc. AIA
Colt Brock, Assoc. AIA, (he/him) is the 67th President of The American Institute of Architecture Students and the 2024 student director on the board of The American Institute of Architects. Colt is based out of Washington, D.C., and is passionate about supporting students and community building.
Jenine Kotob, AIA, NOMA
Jenine Kotob, AIA, NOMA, (she/her) is a senior strategist, thought leader, and licensed architect with over 13 years of experience in private practice, public service, professional associations, grassroots mobilization, and research dedicated to the built environment and social good. She currently works at AIA to advance equity in the architecture profession.
Luz Toro, Int’l. Assoc. AIA, CPNAA
Luz Toro, Int’l. Assoc. AIA, (she/her) is a licensed architect in Colombia with a decade of experience in design and project management, specializing in sustainable architecture. Toro is currently the manager of resilience and adaptation at The American Institute of Architects where she develops architect tools and resources for integrating resilience and climate adaptation, drawing from her expertise in bioclimatic architecture and habitat studies from the National University of Colombia and the Piloto University of Colombia.