2024 ACTIVATE | Submissions Due!
- This event has passed.
2024 ACTIVATE | Submissions Due!
February 20, 2024
Architects not only design buildings – they also help people shape the future of their communities. The goal of ACTIVATE North Carolina is to help architects guide, listen, observe, advocate, connect, and envision with the public and their communities. Through these six exercises, the end goal is to inspire people to take action and shape the future of their communities around them. Architects can:
- Guide – Architects use a design process to find solutions, facilitating clearer communication
- Listen – Identify opportunities and potential challenges through interviews and conversations
- Observe – Collect understanding and offer different perspectives
- Advocate – Support citizens as they develop more confidence to seek change
- Connect – Facilitate relationships and identify key stakeholders
- Envision – Communicate tangible ideas by illustrating a vision that shows the future a community desires
When you’re ready to submit, use the online Call for Submissions form here!
Design Awards Registration is OPEN! ![]()
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These awards acknowledge the design expertise and excellence of architects within our AIA Chapter. Our awards will recognize firms and projects of all shapes and sizes. ![]()
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There will be a $50 entry fee per project that is due at time of registration. Student and section awards will not have an entry fee.![]()
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Check out the registration portal here: www.aiawinstonsalem.org/design-awards-2025/![]()
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Dates to Remember:![]()
Registration Opens: Monday, October 20th![]()
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Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 29th![]()
(Registration Fee + Intent to Submit Form Due)![]()
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Documentation Submission Deadline: Friday, November 14th ![]()
(Full Submissions Due)![]()
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Design Awards: Thursday, December 4th
Only 27% of registered architects in the U.S. are women, and AIA Winston-Salem is working to change that. On May 17th, the 4th annual Girls’ Lego Day welcomed 37 girls from local schools to the WFU Center for Private Business. With support from parents, sponsors, and a record number of volunteers, participants explored architecture and design, created their own projects, and took home sketchbooks, pencils, and LEGOs—all at no cost.![]()
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This year’s prompt, “What if Kids Ruled the World?” guided students through the design process. Sketches were made, ideas exchanged, and some groups naturally collaborated to form mini “communities.” During a snack break, volunteers transformed the room into a LEGO workshop and shared their roles in architecture, highlighting what they love most about the profession.![]()
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With tables full of LEGO bricks, the girls brought their visions to life—golden houses, banks, vet clinics, and more. Volunteers encouraged creativity, offered suggestions, and helped find the perfect pieces to complete the girls’ designs. At the end, students proudly presented their imaginative communities and shared the stories behind them.![]()
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According to National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the number of women in the architect population has shown a continuous trend toward greater gender parity. Events like these undoubtedly work to engage our communities’ young women & provide a space for their creativity to flourish. With ongoing support, growth, & endorsement from our communities, the built environment can better reflect the diversity of those who live in it. For those already in the field, the event offers a refreshing glimpse into the unfiltered creativity of youth. As Kellie Overberg shared in her interview with WSFCS, “Every idea proposed at the event might not be feasible, but they’re always full of inspiration.”![]()
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Special thanks to our sponsors: Davie Construction Co. provided sketchbooks, pencils, and hardhats to get attendees in builder mode. Bricks & Minifigs Kernersville, a woman-owned business, donated LEGOs, go-bags, and a gift card for future visits. Their generosity—and that of our volunteers—was key to the event’s success.![]()
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Can’t wait to see what next year brings!