WMAIA Celebration of Architecture and Design Awards Program 2026
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Thursday, December 17th
5:00PM – 8:00PM
Olver Design Building, UMass
WMAIA ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS PROGRAM
Awards, Scholarships & Chapter Elections
We will also recognize executive director Lorin Starr’s 30 years with WMAIA
Optional tour at 3:30 PM – 1 HSW (approval pending)
Program Description
Our December program is a celebration of the season and of design in Western Massachusetts. It’s a time to catch up with colleagues and see their work. All 30 submissions for this year’s awards will be presented and the winners of the 2026 Design Awards Program will be announced.
This program is held in conjunction with the Western Massachusetts Section of the Boston Society of Landscape Architects and was juried by colleagues from AIA Redwood Empire. Two jury members will be in attendance to present this year’s awards.
The program will begin with a reception with hearty hors d’oeuvres (and cash bar). We will be presenting WMAIA/AIA National/Pella student scholarships and WMAIA’s honorary membership award. The December meeting is also our chapter’s annual meeting and election of officers.
We will offer an optional building tour of the Jim and Ellen Hunt Indoor Performance Center (formerly the Hicks Cage). This former historic basketball arena has been transformed into a state-of-the-art indoor training and performance center for our men’s and women’s track and field and cross-country teams. Named for Curry S. Hicks, a former athletic director, and was synonymous with “Rage in the Cage” games with the 4,000-person crowd on top of the action, it was the gym floor where Hall of Famer Julius “Dr. J.” Erving played for UMass. Built in 1931, the Cage was home to UMass Basketball for 62 years until most games moved to the Mullins Center in 1993. Details will be provided to those who choose to attend this optional tour.
Awards Sponsored by:
Annual Meeting Sponsored by:
