Bay Architect Weekly 09.02.25
YAF x AIAS Mentorship Program
Mentor Program invites local Architecture professionals & firms to participate
The 2025 - 2026 Mentorship Program is a partnership between the Young Architects Forum (YAF) Tampa Bay and the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). It is designed to bridge the academic and professional realms of architecture by pairing USF M.Arch students with local professionals and firms. Through year-long mentorship, collaborative events, and real-world exposure, the program aims to foster meaningful relationships that strengthen both students and the broader Tampa Bay architecture community.
For Mentors: Share your knowledge, guide the next generation, and strengthen ties with the academic community.
For Students: Gain professional insight, portfolio guidance, and valuable exposure to architecture.
For Firms: Build direct connections with emerging professionals while contributing to the vitality of Tampa Bay’s design community.
Details:
Duration: September 2025 – May 2026
Kick-Off Meeting: September 11th, 6:00 PM at USF HMS (Jury Room 4)
Events: Hosted bi-monthly by YAF & AIAS, alternating between USF & the Center for Architecture and Design.
Commitment: Mentor–mentee pairs meet once every two months (self-led or at events)
Check out the Program Registration Form!
Annual Meeting and Elections
New Date! September 17th
Members, join your peers at the Center for a reception, update on the state of the component and the election of our 2026 board of directors.
6:00 Reception | 6:30 Meeting & Elections
Member - Free | Non-Members - $25
Positions Open for Elections
Vice President-President Elect | 3 Year Term
Treasurer | 1 Year Term
Secretary| 1 Year Term
East Director | 1 Year Term
West Director | 1 Year Term
Associate Director | 2 Year Term
To learn more about board positions or other volunteer and committee opportunities, email nominating committee chair Scott Holmes, AIA, scott@holmes-architects.com. Nominations will be accepted from the floor.
1208 N Howard Avenue, Tampa
Meeting generously sponsored by Merrill A Bank of America Company.
Join Author Jerel McCants, AIA
September 18th, 2025
Join us for an evening with Jerel McCants' book, The Architecture of Segregation.
Drawing from his extensive travels and personal experiences, Jerel examines the hierarchy of spaces and places, revealing the deep historical and cultural implications of segregated environments.
Step into the powerful narrative of how spaces shape society and uncover the untold stories behind their design.
5pm to 7pm will be Happy Hour at BOS Tampa in which time Jerel McCants, AIA will provide guests a presentation of his book and sign your copy. The first 20 RSVP's will receive a FREE copy + signature!
Attendees will earn 2 CEU credits
DATE: 9.18.2025
TIME: 5PM to 7PM
PLACE: 1600 E 8TH AVE C201 * YBOR
Make sure to RVSP Here.
Honor Award Call for Entries
Nominations due 9/19!
The AIA Tampa Bay Honor & Design Awards celebrate the exceptional people, projects, and firms shaping our region’s built environment. This prestigious annual program shines a spotlight on Design excellence and the architects behind it, and Honors the collaborators and community champions who help bring great architecture to life.
Honor Award Categories:
Firm Award
Pullara Award
Medal of Honor Award
Award of Excellence
Artisan Award
Contractors Award
Kelley Emerging Professional Award
Allied Award
Deadlines:
Sept 19th at 5:00 p.m. - Design Awards Entries
Honor Award Nominations
Nov 6th at 6:30 p.m. - Celebrate Design Event
Join us as we celebrate the 2025 award recipients at our signature event, Celebrate Design, on Thursday, November 6th at the historic Centro Asturiano in Ybor City.
Celebrate Design Sponsor Opportunities
Call for Entries:
Eduardo Garcia Award
Due October 3rd by 5 p.m.
The annual award is offered to registered architects 40 years of age or younger and promotes design excellence through recognition of young architects with talent, passion, and dedication; qualities for which Eduardo Garcia was known.
Submission Requirements:
Completed entry form
A nomination letter from a member of the architectural profession
A portfolio submitted in PDF digital format. The portfolio should illustrate professional, academic, and/or personal work which best exemplifies the applicant's design
Submission Deadline: October 3rd 2025 @ 5:00pm
Jury: The jury will consist of past recipients of the award.
Award Presentation:
The award will be announced and presented at the AIA Tampa Bay Celebrate Design awards
reception. All applicants are encouraged to attend.
Florida Southern College Appoints Andrew Payne, PhD as Founding Dean of New School of Architecture
New School Seeks Adjunct Faculty
FSC has recently announced its new School of Architecture which will be overseen by Andrew P. Payne, PhD! Payne is excited to take on the role and to offer students a unique blend of academic rigor, hands-on experience, and a deep appreciation for architectural heritage. He has been a staple in the industry for many years and recently served as dean and professor of architecture at Kennesaw State University College of Architecture and Construction Management. FSC & Founding Dean Payne share their thoughts here.
FSC Adjunct Instructor of Architecture Wanted!
Florida Southern College's New School of Architecture is accepting applications for an adjunct faculty member! This position is a course-by-course basis and may cover: structures, construction materials and methods, design graphics and documentation, architectural history, etc. Interested applicants must submit a CV with courses in which they are qualified, a resume, and (un)official transcripts.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Professional (B. Arch) degree from a NAAB-accredited institution
• Active architectural license in the United States
• Demonstrated professional practice/teaching experience in architecture
Learn more about Adjunct Instructor Opportunity Here.
ARE Study Sessions
Weekly Class, July 10 - Sept 4
Join us for in-person study sessions to prepare you for the Architect Registration Exams.
The classes will be held at the Center for Architecture and Design, 1208 North Howard Avenue, Tampa Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
July 10 - Intro to Architecture License
July 17 - ARE Guidelines Overview + Exam Strategies
July 24 - Practice Management
July 31st - No Class due to AIAFL Conference
August 7 - Project Management
August 14 - Programming + Analysis (postponed)
August 21 - Project Planning and Design
August 28 - Project Development and Documentation
September 4 - Construction Evaluation
Members and Students - $5
Non-Members - $10
Buy 1 class get one for 50% off
11th Annual Sporting Clays Tournament
Friday, December 12th 2025
Join AIA Tampa Bay for a great afternoon of networking, amateur shooting, delicious BBQ, and fun in the great outdoors!
There are tons of promotional opportunities for event sponsors! Learn more about perks and packages included with sponsorship.
Register today! Click here to view registration page.
Details:
Where: 10514 Ehren Cutoff Land O' Lakes, FL
When: 12.12.2025
Contact Dawn Mages at dawn@aiatampabay.com or 813-229-3411 x 201