AIA Chicago has announced the recipients of the 2025 Distinguished Service and Presidential Citation Awards. The Distinguished Service Award has been bestowed upon two recipients: residential architect Julie Hacker, FAIA, and the national organization Arquitina, founded by Alicia Ponce, AIA. Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, is the recipient of the 2025 Presidential Citation.
The Distinguished Service Award honorees are nominated by AIA Chicago chapter membership and selected by the AIA Chicago Board of Directors. Since 1955, individuals and organizations have been recognized for providing outstanding service to the Chicago architectural community.
The Presidential Citation is selected annually by the chapter President of the AIA Chicago Board of Directors. The individual(s) recognized have served the members of the organization in an outstanding capacity throughout the president’s tenure and beyond. This year’s citation was chosen by 2025 President, Jason Golub, AIA.
Julie Hacker, FAIA
has received the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding service and transformative contributions to the custom residential architecture network, and to the profession of architecture in Chicago and beyond.
Julie Hacker, FAIA, a partner in the award-winning residential firm of Stuart Cohen & Julie Hacker Architects LLC, is honored for her decades of service to architectural education, preservation, and mentorship. Her work is the subject of two books, including 2023’s “First Additions Strategies of Adding On,” and she has served on both National and Local AIA Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) Boards and previously as the VP of Sponsorship/Development on the Chicago AIA Board.
Stuart Cohen & Julie Hacker Architects has previously been featured in Residential Design. Read “Case Study: Tudor Redux” here.
Arquitina
has received the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding service and transformative contributions to the profession of architecture, by uplifting Latina architects and creating a more inclusive profession.
Founded in Chicago in 2020 by Alicia Ponce, AIA, alongside 15 fellow Chicago architects, Arquitina has grown into a national 501(c)(3) organization committed to increasing the representation of licensed Latina architects.
Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC
has received the Presidential Citation for exemplary and trailblazing leadership of the Institute and profound dedication to improving the quality of lives through design, advocacy, partnership, and mentorship
Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, is an architect and building industry leader recognized for her ability to bridge the gap between policy, practice, and community needs. In 2024, Dowdell made history serving as the 100th President of The American Institute of Architects (AIA). She is currently the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships with Amrize.
Read more about the 2025 Distinguished Service Award and Presidential Citation honorees from AIA Chicago.