Business Details
Empowering Women in Architecture & Design
We are a professional society dedicated to advancing women in architecture and allied design fields. Founded with a mission to elevate women's contributions to the profession, we advocate for equitable opportunities through education, programming, and professional development. Our organization has a rich history spanning nearly a century, during which we have supported countless women through scholarships, fellowships, and networking initiatives. We provide a platform for mentorship, collaboration, and leadership development, fostering an inclusive community for professionals at every career stage.Our sister organization, the AWA Foundation, expands this mission by offering financial support to students and mid-career professionals in California. Through events, educational programs, and advocacy efforts, we strive to create lasting impact in the design industry while maintaining transparency and ethical standards in all our operations.
Services
Scholarship Programs
Professional Development
Networking Events
Mentorship Initiatives
Educational Advocacy
Highlights and features
- We have a 100-year history of supporting women in design professions
- We offer merit-based scholarships and mid-career fellowships through our foundation
- Our inclusive community fosters mentorship at all career stages
- We provide exclusive networking opportunities through specialized events
- Our California-focused programs have awarded over $200,000 in educational support
Services
Scholarship Programs
Our scholarship initiatives provide financial support to exceptional women studying architecture and design in California. These merit-based awards recognize academic excellence and encourage continued professional growth in fields like interior design, landscape architecture, and environmental design. Since 1997, we've awarded over $200,000 in educational funding to support emerging design professionals.
Professional Development
We offer comprehensive career development resources including mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and specialized training events. Our initiatives connect professionals at all career stages with industry leaders through annual symposiums and monthly educational salons. These programs focus on building leadership skills and expanding professional networks within the design community.
Networking Events
Our event calendar features diverse networking opportunities including the annual symposium, urban drawing sessions, and educational cocktail series. These gatherings create collaborative environments for professionals to share ideas, showcase work, and develop meaningful industry relationships. Events are designed to foster community while advancing women's roles in architectural professions.
Mentorship Initiatives
We facilitate mentorship relationships between experienced professionals and emerging talent in design fields. Our programs pair mentees with industry experts for personalized career guidance and professional growth. Through structured initiatives and informal networking, we help develop the next generation of women leaders in architecture and allied design disciplines.
Educational Advocacy
Our advocacy efforts focus on promoting gender equity and educational opportunities in design professions. We work with academic institutions, professional organizations, and industry partners to advance women's contributions to architecture. Initiatives include curriculum development support, conference programming, and public awareness campaigns highlighting women's achievements in design fields.
Questions
How can I become a member of AWA+D?
Visit our website to complete the membership application and select your preferred involvement level.
What scholarship opportunities are available?
AWAF offers merit-based scholarships for California architecture students and mid-career fellowships for professionals.
What types of events do you host?
We organize annual symposiums, urban drawing sessions, monthly salons, and educational cocktail events.
How can companies support your mission?
Organizations can participate through annual sponsorships, event sponsorships, or in-kind contributions.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, contributions to the AWA Foundation are tax-deductible as charitable donations.
