The American Institute of Architects has revealed the recipient of this year's top accolades.

The 2021 AIA Gold Medal goes to architect, educator, and sustainability pioneer Edward Mazria, FAIA, FRAIC. In a statement, the AIA points out that Mazria is being recognized for "his work sounding the alarm on climate change and motivating the profession to take action."

In 1979, Mazria published the groundbreaking The Passive Solar Energy Book: A Complete Guide to Passive Solar Home, Greenhouse and Building Design and continued to apply these principles in a number of passive solar and highly contextual buildings, such as the Stockebrand Residence, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, and Georgia O’Keefe's estate, Sol y Sambra. 

Mazria helped found the AIA's Committee on the Environment (COTE) in the 1990s and initiated the nonprofit organization Architecture 2030 dedicated to fighting climate change through sustainable design for a carbon-positive future.

In addition, the AIA Board of Directors today also honored Moody Nolan with the 2021 AIA Architecture Firm Award.

Based in Columbus, Ohio, and operating several offices in the U.S., the practice founded by Curtis Moody, FAIA, NOMA, and the late engineer Howard E. Nolan is the nation's largest African American-owned and operated design firm with a long list of prominent completed buildings, such as the Martin Luther King Library Branch in Columbus, France A. Cordova Recreational Sports Center at Purdue University, and Covelli Multi-Sport Arena at Ohio State University.

"As the nation grapples with systemic racism and significant issues of inequality, the ideals of diversity espoused by Moody Nolan since its founding stand as a model for advancing the profession," the AIA states in its announcement. "The firm has long operated at the critical junction of architecture and citizenship, demonstrating that responsible design requires a flawless marriage of art, function, and community."

Earlier this fall, Moody Nolan also added a Phil Freelon Professional Design Award to its list of recognitions.

Learn more about the firm and its co-founder Curtis Moody in Archinect's conversation on what it means to help shape a future for Black architects.