The American Institute of Architects has today announced two of its major awards, with the 2022 Gold Medal going to Brooks + Scarpa founders Angela Brooks and Lawrence Scarpa, and the annual Firm Award being given to Boston-based MASS Design Group.

The latter was awarded for their years-long commitment to social causes which began with a 2008 project in Rwanda. Since then, the firm has grown to include more than 200 different creative staffers in addition to offshoots like MASS.Made and MASS.Build that have engendered a host of design and developmental projects in addition to superlative buildings like the traveling Gun Violence Memorial project and the new National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama.

In its announcement, the AIA commended MASS Design for “[leveraging] the lessons it learned in Rwanda to shape a framework that allows the firm to inform policy development, emerging research, and projects that address inequality.” The commendation also cited the firm’s “unusual model,” which “includes discrete governance and leadership groups, ensures the firm can adhere to its core mission of delivering architecture that serves society.”

Brooks + Scarpa was similarly rewarded for their commitment to social issues like climate change and housing justice. The husband and wife duo founded the firm shortly after moving to Los Angeles in the early 1990s. Since then, it has grown to gain recognition as a standard-bearer for design theory and philosophically-infused practice. 

The AIA commented that “no matter the budget, size, or background, the pair espouse the philosophy that design is not mutually exclusive and holds the potential to enrich everyone,” adding that “their ability to synthesize design and engagement to deliver affordable housing and sustainable architecture that advances equity for the benefit of society.”

“Together, Brooks and Scarpa continually redefine the role of an architect,” the AIA citation concluded. “They are potent form seekers and socially responsible practitioners, a combination not easily replicated. As they expand the boundaries of practice and chart an architectural path that is equally didactic and successful, Brooks and Scarpa have made a clear and profound impact on the practice of architecture.”