Scholarships

The Michigan Architectural Foundation Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to college students admitted to, or currently pursuing graduate or undergraduate degrees in architecture at accredited Michigan universities. These individuals should have demonstrated leadership in design, professional, community, political or socially relevant activities.

The goal of these scholarships is to assist in developing the next generation of architects who have as their career aspirations to practice architecture in Michigan with the belief that excellent architecture enriches lives.

There are currently 16 scholarships available on an annual basis. The value of the scholarship awards ranges from $2,000 to $10,000.

There is one application for the 11 graduate scholarships. There are specific criteria explained on the application for certain scholarships. Please review the criteria when completing the application.

There are two applications for the five (5) undergraduate scholarships. There are specific criteria explained on the application for certain scholarships. Please review the criteria when completing the application. The second undergraduate scholarship application is for the Robinson Scholarship which is designated for an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan. This application has specific requirements and is a separate application.

Please refer to the scholarship applications and materials for the submission deadline. The annual application process begins each January when new application materials are posted. (Application forms and the Scholarship poster are available for download, right).

Submit MAF applications and supporting materials to Jeff Hausman, FAIA:


Phone
313-610-8826
Email
MAFScholarships@outlook.com

Criteria For Selection

Eligibility

  All candidates must be:
  1. For graduate scholarships, students who are completing or have completed their bachelor’s degree program and who have been accepted or are currently enrolled in an accredited professional program in architecture leading to a Master of Architecture degree.
  2. Residents of the State of Michigan and/or enrolled in architecture programs attending Andrew University, University of Michigan, University of Detroit Mercy, Lawrence Technological University, Kendall College of Art and Design, or Ferris State University.
  • The Robinson Scholarship is designated for an undergraduate student completing a minimum of two years of architectural studies at the University of Michigan only,
  • The Rossetti Legacy Scholarship is for graduate students studying at Lawrence Technological University, the University of Michigan or the University of Detroit Mercy.
  • The Paul Stachowiak & Integrated Design Solutions Scholarship is for graduate students studying at Lawrence Technological University, The University of Michigan, or the University of Detroit Mercy.
  • The AIA Detroit Graduate and Undergraduate Scholarships are designated for students in architectural studies at a college or university in the AIA Detroit area or are residents of the AIA Detroit Chapter Area. Students should also self-identify as an underrepresented population in the architectural profession including but not limited to individuals that identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and/or be a woman.
  • The AIA Grand Rapids Graduate and Undergraduate Scholarships are designated for students in architectural studies at a college or university in the AIA Grand Rapids area or are residents of the AIA Grand Rapids Chapter area.
  • The Hamann2 Fund is designated for undergraduate students studying architecture with an expressed interest in the business phases of architectural practice.
  • The Hausman Family Scholarship is for undergraduate students with an expressed interest in design excellence, sustainability and giving back to the architectural profession through servant leadership.

Application Process

Entry Requirements

Applications must be digital-only and submitted via email in PDF format. (see the page’s introduction for applications email address and submittal deadline). File sizes should be no greater than 20MB. The files must be PC compatible with font size no smaller than 10 point. Photos and graphic material must be in .jpg or .pdf format.

Required Data for MAF Graduate Scholarships

  • A completed application form downloaded from the Michigan Architectural Foundation website.
  • A transcript of all college records.
  • A personal statement outlining:
    1. The candidate’s interest, experience and plans related to architecture.
    2. A statement describing leadership, design and or community. accomplishments of the candidate
    3. An outline of extracurricular and public service activities.
  •  A PDF copy of the student’s design portfolio that was submitted for acceptance by the university to their graduate program, Undergraduate Scholarship portfolio requirements are different, please see the application forms).
  • Two reference letters from individuals familiar with your accomplishments. One of the reference letters must be by a faculty member of your university.
  • School costs and personal financial information as requested on the application.

All applications are available on the MAF website for download. A poster with further descriptions of each award criteria is also posted on the MAF website.

Selection Process

  • The Michigan Architectural Foundation has the sole authority for granting the
    scholarship awards. The scholarship recipients are selected by a jury of AIA members and selected scholarship sponsors and donors. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic performance, design excellence, community involvement, demonstrated leadership and financial need.
  • All selections are considered final. All applications and attachments become the
    property of the MAF.
  • Scholarship funds are for tuition and direct
    educational expenses only. Award funds will be sent directly to the university attended by all scholarship winners.
  • Awards will be announced by the middle of April 2026.
  • There will be an award celebration on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Featured Recipient

Amber Mortzfield

For Amber Mortzfield, the path to architecture was non-linear.
After studying mechanical engineering and sustainability during her undergraduate studies and working in the automotive industry for four years, she realized that she wanted a career where she could express her artistic and empathetic traits.
After exploring various potential career paths, Amber revisited her interest in architecture.

Read Amber's Story

01AIA Michigan President’s Scholarship

$10,000
Description

Founded by AIA Michigan past presidents, the scholarship is for graduate students in architecture that have demonstrated leadership in professional, community or public service activities. Honoring AIA Michigan Past President Mike Marshburn, AIA.

Prize

$10,000

2025 Recipient
Michigan Architectural Foundation | MAF

James Hoppe

The AIA Michigan President’s Scholarship of $10,000 is awarded to James Hoppe, a graduate student at Lawrence Technological University. James is president of the AIA Student chapter at LTU and has worked diligently to raise awareness of the AIAS chapter at LTU. His impressive portfolio, 4.0 academic record, excellent references, and evident financial need made him an outstanding choice for this important award.

Recent Recipients
  • 2024 Asia WilliamsUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2023 Angel ManghamUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2022 Hanen MohammadUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2021 Rosa ManzoUniversity of Michigan
  • 2020 Taylor KileUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2019 Logan FlowersUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2018 Juan Arias-HernandezUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2017 Bethany GibsonUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2016 Nicole FrickeUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2015 Meaghan MarkiewiczLawrence Technological University

02Leslie D. Tincknell Scholarship

$10,000
Description

This scholarship is awarded to a student that exhibits leadership in university and community life, and has demonstrated financial need. Student portfolio should include hand and/or watercolor sketches.

Prize

$10,000

2025 Recipient
Michigan Architectural Foundation | MAF

Amber Mortzfield

The Leslie Tincknell Scholarship in the amount of $10,000 is awarded to Amber Mortzfield, a graduate student at the University of Michigan. Amber was awarded this scholarship for an outstanding academic record, her wide-ranging design impact, leadership skills within the community. Her excellent references and challenging financial need made her an excellent choice for this award.

Recent Recipients
  • 2024 Jacob LampiUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2023 Marcus PusteUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2022 Grace CliffordUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2021 Jake StuckLawrence Technological University
  • 2020 Angela LazarteUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2019 Muhamad NaqshbandiUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2018 Ayomide OkunlolaUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2017 Jacob KleeUniversity of Detroit Mercy

03Katherine and John Banicki Scholarship

$4,500
Description

This scholarship is awarded in recognition of a student’s academic and community achievement. Special consideration will be given to a student that includes a level of interest iin engineering aspects of the architecture profession.

Prize

$4,500

2025 Recipient
Michigan Architectural Foundation | MAF

Jillian Ciszewski

The Katherine and John Banicki Scholarship in the amount of $4,000 is awarded to Jillian Ciszewski, a graduate student at the University of Detroit Mercy. Jillian is the creator of the Movies at Mercy to support the families and community around UDM. She is currently AIA President and has been involved with NOMA. Jillian is committed to the technical requirements of architecture and engineering.

Recent Recipients
  • 2024 Lauren MoonLawrence Technological University
  • 2023 Giovanni ZoraUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2022 Wud AldulaimyUniversity of Michigan
  • 2021 Jenna AtkinsonLawrence Technological University
  • 2020 Ryan JohnsLawrence Technological University
  • 2019 Sarah BritainUniversity of Michigan
  • 2018 Salvatore LorenzanoUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2017 Leonardo OrozcoUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2016 Estrellita PerezUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2015 Rachel CraneKendall College of Art and Design

04AIA Detroit Graduate Scholarship

$4,500
Description

Awarded to a student who reflects the values of the AIA Detroit Chapter and exhibits academic achievements, community leadership and financial need. Preference will be given to applicants living in the area served by AIA Detroit and that self-identify as an underrepresented person in the profession such as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and/or be a woman. Award includes $500 from AIA National component matching grant.

Prize

$4,500

05Richard M. and Sidney K. Robinson Scholarship

$4,000
Description

Awarded to a University of Michigan undergraduate student who aspires to a career that combines the roles of citizen and artist as part of their architecture profession. This award is offered in cooperation with the AIA Huron Valley Chapter.

Prize

$4,000

2024 Recipient
Michigan Architectural Foundation | MAF

Malak Atwi

The Richard M. and Sidney K. Robinson Scholarship in the amount of $4,000 was awarded to Malak Atwi, who is completing the first year at the University of Michigan. Her strong essay demonstrating a desire and understanding of architecture based on both citizenship and artistic pursuits was expressed clearly in her writing and other materials submitted for the award.

Recent Recipients
  • 2023 Tala DababnaUniversity of Michigan
  • 2022 Riley MontgomeryUniversity of Michigan
  • 2021 McKenna SabonUniversity of Michigan
  • 2020 Jacob NugentUniversity of Michigan
  • 2019 Natsume OnoUniversity of Michigan
  • 2018 Jasmine AlmomarUniversity of Michigan
  • 2017 Ellis Wills BegleyUniversity of Michigan

06AIA Detroit Undergraduate Scholarship

$2,500
Description

Awarded to a student who reflects the values of the AIA Detroit Chapter and exhibits academic achievements, community leadership and financial need. Preference will be given to applicants living in the area served by AIA Detroit and that self-identify as an underrepresented person in the profession such as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and/or be a woman. Award includes $500 from AIA National component matching grant.

Prize

$2,500

07Kenneth Neumann Design Scholarship

$2,500
Description

The Kenneth Neumann Design Scholarship is awarded to a graduate architecture student based on the design and writing excellence of the submitted application portfolio. The scholarship includes a summer internship with the firm of Neumann Smith Associates in Southfield, Michigan.

Prize

$2,500

2024 Recipient
Michigan Architectural Foundation | MAF

Basma Elsheikh

The Kenneth Neumann Design Scholarship of $2,000 is awarded to is awarded to Basma Elsheikh, a graduate student at the University of Michigan. This award includes a summer internship at the firm of Neumann Smith Architecture in Southfield.

Recent Recipients
  • 2024 Sofia D’ArienzoUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2023 Larissa McCoyUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2022 Hayden PrillwitzKendall College of Design
  • 2021 Spencer LippertLawrence Technological University.
  • 2020 Alexander Sulek University of Michigan
  • 2019 Sarah BritainUniversity of Michigan
  • 2018 Matthew NorthcottUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2017 Kyle DiMaggioLawrence Technological University
  • 2016 Ian TempletonUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2015 Samantha SzeszulskiUniversity of Detroit Mercy

08Daniel W. Toshach & AIA Saginaw Valley Scholarship

$2,500
Description

Awarded to a deserving student with a well-rounded application and portfolio. Preference will be given to applicants from the area served by the AIA Saginaw Valley Chapter.

Prize

$2,500

2025 Recipient
Michigan Architectural Foundation | MAF

Cory Hoffman

The Daniel W. Toshach & AIA Saginaw Valley Chapter Scholarship in the amount of $2,000 is awarded to Cory Hoffman, a graduate of Ferris State University and a rising graduate student at the University of Michigan. Cory has received this award twice, based on his all-around excellent academic record, leadership activity with AIAS, as well being from the AIA Saginaw Valley Chapter with plans to stay in the region.

Recent Recipients
  • 2024 Cory HoffmanUniversity of Michigan
  • 2023 Makenna Karst University of Michigan
  • 2022 Grace CooleyUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2021 Taylor KileUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2020 Jessica BrethourLawrence Technological University
  • 2019 Muhamad NaqshbandiUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2018 Eric MintonUniversity of Michigan
  • 2017 Brianna CampbellLawrence Technological University
  • 2015 Rami NigaUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2014 Spencer JaskiewiczUniversity of Detroit Mercy

09Paul Stachowiak & Integrated Design Solutions Scholarship

$2,500
Description

Awarded to a University of Michigan, University of Detroit Mercy or Lawrence Technological University student pursuing a graduate professional degree in architecture and who aspires to a career reflecting a holistic and integrated practice of the highest standards of the profession of architecture.

Prize

$2,500

2025 Recipient
Michigan Architectural Foundation | MAF

Haley Beverlin

The Paul Stachowiak & Integrated Design Solutions Scholarship in the amount of $2,000 is awarded to Hayley Beverlin, who is a graduate student at Lawrence Technological University. Haley’s commitment to integrated practice and her active community involvement are exemplary.

Recent Recipients
  • 2024 Jacob BrookhouseUniversity of Michigan
  • 2023 Rebecca GladdUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2022 Sophie Pacelko University of Michigan
  • 2021 Rosa Manzo University of Michigan
  • 2020 Alexander SulekUniversity of Michigan

10Hamann2 Fund Undergraduate Scholarship

$2,500
Description

Awarded to a deserving undergraduate student studying architecture that aspires to a career in architecture with a business focus and is taking courses to support their future endeavors.

Prize

$2,500

2025 Recipient
Michigan Architectural Foundation | MAF

Andrew Johnson

The Hamann2 Fund of $2,000, plus a supplemental $1,000 provided by Norm Hamann brings the award to $3,000 for 2025 and is awarded to Andrew Johnson, an undergraduate student at the University of Detroit Mercy. His commitment to understanding the requirements of a business through his course work, community involvement through his role as AIAS treasurer, and excellent references were key reasons he was selected for this scholarship.

11Hausman Family Scholarship

$2,000
Description

Awarded to an undergraduate student studying architecture. Strong preference shall be given to a student who demonstrates a commitment to obtaining their architectural license, practicing in the State of Michigan, enhancing architecture through design excellence and sustainability and giving back to the profession.

Prize

$2,000

12AIA Grand Rapids Undergraduate Scholarship

$2,000
Description

Awarded to a student who reflects the values of the AIA Grand Rapids Chapter and exhibits academic achievements, financial need and community leadership. Preference will be given to applicants in the area served by the AIA Grand Rapids Chapter.

Prize

$2,000

2024 Recipient
Michigan Architectural Foundation | MAF

Ashlynn Tower

The AIA Grand Rapids undergraduate scholarship in the amount of $2,000 is awarded to Ashlynn Tower an undergraduate at the University of Michigan. Her community involvement especially in Jensen which is in the AIA Grand Rapids area, a top academic record along with excellent references were key reasons she was selected for this scholarship.

Recent Recipients

13AIA Grand Rapids Graduate Scholarship

$2,000
Description

Awarded to a student who reflects the values of the AIA Grand Rapids Chapter and exhibits academic achievements, financial need and community leadership. Preference will be given to applicants in the area served by the AIA Grand Rapids Chapter.

Prize

$2,000

2025 Recipient
Michigan Architectural Foundation | MAF

Brittany Bardman and Madison Morris

The AIA Grand Rapids graduate scholarship in the amount of $2,000 is awarded to Brittany Bardman, a graduate student at Kendall College of Art and Design and Madison Morris, a graduate student at Lawrence Technological University. Brittany's community involvement, connection to AIA Grand Rapids, and financial need made her an excellent choice for this award. Madison's leadership as volleyball captain and community involvement especially in the AIA Grand Rapids area were key reasons she was selected for this scholarship.

Recent Recipients
  • 2024 Natalie DenbestenKendall College of Art and Design
  • 2023 Ian WardowskiKendall College of Art and Design
  • 2023 Kyle SuttonKendall College of Art and Design

14HED Alvin Ernest Harley Scholarship

$2,000
Description

Awarded in recognition to a deserving student who demonstrates active participation and leadership involvement in the local AIAS Chapter.

Prize

$2,000

2025 Recipient
Michigan Architectural Foundation | MAF

Maximilian Flaga

The HED Alvin Ernest Harley AIAS Graduate Scholarship of $2,000 is awarded to Maximilian Flaga, a graduate student at the University of Detroit Mercy. His active participation in the AIAS chapter as secretary and strong commitment to community service, and financial need stood out for him to receive this award.

Recent Recipients
  • 2024 Aaron ComstockUniversity of Michigan
  • 2023 Brian Hamel University of Detroit Mercy
  • 2022 Tamzid JaigirdarUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2021 Sean GuireyKendall College of Art and Design
  • 2020 Anthony VannoyUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2019 Natalie MaaloufUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2018 Jade PymanKendall College of Art and Design
  • 2017 Claire AntrassianUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2016 Michael McKinnonKendall College of Art and Design
  • 2015 Courtney Vallier ParksKendall College of Art and Design

15Professional Concepts Insurance Agency Scholarship

$2,000
Description

The Professional Concepts Insurance Agency (PCIA) Scholarship is to recognize and provide financial assistance to individuals with exemplary community involvement.

Prize

$2,000

2024 Recipient
Michigan Architectural Foundation | MAF

Nick Grosh

The Professional Concepts Insurance Agency Scholarship in the amount of $2,000 is awarded to Nick Grosh, a graduate student at the University of Michigan. His community leadership toward affordable housing, an all-around excellence in academics, and a passion for the profession made the choice for this award appropriate.

Recent Recipients
  • 2024 Riley MontgomeryUniversity of Michigan
  • 2023 Odette Giorgees University of Detroit Mercy
  • 2022 Areej ShahinUniversity of Michigan
  • 2021 Madison Girolamo University of Detroit Mercy
  • 2020 Taylor KileUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2019 Thaddeus StawiarskiUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2018 Alyssa MonroeUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2015 Matthew MedleyUniversity of Detroit Mercy
  • 2014 Charles HarrisLawrence Technological University
  • 2013 Spencer JaskiewiczUniversity of Detroit Mercy

16Rossetti Legacy Scholarship

$2,000
Description

Awarded to a University of Michigan, University of Detroit Mercy or Lawrence Technological University student pursuing a graduate professional degree in architecture. Strong preference shall be given to a student who demonstrates a commitment to design excellence, creative inquiry and design as a critical component of their architectural education and future professional contributions.

Prize

$2,000