The Michigan Architectural Foundation Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to college students admitted to, or currently pursuing a graduate professional degree in architecture at accredited Michigan universities, and who have demonstrated leadership in design, professional, community, or political activities.
The Robinson Scholarship is designated for an undergraduate student in architecture completing the first year of architectural studies at the University of Michigan.
The AIA Grand Rapids Scholarships are designated for undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a career in architecture, and are preferred to be a resident of the AIAGR Chapter region attending any college or university. Applicants may also be a non-resident attending a college or university in the AIAGR Chapter region.
Currently, MAF awards scholarships ranging in value from $1000 to $8000.
Please note that the application forms, submittal requirements, and due dates are different for the Robinson scholarship, the AIA Grand Rapids undergraduate scholarship, and the MAF graduate scholarships (application forms are available for download, right).
Submit MAF applications to Timothy Casai, FAIA:
Criteria For Selection
Eligibility
All candidates must be:
Application Process
Entry Requirements
Applications must be digital-only and submitted via email in PDF format. (see the page’s introduction for email address). 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.
The following data are required from each candidate:
Required Data for MAF Graduate Scholarships
Required Data for the Robinson Scholarship
Required Data for the AIA Grand Rapids Undergraduate Scholarship
Selection Process
01AIA Grand Rapids Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships (1 of 2)
The AIA Grand Rapids Scholarships are designated for undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a career in architecture with preference given to residents of the AIAGR Chapter region attending any college or university. Scholarship applicants may also be non-residents attending a college or university in the AIAGR Chapter region.
$1,000
Ian Wardowski
AIA Grand Rapids awarded two scholarships in 2023, both to graduate students at Kendall College of Art and Design. AIA Grand Rapids scholarship recipient Ian Wardowski exhibited an outstanding academic record and continuing leadership in AIAS.
02AIA Grand Rapids Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships (2 of 2)
The AIA Grand Rapids Scholarships are designated for undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a career in architecture with preference given to residents of the AIAGR Chapter region attending any college or university. Scholarship applicants may also be non-residents attending a college or university in the AIAGR Chapter region.
$1,000
Kyle Sutton
AIA Grand Rapids awarded two scholarships in 2023, both to graduate students at Kendall College of Art and Design. AIA Grand Rapids scholarship recipient Kyle Sutton is a Grand Rapids native who demonstrated strong community leadership and academic excellence.
03AIA Mid-Michigan Scholarship
Awarded to a deserving student with a well-rounded application and portfolio. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic performance, design, community involvement, demonstrated leadership, and financial need. Top priority is given to applicants from or working within the area served by the AIA Mid-Michigan Chapter area.
$1,000
Efti Miculi
The AIA Mid-Michigan Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 was awarded to Efti Miculi, who is a graduate student at Lawrence Technological University. She was selected based on her excellent portfolio and strong commitment to a career in architecture and design.
04Paul Stachowiak & Integrated Design Solutions Scholarship
Awarded to a University of Michigan, University of Detroit Mercy or Lawrence Technological University student admitted or currently 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.
$2,000
Rebecca Gladd
The Paul Stachowiak & Integrated Design Solutions Scholarship in the amount of $2,000 was awarded to Rebecca Gladd, who is a rising graduate student at the University of Detroit Mercy. Her commitment to integrated practice with engineering, active mentorship, and impressive references made this award an excellent choice.
05AIA Michigan President’s Scholarship
Founded by AIA Michigan’s past presidents, the scholarship is for graduate students in architecture that have demonstrated leadership in professional, community or public service activities.
$8,000
Angel Mangham
The AIA Michigan President’s Scholarship of $8,000 was awarded to Angel Mangham, a graduate student at the University Detroit Mercy. Her outstanding portfolio, strong leadership skills with AIAS and NOMA as well as excellent references made her an outstanding choice for this important award.
06Richard M. and Sidney K. Robinson Scholarship
Awarded to a University of Michigan undergraduate architecture student who aspires to a career that combines the roles of citizen and artist. This award is offered in cooperation with the Huron Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
$4,000
Tala Dababna
The Richard M. and Sidney K. Robinson Scholarship in the amount of $4,000 was awarded to Tala Dababna, 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.
07Katherine and John Banicki Scholarship
Awarded in recognition of a student’s academic and community achievements.
$2,000
Giovanni Zora
The Katherine and John Banicki Scholarship in the amount of $2,000 was awarded to Giovanni Zora, a rising graduate student at the University of Detroit Mercy. His leadership at UDM and community involvement led to his award.
08Leslie D. Tincknell Scholarship
Awarded to a student that exhibits leadership in university and community life, and financial need.
$8,000
Marcus Puste
The Leslie Tincknell Scholarship in the amount of $8,000 was awarded to Marcus Puste, a graduate student at the University of Detroit Mercy. He was recognized for his outstanding academic record and wide ranging design impact, as well as a promising portfolio.
09Kenneth Neumann Design Scholarship
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.
$2,000
Larissa McCoy
The Kenneth Neumann Design Scholarship of $2,000 was awarded to Larissa McCoy, a graduate student at University of Detroit Mercy. Her skill in writing as a professional, creative portfolio, and evident leadership with NOMA were among the reasons Larissa was selected for the award.
10Daniel W. Toshach Scholarship
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.
$2,000
Makenna Karst
The Daniel W. Toshach & AIA Saginaw Valley Chapter Scholarship in the amount of $2,000 was awarded to Makenna Karst, a graduate of Ferris State University and a rising graduate student at the University of Michigan. This all-around excellent student included leadership activity with AIAS as well as an impressive academic record.
11Alvin Ernest Harley Scholarship
Awarded in recognition to a deserving student who demonstrates active participation and leadership involvement in the local AIAS Chapter.
$1,500
Brian Hamel
The HED Alvin Ernest Harley AIAS Graduate Scholarship of $1,500 was awarded to Brian Hamel, a graduate student at the University of Detroit Mercy. His very active participation in the AIAS chapter and strong commitment to a career in the profession, as well as outstanding portfolio of his work, stood out for this student.
12PCIA Scholarship
The Professional Concepts Insurance Agency (PCIA) Scholarship is to recognize and provide financial assistance to individuals with exemplary community involvement.
$1,000
Odette Giorgees
The Professional Concepts Insurance Agency Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 was awarded to Odette Giorgees, who is completing her graduate degree at the University of Detroit Mercy. Her all around excellence in academics, writing and community leadership as well as a passion for the profession made her the appropriate choice for the award.