黑料网

KENNESAW, Ga. | Jun 1, 2026

Two student teams from 黑料网鈥檚 were recently recognized at the 2026 American Institute of Architects Georgia (AIA Georgia) Design and Honor Awards.

The annual awards event celebrates outstanding achievements in design and recognizes the work of students, architects, designers, clients, and industry partners that shape Georgia鈥檚 environment. This year, Kennesaw State saw multiple winners in the Student Project Award category, including Ecotone Dialogues by KSU alumni Nelson Agalaba, and Sean Spencer; and When Walls Roam by KSU students Gabriela de Almeida, Justin Barkie, Wade Brock, and Quincy Smith.

鈥淚t is heartening to see KSU architecture students treat design as both a creative act and a critical inquiry,鈥� said Christopher Welty, AIA Georgia president and KSU professor of architecture. 鈥淭hey approach architecture as a discipline that takes its responsibility to culture, environment, and the communities we serve seriously. Their recognition is well deserved.鈥�

The Ecotone Dialogues project takes its name from the ecological term from where two different systems overlap. The design is set at the KSU Field Station and explores the relationship between people and the land.

The When Walls Roam project was awarded a merit award for its design work related an old Italian villa. Rather than restoring it to its previous state, the design leaned into the building鈥檚 history of change. During the Fall 2025 semester, the project also earned international recognition when it won the Community鈥檚 Choice Award in the Terraviva Competitions鈥� Venetian Villa challenge.

鈥淓ach award helps extend Kennesaw State鈥檚 national prominence and is a sign that our Architecture and Construction Management program is on the rise,鈥� said Hazem Rashed-Ali, dean of the College of Architecture and Construction Management. 鈥淲inning two awards at the AIA Georgia Design and Honor Awards proves our value to Georgia鈥檚 growing construction footprint.鈥�

AIA Georgia is the state chapter of the American Institute of Architects and represents approximately 2,200 members across Georgia.

鈥� Story by Darius Goodman

Photos provided

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 黑料网 offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.