Judging the 2024 AIA Fort Worth Design Awards

Yesterday, I had the incredible honor of serving as a juror for the 2024 AIA Fort Worth Design Awards, hosted at the stunning Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. As both an architect and someone deeply rooted in emerging construction tech, it was a powerful reminder of how design and innovation go hand in hand.

Alongside two amazing industry colleagues—Reese Rowland, FAIA, and Rebecca Rudolph, AIA—I had the chance to review a beautifully diverse collection of submissions. Out of 33 projects, we recognized eight with awards that truly stood out for their creativity, clarity, and connection to community.

What really struck me was how much heart was poured into these designs. The best work wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about impact. Whether it was a conceptual studio project or a community-focused build, the common thread was care: for context, for people, and for pushing architecture forward.

Big thanks to the team at AIA Fort Worth for inviting me to be part of the process. It was a true privilege to celebrate the talent and vision shaping the future of design in Texas and beyond.

And to the next generation of architects out there—keep dreaming big. You’re building more than buildings.

— Jean-Pierre