The American Institute of Architects has announced the People’s Choice Award winner of their first K-12 design competition celebration: Marcel Wolosik, who designed CloudDeck One!
With over 6,000 votes cast across 12 outstanding submissions, the community has spoken!
Congratulations to Marcel, a sophomore in the Architectural Technology program at Sussex Tech High School, representing AIA New Jersey!
Marcel wishes to share his excitement, “Thank you to everyone who voted for my project, shared it, and supported me throughout this journey. Winning the 2026 AIA People’s Choice Award means so much to me. This is one of the most important competitions and achievements of my high school years, and I am absolutely grateful for this recognition. Thank you all for being part of this journey. I truly appreciate every vote, every kind word, and every bit of support.”
Marcel’s design captured the imagination and earned the admiration of voters near and far. This recognition reflects not only his talent and creativity but also the genuine connection his work made with everyone who participated. To hear Marcel describe his design in his own voice, check out his podcast episode here.
As the People’s Choice Award winner, Marcel will receive a $1,000 award. Marcel’s design is currently displayed at AIA headquarters in Washington, DC, as well as in front of 13,000+ attendees at AIA’s national Conference on Architecture and Design in San Diego this year. That’s an incredible spotlight!
To hear Marcel describe his design in his own voice, check out his Architecture for Kids podcast episode here: https://sbrew.link/GCC3lUYf
AIA NJ nominated Marcel as an entrant in this national competition after he won the 2025 NJ Architecture Week Virtual Design Challenge.
2025 marked the 125th anniversary of AIA New Jersey, and to celebrate, AIA NJ held a statewide K-12 competition during New Jersey Architecture Week that imagined what a home might look like 125 years in the future, in the year 2150. Students were asked to include an image (a drawing or a photo of a model) and a short description of their future home. Entries were reviewed by New Jersey Architects, and the top designs in each of the Elementary School, Middle School, and High School categories received a $100 Amazon Gift Card. The contest began on Sunday, April 6th, 2025, the first day of New Jersey Architecture Week!
CloudDeck One is a floating home that hovers above the clouds using cold fusion-powered ion thrusters and AI-controlled stabilizers. Built from lightweight titanium-aluminum alloy, it features an infinity pool, a modular smart interior, and a personal hoverjet dock—all fully powered by unlimited clean energy in a self-sustaining, off-grid design.
Special thanks to AIA New Jersey – The New Jersey Society of Architects competition leaders Joe David, AIA; and Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA; for the opportunities they provide to inspire and ignite young designers!
Image, Podcast and Text Credit to Devon Davis, Sr. Manager, K-12 Initiatives & Engagement, The American Institute of Architects