The AIA New Jersey Michael Graves Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor that AIA New Jersey may bestow upon an individual.  It is in recognition of a significant body of work of lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture. 

 

AIA New Jersey Chapter and Region have a long tradition of honoring AIA members for their outstanding achievements in support of the profession of architecture and the American Institute of Architects.  In 2004, AIA-New Jersey President Robert Cozzarelli, FAIA and Regional Director Martin Santini, FAIA sought to establish a new award that would acknowledge lifetime achievement for an architect who throughout his or her career has continually  exemplified both excellence and significant contributions to the field. Further, President Cozzarelli and Director Santini believed it would be appropriate for AIA New Jersey Chapter and Region to acknowledge, with respect, the accomplishments of AIA Gold Medal recipient and internationally recognized architect Michael Graves, FAIA. Therefore, the AIA New Jersey Lifetime Achievement Award was named after Michael Graves, FAIA as its first recipient.