The Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA|DC) and the Washington Architectural Foundation have awarded former University of Maryland Clinical Professor Amy Gardner the 2024 Architect Educator Award. The award recognizes individuals or organizations that have advanced architectural education at all levels through teaching, design, scholarship, research, or service.
Over her 35-year teaching career, Gardner, who retired in May, pioneered the development of the University of Maryland's Architecture curriculum; her leadership in conceptualizing ARCH 600/611, Integrated Design Studio and Advanced Technology, set the benchmark for how design studio curricula are implemented and taught at university architecture programs across the country by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. The curriculum served as the foundation for two U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon victories: second place in 2007 for LEAFHouse and a first place win in 2011 for WaterShed, forging innovative and interdisciplinary connections between students, faculty and practitioners and issuing a rally cry for a more sustainable and just future.
"Perhaps the strongest testimonial to Amy’s achievements are the generations of former University of Maryland students who were and continue to be beneficiaries of her impact on the discourse of the discipline," said Brian Kelly, a professor and the associate dean for development and faculty affairs for UMD’s Architecture Program. "They [are] professionals who practice globally in leadership positions in support of the values that she has inculcated in them over the years [to address] the most pressing problems of our time."
In addition to her impact on the pedagogy, Gardner’s award-winning firm, Gardner Architects LLC has produced some of the most sustainable, environmentally-conscious residential architecture throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and beyond.
Gardner is the second professor from UMD’s School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation to be recognized for this honor. Clinical Assistant Professor and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives Lindsey May received the inaugural award in 2020.
Learn more about Gardner's 35-year impact in architectural education and at MAPP in this tribute here.