2026 EDWARD ALLEN STUDENT AWARD 

 

DESCRIPTION 

The Edward Allen Student Award is the highest honor given by the Building Technology Educators’ Society recognizing students–who over their academic career–have demonstrated commitment, passion, curiosity, and excellence in the integration of building technology and architectural design. 

NOMINATION CRITERIA 

NAAB and CACB accredited architecture programs may annually select one undergraduate student and/or one graduate student currently enrolled in the final year of their degree program. The student must be nominated by a current BTES member on their school’s architecture faculty to be eligible for the Edward Allen Student Award. 

SELECTION PROCESS 

Selection of the Edward Allen Student Award winner is left to the discretion of each architecture program within the criteria listed below. The BTES is pleased to honor one undergraduate student and/or one graduate student per institution who demonstrates excellence and rigor in the integration of building technology and architectural design. 

  • Building technology is inclusive of topics such as structures, building assemblies, energy systems, environmental control systems (active and passive), sustainable systems, material performance and reuse, material science, fabrication, project delivery, BIM, construction management, and similar. 
  • Architectural design excellence is based upon an integral relationship between a project’s design intent and performance. Performance may include innovative approaches to building technology integration; high performance over the lifespan of the building; efficiency of production and assembly; durability and resilience; sustainability and mitigated environmental impact; and ability to provide a healthy, accessible, and safe environment for all users. 
  • Within design studios, thesis projects, and building technology classes, excellence shall be evaluated based on the student’s critical understanding of building technologies and their ability to enrich and impact building design, performance, and buildability. The students should demonstrate the ability to think critically, engage in research, and apply their knowledge to creative work as innovative conclusions. 
 
SUBMISSION PROCESS 

Please submit the selected student’s contact information along with the nomination statement to the BTES using this Online Form. Each recipient of the Edward Allen Student Award will receive a medallion and certificate. The BTES will begin accepting student winning submissions on March 1st, 2026. Please allow up to 6 weeks from time of submission until the medallion and certificate are received. It is up to each architecture program to plan accordingly so that you receive the certificate and medallion in time for graduation or end-of-year award ceremonies. Submittals will not be accepted after July 1st, 2026. 

Each submission form will include: 

  • Institution 
  • Student’s name 
  • Degree completed 
  • Name of BTES faculty member 
  • Student headshot (jpg, square format, 1080 x 1080 pixels) Please use the following file name format: StudentLastName_FirstName_0.jpg 
  • Up to 3 images of the student’s work (jpg, square format, 1080 x 1080 pixels) Please use the following file name format: StudentLastName_FirstName_1.jpg, StudentLastName_FirstName_2.jpg, etc. 
  • Social media handles for the student and school (optional) 
 
PUBLICATION 

The name, photograph, and example student work of the award recipients will be published on the BTES website and social media. Please ensure that all submitted materials are approved for dissemination to a public audience. 

QUESTIONS 

For questions or clarifications, please email secretary@btes.org.