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WVFA invests in future architects with $19,250 in scholarship awards
by Heather Olinger
Jan. 15, 2026, WVVA
WEST VIRGINIA (WVVA) - The West Virginia Foundation for Architecture (WVFA) awarded $19,250 in scholarships for 2026 to West Virginia students pursuing architecture degrees at Fairmont State University and institutions nationwide, including Yale University, the University of Tennessee, and Thomas Jefferson University.
Since 2007, WVFA has distributed $352,750 to 154 West Virginia students. The 2026 awards were made possible through AIA West Virginia member giving, individual donors, corporate partners, and a matching contribution from the American Institute of Architects.
WYK & Associates provided additional funding in honor of its 125th anniversary. The awards include the Floyd J. Clingenpeel Scholarship, supported by Harper Engineering, which recognizes innovative work in sustainability and environmental technologies.
Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the Annual Design Awards and Scholarship Benefit on April 18, 2026, at Hotel Morgan in Morgantown.
Long-Time Clarksburg Architect William E. Yoke Earns Prestigious James L. Montgomery Award for 2026
by Connect-Bridgeport Staff
Feb. 3, 2026, Connect-Bridgeport
AIA West Virginia is honored to announce William E. Yoke, Jr., AIA Emeritus, as the recipient of the 2026 James L. Montgomery Award, the highest distinction the organization can bestow.
Established in 1974, the James L. Montgomery Award recognizes exceptional leadership, long-term service, and meaningful contributions that strengthen the architectural profession in West Virginia. It was created in honor of James L. Montgomery, a charter member of AIA WV, the chapter’s first president, and the first West Virginian elevated to the College of Fellows.
For 2026, the nomination was unanimously supported by the AIA WV Executive Committee. Bill’s career reflects integrity, mentorship, steady leadership, and a deep commitment to the architectural community.
He spent decades running WYK Associates in Clarksburg. His impact is deep.
AIA West Virginia will recognize Bill in person during the 2026 AIA WV Design Awards Gala & Scholarship Benefit on April 18.
AIA West Virginia honors design excellence at 2026 Gala in Morgantown
by Staff Reports
April 20, 2026, The State Journal
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The American Institute of Architects West Virginia recognized design excellence, honored distinguished service and celebrated emerging talent at its 2026 Design Awards Gala and Scholarship Benefit, held at Hotel Morgan in Morgantown.
The annual program highlights architectural work that demonstrates design quality and meaningful impact on communities across West Virginia and beyond.
This year’s awards were determined through a blind jury process led by Christopher Meyers, FAIA, of Meyers+Associates in Columbus, Ohio. Projects were evaluated on clarity of concept, execution, and long-term impact.
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The program’s highest recognition, the Honor Award for New Construction, was presented to the Library and Active Living Center at Afton Ridge in Kannapolis, North Carolina, designed by Silling with design architect HBM Architects, and the Marshall County Health Department in Moundsville, West Virginia, designed by Silling.
Merit Awards for New Construction were awarded to the WVU Medicine Thomas Hospital Orthopedic Hospital Entry Addition in Charleston, West Virginia (Silling); Coalfield Elementary School in Welch, West Virginia (The Thrasher Group); and Northwood Health Systems in Wheeling, West Virginia (M&G Architects & Engineers with MSA Design).
Citations for New Construction were presented to Alderson Elementary School (The Thrasher Group) and the Oglebay Park Resort Wilson Lodge Porte Cochere (Mills Group).
A Merit Award in Renovation/Restoration was awarded to the Cabarrus County Courthouse – Phase 2 in Concord, North Carolina, designed by Silling.
In the Interiors category, a Merit Award was presented to Building 2000 Renovation in Friendly, West Virginia (Pickering Associates), while Cedar Grove Elementary School (ZMM Architects and Engineers) received a Citation.
A Citation in Small Projects was awarded to the Cabell County Courthouse Clock Tower Restoration in Huntington, West Virginia (Edward Tucker Architects).
The Community Impact Award was presented to the Woody Williams Center for Advanced Learning and Careers in Barboursville, West Virginia, designed by ZMM Architects and Engineers, recognizing its impact on education and workforce development.
The 25 Year Award, honoring enduring architectural significance, was presented to the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston, West Virginia, designed by Silling.
AIA West Virginia also presented the James L. Montgomery Award, the organization’s highest individual honor, to William E. Yoke Jr., AIA Emeritus, in recognition of a lifetime of distinguished service to the profession and lasting contributions to the built environment.
The evening also recognized the next generation of architects, with the West Virginia Foundation for Architecture awarding scholarships to ten students pursuing degrees in architecture. These awards reflect the Foundation’s continued commitment to supporting emerging talent and strengthening the future of the profession.
The AIA West Virginia Design Awards program underscores the role architects play in shaping communities through thoughtful, enduring design. This year’s recipients reflect a continued commitment to advancing the quality of the built environment while responding to evolving community needs.