DENVER—The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Board of Directors has approved a proposal that the eligibility criteria for the Gold Medal award be revised to include either an individual or two individuals working together, but only if their collaborative efforts over time are recognized as having created a singular body of distinguished architectural work. The change is slated to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2014.

“This is an idea that has been percolating for several years, and we feel that the decision to make this important and historic change better reflects the changing nature of architectural practice that has become increasingly more collaborative,” said AIA President Mickey Jacob, FAIA. “We took a careful, measured approach to the implications that this decision will have on the award itself, and we are confident that this is a positive change for the architecture profession going forward.”

The Gold Medal is the highest honor the AIA can bestow on individuals. It is conferred annually by the AIA Board of Directors in recognition of a significant body of work of lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture. It is distinct from the Architecture Firm Award, the highest honor the Institute can bestow on an architectural firm for consistently producing distinguished architecture.

For more information, visit www.aia.org.