who we are

The mission of AWAF, like that of AWA+D, is to advance and support women in the allied fields of architecture and design. Established in 1997 as the primary fundraising vehicle for the AWA+D, the Foundation raises funds to promote high levels of achievement by awarding scholarships and a mid-career fellowship.

Each year the AWAF celebrates some of our State’s brightest emerging design talents by awarding merit-based scholarships to support exceptional women students in California in their continuing education. A minimum number of three Scholarships are awarded to talented women studying architecture, interiors, environmental design and landscape architecture. These awards acknowledge excellence in student work and encourage the recipients to continue their path into their chosen field.

We have expanded our support to women within the profession through the development of a mid-career Fellowship. This is awarded to a woman who has practiced in the design fields for a minimum of five (5) years in the state of California. This individual will be interested in pursuing a project or research of her choosing. The award year culminates with a presentation at the annual AWA+D Spring Symposium.

AWAF has given over $200,000 in scholarships and fellowships since our inception, representing important educational and leadership support to women in design. Becoming a design professional is a long and challenging journey, so both individuals and corporations can play an important role in furthering the AWAF mission through donations or participation in AWAF events.