Best small projects honored at AIA Small Project Award 2025

The American Institute of Architects has announced the winners of its 2025 AIA Small Project Award. Seven projects were honored in this year's edition, whose mission is to “raise public awareness of the value and design excellence that architects provide regardless of the limits of size and scope.” 

The awards come days after the AIA also honored the best in contemporary architecture at the 2025 AIA Architecture Awards. You can compare the projects recognized this year to those of previous years by following our ongoing coverage of the series here.  

In the meantime, the winners of the AIA Small Project Award 2025 are as follows: 

900 Wilshire Medical Office Building Renewal, Santa Monica, CA
Struere

Excerpt: "The 900 Wilshire Medical Office Building Renewal project explores the concept of 'Deep Renovation,' an existing aged buildings is fully saved from the wrecking ball, safeguarding tis precious carbon footprint, yet transformed so fully and dramatically that its original form is no longer recognizable and is transmogrified into a rejuvenated building with forward standards of sustainability. By placing emphasis on transparency and by blurring the building perimeters through a series of architectural devices such as balconies, verandas, terraces, and lookouts, a workplace environment can be created that radically promotes communications and synergy and privileges a strong connection with the outdoors."

Centennial Park Pavilion, Fayetteville, AR
modus studio

Excerpt: "Centennial Park Pavilion is a sculptural gathering space in Fayetteville, Arkansas, designed for a cycling-focused park and international race events. Referencing the site's agricultural past, the pavilion features open-joint cladding reminiscent of old barns, filtered sunlight, and vertical light wells for orientation. Its form echoes Fayetteville's seven hills, integrating with the natural topography. Supporting events like the Cyclocross World Championships, the pavilion provides amenities for awards, registration, and vendors, enhancing the park's identity as a premier cycling destination with over 90 miles of trails."

Osage Park Pavilion, Bentonville, AR
modus studio

Excerpt: "The Osage Park Pavilion, a gateway to Bentonville's Osage Park, draws inspiration from aircraft wing design, reflecting the adjacent municipal airport's unique character. Its fluid form rises seamlessly, creating a light-filled structure with a dynamic cypress facade. Housing gathering spaces, restrooms, and an outdoor stage, the pavilion anchors the 55-acre park. A green roof doubles as a viewing platform for aircraft activity. Preserving existing wetlands through boardwalks and incorporating native plants, the project prioritizes ecological sensitivity. The pavilion's illuminated polycarbonate roof acts as a 'fifth facade,' visible from the air."

Roger Williams Park Gateway Center, Providence, RI
INFORM Studio

Excerpt: "Located next to historic Roger Williams Park, the Broad Street Gateway and Visitor’s Center enhances community access, inviting visitors to celebrate this remarkable public asset. Connecting downtown Providence via transit, bike, and pedestrian routes, it links cultural, educational, and retail destinations. The center erases boundaries, fostering inclusivity and expanding Broad Street’s cultural identity. With water retention features, educational opportunities, and sustainable design, it transforms blacktop into a vibrant community amenity. By blending seamlessly with the street, the center promotes the park’s diverse activities and serves as a welcoming gateway for residents and visitors alike."

Stealth House, Austin, TX (also previously featured on Archinect)
Specht Novak

Excerpt: "The Stealth House addresses the challenges of densifying fringe areas and inner suburbs with an innovative approach to ADU design. Clad in corrugated Cor-Ten steel, its fully windowless perimeter ensures privacy and security in compact neighborhoods. Landscaped courtyards and floor-to-ceiling glass flood the interior with natural light, offering private views shielded from outside sightlines. Carefully oriented spaces enhance visual and acoustical privacy, while features like a customizable tile-clad entry panel and lush courtyards with an olive tree and aviary create a tranquil retreat. The Stealth House shows how overlooked sites can support thoughtful, functional homes for evolving urban conditions."

The Syd, New Orleans, LA
workshopWDXL

Excerpt: "Novel suite-style hotel for group accommodations on a constrained interior city block built around a 110-year-old Live Oak tree. A lush meandering entry sequence provides a welcoming, covered way into the heart of the site. Upon arrival at the building – enter the tropical courtyard space oriented around the oak tree and swimming pool. Interior living spaces are oriented towards this courtyard with circulation happening along the wrap around galleries. Exterior shell is wrapped in lap siding, in keeping with the vernacular of the neighborhood. Manipulated roofline to keep the building within scale of the surrounding buildings from every street."

Wonderland Magnet Elementary School Kindergarten Classroom Building and Learning Garden, Los Angeles, CA
John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects

Excerpt: "This kindergarten project provides two new classrooms and outdoor learning at an existing hillside public school. It illustrates that 'wonder' can be expressed in architecture that is simple, sculptural, light-filled, colorful, connected to nature, and full of unexpected moments and spaces of discovery. The building presents a modest face to the residential neighborhood. Colorful louvers ring the exterior, and the building mass gives way to playful swoops facing the campus that evoke movement and energy. The sweeping roof overhang provides shade and shelter, and creates an informal 'porch' that bolsters community. The project is CHPS (California High Performing Schools) Verified."