The 2025 ACFA Scholarship Luncheon brought together students, families, and leaders from across the architectural community to recognize the next generation of architects. Hosted at the Alabama Center for Architecture, the event highlighted the achievements of nine Alabama students who were awarded a combined $16,000 in scholarships to support their pursuit of accredited bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture.
Keynote speaker James W. Shepherd, AIA, LEED, FAPT, shared insights from his extensive preservation and design work on the Washington National Cathedral, offering students a perspective on the complexity, creativity, and responsibility inherent in the profession. His presentation served as both inspiration and a reminder of the critical role architects play in shaping communities and preserving history.
The program was led by Bill Segrest, Principal at Williams Blackstock Architects, who introduced the scholarship recipients and underscored the importance of investing in students who demonstrate both promise and financial need.
The ACFA Scholarship exists to support aspiring architects from Alabama through financial assistance, helping to ensure that talent and dedication—not financial limitations—determine a student’s ability to pursue a career in architecture. By recognizing these students, the luncheon underscored ACFA’s commitment to strengthening the profession within the state and fostering future leaders in design.