Join us for the 6th Annual AIA Wisconsin Design Awards Gala, a night dedicated to celebrating our members and design excellence. Book your tickets today to save up to $200—Early Bird closes September 1st!

Set against the opulent backdrop of the historic Wisconsin Club in Milwaukee, this elegant evening will bring together architects, emerging professionals, and leaders from across the AEC industry for a sparkling night of camaraderie, recognition, and inspiration.

The program will honor the 2026 AIA Wisconsin Design Awards recipients, as well as the winners of the AIA Milwaukee Emerging Professionals Design Competition, the Golden Award, Young Architect Award, and Associate Award. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and opportunities to connect with peers and colleagues, all while supporting the Wisconsin Architects Foundation, the nonprofit arm of AIA Wisconsin dedicated to advancing architecture in our state.

This formal, black-tie optional gala includes a sit-down dinner featuring a chef-crafted Steak & Salmon duet, along with appetizers, desserts, and a selection of beverages. Whether you’re there to celebrate colleagues, meet new faces in the profession, or simply take in the energy of this signature annual event, the Gala promises a night to remember.

Built in 1843 by Alexander Mitchell, grandfather of General Billy Mitchell, the current clubhouse (The Mitchell Mansion) has been a fixture of the rich history of Milwaukee and is listed on the National Registry of Historical Places. While the Wisconsin Club (formerly the Deutscher Club) has been in existence since 1891, the mansion where the Club resides got its start in 1848, and has long been considered an architectural treasure. Both the mansion and the Club have a rich heritage and have been an important part of Milwaukee's history. Learn more about the Wisconsin Club's history here.
 

Featuring chef-crafted selections that blend creativity, flavor, and flawless presentation, the Wisconsin Club's culinary team delivers standout dishes made with premium ingredients and thoughtful attention to detail. Start the evening with tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by a plated sit-down dinner and complimentary wine pour, and end the night with various desserts at our dessert bar. The featured dinner entree will be a Short Rib & Salmon Duet; the vegetarian/dietary option will be a Grilled Cauliflower Steak. Please indicate dietary restrictions & allergies during registration.
 

The annual Design Awards Gala draws an exceptional crowd—AIA Wisconsin members who have earned top honors for design excellence or individual achievement, alongside leading professionals from across Wisconsin’s architecture, engineering, and construction community. It’s an evening surrounded by the best in the industry, celebrating creativity, innovation, and the people shaping the built environment.
 

Thank You to Our Amazing Event Sponsors!

25 YEAR AWARD SPONSOR:

WINE TOAST SPONSOR:

DESSERT TABLE SPONSOR:

Event Sponsorship

Sponsorship packages are available. Click here to review our sponsorship options. Please reach out to our Development Manager, Mary Wolf, at mary.wolf@aiaw.org to learn more.

Registration Notes (Please review this section before purchasing tickets) :

Table Reservation Instructions:

• If you don’t have all eight guest names when purchasing, simply leave the guest information blank, with the understanding that final guest names and any dietary restrictions should be sent to shelby@aiaw.org by Friday, September 18. After this date, TBD guests will receive a blank place card with your company name, and dietary needs cannot be guaranteed. During the final week of ticket sales, you are required to enter all guest information at the time of purchase.
• IMPORTANT: When registering, you will enter your information (or that of the primary guest/member if you are purchasing the table on behalf of your firm) in the first window after selecting your # of tables. When you click 'next', please do not enter this information a second time under the guest details section, as the info you entered on the first page will be automatically used for your first guest slot.

Individual Ticket Limit
Members may purchase up to two (2) individual tickets at the member rate (for yourself and one guest). If additional tickets are needed, please have those individuals register separately.

Seating Requests
Seating preferences for individual ticket holders, such as being seated with a separate party, cannot be guaranteed unless a table is purchased.