SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS
AIA Fort Worth receives an annual Component Scholarship grant of $1,000 from AIA. This is combined with funds from our chapter's Charles R. Adams Memorial Scholarship endowment fund administered by the Texas Architectural Foundation who issues the scholarship to the University of Texas at Arlington for the AIA Fort Worth Chapter's annual scholarship award.
The AIA Fort Worth Chapter established an endowed scholarship as a living memorial to Charles R. Adams, out of respect, esteem, and admiration by his many friends and colleagues in the Fort Worth Chapter area. This scholarship was first awarded in 1988.This annual scholarship is available to a deserving student pursuing a degree in architecture:
Has completed three years of an architectural program,
Who is a U.S. citizen of exceptional talent and who is from the AIA Fort Worth Chapter area
Student should have graduated high school (or originally from) from the AIA Fort Worth Chapter area
The recommendation should be made by the UTA Dean and Scholarship Committee with the concurrence of the AIA Fort Worth Chapter president. The scholarship is funded by proceeds from annual AIA Fort Worth events and through contributions to the scholarship fund.
2024
Charles R. Adams Scholarship Recipient: Christian Cortes
Christian is originally from Joshua, Texas. He is currently pursuing his Master of Architecture from UTA, with an expected graduation in May 2025 and carries a 4.0 GPA. Christian is interested in sustainability and conservation in the field of architecture and everything that correlates with those topics. His goal is to work at a firm that focus on small projects and sustainable practices
Congratulations, Christian!
2023
Charles R. Adams Scholarship Recipient: Tuan “Tony” Pham
Tony is originally from Grand Prairie, Texas. He attended high school in Mansfield. He identifies as male and as Asian. He is seeking his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from UTA, with an expected graduation date of May 2024. He currently carries a 4.0 GPA.
Congratulations, Tony!
2022
Charles R. Adams Scholarship Recipient: Bodie Chisum
The University of Texas at Arlington - CAPPA Master of Architecture program, Expected Graduation:
Congratulations, Bodie!
2021
Charles R. Adams Scholarship Recipient: Bich Tuyen Lemai
The University of Texas at Arlington - CAPPA Master of Architecture program, Expected Graduation: May 2022
Studies/activities: Active in AIAS mentorship program. Vice president for UTA’s USGBCS, Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society. Plans to establish NCARB record. Plan to pursue licensure in Architecture and Interior Design.
BS Interior Design May 2020 GPA: 4.0
Congratulations, Bich Tuyen!
2020
Charles R. Adams Scholarship Recipient: Elizabeth Kang
The University of Texas at Arlington - CAPPAMaster of Architecture program Expected Graduation: May 2021Studies/activities: GPA: 3.58Italy study abroad 2015Graduated with Cum Laude degree honors Dec 2016 – B.S. Arch, UTAHas established a NCARB recordCurrent work experience: intern at Daniels & Lovelady Architecture, Hurst, TX
2019
TCC AIA Architecture Technology Program Scholarship Recipient: Santiago Duran
What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
Receiving this scholarship means great financial relief for me and my family. I've been paying for my tuition out of pocket since my return in fall 2018. I've attended seven courses up to now, purchased textbooks, and then there are living expenses as well. It's financially overwhelming. When I'm not in school I am caring for our two year old daughter and thirteen year old son and am not employed; I cannot afford daycare. Again, this scholarship means a great financial relief for my family especially my wife who is currently paying for all family expenses on her own. Thank you!
How did you feel when you heard you were being offered this scholarship?
I felt great knowing that I was considered for this opportunity.
What are your educational goals and how will this scholarship help you to achieve them?
My goal is to obtain my associates in architecture, land employment at an architecture firm to advance my skills even further before considering to pursue a bachelors degree. I also want to return to TCC to pursue my associates in construction management since I have taken several construction courses as well.
What are your career goals and how will receiving this scholarship assist in obtaining these goals?
Career goals are to work at an architectural firm, advance as far as I can, improve at Autocad drafting and Revit design.
Please tell the donor about your hobbies and how you like to spend your "down time".
Love watching movies, going to Cinemark to watch new releases. I enjoy fishing, fixing mechanical issues on my own vehicle and learning in the process and I also enjoy working on home construction/ renovating.
Charles R. Adams Scholarship Recipient: Dana Shihabeddin
Dana Shihabeddin - a 2018 graduate of UTA CAPPA in interior design and is currently pursuing Masters of Architecture, expected completion 2021
What are your career aspirations/ What do you plan to do after graduation?
I aspire to become licensed in both Architecture and Interior Design in the future. After graduating with my master degree, I plan on working in commercial architecture for few years to gain more knowledge and experience, then I see myself getting into the residential side of architecture, hoping to start a residential firm one day, and become a design studio professor at an institution at the same time.
What current research are you working on?
I've recently studied three revitalized railroad trails: Promenade Plantee, NYC High Line, and Dallas Katy Trail. I am currently researching why (after revitalizing) the crime rate has decrease for the Promenade Plantee and NYC High Line, but it is not the same case for Dallas Katy Trail.
What do you like most about UTA/CAPPA?
I like that I have been able to network with professionals in the college, which enabled me to build great connections. I am also grateful to CAPPA for all the opportunities I was given.
What would you like to say to the donors of the scholarship?
By awarding me this scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden which allows me to focus more on the most important aspect of school, learning. Your generosity inspired me to give back to the community once I begin my career. I highly appreciate your confidence and willingness to help me achieve my goals, so THANK YOU!
2018
Asher G. Frailey has been named as this year's recipient of AIA Fort Worth'sCharles R. Adams Memorial Scholarship of $5,000. Asher is enrolled at The University of Texas at Arlington School of Architecture and is expected to graduate in May 2019.
2017
Amount: $5,000The 2017-18 Scholarship Recipient: Tajiri B. FernandezUniversity of Texas at Arlington School of ArchitectureEnrolled in the Master of Architecture programExpected Graduation 2019 May
2016
Christian Gentry has been named as this year’s recipient of AIA Fort Worth’s Charles R. Adams Memorial Scholarship. Christian is currently in his fourth year studies pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Arlington. Upon graduation in 2017, his goal is to continue to graduate school in architecture and ultimately to become a licensed architect. Christian has been very involved in campus programs such as the Freshman Leaders on Campus, serving as a resident hall president and a resident hall advisor for several years. He was also the recipient of the Outstanding Freshman Scholarship at UT Arlington. We congratulate Christian and look forward to seeing him at future meetings, events, and activities.This year’s total scholarship amount included a $5,000 scholarship grant from The American Institute of Architects.