The Gold Medal is the AIAs highest annual honor. Since 1907, its been bestowed upon architects who demonstrate excellence in multifaceted ways, whether through practice, social good, or scholarship. This years recipient is Deborah Berke, founding principal of TenBerke (formerly Deborah Berke Partners) and the Yale School of Architectures (SoA) dean. Jurors recognized Berke for combining design excellence, academic leadership, and a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Berke was also commended for serving as Yale SoAs first female dean, and the strives shes taken toward making architecture education more equitable and accessible, efforts which earned her the AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallionthe highest honor for architectural education.Today, TenBerkes portfolio is chock full of education projects, further demonstrating Berkes commitment to pedagogical excellence. Recent additions include a forthcoming building constructed with mass timber for Smith College and buildings at Yale, to name but a few.The panel also pointed to Berkes efforts as an author, having edited important books like The Architecture of the Everyday in 1997. The advisory jury was chaired by Anne Hicks Harney of Long Green Specs, a New Jersey practice. It included Kjell M. Anderson, Ung-Joo Scott Lee, Amy Slattery, Megumi Tamanaha, Roderic Walton, Korey White, and Taryn Williams. Throughout her career, Berke has exemplified the power of architecture to transform lives and communities, AIA said in a statement. Her work, teaching, and advocacy collectively underscore a profound belief in design as a tool for social good, leaving an indelible mark on the field and inspiring a more inclusive and sustainable architectural future.Last years AIA Gold Medal winners were David Lake and Ted Flato of Lake|Flato, and Chicago architect Carol Ross Barney was 2023s awardee. In years past, Denise Scott Brown was given the honor, as were Marlon Blackwelland Angela Brooks and Lawrence Scarpa.