The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is honoring Kelly Hayes McAlonie, FAIA, AUA, LEED AP, a visionary leader in public architecture, with the 2025 AIA Award for Excellence in Public Architecture. The award recognizes architects, public officials, or other individuals who design distinguished public facilities and advocate for design excellence in public spaces.

As Director of Campus Planning at the University at Buffalo (UB), McAlonie oversees more than 12 million square feet across three campuses. McAlonie has transformed one of the State University of New York's flagship institutions into a student-centered, forward-looking environment.

McAlonie’s commitment to learning spaces began in graduate school, where she studied architecture for children. That passion led her to design more than 100 play environments early in her career. In 2000, she founded the Architecture + Education program, a groundbreaking initiative that connects AIA members, university students, and public school teachers to teach design in the classroom. Now in its third decade, the award-winning program has reached more than 5,000 students across Buffalo.

McAlonie was inspired discovering the little-known legacy of Louise Blanchard Bethune—the first professional woman architect in the U.S.—she devoted over 20 years to researching Bethune’s life, culminating in the 2023 publication of Louise Blanchard Bethune: Every Woman Her Own Architect. In 2011, McAlonie collaborated with historian Despina Stratigakos and Mattel to create the Barbie I Can Be…Architect doll, which introduced young girls to architecture as a career path.

McAlonie’s advocacy has extended to the public realm through her leadership of the Trailblazing Women of Western New York monument project. In a city where only 2 percent of monuments honor women, she helped bring to life three bronze statues of historic women leaders—Bethune, civil rights activist Mary Talbert, and Seneca educator Geraldine Sid-Tah Green—installed in front of Buffalo’s Old Erie County Hall in 2024.

Through every project and platform, McAlonie exemplifies the architect as advocate, educator, and changemaker. Her legacy is one of inspiration—bridging communities, advancing justice, and setting new standards for design in the public realm.

Learn more about McAlonie’s selection as recipient of the 2025 AIA Award for Excellence in Public Architecture.