Advise Future Architects in the 2025 John Stewardson Memorial Fellowship Competition

The Community Design Collaborative and AIA Philadelphia are seeking experienced professionals to volunteer as advisors during the mandatory charrette for the 2025 John Stewardson Memorial Fellowship in Architecture: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Competition. 

About the Competition 
As part of the ongoing initiative "Finding Philadelphia’s Missing Middle Housing," this year’s competition challenges emerging architects and professionals to explore innovative Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) designs that address the city's growing need for diverse and attainable housing options. The John Stewardson Memorial Fellowship in Architecture has long supported architectural excellence, and this year’s focus on ADUs is an opportunity to rethink how we use existing spaces to create more inclusive communities. 

For full competition details please visit: https://aiaphiladelphia.org/pages/finding-philadelphia-s-missing-middle

Your Role as a Volunteer Advisor 
During the charrette, participants will explore their ideas with expert guidance. We are seeking professionals with experience in the following areas:

Code & Zoning – Help competitors navigate regulations and compliance. 

Residential Design – Offer insights on designing functional and innovative ADUs. 

Sustainable Systems – Advise on integrating environmentally responsible solutions. 

The Charette will take place in 1218 Arch St. In Philadelphia on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 10:30 AM until 3:30 PM, it will be a hybrid event, so volunteers are needed for both in-person and online. Each volunteer will support at least 10 groups during an approximate time of ten minutes.  

We expect to have around 160 participants, so we are looking for between 12 and 15 volunteers from each expertise area (code & zoning, residential design and sustainable systems). 

Your expertise can help shape the next generation of architectural solutions for Philadelphia’s housing challenges. As an advisor in the charrette, you will help guide participants toward solutions that: 

Tackle Housing Affordability – Support the development of cost-effective and practical housing solutions that address the ongoing housing crisis in cities. 

Advance Equity – Promote accessible ADU designs that expand housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals, ensuring inclusive, well-designed living spaces. 

Champion Sustainability – Encourage environmentally responsible design strategies that reduce the carbon footprint of housing developments. 

Strengthen Communities – Help shape ADU solutions that seamlessly integrate into neighborhoods, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing housing-related stigma. 

Your expertise will be instrumental in shaping innovative, impactful solutions for Philadelphia’s housing future! 

Thank you for considering this opportunity to support the future of architecture and housing innovation!

If you’re interested in volunteering or would like more details, please fill out this Volunteer Form and send it to [email protected] by Friday, March 21st, 2025.