PRO-BONO MISSION

Pro-bono Mission

BAF encourages the Western New York design community to dedicate one percent or more of their working hours to Pro Bono Service in the public interest without expectation of a fee or with a significant reduction in fees.  BAF proudly sponsors the Pro Bono Publico Award in recognition of exemplary pro bono services provided to not-for-profit clients by architects or allied practitioners, hosts community oriented Design Competitions whose rewards are greater than the investment made, and plan events that bring design professionals and community group leaders together through an inviting and productive environment to match design needs with design services.

Pro Bono Publico Awards Program

Buffalo Architecture Foundation is the proud sponsor of the Pro Bono Publico Award in recognition of exemplary pro bono services provided to not-for-profit clients by architects or allied practitioners in construction, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture and planning. This award is presented at the annual AIA Buffalo/Western New York Service Awards and Design Awards events and honors achievements in Design Excellence and Distinguished Service.

Why we do Pro-bono?

Pro bono work reminds us that architecture is about more than buildings.  it’s about people, community, and impact. Through the Buffalo Architecture Foundation’s Pro Bono Publico Awards, we celebrate the individuals and firms who generously donate their time, talent, and expertise to causes that may not otherwise have access to design services. This work strengthens neighborhoods, inspires future generations, and demonstrates how design can be a powerful tool for equity, education, and positive change in our community.

Ronald McDonald House Renovations by Kideney

Past Winners of the Pro Bono Publico Award

Design Excellence 2025: Project Horizon by Cannon Design

Design Excellence 2025: Project Horizon by Cannon Design

Distinguished Service 2025: Build Promise’s Amy’s Place of Hope by Scheid Architectural

Distinguished Service 2025: Build Promise’s Amy’s Place of Hope by Scheid Architectural

Design Excellence 2023: Jefferson Gateway Village by CPL

Design Excellence 2023: Jefferson Gateway Village by CPL

Why we do Probono?

  • "Through pro bono commitment, cross-sector collaboration, and design excellence, Project Horizon demonstrates how architecture can move swiftly from vision to action—delivering care, restoring dignity, and supporting recovery amid profound crisis."

    — Cannon Design | Recipient of the 2025  Pro Bono Publico Award in Design Excellence, Project Horizon

  • "Actively engaging and assisting in the renaissances of the communities we work in is fundamental to the culture of Carmina Wood Morris, specifically our hometown where our entire staff works and lives. When opportunities arise to work for a great client amongst a respected team on a community enriching project, how do you say no? Add in project alignment with firm skill sets and inherent staff passion, such as preservation of historic Buffalo landmarks, like the Buffalo History Museum. It was truly an honor to be involved and play an instrumental Pro-Bono role, guaranteeing that every dollar raised was used to repair and restore this landmark and only remaining building from the Pan-American Exposition of 1901.”

    — Carmina Wood Design  |  Recipient of the 2022 Pro Bono Publico Award in Design Excellence, Buffalo History Museum Penfold Portico:

  • “I think its important for creatives to accept and even seek out pro bono work. Pro bono projects tend to bring together people with true passion and energy, and reconnect us with the enthusiasm that brought us to our respective fields.”

    — Michael Gelen, Inkwell Studios  |  Recipient of the 2014 Pro Bono Publico Award in Design Excellence with Brian McAlonie, Thinking Outside the Square:

Entry Procedures for Award Nominations

Eligibility

  1. Pro Bono Services must be performed by Architects or allied practitioners in the industry of construction, engineering, interior design, landscape, architecture, and/or urban planning.

  2. Individuals, groups or firms may be nominated.

  3. Past award recipients are eligible to win the award again, but for a different project than previously awarded.

Project Criteria

  1. The project client must be a not-for-profit organization or non-profit organization, or a person or team of people who have executed

    work for the benefit of the community and/or environment without compensation.

  2. Projects must be recent, having occurred within the last five (5) years.

  3. One or more of the following must be located in Western New York: the professional, the client, the project.

Nominations

  1. Nominations are due in accordance with the AIA Buffalo/WNY Service Awards submission deadline for the for the year of

    nomination.

  2. Nominations may be made by one or more of the following:

    • The professional (Individual, Group or Firm) who performed the

    Pro Bono Services

    • A colleague of the professional (Individual, Group or Firm) who performed the

    Pro Bono Services.

    • The not-for-profit project client.

    • A local chapter of a related professional organization, such as, but not limited to: American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), American Planning Association (APA), American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), International Interior Design Association (IIDA), and National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE).

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