Teeny Simmons Award Programs
Architecture Education and Research Fund Program
In 2016, the Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners received statutory authority to allocate up to ten percent of all license renewal and delinquent fees each fiscal year to fund a program that would better prepare students for internships and future careers as architects by making awards to NAAB-accredited architecture programs in Louisiana.
The Louisiana Architecture Education and Research Fund is intended to be used by these programs to increase the understanding of issues central to an architect’s responsibility for the public’s health, safety, and welfare and issues central to practice. Examples of how the funds may be used include integration of practice and education into the professional NAAB degree curriculum; implementation of an integrated path-to-licensure program resulting in an architectural license at the time of graduation from a NAAB-accredited professional degree program; facilitation of enrollment and completion of training requirements for the Architectural Experience Program (AXP); and assisting students and interns in preparation for taking the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE).
History:
Rules surrounding the program’s implementation were adopted in February 2018, and the program was launched shortly after that. Three of the four NAAB-accredited programs submitted proposals that the board approved. Awards were granted to Louisiana State University, the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, and Louisiana Tech University for programs launched in the 2019-2020 academic year. Despite setbacks and delays due to the pandemic, all three universities completed their programs associated with the inaugural round of awards.
Awards granted through the fund are called the “Teeny Simmons’ Award.” Simmons guided emerging professionals and architects through the ever-evolving registration process for 41 years, retiring in November 2016. She was honored with a prestigious commendation by the Louisiana House of Representatives in June 2016 for her selfless and outstanding service to the architects in Louisiana and around the country. Teeny prided herself in supporting the board’s mission to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare to ensure that those practicing architecture in Louisiana are doing so safely and sustainably. She was known for her trademark warmth and genuine interest in the well-being of others. Shortly after her retirement, Teeny lost a valiant battle with cancer in December 2016.
The board is excited to continue supporting this program, identifying another way to support the development of future architects and honoring the memory of one who served the profession with passion and humility for so long.
Louisiana Tech University’s 2019 Program