With work loads drying up, and firms more often than not reducing in size, publicity might be the key to landing the ever elusive projects. Participating in the YAYA can certainly give an emerging architect not only recognition but also much needed publicity. The best part is that there is no cost to enter. That's right, FREE publicity. Past winners like Aaron Anderson, AIA, Lloyd Russel, AIA, and Matthew Ellis, AIA have benefited greatly from the publicity they have received as a direct result of winning the YAYA award. Multiple articles have been written in the San Diego Citybeat, 944 Magazine, The San Diego Union Tribune, AIA publications and also Architectural Record.

         Statistics from last year's AIA San Diego design awards show that other YAYA applicants were also big winners. Take for example Kevin deFreitas, who did not win the YAYA award, but went on to win two design awards and has had amazing publicity since. One might even argue that his wins in the design awards were influenced by fact that the jurors got to see his work first as they reviewed it during the deliberation for the Young Architect of the Year Award. We certainly agree.

          With the surplus of talented architects and the lack of projects, there is no better time to invest in publicity and recognition than right now. Time is in abundant supply, so use some of that time and prepare a quality entry for the YAYA and you are sure to benefit from it. The deadline for entries is April 13th, so start preparing now. The YAYA program is open to architects currently licensed in the state of California, who have been licensed for less than 10 years (including the duration of other state licenses). AIASD membership is a prerequisite.  Potentical candidates are encouraged to  download the attached forms. What are you waiting for?