Architect Marion Clendenen-Acosta, AIA, NOMA, EDAC, LEED BD+C has been selected to receive the prestigious 2023 Golden Award from AIA Wisconsin, the state society of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

The Golden Award is the highest honor the professional organization can bestow upon a member architect. The award distinguishes dedicated leaders in architecture and celebrates contributions to the advancement of the profession.

Born on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Marion Clendenen-Acosta’s life journey is an interwoven tapestry of culture, community, creativity, and career. Within her Bobo Shanti Rastafari culture, the daily creed advocates, “…let the humble be fed, naked clothed, sick nourished, aged protected, infants cared for”. Clendenen-Acosta’s personal and professional accomplishments as well as her volunteerism are driven by these principles.

Marion Clendenen-Acosta, AIA, NOMA, is a Project Leader and Associate Principal at Kahler Slater. Throughout her 30-year career, Marion has worked on Corporate, Hospitality, Higher Education, and now primarily Healthcare, Women’s Health, and Senior Living projects, serving clients in Wisconsin, Virginia, Maryland and Canada. She is the first licensed Black female architect in the state of Wisconsin, and a service-oriented leader who uses her position to inspire current and future architecture professionals.

Clendenen-Acosta’s passion for architecture began at St. Croix’s Central High School, driven by her interest of the history of the Mayan temples, Egyptian pyramids, and the rich cultural heritage of her birthplace. At 16, she began her college career at Carroll University, transferring to complete her Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Upon graduation, she worked at Connolly Architects for two years before beginning her tenure at Kahler Slater.

For over 20 years, Clendenen-Acosta has actively mentored K-12, college students, young professionals and industry peers through one-on-ones, guest lectures and presentations, workshops, and career and leadership development advocacy. She was instrumental in championing Wisconsin’s first NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects) chapter; founded in 2019.  She served as president of Wisco NOMA in 2020 and 2021.  Her leadership guided the organization through the pandemic and launched the Wisconsin DEI Challenge in collaboration with AIA Wisconsin. This effort provides Wisconsin architecture firms with resources and accountability in supporting a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. Her work has directly encouraged deepening relationships between various design entities in Wisconsin, including NOMA, NOMAS, AIA WI Architecture in Schools, Women in Design, UW-Milwaukee SARUP and AIA Wisconsin. Clendenen-Acosta’s recent community volunteerism also includes City of Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commissioner (2013-2020), EABIC Women Freedom Liberation League – treasurer Milwaukee office (2014 – present), City of Milwaukee Love Your Block (2020), Executive Women International Philanthropy Director (2020-2021), and Defining Humanity board member (2023-present).

In addition to architecture, Clendenen-Acosta exercises her artistic expression through her love of textiles, costume design and fabrication. Marion worked for many years outfitting performers at City Ballet Theatre, UW-Milwaukee Dance Dept, Ko-thi African Dance Company, Milwaukee Ballet, Danceworks and Theatre Gigante. She reflects on her life’s work, sharing:

“As I step back and look at the communal tapestry that is my life, I recognize that the threads of experiences and connections have interwoven to give beautiful shape to the legacy that I’m a part of. I see these experiences as building blocks in preparation for the next evolution because there is more to be done, as my part of the tapestry is not yet finished. The work is ongoing. As the Wisconsin DEI Challenge continues to evolve, I look forward to continuing to make an impact on the profession, while doing my part to uplift our community and pave a smoother way for future generations.” – Marion Clendenen-Acosta, AIA, NOMA

The Golden Award committee voted unanimously to honor Clendenen-Acosta with the 2023 Golden Award stating, “After reviewing the excellent nomination information highlighting Marion’s many accomplishments and telling her story, the committee believed the choice was clear. We found Marion to be an excellent choice for AIA Wisconsin’s highest award for service to the profession and organization upholding the true spirit of promotion of diversity and growth of architects and architecture.”  

Clendenen-Acosta will be honored at the 2023 Design Awards Gala hosted by AIA Wisconsin on Friday, September 15, 2023, at Milwaukee’s Mitchell Park Domes. The event is open to the public and tickets are on sale now.

With over 1,600 members, AIA Wisconsin represents architects in private practice, business, industry, government, and education. Founded in 1911, it is the state society of the American Institute of Architects. The first Golden Award was conferred by the Wisconsin Society of Architects in 1986.