Application Procedure
Eligibility
The competition is open to graduates of the Illinois School of Architecture who are citizens of the United States. Graduates holding one or more of the following Illinois degrees are eligible to apply: the Bachelor of Architecture degree, the Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies degree, the Master of Science in Architectural Engineering degree, or the Master of Architecture. Graduates of the school may apply as often as they wish, but prior recipients of the Francis J. Plym Traveling Fellowship in Architecture are ineligible. Preference will be given to applicants whose portfolios represent up to two decades of professional development since graduation. An electronic portfolio must be submitted by only one individual. Joint submittals will not be accepted.
Selection
Selection will be based on evaluation of the scope and quality of professional development as presented in the portfolio, and on the proposed use of the fellowship funds, as expressed in the applicant’s narrative statement.
The school will also select a first alternate, who, if the nominee is unable to accept the stipulated conditions at the proper time as set forth in the Agreement of Acceptance of Conditions Governing the Use of a Plym Fellowship, may be recommended for appointment. The school reserves the right to withhold all recommendations.
The selection committee will consist of the Director of the School of Architecture as Chair, and distinguished members of the architecture profession and/or faculty noted for their professional and scholarly excellence.
Document Submission
- A narrative statement not to exceed 750 words, proposing how the award would be used (purpose, budget, travel, documentation methods, sites examined).
- An electronic portfolio that presents a detailed record of professional experience since graduation, specific work (buildings, designs, analyses, reports, drawings, photo-graphs, etc.) done on an architectural project or projects under the applicant’s own responsibility or for an employer, and any other material or evidence which will indicate professional competence, progress, or promise. Additional documentation (e.g., videos) will not be considered in the selection process.
- Written certification that all portions of the portfolio are the applicant’s own personal accomplishments, or, if done for an employer, the applicant must submit the employer’s statement in writing as to the exact relationship between the applicant and the work.
- A signed Agreement of Acceptance of the Conditions Governing the Use of a Plym Fellowship.
- Electronic portfolios for consideration by the Committee must be received by the Illinois School of Architecture no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, February 23, 2024. No extension of time will be allowed.
Inquiries and electronic portfolios should be sent to La Tanya Cobb. Portfolios must be submitted in pdf format, file size limited to 20MB.
The University of Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will recieve consideration for the fellowship without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. For more information see http://www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu.