Scholarship supports promising and accomplished students advance their architectural education
(Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Sacramento, CA.) The California Architectural Foundation (CAF) and American Institute of Architects California are honored to announce the recipients of Chester and Diana Widom Architectural Education Scholarships (Widom Scholarship).
Seven community college students transferring to four-year institutions have been awarded–each student receiving up to $5000 to help offset the costs of higher education in architecture and design. A total of $29,000 in awards were allocated this year.
Commenting on the quality of students receiving the scholarships and the fund’s intent, Chester “Chet” Widom, FAIA, noted the high level of talent amongst applicants and recipients. “The goal is to help students move forward; it isn’t about competition, but rather extending funds to students which moves them and architecture forward.” Widom, who founded the fund in his and his wife’s name, was the California State Architect 2012 – 2018 and Founding Principal, WWCOT.
2026 Chester and Diana Widom Architectural Education Scholarship Recipients:
Jury Comments
Ava Ellis holds relevant industry internship experience, participation with architecture student groups as well as local AIA chapter, and an established academic path forward to an accredited program in the fall. She demonstrates proficiency in graphics, design, and space-planning through her portfolio. Showcasing works from a variety of scale, she has a solid grasp of design on all fronts, making her a very promising architecture student at Cal Poly SLO.
Essay Excerpt
As I continue my academic journey at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I am looking forward to embracing the university’s “learn by doing” philosophy, and broadening my design skills as an architecture student. My journey thus far has been driven by my curiosity for architecture around me, and my desire to make an impact in my community throughout my profession. In my future, I hope to become a licensed architect in California, and contribute to sustainable, adaptive reuse projects that strengthen and uplift communities.
Jury Comments
Still at a very early stage of her career, Aye Chan San has accumulated a working experience in architecture, engineering, fabrication, and education. In addition, her involvement with student clubs is commendable. Her design work—though relatively short—shows good graphical layout and properly documents her involvement on group projects. Finally, she has a passion for teaching younger students.
Essay Excerpt
I am driven by the idea that a well-designed environment can uplift individuals and strengthen communities. I felt this connection during my final studio project. I worked on an affordable housing project in Oakland. I focused on creating a shared environment for students and older adults, researching how intergenerational housing can reduce social isolation while meeting both groups’ needs.
Jury Comments:
Daniel Gutierrez’s outstanding portfolio demonstrates conceptual range, digital fluency, a strong design sensibility, precision and care in the work, and a creative approach to design problems. In addition, the jury commends him for his motivation: he independently pursued rendering training and sustainability case study.
Essay Excerpt
I have taken on leadership roles by mentoring peers in digital modeling, physical model-making, and conceptual development. Additionally, volunteering has shaped my outlook on the world and given me a lens to understand different needs, limitations, and perspectives. By committing my time and skills to helping others, I was fortunate enough to help others while gaining experiences that have strengthened my work ethic and inspired me to always serve people and communities.
Jury Comments
Despite a diverse professional background—her pursuit of architecture came after being a pilot, a significant pivot—Rebecca Hise has shown commitment in Architecture, participating in extracurricular competitions such as the Design Village and being the President of the Ventura College Architecture Club. Rebecca’s understanding of space making on multiple scales, along with beautiful narratives, complements well to her character and passion for the profession.
Essay Excerpt
I had never enjoyed schoolwork until I decided to pursue architecture. I had never felt proud presenting in class or felt accomplished spending hours, staying up late completing projects. I love the community of this field. Students are passionate, willing to have late night studio sessions, learn computer programs, and work hours with the smell of Sharpies in the air. Designing isn’t just for a grade; it’s something within us. Architecture is difficult, rewarding, bold, and authentic.
Jury Comments
Growing up seeing the ” Corazón del Valle,” Daniela Dorantes found the true meaning of architecture, directing her career focus to be on sustainability, low-income housing, and under re-sourced communities. She is involved in the green homes cohort, alongside being a youth leader for a learning center.
Essay Excerpt
Growing up, I lived in underprivileged neighborhoods and my mother, wanting a better education for me, had me attend schools that were in predominantly white areas that had access to more resources and opportunities. This meant I needed to wake up earlier to commute to and from school on the bus. During these commutes I would observe the change in environments, going from under-resourced environments to cleaner, more modern residential areas… Those early experiences quietly shaped my awareness of inequity in the built environment, even before I had the language to describe it.
Jury Comments
Jocelyn Cortez demonstrates a strong work ethic, showcasing both her design maturity and her software skills in the portfolio. Recognizing the perceived assumptions of the industry, she challenged that notion and leaned in towards studying Architecture at a young age. Jocelyn’s involvement in CalWORKS, outside of academics, also shows her dedication to extending beyond studio. Her commitment to pursuing a 5-year accredited program shows promise and dedication to her love for architecture.
Essay Excerpt
It never occurred to me as a little girl that a female could be an architect, all I knew was that men dominated the field from the media I had consumed, for example the character Sam Baldwin from the movie “Sleepless in Seattle” and Mike Brady from the TV series “The Brady Bunch.” […]
It all took a turn when I was given an assignment in high school to do a presentation on a career. I was curious and chose architecture. […] My father is friends with an architect, and I decided to interview them, but my perception of architecture completely changed upon finding out that this architect was an Asian American woman. I was so amazed and inspired, as an Asian American myself […] After this high school project, I was so set on studying architecture, I wanted to break the stereotype like she did, defeating the image that architecture is a male dominated profession.
Jury Comments: Shaped by determination, Ornella Dubuche is an up-and-coming architecture student that showed her expertise in 3D printing, fabrication, and creative visuals in her portfolio. Outside of studio, the Jury recognizes her involved with organizations such as NOMAS which strengthens her connections with peers and the industry outside of school.
Essay Excerpt
I’ve always been intrigued by environments that allow people to interact with a space not only physically, but also emotionally, creating a deeper and more meaningful connection to the environment. Through this idea, I focus my designs on creating an emotional and sensory experience, encouraging users to truly feel and engage with the space rather than simply moving through it without intention or imagination. […] Taking on leadership roles and engaging with others has shown me the impact architecture can have not just on spaces, but on people. My pursuit in architecture has not only inspired me to dedicate myself to a career that blends creativity and leadership, but also foster inclusivity and meaningful experiences for everyone.
About The California Architectural Foundation
The California Architectural Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting excellence in architecture through scholarships, grants, and educational programs—bridging the gap between the academic and professional worlds. CAF exists to provide a mechanism for members of the AIA and the general public to contribute to an organization with a great benefit to society.
