Discover the Art of Architectural Illustration: Past, Present, and Future with ASAI 

Have you ever wondered how architectural designs come to life before they're even built? Architectural illustration is the answer. It's an art form that blends technical skill with creative vision, and the American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI) is at the forefront of celebrating and advancing this unique discipline. Let's explore what ASAI is all about and how you can get involved.

What is ASAI?

The American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI) is more than just an American organization. Founded in 1986, it's an international community of artists, architects, and designers from around the globe who share a passion for architectural illustration.

Despite its name, ASAI's reach extends far beyond the United States. Participants hail from many countries, creating a diverse and vibrant network. If you're interested in joining this global community, check out the ASAI website for more information.

The Architecture in Perspective (AIP) Competition

Are you ready to showcase your talent? The Architecture in Perspective (AIP) competition is ASAI's annual event, and the deadline is fast approaching! Mark your calendars for May 1st (US & Canada Eastern Time). This competition is a fantastic opportunity for both professionals and students to gain recognition for their work.

Professional Category

The professional category is divided into two exciting sections: Rendering and Observational.

• Rendering: This section focuses on submissions of unbuilt architectural structures. This year's theme is Artificial Intelligence (AI). What does AI mean to you in the context of architecture? Do you see it as a tool, a muse, or something else entirely? The interpretation is completely open.
• Observational: This section is all about depicting existing architectural structures. Show off your skills in capturing the essence of the built environment.

The grand prize is the prestigious Hugh Ferris Memorial Prize, awarded to the best in show. Other awards include:

• Best formal rendering
• Best informal rendering
• Best observational (sketches)
• Thematic award (Artificial Intelligence)
• Juror awards
• Awards of excellence
• Members Choice Award

Last year's Hugh Ferris Memorial Prize winner was Kenta Miaawa, who works at Nikken. His winning illustration cleverly combined AI and Photoshop. Previous thematic award winner Dennis Elaine also produced super interesting work.

Student Category

Calling all students! The student category is open to any full-time registered student and it's free to enter. Like the professional category, it includes formal and informal categories. You can submit renderings of built, unbuilt, and even imaginary works.

Awards in the student category include:

• Henry Sorenson Student Award (most outstanding student architecture illustration)
• Juror awards
• Student awards of distinction

Winning an award or having your work selected for the exhibition and catalog can significantly boost your resume and open doors to future opportunities.

The Jurors

The AIP competition boasts an impressive panel of jurors, bringing a wealth of experience and perspectives to the judging process.

Professional Category Jurors:

• Bill Butler (Py Clark and Partners): Known for iconic projects like the Petronas Towers, the Tokyo American Club, and the Marinoi Shinmarochi Building.
• Narendra Sagu (Foster and Partners): Head of Communications and Senior Partner, and the youngest person to ever become a partner at the firm.
• Sean Sensor (Softy Architects): Softy Architects designed the famous Sands Hotel in Singapore.

Student Competition Jurors:

• Hera Kim: An AI artist and creative director based in Seoul, South Korea.
• Tomayuki Tanaka: An architect, architectural illustrator, and professor at Waseda University.
• Jane Greley: An architectural illustrator and past president of ASAI, located in Brisbane, Australia.

ASAI in Asia: The Tokyo Conference

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the ASAI conference in Tokyo, taking place October 1st - 3rd! This year's conference promises to be a deep dive into the world of architectural illustration, with a special focus on the fusion of tradition and innovation.

The conference will also include tours of local destinations like:

• Kyomizu Temple in Kyoto
• Hokkaido
• Naru King

Keynote Speaker

The keynote speaker is none other than Kazuyo Sejima of SANAA, a Pritzker Prize winner and the 2025 RIBA Gold Medal recipient. SANAA's designs include the Hokai Museum in Tokyo and Grace Farms in New Canaan, Connecticut.

Conference Speakers and Workshops

The Tokyo conference boasts an impressive lineup of speakers and workshops.

• Arturo Tedeschi: An architect and computational designer from Milan, Italy, Arturo uses AI and Grasshopper in his work. Check out his website to explore his innovative designs.
• Tomayuki Tanaka: His aerial drawings, particularly those of stations like Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, offer a unique perspective on urban spaces. You can see more of his work here.
• Sylvia Tosichi (Squint Opera): Squint Opera is known for high-quality architectural illustration and creative direction. Explore their impressive portfolio on their website.
• Kenta Makawa: Last year's Hugh Ferris Memorial Prize winner will share insights into his award-winning techniques. Follow him on Instagram @kenta.grateful.
• George Hull: Known for his work on futuristic movies like Cloud Atlas, Speed Racer, Blade Runner 2049, and Dune. George will lead a workshop sharing his tips and tricks for Photoshop.
• Hera Kim: Explore the world of AI-generated art with Hera Kim, an AI artist and creative director. Check out her work on her website.
• Dan Stein: An expert in architectural illustration, software, and AI modeling.
• Frank Constantino: Co-founder of ASAI, Frank will share his expertise in traditional architectural illustration. You can view his work on his website.

Conference Locations

The conference will be held in two unique locations:

• October 1st: Frank Lloyd Wright's Moichi Con (Tomorrow Building). The Sajima lecture will take place in the auditorium.
• Exhibition: Located across the street from the old schoolhouse. There will also be a painting demonstration by Kio Hagawa. You can find more about her on her website.
• October 2nd and 3rd: Takabashi Nikken office, near the Tokyo Imperial Palace.
• Awards Dinner: Izumi Garden Tower, offering amazing views of Tokyo.

After the conference, consider an optional trip to the World Expo in Osaka. Nikken played a key role in the design of the Japan pavilion and Japan gas pavilion, and also worked on the Australia pavilion.

The American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI) offers a unique platform for architects to connect, learn, and celebrate the art of architectural illustration. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a student just starting out, or simply someone with a passion for architecture, ASAI has something to offer. Don't miss the opportunity to participate in the AIP competition and join the ASAI conference in Tokyo! Visit the ASAI website to learn more and get involved.