2026 AIAS Undergrad Student Award Recipient
Sarah Cushman, AIAS, is a fourth-year student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Architecture, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Design in Architecture with a minor in Landscape Architecture. Throughout her time at UNL, she has distinguished herself through academic achievement, leadership, mentorship, and service to the College of Architecture community. She has been named to the College’s Dean’s List, received the George Beadle Scholarship for high academic performance, and was a finalist in the 2025 BWBR Project Competition for her multifamily housing project, The Cluster Collective. She also serves as a College of Architecture Ambassador, Peer Mentor, and Treasurer of the Tau Sigma Delta Architectural Honor Society.
Sarah has demonstrated exceptional leadership through the UNL chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students. Beginning as a Second-Year Representative, she went on to serve as Vice President and Treasurer before being elected President for the 2026-27 academic year. During her leadership, Sarah helped significantly increase underclassmen involvement, strengthen fundraising, and expand opportunities for students to attend regional and national conferences. Through these efforts, UNL AIAS helped send 32 students to three AIAS conferences, providing students with opportunities to engage with new design perspectives, professionals, and the broader architectural community. Her commitment to mentorship and creating opportunities for her peers has become a defining part of her leadership.
Beyond AIAS, Sarah continues to contribute to the College of Architecture through peer mentorship, student recruitment, and community-building. As a Peer Mentor, she supports first-year students as they navigate their transition to college and architecture school, while as a College Ambassador she welcomes prospective students and families and shares her experience within the College. Her design work reflects the same care and commitment she brings to her leadership, with an emphasis on sustainability, creativity, and the communities architecture serves. As her nominator, Audrey Cherek, noted, “Sarah Cushman is a highly compassionate and exceedingly driven student, emerging professional, and advocate, and consistently uplifts her peers and their goals.” Her leadership, service, and commitment to her peers have made her a valued member of the College of Architecture community and a deserving recipient of the AIAS Student Award.
2026 AIAS Grad Student Award Recipient
Joshua Holstein, Associate AIA, earned his Master of Architecture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Architecture in May 2026. He previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Design in Interior Design, with a minor in Architectural Studies, graduating with distinction. His education across architecture and interiors has shaped a design perspective grounded in human experience and interdisciplinary thinking. As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, Josh supported courses in architecture, interior design, drawing, and architectural history and theory.
Josh demonstrated leadership through his involvement with the UNL chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students, serving as a graduate representative and later as Mentorship Director. During his tenure, he increased student engagement and developed a mentorship guide that continues to support new and returning mentors. The guide established expectations and provided resources including group-building activities, monthly discussion prompts, and grade-level-specific topics. His commitment to mentorship has strengthened connections between students and professionals and contributed to a more consistent student experience.
Josh gained professional experience through internships with Corgan, Altus Architectural Studios, LEO A DALY, and Slaggie Architects, contributing to healthcare, workplace, hospitality, and large-scale technical projects. His experience as a trumpet player and Big Ten Flags Captain in the Cornhusker Marching Band also informs his interest in performing arts and the relationship between people and place.
Josh is now an Architectural Designer at HDR, where he is beginning his professional career and pursuing architectural licensure. He remains engaged with AIA Nebraska through the Emerging Professionals Committee.
AIAS Student Award Recipients
2026 Sarah Cushman, AIAS(Undergraduate) and Joshua Holstein, Assoc. AIA(Graduate)
2025 Audrey Cherek, AIAS
2023 Elise Benson, AIAS
2020 Geneva Sinkula, AIAS(Undergraduate) and Quinn McFadden, AIAS(Graduate)