Midlands Technical College Students Receive National Architectural Design Award

(L-R) Midlands Technical College students Aron Smith, Javion Latimer, and Stanley Shannon are pictured with Ronnette Riley, FARA President of National Board of Directors, at the SARA National Design Awards 2025.

Three students from the Architectural Engineering Technology program at Midlands Technical College (MTC) were the only two-year college students to receive a 2025 National Student Design Award from the Society of American Registered Architects (SARA). The students were also the sole winners of a national $2,000 grant from the Coalition of Community College Architecture Programs (CCCAP), given in partnership with SARA.

The students, Stanley “Wise” Shannon, Aron Smith, and Javion Latimer, accepted their awards in person at a ceremony in Washington, DC, this November.

MTC’s students were one of only six groups to receive Honor Awards from SARA, with five other groups receiving Merit Awards. The awards were open to graduate, four-year, and two-year colleges and judged individually on merit.

The students’ conceptual project, titled “The Oasis,” represents their vision for tackling food-desert issues in Orangeburg, SC. Their design includes a wellness park, grocery space, greenhouse, amphitheater, and memorial fountain.

This project highlights MTC’s commitment to hands-on learning and real-world applications, giving students the opportunity to apply architectural engineering skills in meaningful ways. Upon getting notice of their award, two of the award recipients were hired for part-time positions by architect Kwayera Franklin, principal of KLF Designs PLLC, providing them with further support in their journey.

Cierra Davies, the students’ professor and sponsor, said, “This remarkable trio of achievers truly surpassed expectations in their competition. They conducted on-site visits, performed interviews, and established a relationship with the Orangeburg County Historical Society, broadening their efforts beyond the classroom while actively engaging the community in their design project.”

Fabiyan Pembelski, National Executive Director of the Society of American Registered Architects, added, “Chosen for Honor through a blind review across community college, undergraduate, and graduate submissions, this project stood out for the strength and clarity of the students’ work. I also want to recognize Midlands Technical College in South Carolina, whose students continue to demonstrate excellence and leadership ... proof that there are many valid and valuable paths into the profession. Their achievements speak directly to the mission of Architect Helping Architect, supporting and elevating emerging professionals.”

In the News:

• View and read a previous story on WLTX.
• Read more in a previous Times and Democrat report.
• Read a previous MTC news article.