Team Update: Daniel Choi Recognized in AIA California’s 2026 Student Urban Design Awards and ArchDaily Global Longlist

N‑Gineers is pleased to share that Assistant Architectural Designer Daniel Junyoung Choi, a 2025 graduate of the Academy of Art University’s Architecture program, joined the firm at the beginning of 2026. His academic thesis project, Daylit Sausal Creek Socio‑Ecological Infrastructure, completed under the guidance of faculty member Diego Romero Evans, has received recognition in two student‑focused design programs.

AIA California 2026 Student Urban Design Merit Award:

Daniel received a Student Merit Award in the 2026 AIA California Student Urban Design Awards category. Within this student program, the Honor Award is the highest level of recognition, followed by the Merit Award. For 2026, the jury did not issue any Honor Awards and selected two Merit Award recipients, including Daniel. This places his recognition at the next level of distinction within the student award structure for that year.

His thesis project was also included on the ArchDaily Student Design Awards 2025 Global Longlist, which highlights a selection of student submissions from institutions around the world. Placement on the longlist indicates that the project met ArchDaily’s criteria for conceptual clarity and design intent.

Daniel’s academic recognition reflects the foundational skills and analytical approach he brings to his role at N‑Gineers. His background in ecological and urban‑systems research supports the firm’s ongoing work in resilient, community‑oriented, and technically grounded design. As he continues to grow professionally, his experience contributes to the interdisciplinary perspective that informs our project work.

To Learn More about Official AIA California announcement Visit Here