SAH MDR

RESEARCH ACCELERATOR AWARD

The goal of the Research Accelerator Award (formerly the Elisabeth Walton Potter Award) is to further awareness and knowledge of the architectural heritage of the Pacific Northwest. The chapter will provide limited funds to members for focused projects that increase understanding of the region’s built environment and produce tangible results that can be made available for interested scholars and students.

Elisabeth Walton Potter founded this research grant in her perpetual (and selfless) effort to capture the history of the built environment. Changing the name has not changed the award's mission, but instead seeks to be more reflective of the content produced with the aid of this award, staying true to Elisabeth Walton Potter's ideals.

Please considering donating to this award.

APPLICATION

The award amount is $1000. Topics relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, and undertold stories are especially encouraged.

• Applications due – June 15, 2026

• Notification of award – August 1, 2026

Application review criteria include a realistic scope and timeline, as well as demonstration of a strong, original research question. To submit an application, please email the following items to: mariondeanross@gmail.com by June 15.

1. Research project proposal (maximum two pages), which includes:

• Project Name: A short descriptive title for the project.

• Description: Briefly describe the project, including the genesis, purpose, and need. Explain its contribution to the understanding of architecture in the Pacific Northwest. If site specific, describe the location.

• Product/Outcome: Describe specific anticipated results of the project including, if applicable, quantity, users, accessibility, educational benefits or other pertinent information. Include information about how SAH MDR Chapter support will be acknowledged.

• Time Frame: State anticipated beginning and end dates for the project.

• Amount Requested: Specify the amount of money being requested as well as the total amount to complete the project. If the total is greater than the award amount offered by SAH MDR, indicate how the remainder will be raised, so that the completion of the project is assured.

2. Current CV (maximum one page): highlighting relevant education and experience

(Click here to download a PDF one-pager about the Research Accelerator Award.)

PAST RECIPIENTS (sample)

• Grant Hildebrand, Paul Hayden Kirk and the Puget Sound School, 2022; and Dale Kutzera, Paul Hayden Kirk and the Rise of Northwest Modern 2022.

• Daniel Ronan, “Center Stage: The Barriers and Opportunities of Historic Theater Preservation in Washington State.” 2021

• Tim Wood, The WPA in Oregon. 2019.

• Christina Gray, “Client Relations: Arthur Erickson and the Musqueam First Nation”. 2015

• Robert Redder Franklin and J. Philip Gruen, SAH Archipedia for Washington State. 2014

• Anne Marshall, “Indigenous Architecture: Creating the Museum At Warm Springs”. 2013; Liz Carter, Mid-Nineteenth Century Dwellings of Oregon Black Pioneers: A Brief Historical Context. 2013

• Holly Taylor, Grange Halls in Washington State: Field Survey and Archival Research. 2012; Hussein Keshani, ”Doctrine and Design in Islamic Centers of the Pacific Northwest”. 2012; Tyler Sprague, “A Preservation Survey of Hyperbolic Paraboloids in the Pacific Northwest”. 2012; Kathryn Sears Ore, The Northwest School: Northwest Regional Style and the University of Oregon. 2012

WENDELL LOVETT FUND

MARION DEAN ROSS AWARD

The Wendell Lovett Fund provides for the participation of young scholars who might not otherwise attend the annual conference. Application for financial assistance is made to the Paper Session Coordinator upon submission of an abstract following the Call for Papers. The Paper Session Coordinator forwards the request to the Wendell Lovett Fund Coordinator, who selects the recipient(s) and determines the amount of the award. Watch for the Call for Papers for the next conference.

The award is named in honor of Marion Dean Ross, who was present at the founding of the chapter in San Francisco in 1954 and who served as its guiding spirit during his long tenure at the University of Oregon. It is awarded to a deserving member "for longstanding commitment to the Chapter's mission, outstanding support of recurring and singular activities, and exemplary dedication to the continued growth and improvement of the Chapter."

PAST RECIPIENTS

• Bernadette Niederer and David Pinyerd (2017)

• Grant Hildebrand (2009)

• Miriam Sutermeister (2009)

• Wallace K. Huntington (2009)

• Mirza Dickel (2009)

• Kenneth Guzowski (2007)

• Shirley Courtois (2007)

• Jeannette Reynolds (2007)

• Grant Hildebrand (2005)

• Elisabeth Walton Potter (2001)