Judging for the 25th annual Residential Architecture Design Awards (RADA) is now underway, with winners set to be announced in early February.
Entries are being evaluated by a distinguished jury of architects Rene Gonzalez, Ashley Heeren, and Roselie Enriquez Ledda.
Rene Gonzalez
Rene Gonzalez, principal and founder of Rene Gonzalez Architects (RGA) in Miami, believes that architecture should be a sensory experience. His work is based on the idea that buildings and spaces have a profound impact and should be designed to leave lasting, memorable impressions. Tactile, experiential, and holistic, the work also demonstrates a belief in the inseparable connection between nature and architecture. RGA has been honored and recognized with many distinguished awards, and his firm’s Prairie House, whose sustainable design specifically addressed the immediate concern of sea level rise in Miami, was featured in the NETFLIX/BBC Mini-Series: The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes and the New York Times. Rene has taught and lectured at many universities and has sat on numerous boards, where he served with a profound commitment to his community. He donated his expertise as an exhibition designer to the RED Auction which raised over 10 million dollars, with matching funds from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to support the fight against AIDS. In partnership with Diller Scofidio + Renfro, RGA was short-listed to design the Pulse Memorial and Museum in Orlando which set out to create a safe and joyful space for their LGBTQ+ colleagues to return and honor those precious lives lost. RGA’s work has been featured in over 250 publications including the most recent bi-lingual monograph published in Mexico by Arquine: Rene Gonzalez Architects (No) la pequeña casa en la pradera / Not the Little House on the Prairie.
Ashley Heeren
Ashley Heeren is a principal of Austin, Texas–based Low Design Office, an integrated architecture and design studio that focuses on realizing more with less. Heeren’s professional expertise is rooted in public-spirted projects, with work ranging in scale across diverse typologies and ecosystems, always tied back to community wellness. With experience delivering complex high-performance projects in hospitality and other commercial sectors, she works to broaden conversations around justice and health—for both people and planet. Heeren also ardently promotes education and mentorship, and her exceptional strengths have been recognized most recently with an AIA Austin Honor Award and as an Austin Under 40 Finalist.
Roselie Enriquez Ledda
Roselie Enriquez Ledda has 20 years of experience in architecture and has spent 17 of those with Paulett Taggart Architects in San Francisco. Inspired by how architecture can have a powerful impact on an individual and society, Ledda is proud of her role in the firm’s extensive portfolio on community-serving projects. These include several award-winning affordable housing developments throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, whose honors include ARCHITECT magazine’s Residential Architect Design Awards (RADA). While she continues to manage projects, Ledda is also an integral part of firm management. Bringing a team-oriented approach to leadership, she focuses on staff mentorship and professional development.
Together, these distinguished judges will evaluate the best in residential design. Winners will be announced in February 2025.
Read here about the winners of the 2023 RADA winners.
