The World Architecture Festival (WAF), in partnership with The Architect’s Newspaper, has launched its inaugural 40 Under 40 North America initiative, celebrating forty exceptional architects under the age of 40 from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to WAF’s program director, Paul Finch, “This program is about recognizing and celebrating the individual skills and creativity of younger architects, whether working in offices or their own practices.” He added that being exhibited at WAF “will make a mark among international architects from around the globe and will enhance professional reputations and career prospects.”
The selected architects, each chosen by an international jury, represent a broad spectrum of practices, from independent studios to large corporate firms. Their work will be exhibited at WAF in Miami, Florida, from November 14 to 16 (2025).
Highlights from WAF’s 40 Under 40 North America Winners
A few notable names from the list include:
- Andrew Linn (BLDUS, United States): Identified early by the program for his emerging voice in architecture, his practice’s work has already been featured in AN’s coverage.
- Lindsey Wikstrom (Mattaforma, United States): Recognized for her thoughtful, context-driven design work, blending strong site- and community-based thinking.
- Laura Salazar (salazarsequeromedina, United States): Noted for her multidisciplinary approach and her role combining design, research, and activism.
- Jimmie Drummond (DRUMMOND PROJECTS, United States): The studio has recently drawn wider industry attention; his recognition highlights early-career momentum.
- Andrew Weigand (Gluckman Tang Architects, United States): As a principal at this established firm, his inclusion signals the program’s openness to younger architects in larger practices.
- Armida Fernandez (Estudio Ala / Armida Fernandez & Luis Enrique Flores, Mexico): Among the Mexico-based winners, her selection underscores the North America scope beyond the U.S. alone.
- Ben Wathen (TVS, United States): A younger architect within a larger practice, his recognition reflects the breadth of opportunity across firm sizes.
- Carolina Montilla (Gensler, United States): Selected from one of the largest architecture firms, this signals that even within big offices, younger voices are being spotlighted.
- Kfir Gluzberg (Kilogram Studio, Canada): A Canada-based winner, showing the tri-national reach (U.S., Canada, Mexico) of the program.
- Lilia Koleva (NEUF architect(e)s, Canada): Another Canadian winner, further emphasizing geographic diversity across North America.
The 40 Under 40 North America program invites architects aged 40 or younger as of June 30, 2025, from across the United States, Canada, and Mexico to showcase their talent and vision. Entrants were asked to submit two A2 presentation boards: one highlighting a completed project and another featuring a design concept or proposal. The 40 selected architects will have their work exhibited at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) in Miami, Florida, from November 14–16, 2025, as part of a dedicated showcase celebrating emerging talent. Their winning projects will also be featured in The Architect’s Newspaper and on the WAF website, providing international visibility and recognition within the global architecture community.
For full details and profiles of each of the 40 winners, visit the official WAF page.
Image Credit: World Architecture Festival (WAF)
