The Paul E. Buchanan Award was instituted by VAF in 1993 to recognize contributions to the study and preservation of vernacular architecture and the cultural landscape that do not take the form of books or published work. Hundreds of studies, reports, documentation projects, restoration plans, National Register nominations, exhibits, video/digital media productions and public programs are completed each year without the benefit of distribution or recognition beyond the limited audience for which they were commissioned. Nonetheless, many of these efforts can serve to inform and inspire us all.
The award was named for Paul E. Buchanan, who served for over thirty years as the Director of Architectural Research at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Buchanan set the standard for architectural fieldwork in America and inspired many VAF members in the rewards of fieldwork. This award honors the valuable work that most of our members and professional associates perform.
Call for 2025 Buchanan Award Nominations
The Vernacular Architecture Forum seeks nominations for the 2025 Paul E. Buchanan Award. This award will be presented at the annual conference in Delaware in 2025.The application deadline for 2025 VAF Buchanan Award is
extended to December 1, 2024.
The awardee will receive a full complimentary registration including tours and the banquet for the VAF conference and a certificate of excellence.
Exceptional projects that set new standards or model innovative practices, completed in the last two years, are eligible for consideration and may include, but are not limited to:
Nomination materials must include the following:
Submit nomination materials electronically in pdf format to buchananaward@vafweb.org.
Please contact the committee about other formats or large files so we may make alternate arrangements.