Kelli-Rae Ashley makes history as first UTech architecture graduate to win top US student award

In an extraordinary moment for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, Kelli-Rae Ashley, a trailblazing graduate of the University of Technology (UTech), has become the first Jamaican student from UTech’s School of Architecture to receive the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Florida Bronze Medal Award, the most prestigious student recognition from the Florida chapter.

The award is presented to the most outstanding architecture graduate across Florida’s top programmes, recognising academic excellence, leadership, and innovation. Ashley earned this distinction upon completing her master of architecture at Florida International University (FIU) this year, ranking in the top 10 per cent of her class and making history as a Jamaican woman in a field still largely underrepresented by Caribbean voices.

“This moment represents something much bigger than me,” Ashley reflected. “It’s a win for every young Jamaican creative who dares to believe that excellence is not limited by geography.”

Only female finalist in Parliament building Design Competition

Ashley’s reputation for innovation was already well established before her master’s degree. As the youngest and only female finalist in Jamaica’s highly competitive Houses of Parliament Design Competition in Jamaica, she stood out for her visionary design and technical prowess.

To refine her submission, Ashley travelled to Paris, France, during her final year at UTech to collaborate with a senior architect, an opportunity that significantly sharpened her approach and deepened her global design perspective. Her team’s design ultimately placed in the top five in the national competition, setting a precedent for young, female-led architectural excellence in Jamaica.

A résumé of brilliance

Ashley has continually broken barriers and amassed accolades throughout her academic and professional journey. She graduated top of her class at UTech in both her second and third years, and has received numerous awards including:

· AIA Florida Bronze Medal Award, 2025

· Master’s Project Award, FIU, 2025

· Award of Commendation for Academic Excellence, FIU

· TSD Bronze Medal – Second Commendation, 2025

· Low-Income Housing Design Competition – 2nd place (Two-Bedroom Category), 2021

· Best Academic Performance – UTech Year 2 & 3

· Regional First Place – CAPE art & design, 2015

Professionally, Ashley has worked with leading Jamaican firms such as Plexus Architects Ltd, leading design teams and managing multimillion-dollar residential and commercial projects. Her skillset includes building information modelling, luxury design, architectural visualisation, and digital presentation, making her one of the most versatile and forward-thinking architectural talents to emerge from the region.

Advocate, leader, inspiration

Ashley’s contributions go beyond technical mastery. She is a committed mentor and speaker, having presented on youth development and housing at the Mandeville Youth Service Club and the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation’s Awards Ceremony, where she spoke on behalf of national awardees.

“Architecture isn’t just about structures,” Ashley shared. “It’s about building spaces that reflect who we are and where we’re going. I want to contribute to a Caribbean architectural identity that is sustainable, inclusive, and globally respected.”