In 2017, the Association of Ethiopian Architects (AEA) awarded RAAS Architects the Best Architecture Piece Award for their collaborative work with MMA Design Studio on the South African chancery in Ethiopia. The award recognized the architects’ exceptional efforts in designing a structure that serves as a symbol of the strong relationship between the two nations. RAAS Architects and MMA Design Studio successfully fused the cultural heritage of Ethiopia and South Africa to create a distinctive appearance that draws inspiration from Ethiopia’s monolithic mountain churches. The architects’ intentional use of pink granite and Zimbabwean granite, indigenous to the region, showcases the building’s connection to the surrounding area and demonstrates a reflection of modern design.
The AEA, which was founded in 1991, is a professional organization for architects and architecture students in Ethiopia. It aims to promote the development of architecture and the built environment in the country and advance the professional interests of its members. To achieve that, the AEA provides a platform where architects and other professionals in the industry can exchange ideas and knowledge, as well as collaborate on projects that contribute to the development of Ethiopia’s built environment. The association also organizes events, workshops, and seminars to promote continuing education and professional development among its members.