Texas Historical Foundation is proud to host the biennial Michael C. Duda Preservation Awards
The Texas Historical Foundation's Michael C. Duda Preservation Awards pay tribute to the legacy of architect and former THF board member Michael C. Duda by acknowledging outstanding contributions to architectural preservation efforts in Texas, providing monetary awards up to $100,000 for ongoing and significant architectural preservation projects.
Winning projects exemplify the vital role of architectural preservation in shaping Texas communities and the spirit of service that characterized Michael's life and legacy.
About the Awards
The Michael C. Duda Preservation Awards occur every two years, recognizing organizations for outstanding contributions to the preservation of historic Texas architecture with monetary prizes for use in an active preservation project.
Winners demonstrate a strong record of achievement in the preservation of historic architecture and have an ongoing preservation project that is notable both in terms of historical significance and benefit to the public. Both factors must be satisfied for a nomination to be competitive. Visit Eligibility & Requirements to learn more, and be sure to join the dedicated Duda Awards Mailing List to receive important news and updates about future Award cycles.
Submissions for the 2026 cycle are now closed! Information on the 2028 cycle will be available Summer 2027.
| Top Prize | $100,000 | Winner of the Duda Preservation Award will receive $100,000 towards the completion of their preservation project |
|---|---|---|
| Second Place | $30,000 | Runner up will receive $30,000 towards their project |
| Third Place | $20,000 | Third place winner will receive $20,000 for use in their preservation project |
| Directors' Recognition | $10,000 | The recipient of the honorable mention Directors' Recognition will receive an award of $10,000 |
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About Michael C. Duda
"Michael Duda" by Mark Birnbaum Productions (2024)
"I hope I will never take for granted the variety of experiences Texas offers, and if given the opportunity would be glad to help preserve everything that has made this state the best in the nation." - Michael C. Duda
Born in Dallas in 1981, Michael found a passion and wonder for Texas history at an early age. While characterized by family and friends as "a man for others," Michael was also unafraid to forge his own path. He founded the nationally competitive Jesuit Rugby Club as a high school student before departing the state to pursue a degree in architecture at the University of Notre Dame.
While he travelled the world throughout his life, his heart always belonged to Texas, and it was never long before he returned to his home state. He made his way back to Dallas in 2007, where he applied his passion for historic architecture to his work in real estate and as a beloved member of the Texas Historical Foundation board of directors.
THF is honored to offer this award in the same spirit of service and enthusiasm for the preservation of Texas heritage that characterized Michael's life and legacy.
