First Inaugural Recipient of the Bradford K. Shapiro Endowed Scholarship Awarded at the University of Arkansas

Shapiro & Company Architects believes great design begins with opportunity. That belief is reflected in the newly established Bradford K. Shapiro endowed scholarship at the University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design.

This scholarship was created by Brad Shapiro, CEO of Shapiro & Company Architects, as a personal commitment to supporting the next generation of architects and designers and strengthening the future of the profession.

Featured (left to right): Brad Shapiro, his wife, Cathy Shapiro, and Chloe Balkcom, recipient of Bradford K. Shapiro endowed scholarship

Education plays a pivotal role in shaping thoughtful, impactful designers. By supporting students as they navigate the demands of architectural education, scholarships like this help reduce financial barriers and expand access to the field. We are proud to recognize the first recipient of the scholarship, Chloe Balkcom, a third-year architecture student whose dedication and potential embody the values of curiosity, rigor, and design excellence. This summer, Chloe will join Shapiro & Company Architects as an intern, further bridging the connection between academic learning and professional practice through mentorship and hands-on experience. “It is an honor to receive such meaningful support from Mr. Shapiro and Shapiro & Company,” Balkcom shared. “This scholarship affirms my commitment to architecture and motivates me to continue growing. It strengthens my confidence and fuels my dedication to the field.”

As Mary Purvis of the Fay Jones School notes, “Scholarships like this do more than ease financial burden—they open doors, expand access, and help shape the next generation of designers. Ultimately, they expand access to education, improve graduation outcomes, and help strengthen the design profession.”

We believe investing in people is one of the most important ways to shape the built environment. This scholarship was established through Brad’s personal support for architectural education, grounded in the same values that define our practice. We look forward to seeing how those values carry forward through Chloe’s work, and the paths that follow.