Architekton

September 26, 2009

Alexandra Evjen, Alexandra@aia-arizona.org, 602.252.4200

Celebrating 50 years, the Arizona component of The American Institute of Architects announced the 2009 Special Award Winners, recognizing excellence and commitment to the architecture profession. With a variety of categories, 13 recipients were honored Saturday, September 26, 2009 at the Celebrate Architecture Gala in the Phoenix Convention Center.

The award recipients were chosen by a jury of AIA Arizona Fellows invited by the Arizona College of Fellows. The 2009 panel consisted of Richard Anderson, FAIA, Tom Posedly, FAIA and Penny Posedly, FAIA (chairwoman).

Ten special award categories had winners this year. Below is a list of the categories with the recognized firm, project or individual. (For more extensive descriptions of the award categories and recipients, please see the appropriate file folder in the press kit).

Twenty-Five Year Award
This award is to recognize the enduring value of distinguished buildings after a period of time has elapsed, allowing for a re-evaluation of the structure’s aesthetic statement, execution and function.
Recipient: Tempe City Hall

Affiliate Award
The Affiliate Award is awarded to the individual AIA Arizona Affiliate member who has contributed significantly to the profession of architecture through their membership and participation in their local Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Recipients: Ken Martinek, Arcadia; P. Douglas Folk, Folk & Associates

Associate Award
The Associate Award is given to an Associate member who displays exceptional dedication to the community and built environment through service to the community, to the AIA, and in the quality of work performed professionally.
Recipient: Leslie Tom, Assoc. AIA, The Architecture Company

Award of Distinction
This award recognizes those individuals or organizations outside the membership of The American Institute of Architects who have recorded, illustrated or contributed to a better understanding and interpretation of awareness of architecture in the State of Arizona.
Recipient: The Reference Library

Client Award
The Client Award exists to honor an individual, firm or public institution, which exemplifies the significant contribution of the Client to the quality of the built environment through consistent encouragement and support of good design.
Recipient: John Sazama, AIA, Maricopa County Community Colleges - deceased

Consultant Award
The Consultant Award honors an individual or firm, which exemplifies the vital contribution of the Consultant in the development and realization of good design through innovation, technology, teamwork and dedication to improving the quality of the built environment.
Recipient: Donald R. Clark, P.E., Terracon

Educator Award
The Educator Award recognizes the fundamental importance of education in advancing the art and science of design, thus improving the quality of our environment, and honors significant achievements of individuals and academic programs.
Recipient: Gerald McSheffrey, AIA, FRIBA

Kemper Goodwin Award
The Kemper Goodwin Award honors the collaborative efforts of the architect, contractor and owner of a project that embodies design excellence, exhibits outstanding craftsmanship, and exemplifies teamwork, resulting in a project that serves the owner’s mission functionally, financially and aesthetically.
Recipients: Tempe Transportation Center by Architekton, OTAK; ASU Polytechnic Campus by RSP Architects

Patron Award
The Patron Award recognizes the critical role of elected officials, public administrators, and community leaders who establish or contribute to the development of laws, regulations, policies or architecture that affects the process and product of architecture, as well as the public's perception of architecture as an important part of our environment, life-style, and heritage. Of particular importance is recognition of their advocacy for design excellence as a critical issue in the formulation of such policies and the positive evolution of the public's perception and demand for design quality.
Recipient: The Honorable Harry E. Mitchell

Young Architects Citation
The Young Architects Citation recognizes and celebrates young architects (practicing for ten years or less) who show exceptional leadership in community service, education, design, and/or service to the profession.
Recipients: Mark Kranz, AIA, SmithGroup; Virginia Marquardt, AIA, DLR Group

For more information and photos, please see the appropriate files in the 2008 AIA Arizona Design Awards Press Kit.

American Institute of Architects Awards Programs
The awards programs are an important part of the AIA’s tradition of recognizing the outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations in support of the profession of architecture. By focusing attention on a broad range of exemplary activity in the profession, the general quality of architecture practice is elevated and a standard of excellence is established against which all architects can measure their own performance. By informing the public on the breadth and value of architecture practice, the entire profession is held in higher esteem.

The strength of the AIA’s awards programs lies in the diversity of the profession and the quality of the work submitted. AIA members can play a vital role by participating in the nominations process.

For more information, visit www.aia.org/awards or www.aia-arizona.org/about-us/awards.