21 people, firms and projects honored for excellence in design and service to community
Tampa (Nov. 5, 2020) – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Tampa Bay Chapter named 21 recipients of its highest annual awards, the Honor and Design Awards, at the Celebrate Design virtual awards reception on Thursday, November 5th. The awards were presented by AIA Tampa Bay President, Angela Hendershot and 2015 President, Carlos Molnar, AIA. AIA Tampa Bay honors architects, philanthropists, public servants, and organizations that are committed to improving communities through design excellence.
The top individual honor, the Medal of Honor was presented to Robert Bitterli, AIA. An AIA member since 1978, Bob has held leadership roles within AIA at the local, state and national level, including AIA Tampa Bay President in 1991. He continues to Chair the AIA Tampa Bay Building Enclosure Council which he founded in 2013. As a forensic architect Bob has not only helped to write building codes, he has worked diligently to educate his peers on the codes and best design practices to produce resilient works of architecture.
The highest Design Award, the H. Dean Rowe, FAIA Award for Design Excellence, was awarded to ASD | SKY and Rogers Partners for The New St Pete Pier. The jury selected the project for it’s innovative architectural design, sustainability, commitment to education, and excellence in landscape design. The jury commented that “the design transcends the expectations of a Pier”, and that “the Pier is a community asset that has the potential to galvanize the fabric of a community in a strong, social, and equitable way. The rich experience in and around The Pier, bold architecture, and masterful use of geometry along with a purposeful and beautiful execution make this project top of it’s class.”
The AIA Tampa Bay Honor Awards also recognized 8 people and firms for outstanding accomplishments and service to the architecture profession and the community:
· Levison Award: Ramon Wong, AIA from Gresham Smith— for his exemplary service to the chapter, the community and profession of architecture.
· Kelley Emerging Professional Award: Gloria Kloter, AIA from Glow Architects — for her work in championing the causes and issues that are important to Associate members and young architects.
· Award of Excellence: Mayor Rick Kriseman from the City of St. Pete — for his outstanding support to the mission of the chapter of excellence in the built environment.
· Artisan Award: LiveWork Studios — for outstanding workmanship and craftsmanship
· Allied Member Award: Richard Temple from Walter P. Moore — for his service to the chapter and promotion of the value of AIA and the architecture profession.
· Contractors Award: EWI Construction — for their genuine commitment to outstanding workmanship and craftsmanship.
The Eduardo Garcia Award was presented to Cuyler Hendricks, AIA. The annual award is offered to architects 40 or younger, registered 10 years or less and recognizes exemplary design talent, passion, and dedication; qualities for which Eduardo Garcia was known.
This year’s design award jurors were from the Seattle, Washington based firm, Olson Kundig and include Kirsten Murray, AIA, Principal and Owner, Steven Rainville, AIA, Principal, and Nate Boyd, Architectural Staff. Criteria considered by the jurors included design quality, program resolution, innovation, thoughtfulness, and technique. They awarded 10 out of 65 project entries granting an Honor or Merit Award.
Honor Awards recognize projects that demonstrate the highest standards of design and innovation and a commitment to excellence in architectural design. This year the Honor Award was awarded to Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc. for Tampa River Center
Merit Awards recognize projects that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in architectural design and were presented to:
· ASD | SKY – Strategic Property Partners Headquarters
· SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture – Rosemary Square
· Rowe Architects Inc. – WLR Building and Library Historic Reservations
· Wilder Architecture – J. Vince Thompson Elementary School
· Flad Architects – UF Health The Oaks
· Holmes Architects – The Coral Home
· Gresham Smith – Charlotte Douglas Airport Expansion
· Michael Halflants, AIA and Robert MacLeod, AIA – USF School of Architecture Renovation
· Halflants Pichette Architects – Kumquat Court
A new award category for 2020, The Sustainability Award was awarded to SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture for Element House. The project selected for this award exemplified the AIA Designing for Wellness Framework for Design Excellence.
The People’s Choice award with over 460 upvotes on Behance was the AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center by Straughn Trout Architects. People’s Choice entries are posted on Behance and the community voted for its choice throughout the month of October.
AIA Tampa Bay
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the professional association for architects and those in the architecture field. AIA Tampa Bay is the regional chapter representing approximately 703 members in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Hernando, Citrus, Sumter and Pasco Counties. The AIA provides programs and services including educational programs, design competitions, community service programs and serves as the united voice of the architecture profession. The regional chapter office is located in the Center for Architecture and Design in Ybor.