Tag: college of fellows

Presidential Honors

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Michael Enomoto, FAIA, President of the AIA California Council recently recognized 12 AIA members and staff for their exceptional contributions to the profession and/or to the AIA California Council.

Jon Baker, FAIA – for his service on the California Architects Board (CAB) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

“Your work on the CAB and your commitment to emerging professionals, and your many contributions to public health safety and welfare, are commendable, and exemplify the volunteer spirit that is the hallmark of the profession.”

John Mutlow, FAIA / Marvin Taff, FAIA / Andrea Cohen-Gehring, FAIA- For their work in leading the Fellows Committee in Los Angeles which has resulted in an unprecedented number of chapter members receiving the highest honor an AIA member can attain.“Your commitment to developing this mentorship program and helping your fellow architects attain this recognition is commendable.”

Mark Christian, Hon. AIACC– for his outstanding service to the American Institute of Architects, California Council, its membership, and the entire architectural profession as our advocate to the Legislature.“Always cognizant of the profession’s respected public reputation, and its valued service to society, your ability to quickly recognize and effectively respond to emerging challenges, while always seeking “the high road,” continues to position the AIACC as a meaningful player in Sacramento’s political environment.”

William H. Fain, Jr., FAIA– in recognition of your career of outstanding work as an urban designer, your exemplary service to the built environment, and for your literary prowess – elevating the discussion about the urban environment through your writings and many publications.“Your commitment to planning and developing communities that are skillfully woven into the fabric of California is remarkable.”

John Grounds, AIA– for his tremendous service and tireless efforts at all levels of the AIA
“Your work in cultivating future generations of architects is especially noteworthy, and your leadership by example has empowered many others to emulate your record of selfless service.”

Robert A. Jernigan, AIA, Leed AP - changing the face of architecture within Los Angeles, your determined advocacy for the value of design in rebuilding the downtown core has made an indelible mark on our community and is worthy of recognition.“Creating a space that both celebrates design and invites civic commentary, you have enhanced the public’s admiration of both architects and architecture.”

Marilyn Lyon - in recognition of your long and distinguished service to your people of California, and the architectural profession, as a Public Member of the California Architects Board.“Your leadership has benefited greatly the public’s understanding of the role architects can play in professional and community affairs, and is greatly admired and respected by your many friends and colleagues.”

Ralph Simoni, Hon. AIACC- in recognition of your extraordinary service, commitment, and advocacy on behalf of the California architectural profession; as the AIACC’s advocate for over 32 years, you have represented the profession’s agenda before the California Legislature, and the Executive Departments, Boards, and Commissions.“Without hesitation, you provided wise counsel; the clarity and pragmatism acquired through countless battles and confrontations, and you continuously offered exceptional political sensibilities on many sensitive issues, challenges and opportunities.

Suzanne Stalder-Mansur, Hon. AIACC– acknowledging your resourceful spirit of collaboration, and your thoughtful and persistent approach to envisioning the possibilities, while also being a faithful steward of scarce financial resources.“During a time of severe financial challenges, your strategic thinking enabled the Council to successfully navigate a perilous environment of shrinking resources, in the face of expanding member services and delivery.”

Dawn Quisenberry, Hon. AIA San Diego- in grateful recognition of your many years of service and dedication to the American Institute of Architects.“Serving in many different capacities, your commitment to the membership and your dedication to creating a strong AIA in the communities which you have served, has made an indelible mark on the profession.”

Hraztan Zeitlian, AIA - in recognition of your long and distinguished service to the architectural profession, and the people of California as an architect member of the California Architects Board.“Your collaborative spirit of engagement exemplifies the highest standards of the profession, and your determined advocacy for the contributions of design in creating livable communities and improving the human condition is greatly appreciated.”

California CACE- recognizing the extraordinary service of AIA chapter executive staff to the AIA in California.“It has been said “anyone can run an organization in good times, but it is the hard times that test one’s character and abilities.” The time in which we live cannot get much more difficult. However, despite all these challenges, you continue to perform brilliantly.”

 

AIACC Members promoted to the College of Fellows

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AIA, AIACC,AIA California Council, Fellowship, College of Fellows, AchievementEach year, the AIA recognizes architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society by elevating them to the College of Fellows. 24 California members were elected to fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of architects as individuals, but also their significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level.

The AIACC congratulates the following members honored in 2012:

Each of the new fellows will be highlighted this year on aiacc.org.

 

Richard McCann, FAIA, Receives Fellowship from the National AIA College of Fellows

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Richard McCann, FAIA, President, and Principal-In-Charge, of RFM Architecture, in the Pasadena AIA Chapter, was recently elevated to the National AIA College of Fellows. He will be inducted at the investiture ceremony in May, at the National AIA Convention, and is looking forward to attending the event.

McCann is originally from the Pacific Northwest where he accomplished two degrees at the University of Washington; A Bachelor of Music Composition and Bachelor of Architecture. He began his own independent career as a specialist in theater, concert hall and other performance venues, designing for the Performing Arts & Entertainment Industry in 1976 when he established R.F. McCann & Company Architects in Seattle. He later opened a second office in Hollywood, both operating as full service firms providing all phases of performance facility design. In 1988 he closed the Seattle office and moved to the Hollywood firm in Pasadena where he remains an integral part of the design and technical components on every project.

He believes that architects who work with unique environments should have an understanding of a building function, as well as public expectation of what it takes to successfully house a performance facility, and expertise in the process is requires. McCann states, “Design work doesn’t begin until we are confident we understand the parameters of the task and develop a clear understanding of the client priorities. This professional philosophy ensures that even conceptual work is based in reality, and is not just pretty pictures.” He goes on to state that it is his understanding and intimate familiarity with theater construction, (both old and new), that provides a combination which proves invaluable for specialty design, and he holds to the belief that each theater design has unique circumstances, and he approaches every project with an “It Can Be done” attitude.

His work has earned national recognition for historic preservation by the theater Historical Society of America, as well as several various other awards for his designs of more than 35 performing arts centers.

When asked what kind or practice he specializes in, McCann stated, “I enjoy having one foot in architecture and one foot in the arts, and enjoy being a composer and arranger as well”.

His work as an architect began as an internship for an architect who had been conferred as a Fellow, so he was introduced to the College of Fellows early on in his career. He states he would recommend the process (albeit intense) to any of his colleagues.

Congratulations to Richard McCann, FAIA!

 

Tully Shelley, FAIA, LEED AP, Receives Fellowship from the National AIA College of Fellows

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Tully Shelley, FAIA, LEED AP, Principal at Perkins + Will in San Francisco, was recently elevated to the National AIA College of Fellows. He will be inducted at the investiture ceremony in May, at the National AIA Convention in New Orleans, and is looking forward to attending the event.

Shelley is one of the most knowledgeable and skilled programmer, planners and designers for technically complex facilities. His experience and interest has advanced research laboratories and earned him national recognition. Additionally advancing the practice of laboratory design through his pioneering facilities and skilled conversions of non-lab buildings that are recognized for their enduring value to the scientist and institutions they serve. He continues to advance sustainability with the reuse of existing buildings which also reflect his career-long interest in reducing the environmental impact of lab buildings, and their notoriously high energy demands. His portfolio also demonstrates a deep commitment to designing inviting workplaces of enduring value.

By obtaining a thorough understanding of a scientists’ work he is able to define flexible research environments that will serve their needs overtime. His work also reflects his keen concern for the less tangible elements that affect the work and well-being of the researchers, students and staff who use his buildings. His renowned expertise is featured in many projects around the world including Stanford University-James H. Clark Center; Texas Children’s Hospital-Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute; University of Virginia Translational Research Building + Life Sciences Annex; Genentech South Campus Phase II Laboratories; University of Washington South Lake Union School of Medicine Phase 3.1, and many, many more.

Shelley first served in the Navy as an engineering officer, then went back to school in 1973 to get his Master’s and has been practicing architecture ever since, specializing in Science and Technology buildings as research labs.

The San Francisco Chapter prompted him to apply for Fellowship. He states the application process took a solid three months. He was surprised and delighted when he heard the news of his successful bid and was notified via an email from National while in the Seattle office of Perkins + Will, where his colleagues were very excited for him too.


The AIACC announces, and congratulates the fourteen California architects who recently received the distinguished honor of Fellow, and will be inducted into the prestigious College of Fellows at the 2011 AIA National Convention in New Orleans. This honor is awarded to architects who have made significant contribution to architecture and society, and who have been an AIA member for more than 10 years. In the coming weeks, each new Fellow will be featured in a brief article online. So watch the website for more information about the new recipients; those who can now include the designation of FAIA.

 

Douglas Tom, FAIA, LEED, Receives Fellowship from the National AIA College of Fellows

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Douglas Tom, FAIA, partner in the Tom Eliot Fisch architectural firm in San Francisco, was recently elevated to the National AIA College of Fellows. He will be inducted into the College at the investiture ceremony in May, at the National AIA conference in New Orleans, and is looking forward to attending the event.

Tom’s career has spanned more than 36 years, and he has been a partner in his current firm, Tom Eliot Fisch for the past 14 years. His firm designs for a diverse group of specialties including public, academic, healthcare and nonprofit headquarters projects, such as the Boys and Girls Club.

Prompted to apply for Fellowship by his local San Francisco chapter, he states, “It was a substantial process, but his perseverance paid off”. His application was in the Service to Society category, and his service on three non-profit Boards contributed to his elevation of Fellow. He is active on the Board of the Architectural Foundation with the “Build San Francisco” Program. It is a five day a week program that enables high school juniors and seniors spend time in firms, with actual architects in order to gain experience in what an architectural practice is really like. In the 15 years his firm has been involved in this program they have had a student (or students) every year. Some are actually in architecture school now. This program has been Nationally recognized.

A former Board member of a charter school program called “Envision Schools”. This type of charter school is “project based” learning where students go deep into a subject and learn all aspects of the specific topic. This program has also been Nationally recognized.

In addition, he is a former Board member of a community organization called the “San Francisco Education Fund”. This organization forms partnerships with corporations to provide funding for teachers in order to help them with their professional development.

The AIACC congratulates Douglas Tom, FAIA, LEED on his impressive accomplishments!

The AIACC announces, and congratulates the fourteen California architects who recently received the distinguished honor of Fellow, and will be inducted into the prestigious College of Fellows at the 2011 AIA National Convention in New Orleans. This honor is awarded to architects who have made significant contribution to architecture and society, and who have been an AIA member for more than 10 years. In the coming weeks, each new Fellow will be featured in a brief article online. So watch the website for more information about the new recipients; those who can now include the designation of FAIA.

 

Robert Peterson, FAIA, Receives Fellowship from the National AIA College of Fellows

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Robert Peterson, FAIA, in Palo Alto, a member of the Santa Clara Valley Chapter, was recently elevated to the National AIA College of Fellows and is looking forward to being inducted at the investiture ceremony in New Orleans, in May, at the National AIA Convention.

Peterson owns his own firm and has been in practice 49 years. He specializes in high end residential projects and smaller commercial buildings that are three stories or less. He is described as an architect with strong design services for the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond; creating innovative solutions for residences, commerce, and the community. He has designed headquarters for several non-profits, as well as many adult day care centers. Prior to designing an adult day care center he will go spend a day at one and act like he is a patient in order to fully comprehend what is needed for development of the project. He states,” It is very enlightening when it comes to designing such a facility. There are many nuances one cannot know until they experience the full scope of the setting.”

Peterson was prompted to apply for his Fellowship a year ago, after a friend of his received his Fellowship and convinced him to apply. He states it took him nearly six months to gather all the information for his submittal and literally was a “Trip back in history”. He went on to say, “My wife of 55 years remembered some things that I didn’t. I am fortunate that I had photos of most of my designs and projects since 1962, but writing it was a bit more challenging. I had all the facts, but compiling it all was a tight process.” In the National AIA submittal, each potential candidate has to have letters of recommendation from their peers. Peterson included one from his teaching time at Stanford University, from a colleague, who at 92, needed to keep it short as he had a tee time for golf. He also included a letter from Paul Neel, FAIA, (former State Architect) who he has known since high school, and when Paul heard the good news he called Peterson and stated, “I am so glad to hear you got an “F” in architecture!”(For becoming an “F”AIA.) Another letter he included from a former student of his, is now a partner in a very large firm with more than 2000 architects.

He was at his office when he got the good news and called his wife so they could share in the excitement.

The AIACC announces, and congratulates the fourteen California architects who recently received the distinguished honor of Fellow, and will be inducted into the prestigious College of Fellows at the 2011 AIA National Convention in New Orleans. This honor is awarded to architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society, and who have been an AIA member for more than 10 years. In the coming weeks, each new Fellow will be featured in a brief article online. So watch the website for more information about the new recipients; those who can now include the designation of FAIA.

 

Nathan Cherry, FAIA, Receives Fellowship From Prestigious National College Of Fellows

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Nathan Cherry, FAIA, with the firm RTKL Associates Inc. Architecture, in Los Angeles, was recently elevated to the National AIA College of Fellows. He will be inducted at the investiture ceremony in New Orleans in May, at the National AIA Convention.

Cherry has experience in nearly all project types and has a passion for shaping communities through design and architecture around the globe. When he was 18, he met his first “Fellow” architect in school and became interested in making that a goal for himself someday. Since this was always something he wanted to do, he was prompted to apply for his Fellowship by some colleagues and members of the Los Angeles chapter. He began the application process, which took nearly three months, and was notified via email, while boarding a plane, that pursing his goal had paid off. He stated he was, “excited and relieved to hear the news”. Two of his colleagues from other RTKL locations were elevated as well. Additionally, Cherry stated he has gained a tremendous amount of respect for the process of becoming a Fellow, as well as for the AIA, and encourages others to “go for it” too.

Cherry attended Tulane University while getting his undergrad degree and is looking forward to the induction ceremony as he still has many friends there. He has been in practice 20 years and specializes in Urban Design. He has witnessed many changes in urban design during his career and stated that he and firms he has worked with used to do many projects domestically with redevelopment in America. However, now nearly 50% of the work is done overseas and focuses more on Transportation.

The AIACC is proud to feature the 14 California architects, recently elevated to fellowship in the national College of Fellows.

 

Lisa Gelfand, FAIA, Receives Fellowship from the National AIA College of Fellows

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Lisa Gelfand, FAIA, managing principal of Gelfand Partners Architects, in San Francisco, was recently elevated to the National AIA College of Fellows. She will be inducted at the investiture ceremony in New Orleans in May, at the National AIA Convention, and is looking forward to attending the event.

Gelfand has been in practice for 30 years and began her own firm in 1997. During her career, she has focused on the areas of sustainable design, renovation, K-12 schools, community colleges and multi-unit residential projects. Some of her school projects include the Georgia Blach Intermediate School; Vanden High School in Fairfield CA; Mission High School, in San Francisco; Adele Harrison Middle School in Sonoma, CA; and six Elementary schools in Los Altos, in addition to being the architect for the Black School in 1998. Her many experiences with schools lead her to develop and found the organization, “The Collaborative for High performance Schools” (CHPS). She published a book, “Sustainable School architecture” that is available through Amazon.com, and has a new book coming out this year entitled, “Sustainable Renovation”.

In addition to all of her impressive accomplishments, Gelfand is also on the Green Advisory Board with the Division of the State Architect. She continues to focus on sustainable practice and affordable housing, and is deeply involved and engaged in the community. Her own practice has continued to grow and thrive over the years, and architecture remains a passion.

Although much of the prompting to apply for Fellowship came from Gelfand’s colleagues, she was also inspired by Norma Sklarek, FAIA, who won the National AIA Whitney Young Award in 2008, and who was the first woman architect in the country. She is pleased to be included in this prestigious group.

The AIACC announces, and congratulates the fourteen California architects who recently received the distinguished honor of Fellow, and will be inducted into the prestigious College of Fellows at the 2011 AIA National Convention in New Orleans. This honor is awarded to architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society, and who have been an AIA member for more than 10 years. In the coming weeks, each new Fellow will be featured in a brief article online. So watch the website for more information about the new recipients; those who can now include the designation of FAIA.

 

Chet Widom, FAIA, Honored with the Prestigious Edward C. Kemper Award

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Chester (Chet) A. Widom, FAIA, is the recent recipient of the Edward C. Kemper Award, which is given annually by the American Institute of Architects, (AIA) and is voted on by an esteemed jury of architects and the AIA Board of Directors. This award is given to individual architects who have made a significant impact, and contribution to the profession of architecture, as well as to the communities they serve.

Widom has practiced architecture for more than 40 years and is described as a visionary by those who know him, or who are familiar with his work. He believes, and has exemplified the value of architects as civic leaders.

When asked why he went into architecture, Mr. Widom, replied, that at 12 years old he wanted to go into the technical side of stage development, and applied for the stage crew at his school. When he did not get accepted in the stage crew, the teacher (who was also the drafting instructor) asked if he would like to try drafting. He plowed through the basic drafting classes, and at age 13 went into architectural drafting. It seems it was only one of the arrows in the road that would direct his life’s path.

Widom is also known for his civic leadership and for what he instills in others to do the same. Once again, it was a Jr. High teacher that instilled the imperative, importance of civic life to him at a young age.

In many different circles, Widom has been referred to as a visionary. When asked how he developed that gift, he responded that he didn’t really know, but he just knew he wanted to change the world, live up to his requirements as a human being, and do what he needed to do.

If Widom were called upon today to encourage new architects or architecture students his advice would be, “You must be passionate for creativity and have a deep desire to change the environment, design buildings, and bettering the world! Learn as much as you can about your city and community and get involved in making that city and community a better place.”

Widom was a pioneer for the collaborative efforts of integrated project delivery (IPD) as well. A system that includes and utilizes all participants in the building and design industries, which in turn fosters much more collaboration on a building project. When he was in school he worked for an architect and learned the valuable input the construction side can give to good design, and that collaborating on good design with such great craftsman is important to how a building goes together. It is collaboration, such as IPD that lends to a project’s success. When he started his practice, he bought some residential lots and tried different types of project delivery: design build, Design bid build, etc. It was a continual learning of what others bring to the table. When he teaches at USC he asks how many of his students are incredibly wealthy? How many are good at using tool? How many can pour concrete? Then he follows up with the point that if they don’t have money, and don’t know about the tools that help shape a building, how can they have the ability to execute it? He encourages all his students to get to know all of the processes that go into putting a building together, which not only makes the architect as success, but the building as well.

When asked how he felt when he heard the news of his award, he stated, “It was a joyous day when I found out about it, and it has inspired me to continue. I am not done yet.” He went onto say that he realizes he has put a lot into the AIACC, but he has gotten so much more back from his involvement and experiences, as well as with all the great people he has met across the country.

 

Denis Henmi, FAIA, Receives Fellowship From National AIA College of Fellows

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Denis Hemni, FAIA, with the firm Kwan Henmi Architecture Planning Inc. in San Francisco, was recently elevated to the National AIA College of Fellows. He will be inducted at the investiture ceremony in New Orleans in May, at the National AIA Convention, which he is looking forward to attending.

Although much of his prompting to apply for his Fellowship came from his wife, (who is also an architect and received her FAIA a few years ago), he was also nominated by the nominating committee from the San Francisco chapter. He and six of his chapter peers received their Fellowship, which is quite impressive as less than 3% of the National AIA membership have ever received the honor of Fellowship since its inception in 1951. This honor is conferred on architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society, and who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and the built environment. It is one of the highest honors bestowed to an architect by a jury of their peers. Henmi stated, “The application process was quiet extensive and intense, and took about three months to complete”.

Henmi was at an NCARB meeting in Austin Texas when he received an email from National AIA telling him congratulations, delivering the good news. One of his peers who had written a letter of recommendation for his application was also attending this meeting and announced to the group (about 60 people) that he had just received his Fellowship. Henmi stated, “It was such an exciting moment to be shared with my friends and colleagues.”

Henmi has been in practice 30 years and specializes in civic transportation and is currently the oversight architect of the subway project in San Francisco; a 1.6 billion dollar project. Other market segments he specializes in include community colleges, and multi-family housing units, typically in urban infill areas.

The AIACC announces, and congratulates the fourteen California architects who recently received the distinguished honor of Fellow, and will be inducted into the prestigious College of Fellows at the 2011 AIA National Convention in New Orleans. This honor is awarded to architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society, and who have been an AIA member for more than 10 years. In the coming weeks, each new Fellow will be featured in a brief article online. So watch the website for more information about the new recipients; those who can now include the designation of FAIA.