The American Institute of Architects, California Council, Announces 2 Recipients
SACRAMENTO, Calif.–Feb. 9, 2016–The practice of architecture can sometimes be about creating a legacy—either in portfolio or firm culture or contribution to society within other categories. The AIACC Council Awards Program celebrates these attributes with the Council Awards Program. This year’s recipients were announced at the Feb. 5 Board of Directors meeting in Sacramento.
Firm Award:
This year’s Firm Award recipient is Santa Monica firm Killefer Flammang Architects. KFA, founded in 1975, is home to 50 employees and can boast impressive numbers, 3,426 affordable housing units and 904 units for the Homeless on Skid Row. The jury said, “We appreciate the focus this firm takes on social issues,” which is evident in their portfolio. The firm is proud of the fact that half of eligible architectural staff is licensed; 55 percent of the staff is female and over 30 percent of the employees have been there 10 years or more. “Part of a firm’s legacy is life-work balance and the small benefits which contribute greatly to personal wellness and culture building,” on juror commented. “The fact that LA Magazine voted it as one of the best places to work is proof and validation for that and firms that strive to this level should be recognized.”
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Arthur Gensler, Jr., FAIA, received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Gensler founded his firm in 1965, where it has become a thriving architecture and design power. With offices in 30 cities in North America and 16 globally, and the firm employees more than 5,000 and takes great pride in having “local expertise with a global perspective,” as the website indicates. The jury nominated Gensler not only for his contributions in the design world, but to the communities served by those designs. “Gensler’s contributions in architecture have been huge, almost too large to measure. His impact has been so great and on such a global scale—there have been major contributions to a global practice, not just national or state, so it’s even an honor to consider him as one of California’s,” commented one juror. Another paid homage to his work in interior architecture by noting how their “practice was elevated from the design thinking.”
For more information, contact Shannon Calder, at 916.642.1718.
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The AIACC represents the interests of more than 11,000 architects and allied professionals in California. Founded in 1944, The AIACC’s mission supports architects in their endeavors to improve the quality of life for all Californians by creating more livable communities, sustainable designs and quality work environments. Today, The AIACC is the largest component of the national AIA organization. For more information, visit www.aiacc.org.