American Institute of Architects, California Council, Recognizes Dedicated Professionals
Sacramento, Calif.—Not only have the best and the brightest minds been recognized, but those who support architects in the early stages of their career. The 4th Annual Academy of Emerging Professionals Awards Program jury met this month to deliberate all of the extraordinary candidates who submitted. Current AIACC President, Lee Salin, AIA commented on the process that he was “humbled to see all the extraordinary things young architects are accomplishing so early in their career.”
This year’s Chapter Award went to AIA Central Valley. The jury noted how well this chapter manages programs and events and how their approaches and inclusions of the Emerging Professional in several programs is top notch. All jurors commented on how it would be wonderful if all chapters could implement even a portion of what the AIA Central Valley is able to do. From example programs such as the Emerging Professionals Speed Mentor Match, to the documents and resources provided to ensure successful ARE examinations, this chapter is dedicated to the up-and-coming architect.
When asked what receiving this award meant, Executive Director, Kim Anderson said, “AIA Central Valley is incredibly proud to be selected for the 2015 AIACC Chapter Award. Our Chapter has diligently and consistently worked to create quality programming and opportunities for our emerging members to grow in their role as leaders. This award is a wonderful way to recognize their efforts now, and in the years to come.”
Fergus Garber Young was named as the Firm Award. “They do such a great job as a small firm,” one juror commented. The jury unanimously considered their story a great example for other small firms to implement the support needed for young architects to thrive. This Santa Clara firm is known for their participation in Emerging Professional events. In addition, this firm provides mentorship both within and outside of their practice, and have planned ARE study sessions.
2015 AEP Associate Award is Laura Wood, Assoc. AIA, of nacht & lewis in Sacramento. This current Central Valley Associate Director has created programs such as the IDP Tours. In the firm’s letter of support to the jury, they noted her as providing “design, technology and innovation leadership.” Wood also contribute outside of the profession, bringing her passion for design into the community and public eye by assisting the Sacramento Zoo create sustainable visions for the future, as well as collaborating with HackerLab.
Lo Yu-Ngok, AIA, was honored as this year’s Young Architect Award Recipient. His portfolio stood out not only because of the body of work it portrayed, but also the deep level of thought and consideration that went into the submission. He was the director the AIA Long Beach/South Bay Chapter, an active participant in the Not Licensed Yet (notLy) program, and most recently conducted a seminar on the ARE topic “Building Design and Construction System.” He has written articles and has been nominated to be the 2016 National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) magazine. The jury found his body of work, his passion and his enthusiasm inspiring.
There was also unanimous decision in awarding Mitra Kanaani, AIA the Educator Award. One juror commented how overwhelmed they were in the amount of text in her nomination. She has done, and continues to do so much. One juror commented, “We had the option of ‘Yes,’ ‘No,’ or ‘Maybe,’ but I wanted to give her a vote of ‘wow.’” She promotes growth and excitement not only through architecture academia, but on a local, state, national and international level as well.
All recipients will be recognized Nov. 6 in Sacramento at AIACC Board of Directors Annual Meeting.