Announcing our 2014 Chapter Awards Recipients

President's Medal: Brent A. Brown, AIA

Brent A. Brown, AIA, is director at CityDesign Studio and bc_Workshop. In 2013, the Connected City Design Challenge brought new perspectives to the conversation seeking "bold design solutions connecting our Downtown and Trinity River overcoming the physical, psychological, and economic divide existing today so that we may realize a truly connected and livable future." The results of this effort continue today to influence the conversation about how to realize the full potential of our great resource - The Trinity River.

Brent is a regular presence as an expert panelist and commentator on matters of design. Earlier this year, he joined others representing Dallas at the New Cities Summit and he strategically contributed to the success of the AIA Dallas/ GDPC Mobility Summit with the recruitment of keynote speaker Jeff Tumlin.

“City Design Studio has been a wonderful gift to our great city which created new opportunities with a unique platform for shaping the conversation about quality of life in Dallas. Brent has skillfully been a steward for the last 5 years of this gift as Director.”

Young Architect of the Year: Briar Hannah, AIA

Briar’s volunteer and professional accomplishments are numerous. She serves the Dallas Center for Architecture on the Form Follows Fitness 5K committee and also is a leader on the CEFPI NTX chapter board as treasurer.  Additionally, she is the Dallas Affiliate Mentor Coordinator for the ACE Mentorship Program and has been involved since 2010. She has been instrumental in making ACE Mentors in DFW a program that reaches hundreds of students interested in the professions of architecture, construction and engineering. She has also served as chairperson of the AIA Dallas Educational Outreach Committee for the last three years, growing the committee through her leadership.

“Through her involvement with ACE and AIA Dallas she is leading and serving as a resource to DFW high school students that are interested in a career in the AEC industry.”

Associate of the Year: Mary Dickinson, Assoc.  AIA

As a passionate advocate for sustainable design, Mary is now a Regional Sustainable Design Leader for Perkins + Will. Over the past few years, Mary has rallied a robust COTE Committee pushing towards highly relevant education on sustainability.

“Thanks to her determination and leadership, in partnership with co-chair Chris Mundell, the sold out 2014 AIA+2030 Professional Series was a huge success. She was also instrumental in the past two North Texas Sustainable Showcase conferences, leading the discussions on transparency and healthy building products.”

Industry Allied Member Award: McLaughlin Brunson Insurance Agency

McLaughlin Brunson has been a key supporter of the AIA Dallas Chapter and the profession for 25 years.

“Their contributions to our members, our programming, and our events have been immeasurable. We truly value our partnership with McLaughlin Brunson.”

Presidential Citation for Exemplary Leadership Contributing to the Dallas 2030 District Formation: Jerry Kettler

Through Jerry’s leadership, Dallas has become one of eight established 2030 Districts in the country.  2030 Districts are unique private/ public partnerships that bring property owners and managers together with local governments, businesses, and community stakeholders to provide a business model for urban sustainability through collaboration, leveraged financing, and shared resources. 

“Jerry has been instrumental in putting Dallas on the map - literally!  We look forward to the success of the District in the future.”

Presidential Citation for Exemplary Leadership in Development of DCFA Form Follows Fitness 5K: Patrick Glenn, AIA

Patrick initiated the creation of an event that has consistently exceeded all expectations – the Form Follows Fitness 5K benefitting the Dallas Center for Architecture Foundation. He has chaired the planning committee every year since its inception in 2012, reaching a new milestone of success each year with increasing participation and sponsorship.

“The 5K has consistently exceeded all expectations. 2015 will mark the 4th annual run that is clearly a tradition for years to come!”

Presidential Citation for Exemplary Committee Leadership: COTE/ AIA+2030 Committee Leadership team of Patrick Jones, AIA; Laura Eder, Assoc. AIA; Mary Dickinson, Assoc. AIA; Chris Mundell, AIA

With the launch of the AIA+2030 Series, the Committee on the Environment had their biggest year yet. COTE spearheaded three major initiatives in 2014–the 2030 series, the NTX Sustainable Showcase, and their own committee activities.

“Our members have greatly benefited from the tireless efforts of this committee, who work to provide exceptional cutting edge educational programs and resources.”

Presidential Citation for Exemplary Service to the Chapter in contribution to development and launch of website AIA Dallas Springboard: Katie Hitt, Assoc. AIA

As communications manager of AIA Dallas, Katie was instrumental in the development of Springboard from early concept through the laborious months of development. 

“We are blessed to have Katie on staff and with her skillful support we have elevated the chapter’s presence with a new platform for engaging members, building and sharing our expertise and elevating the conversation about why architecture matters.”

Congratulations to this year's honorees and thanks to all who came out to celebrate with us! Relive the fun or see what you missed out on - view photos from the event here. AIA Dallas would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of our leadership, members, volunteers – we couldn’t do it without you!