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Letter From AIA Arkansas President Frank A. Barksdale

2 min read

AIA Arkansas’ Design Awards program showcases excellence in architecture and urban design in our state. Recognizing achievement in a broad range of architectural work, the program serves to inform the public of the breadth and value of architectural practice.

Winning projects are distributed in this publication by Arkansas Business throughout our state and all are fine examples of the Roman architect Vitruvius’ historic treatise that great buildings should satisfy the three principles of firmitas, utilitas, venustas, that is, firmness, commodity and delight! This year’s cover features the 2010 AIA Arkansas Members’ Choice Award winner, Heifer International’s Education Center, designed by Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects of Little Rock.

The awards are judged each year by an independent panel of judges who have the difficult task of narrowing down the winners from the many outstanding projects submitted. Thanks to this year’s judges from Seattle — David E. Miller, FAIA, Kirsten R. Murray, AIA and Prentis Hale — and also special thanks to Rich Brya, AIA, for serving as our Design Awards chair.

The Fay Jones Gold Medal Award is the highest award AIA Arkansas can present to one of its members. This award is only presented to those who have demonstrated special qualities of leadership, design and service to the state of Arkansas and the AIA Arkansas Chapter. It is an honor to announce that this year’s recipient is Charles Witsell, FAIA.

The Award of Merit was established to recognize a person, public agency or company that has advanced the cause of good planning and design. This year the Arkansas Chapter of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) is the Award of Merit honoree.

The Emerging Professional Award is given to recognize a new professional who has expanded the role of the architect through civic participation and professional mentorship. This year’s Emerging Professional Award goes to Chris Baribeau, AIA. Chris co-founded Modus Studio in 2008 and has worked on a wide range of award-winning projects.

I hope that you will enjoy this publication and trust that it brings you much venustas!

Frank A. Barksdale, AIA

President, AIA Arkansas

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