SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Nov. 13, 2023) - AIA Illinois announces the recipients of the 2023 AIA Illinois Honor Awards, “A Celebration of Better Illinois Communities by Design,” recognizing architecture throughout Illinois. Award recipients have been selected by a jury from nominations submitted this spring. AIA Illinois recognized their contributions at a ceremony in Champaign, Ill. on Oct. 26. The AIA Illinois Honor Awards recognize people and projects epitomizing the contributions of the architecture profession, the transformative power of design, and the dedication of individuals to service and excellence. All award winners have positively impacted citizens throughout the state of Illinois by helping create communities in which people are drawn to live and work, and to live healthier and happier. “A sincere congratulations to all of the 2023 Honor Award recipients,” said Eric Klinner, CAE, executive vice president at AIA Illinois. “Your contributions to our built environment impact us all and strengthen our communities.” “Congratulations to all of the recipients,” said Leanne Meyer-Smith, AIA, 2023 president of AIA Illinois’ Board of Directors. “The decisions were difficult ones, but this year’s award recipients have shown exemplary work and great service to bettering our communities and the built environment.”
The Capitol Award - Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal 5 East Extension | Chicago, Ill. | The highest state honor given for a transformational project - one designed for the human experience that works towards cultural transformation. Selected from all submissions, chosen directly by the jury. "This is a striking addition - modest in size and scale, but not lacking in detail and thoughtful execution," said one juror. "This project is a perfect example of Design for Community though its celebration of travel, engagement of stakeholders, and champion of local arts and artists. It fully embraces the energy and excitement of travel and also provides some beautiful counterpoints of rest and contemplation for the weary traveler."
Greatest Impact: Project Construction Value $5 Million and Above – Joliet Inpatient Treatment Center | Joliet, Ill.
Greatest Impact: Project Construction Value Below $5 Million – Farm on Ogden | Chicago, Ill.
For Excellence in Historic Preservation: Project Construction Value $5 Million and Above – Tribune Tower Conversion | Chicago, Ill.
For Excellence in Historic Preservation: Project Construction Value Below $5 Million – Midtown Faust | Rockford, Ill.
Excellence in Master Planning - Clark Street Crossroads Corridor Study | Chicago, Ill.
For Excellence in Interiors: Projects 5,000 SF and Above - Elgin Math + Science Academy Campus | Elgin, Ill.
For Excellence in Interiors: Projects Under 5,000 SF – State Street Apartment | Chicago, Ill.
The 2023 AIA Illinois Design Honor Award jurors include Allison Anderson, FAIA, Varun Kohli, FAIA, and Tate Walker, AIA. Service Award recipients are voted on by the current Board of Directors.
Gold Medal for Outstanding Lifetime Service – Peter Exley, FAIA
R. Buckminster Fuller Award for Social Good – Sheri Andrews, AIA
John Wellborn Root Award for Emerging Professionals – Kelly Moynihan, AIA
Nathan Clifford Ricker Award for Architecture Education – Francisco J. Rodríguez-Suárez, FAIA
Alan Madison Award for Diversity Work – Roderic Walton, AIA
About AIA Illinois
AIA Illinois, the state component of the national American Institute of Architects (AIA), represents more than 4,200 members working to build livable communities from Cairo to Chicago to Rockford. It is empowered by members to champion the profession of architecture. Learn more at aiail.org or call (217) 522-2309.