USF SCAD Director, Halflants + Pichette Studio receive top AIA Tampa Bay honors

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Tampa Bay Chapter named 23 recipients of its highest annual awards, the Honor and Design Awards, at the Celebrate Design reception on Thursday, Nov. 5. Through the awards program, AIA Tampa Bay honors architects, philanthropists, public servants, and organizations that are committed to improving communities through design excellence.

University of South Florida School of Architecture and Community Design director Robert M. Macleod, AIA received the highest Honor Award, the Medal of Honor, for his decades of service in developing young minds into the brilliant architects. During his tenure at USF, students’ thesis work has been selected as some of the best in the nation, and his students have been invited to participate in national competitions. Macleod also played a lead role in establishing an urban studio in downtown St. Pete, which allows students to interact with the community and help to solve real-world problems.

The highest Design Award honor, the H. Dean Rowe, FAIA Award for Design Excellence, was awarded to Halflants + Pichette Studio for Modern Architecture for “Verandah House.” The jury commented, “The siting, materiality and elegant forms of this project show dexterous creativity at all scales. The house transforms the lawn into a space as opposed to treating it as an ornament. The project embodies beautiful composition and a deft handling of natural light.”

The AIA Tampa Bay Honor Awards also recognized 12 people and firms for outstanding accomplishments and service to the architecture profession and the community:

· Firm Award: Halflants + Pichette Studio for Modern Architecture for its consistent leadership, vision, and ability

· Pullara Award: Larry Wilder, AIA, principal of Wilder Architecture, for his exemplary service to the AIA and the community

· Kelley Emerging Professional Award: Patrick Thorpe, AIA for his energy and enthusiasm in service to associate members and young architects

· Award of Excellence: Rachel Radawec, executive administrative assistant for the Tampa Downtown Partnership, for her work in promoting design and architecture to the community through the Tampa Bay Design Week

· Award of Excellence: Staff of the City of Tampa’s Architectural Review & Historic Preservation Department for their work protecting Tampa’s historic buildings and ensuring new development is well designed and appropriately integrated into Tampa’s historic urban fabric

· President’s Award: Strategic Property Partners LLC for reimagining Tampa’s architectural fabric through its 40-acre urban multi-use project

· President’s Award: Speck & Associates principal Jeff Speck, AICP, CNU-A, LEED-AP, Honorary ASLA for his work with Strategic Property Partners LLC

· President’s Award: Stantec senior principal and urban design group leader David Dixon, FAIA for his work with Strategic Property Partners LLC

· Artisan Award: The Urban Conga for creating a well-designed, well-built and fun installation, “Play with the Rays,” at Tropicana Field

· Contractor’s Award: The A.D. Morgan Corporation for their exemplary attention to detail, fine workmanship and craftsmanship

· Allied Member Award: John Eveland, PE of George F Young Inc. for his service to the chapter and promotion of the value of AIA and the architecture profession

Ten out of 56 project submissions were selected for the AIA Tampa Bay Design Awards for representing exceptional work in architecture and urban design. Each winning project, granted either an “honor” or “merit” award, was chosen for its exemplary design quality.

Merit Awards recognize projects that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in architectural design. Merit Awards were presented to:

· Jeffery Stewart with Gould Evans for “Running the Pass”

· Halflants + Pichette Studio for Modern Architecture for “The Lee Residence,” “Risdon on 5th” and “Bayfront Porch”

· Traction Architecture for “Sky Striker”

· Rowe Architects Incorporated for Water Works Park

· MaKh Studio for “Ozera Farm, Barn 01”

Honor Awards recognize projects that demonstrate the highest standards of design and innovation and a commitment to excellence in architectural design. Honor Awards were presented to Gensler for “Mohammed Indimi International Business Center (IBC)” and Rowe Architects Incorporated for “Okeechobee County Courthouse.”

Criteria considered by the jurors included design quality, program resolution, innovation, thoughtfulness, and technique. This year’s jurors were Rogers Partners Architects+Urban Designers principal Robert Rogers, FAIA, LTL Architects principal David Lewis and Architecture Research Office principal Stephen Cassell, AIA.

The People’s Choice award was presented to Gresham, Smith & Partners for “Rashid Medical Complex.” People’s Choice entries are posted on Behance and the community voted for its choice during Tampa Bay Design Week 2015.

Event co-chairs Juan C. Ricardes, International Associate AIA, principal of JaJu’ Design & Development, and Chris Culbertson, president of EMPAD Architecture and Design, organized the event. WFLA NewsChannel 8 anchor Stacie Schaible served as emcee.

AIA Tampa Bay

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the professional association for architects and those in the architecture field. AIA Tampa Bay is the regional chapter representing approximately 650 members in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Hernando, Citrus, Sumter and Pasco Counties. The AIA provides programs and services including educational programs, design competitions, community service programs and serves as the united voice of the architecture profession. The regional chapter office is located in downtown Tampa.