An Unforgettable Experience at AIA Philadelphia's Design Awards

The AIA Philadelphia Design Awards event is a celebration that brings professionals in the architecture and design industry together. It was my and fellow colleagues Paul Lindsey and Charlene Gilman's first-time attending AIA Philadelphia's Design Awards, and we were excited to have the opportunity to explore the best in architecture and design. I was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome I received from professionals in the architecture and design industry. The event was a great opportunity for me to make valuable connections and learn more about other firms in the community.

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My Memorable Moments

One of the most memorable moments for me during AIA Philadelphia's Design Awards was finally getting the opportunity to meet the chapter’s staff, Rebecca Johnson, Executive Director, Julianne Foley, Director of Membership and Events, and Jermaine Jenkins, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships in person. Although I had heard of their work and had spoken with them over the phone or through email, this was my first time meeting them in person. It was a great pleasure to finally put a face to the names and have the chance to connect with them face-to-face. It was a memorable experience and I look forward to working with them in the future.

Another highlight of AIA Philadelphia's Design Awards for me was the chance to see videos of the award winners and learn more about the hard work they had accomplished. It was truly inspiring to see the dedication and talent of these individuals and firms, and it was especially gratifying to see the looks of joy and accomplishment on their faces as they received their awards. It was a reminder of the importance of hard work and dedication in the field of architecture and design, and it was a truly memorable experience.

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Connections to Highlight

I had the opportunity to make several valuable connections during AIA Philadelphia's Design Awards, one of which was with Derek Spencer, Partner at Gnome Architects. Derek was kind enough to speak with me about his experience at Gnome Architects and I was able to share more about the services that Existing Conditions offer. It was a pleasure to connect with him and learn more about his work. ​​We would like to extend our congratulations to Gnome Architects on being selected as the 2022 Philadelphia Emerging Architecture (PEA) Prize award recipient! This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team at Gnome Architects, and we are thrilled to see them recognized for their excellent contributions to the architecture and design industry. Keep up the great work!

Another valuable connection I was able to make was with Alexis Martin, CEO of EPSA. During our conversation, I learned about how his company helps innovative companies take advantage of R&D Tax Credits and more about the work that EPSA does. It was fascinating to learn more about how they help businesses in this way and I appreciated the opportunity to connect with Alexis and learn more about his company.

Lastly, I was seated next to Kate Brannelly, Strategic Marketing Officer at Acentech, during the event. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that we had worked on a project together in the past, and we were able to catch up and reminisce about our previous collaboration. Overall, it was a great experience attending the AIA Philadelphia Design Awards, and I look forward to attending more events like this in the future. The opportunity to meet and connect with professionals in the architecture and design industry and learn more about the work of other firms is always valuable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have attended.

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The Evolution of AIA Philadelphia's Design Awards

In my interview with Julianne Foley, I had the opportunity to learn more about her work. Julianne has been with the chapter for approximately eight years and has seen the awards program evolve in many ways. Her role has also expanded with the chapter, and she has become more involved with the awards program, jury selection, and other aspects of the event.

In the past, the awards program has changed venues and formats. It used to be more of a relaxed, happy hour-style reception, but more recently it has become a grand celebration with a sit-down dinner. Julianne mentioned that the change was made because the members of the board felt that the new look had a better feel, and they were receptive to it. It was interesting to learn about the history and evolution of the awards program and how it has grown and changed over the years.

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Julianne's Highlights

The process of putting the awards program together is a rewarding experience, especially for Julianne. Julianne enjoys seeing all the project submissions come in and reading the project narratives. She is involved in assembling materials for the jury and helping with jury selection. Each year, Julianne's contributions to the awards program ensure that it is a success due to her invaluable contributions.

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What Makes the AIA Philadelphia Design Awards Unique?

This year, the jury traveled from Iowa and brought a unique perspective to the selection process. The jury is selected from a pool of diverse perspectives, including architects and designers at different stages in their careers, to ensure that a wide range of viewpoints are considered when selecting the winners. In the event planning process, the caterer and venue are also involved in defining the event's vision. In addition, the Chapter was excited to include the West Philly Orchestra as an exciting and energetic addition to the event. Overall, the AIA Philadelphia Design Awards has grown into a grand celebration that is enjoyable for board members, staff, members, and award winners.

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More Memorable Moments

One of the most memorable moments of the AIA Philadelphia Design Awards event was getting to see the excitement on the faces of the award winners as they came up on stage. It was special for Julianne to share in their joy and for the award winners to recognize the value and merit of their work. As a staff member, Julianne especially enjoys being able to connect with the members and celebrate their achievements. Throughout Julianne’s time at the organization, she has been actively involved in a variety of membership initiatives, not just the Design Awards program. These initiatives allowed her to build strong relationships with the members and support them in their professional development. This year, there were many excited faces on stage as they received their awards and recognition. It was a special moment for Julianne to be able to witness and celebrate with them.

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Impact of AIA Philadelphia's Design Awards Program on Local Design and Architecture Community

The AIA Philadelphia Design Awards program has greatly benefited the local design and architecture community by bringing everyone together in a celebratory end-of-the-year event. The program combines both social and award elements, creating a sense of community and connection among the members. The program also provides an opportunity for members and sponsors to come together and celebrate the work and achievements of the local design and architecture industry. Overall, the AIA Philadelphia Design Awards program has had a positive impact on the local design and architecture community and will continue to bring people together and recognize excellence in the industry in the future.

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