AIA Grand Rapids 2022 Honor Awards Celebration Program

John Rizor, AIA, NCARB, CDT, WELL AP

AIAGR Board President

“We are not here to fit in…we are here to beeccentric,different,perhapsstrange, perhapsmerelytoaddoursmallpiece,our littleclunky,chunkyselves,tothegreat mosaicofbeing…tobecomemoreand more ourselves.”

-James Hollis

Because we all play a part. Our communities need us…and the individuals and projects we recognize this evening are shining examples of how we can best serve those communities. I’m grateful for each and every one of you here tonight, and look forward to our future together in west Michigan.

Our industry itself is a mosaic, in part comprised of the projects and members we have the honor of celebrating tonight. The more each of us can bring our authentic, eccentric selves to our profession, the more dynamic, animated, and inclusive our communities can become. I ask each of you to be mindful of, and grateful for, the great honor of our practice — let’s celebrate our peers and projects as individual tiles in this tapestry of society, but never lose sight of the great mosaic to which each of those tiles contribute. Let’s be mindful and revisit that 10,000ft altitude view more often, and remind ourselves to be ourselves.

I’m proud of the role AIA Grand Rapids plays in supporting our members to help build that future. Our mission is to support and advance the profession of architecture in our community, and each year, this event is the primary way we do so. Tonight, we recognize excellence in the work of our members, firms, clients, and collaborators… and in all of you. Personally, and on behalf of the AIAGR board, I thank you for being here and celebrating architectural excellence in our community.

Congratulations!

President’sMessage

Hayden Prillwitz

Hayden graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design. This fall, she began her 3rd year attending the Master of Architecture degree program at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD). Hayden is currently interning with Pure Architects in Grand Rapids as an Architectural Designer. She also serves on the KCAD AIAS Board.

ScholarshipRecipients

Sean Guirey

Sean graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, where he is now in his final year in the Master of Architecture program. He interned at Via Design the past two summers to gain job experience and be immersed in the design process. Sean’s love for the outdoors inspires his passion for design informed and inspired by nature.

Each year, AIAGR awards a scholarship, made possible through generous donors, to emerging professionals to assist in continuing their architectural education.

KCAD

KCAD

Zada Harris

2022 AIA Medal for Academic Excellence

The NAAB Master of Architecture (MArch) degree program at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University has awarded the 2022 AIA Medal for Academic Excellence to Zada Harris in recognition of extraordinary academic achievement.

Zada has been an active member of the local KCAD AIAS Chapter and recently joined the Integrated Architecture team as their newest architectural designer.

She earned a Master of Architecture from Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Studio Arts from Hope College.

Her diverse education and experiences allow her to bring a unique perspective to the design process. She is passionate about the use of smart design to create positive impacts and is thrilled to be part of the Integrated Architecture team.

The award for students in architecture began in 1914 by the AIA. Today, more than 100 schools annually submit the name of one graduate of a BArch, MArch, or DArch program who displays “general excellence” throughout their academic career.

AIA Medal for Academic Excellence

Tod Stevens, FAIA

Progressive AE

The AIA elevated one member from AIA Grand Rapids to its prestigious College of Fellows, AIA’s highest membership honor, for his exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society.

Tod serves as Progressive AE’s dedicated learning practice leader. With 25+ years of experience and more than 20 award-winning projects to his name, Tod is a pursued

speaker and presenter. He is ingrained in Michigan’s higher education market and has served notable clients such as Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Lansing Community College, Lawrence Technological University, Oakland University, University of Michigan, and Wayne State University.

College of Fellows

Elevating those architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level.

Elizabeth Bovard Strong

Builders Exchange of Michigan

Elizabeth Bovard Strong has over 16 years of experience at the Builders Exchange of Michigan, a construction planroom that connects its members to projects and subcontractors to establish strong relationships within the construction community. As Executive Vice President, her desire to serve the many-faceted and ever-changing construction industry has also led to volunteer service with the local chapters of the Construction Specifications Institute, the American Society of Professional Estimators, and AIA Grand Rapids. Realizing the need for

associations to collaborate, Elizabeth continues to foster an atmosphere of partnership within the construction industry. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for AIA Grand Rapids, the Ferris State University Industry Advisory Board, BXNet, and Guiding Light.

Additionally, Elizabeth has spearheaded the effort to promote and include minority-owned, women-owned, and micro-local construction contractors through the Construction Allies in Action and the Strong Foundations Program. This effort seeks to ensure a larger pool of minority and underrepresented contractors has the capacity to take on larger projects. This forward-thinking approach is the hallmark of Elizabeth’s pursuit to create strong relationships throughout the design and construction industries.

HonoraryAllied Award

Awarded to someone of esteemed character that has rendered distinguished service to the profession of architecture and fostered or promoted excellence in architecture.

Matt VanSweden, LFA, WELL AP, LEED AP BD+C Foresight Management

Matt is a nationally recognized restorative design consultant. His entry point into sustainability, over eighteen years ago, came from recognizing the tremendous impact the built environment has on human health and well-being worldwide. Recently, he has shifted his restorative design approach to be more equity- and justice-centered. His work has the power to shape and support architects across many verticals in Michigan and beyond.

Matt is the current co-chair of AIA Grand Rapids’ Committee on the Environment (COTE). Matt has also served on a national AIA task force

to update their Framework for Design Excellence Toolkit as a restorative design subject matter expert and volunteered as an AIA COTE Top Ten technical expert, focusing on Design for Equitable Communities and Design for Well-being.

Matt focuses his work on the intersections between climate justice, racial justice, and the built environment. Utilizing the Integrative Design Process, he works to empower and equip design teams with the right tools at the right time necessary to solve the right problems; optimizing the design process with chaos, order, and a bit of humor. His design work is equal parts alchemy, art, and adventure.

HonoraryAllied Award

Awarded to someone of esteemed character that has rendered distinguished service to the profession of architecture and fostered or promoted excellence in architecture.

Matthew J. Christie, AIA, LEED AP

Young

Matt is a design leader who approaches each project with a passion to understand and connect with clients through early discovery workshops and planning. His diverse experience includes an array of domestic and international projects across aviation, commercial, education, institutional, industrial, and single- and multi-family residential markets. By working on a range of project types and sizes, he has developed a full range of skills, spanning both design and

technical aspects of a project. His experience provides an adaptable perspective that responds to a project’s unique set of parameters.

As a thought leader, Matt believes team collaboration blended with a client-centric approach introduces fresh perspectives, energy, and opportunities for discovery.

He received his Master of Architecture degree from The University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Lawrence Technological University. He is a LEED Accredited professional and believes every project must speak to sustainability through the materials they use, the environments they create, and the cultures they reinforce.

Awarded for proficiency and exceptional accomplishments in the profession and community to someone licensed fewer than 10 years.

Mathison | Mathison Architects

WINNER -

STUDENT PROJECT DESIGN AWARD

IMANE HOCINI | KCAD

MUSEUM OF SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE

This project is designed to substitute for an existing building destined for demolition, situated on a site of rare beauty and solid historical identity in the historic district of Lowell, Michigan.

The most significant challenge of this project was completing this exercise statement “Museum of sustainable_______” with a material that does not rhyme with sustainability, concrete. This material is usually perceived as ugly, cold, and heavy; and is reputed to be one of the most environmentally unfriendly construction materials.

With sustainability in mind; reducing quantities, recycling local materials, and seeking more sustainable ingredients was the approach to design a project that uses the green credentials of concrete while reducing its carbon footprint and causing less impact on the environment.

In addition, the design addresses sustainability from a community engagement standpoint by bringing the pedestrian back to the street, serving the community, and cultivating people’s connections.

LUCID ARCHITECTURE

ROSY MOUND RETREAT

Set on the shore of Lake Michigan, the Rosy Mound Retreat challenges the traditional approach to how a home interacts with its site while also responding to the client’s desire for a modern yet modest rugged retreat to replace a failing mid-century modern cottage.

WINNERSMALL COMMERCIAL DESIGN AWARD

ELEVATE STUDIO ARCHITECTURE.DESIGN

MONROE COMMUNITY CHURCH

The project is a comprehensive renovation of a 1963 industrial building into a state-of-the-art ministry center for a contemporary, urban church. The design followed principles that were derived together by the architects and the congregation in a half-day workshop. The building intentionally uses raw, basic materials in inventive ways as a metaphor of God’s grace in transforming people’s lives.

It is meant to be noticed and communicate joy, is designed for the display and enjoyment of art, blesses people who have disabilities, and is intended to be used well by other community organizations.

“Love God, Love People, Love the City”

WINNERSMALL COMMERCIAL DESIGN AWARD

INTEGRATED ARCHITECTURE

840 OTTAWA

A local architecture firm’s shift to more urban-related design challenges and the rapid redevelopment and rejuvenation of the core of Grand Rapids lead to its decision to locate at 840 Ottawa, a former printing operation that existed for nearly 100 years. Through close collaboration with the neighborhood, city leadership, and staff, the firm joined in the area’s transformation and shift from a primarily industrial urban fringe neighborhood into a more diverse mix of office, hospitality, and housing. The firm’s new home better connects the team to the community, its neighborhood, and each other. Its thoughtful simplicity showcases the historical legacy of the original structure while carrying forward its position in the community.

WINNERBUILDING AWARD

MATHISON | MATHISON ARCHITECTS

GLEN LAKE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

The Glen Lake Community Schools project includes new team rooms for soccer and softball; a new tennis complex; and gateway building for ticketing, restrooms, and storage.

The team rooms provide space for home and visitor teams to prepare for games, including locker facilities, training room, public toilets, and a covered area to gather in any weather. Natural light and natural materials highlight the uniqueness of the Glen Lake community.

The tennis complex is designed with easy circulation, convenient spectator areas, and a shade pavilion. The gateway building consists of a ticket booth, office, restrooms, and storage; replacing a portable structure.

WINNERBUILDING AWARD

INTEGRATED ARCHITECTURE

THE MILTON

The rehabilitation of the Old-Merchants Bank and Trust Company building into The Milton allowed this 1930s Art Deco landmark to contribute vitality once again to downtown Battle Creek and exemplify the possibilities of adaptive reuse of large historic structures. The building, reimagined in use, is home to apartments, commercial offices, and retail space. The 20-story structure features 85 apartments and 32,000 square feet of commercial space. Common spaces were reactivated by adding modern touches of design elements inspired by the past. Preserving the integrity of the original architecture while incorporating modern updates and conveniences was key to this historically significant project.

WINNERBUILDING AWARD

CORNERSTONE ARCHITECTS

NMC WEST HALL INNOVATION CENTER

The West Hall Innovation Center at Northwestern Michigan College is the repurposing and expansion of a 51-year-old obsolete building. Designed to embrace equitable access for students, professors, and community members, the project encourages collaborative learning through a flexible and open environment. To minimize the environmental impact, this project operates autonomously from the campus power plant, incorporates superior stormwater management, and focuses on the use of renewable energy sources. A true community center, this building will be a lasting edifice that can adapt to support future requirements of the college and the community.

WINNERBUILDING AWARD

PROGRESSIVE AE

FLEXCO, INC.

Flexco Manufacturing is a growing company that operates both first and second shifts for 175 employees. The company is striving to become the leader in belt conveyor solutions and manufacturing to maximize business’ uptime, productivity, and safety.

In 2019, Flexco purchased a 36-acre lot to expand and integrate their two Grand Rapids offices into a single location. The design principle for their new facility focused on reinforcing equity among all employees, and driving innovation and continuous improvement while fueling a united culture. Leadership has stated that since moving into the facility they have experienced an increase in talent attraction and workplace culture.

WINNER -

CHOICE AWARD

TOWERPINKSTER

GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC MUSEUM

In 2019, TowerPinkster began working with the Grand Rapids Public Museum to expand the Museum and create engagement with the riverfront to support the Museum’s goal of enhancing the quality of life for the community.

During the conceptual design phase, TowerPinkster led visioning and discovery sessions with stakeholders and community partners. These listening and engagement opportunities were critical to developing a design that was inclusive and accurately addressed the needs and goals of the expansion: Accessibility, Connectivity, Education, and the City of Grand Rapids.

Real projects start with the industry standard

Photography ©Jeffrey Jacobs