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The American Institute of Architects

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Sarah Godbee

2021 Design Awards Special Edition Newsletter

Sarah Godbee · July 15, 2021 ·

What a great night celebrating D E S I G N after such a crazy year! It was so nice to see everyone again; we love getting to see all of you relaxed, having fun, and enjoying the company of one another outside of work. More than 200 people gathered at Regions Field on July 14th to celebrate winners of the 2021 AIA Birmingham Design Awards.

AIA Birmingham’s annual design awards recognize excellence in architectural design by member architects. The event featured Committee Chair Allison Vosicky, as the emcee, a baseball game, and delicious signature drink – the Pitch!

Each year, AIA Birmingham hosts Design Awards to recognize excellence in architectural design by architects in the Birmingham Chapter. These awards increase awareness of outstanding architecture and honor architects, clients, consultants, and contractors who work together to improve the built environment.

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Thank you to all of our sponsors, especially our title sponsor Spire Energy! We appreciate all of your support in the architectural community.

All the projects will be on exhibit in the Alabama Center for Architecture (ACFA).
(109 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. S., Birmingham, AL 35205)

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT!

Email anna@karmamanagementinc.com for high quality social media images.

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2021 Design Awards Committee

Allison Vosicky – Chair – Birchfield Penuel & Associates
Matthew Smith – Co-Chair – Williams Blackstock Architects
Kyle Stover – Past Chair – Williams Blackstock Architects
Emily Lopez – Christopher Architecture & Interiors
Patrick Nelson – Nelson Design (not pictured)

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2021 Jury

The jury met in Kansas City, where they look to elevate the value of architects, foster the future, create meaningful connections by intentional knowledge sharing, and equity + diversity + inclusion. The jury enjoyed deliberation and getting to see a glimpse of the work being done by AIA Birmingham members.

Robert Riccardi, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP – Gouldevans – Jury Chair

Robert’s blend of design sensibility, intellectual curiosity and personality benefits every project he touches. He has the rare ability to understand the various layers that exist within a single design opportunity, resulting in architecture that is truly multidimensional.

A gifted design leader, Robert engages clients and motivates his fellow designers. They are inspired by his belief that great design can make a difference and every project brings the potential for positive change. In turn, he is inspired by clients who are willing to engage in a process of mutual discovery, who challenge the design team to think deeply and solve problems in a manner that’s unexpected and delightful

Matthew Hufft, AIA, WELL AP – Hufft

With a Bachelors degree from the University of Kansas and a Masters degree from Columbia University, he is a LEED Accredited Professional, NCARB certified, and licensed in Missouri, Kansas, and New York. At the age of twenty-five, his first commission The Line House͛ was completed. Soon after, other commissions followed and Hufft was formed in 2005. Since that time, the firm has taken on over 300 architectural, fabrication and construction projects, ranging in budget from $20,000 to $60MM. Hufft’s work has been featured in Architectural Record, Metropolitan Home, Interior Design, Esquire, and many more publications, and has won multiple national and international awards.

Brad Satterwhite, AIA, LEED AP – Kem Studio

Brad Satterwhite is a Co-Founder and Principal of KEM STUDIO and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design [LEED] accredited professional. He is continually intrigued and influenced by a holistic approach to design that blurs the lines between architecture, industrial design and art. Throughout all aspects of design, Brad believes in the power of a big idea, purity of form and material, economy, and clarity. Brad is the recipient of numerous design awards from the American Institute of Architects [AIA] and the Young Architects Forum. He has practiced in both the US and the UK and collaborated on projects with Moshe Safdie and Associates, KPF, Rockwell Group and Pentagram.

Amy Slattery, AIA, IIDA, NCARB – Odimo

Slattery is the Founder and CEO of Odimo, a growing architecture practice based in Kansas City, Missouri. She is an entrepreneur, industry leader, and architect. She has experience in ground-breaking high design and sustainability, combined with engineering-based project management. She was an American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Young Architects Award recipient in 2011. She is currently a Chair of the Kansas City ULI Women’s Leadership Initiative, a Trustee of the AIA National Trust, and has held positions within the AIA on local, regional, and national levels.

Kwame Smith, AIA, LEED, AP, BD&C – SFS Architecture

Kwame Smith has 15 years of experience working on a wide range of projects, but the first thing he notices when walking into a building isn’t the architecture: it’s the people. His enthusiasm for communicating, listening and solving problems, whether with peers or project team members, leads to successful projects. This focus on people influences his design approach, and he takes particular pride in facilities that have an “immediate, direct and profound impact” on the communities they serve. Kwame’s combination of creative and technical knowledge spans all phases of design and implementation.

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Honor Awards

David Baker Architects | Jury Comments: “The term ‘small, but mighty’ rings true in this submission
This project is a delight! Extremely simple and comfortable in its own skin. Love how it hold the corner, is both refined with urban grit, and looks like a place you want to hang out and be happy. Add ice cream on top of that and you have a winner of a project.”

Jeni’s Ice Cream Pavilion WINNER

David Baker Architects | Jury Comments: “Love the generosity and communal connectivity of the shared outdoor spaces.
It reinforces a sense of community while allowing for individual intimacy with efficient living spaces and well-placed screening.
Celebrates the importance of human connection for users’ demographic. What stood out was how the design is both modern yet adaptable to the character of each resident.”

Williams Terrace WINNER

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Merit Awards

Nequette Architecture & Design | Jury Comments: “We were struck by the successful integration of modernity with regional archetype detailing. It is true and honest without being stylistic or referential. The sculptural block wall is a beautiful, functional abstraction of this integration. I love the clean, soft, reductive nature of the design that makes you feel refreshed even before engaging with the function.”

ZUMA- Alys Beach Wellness Center WINNER

Creature received two Merit Awards | Jury Comments: “The balance between respect for the existing structure and addition of modern planning and design stood out in the adaptive reuse. The pedestrian ally reinforces a strong sense of community, delight, and respite.”

The New Ideal WINNER
Mountain Brook Residence WINNER

Jury Comments: “Rigorous use of exterior materials and interior materials. Creates very compelling modern living spaces.”

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Citation Awards

Christopher Architecture & Interiors received two Citation Awards | Jury Comments: “This Citation award was citation was given for the exterior wrap – The award was based on interesting material and formal expression/execution on the exterior “
“Innovative way of reusing an existing structure. “
“Compelling architectural forms (rear) and very clean execution of exterior material uses.”

Christopher Collection WINNER

Highland Park Office Renovation WINNER

Jury Comments: “A lot of refinement that respects the minimalist existing building, enhances it, and creates an exterior space that is as desirable as the rigorously planned interior.” “Beautiful interior organization and lighting.” “Compelling exterior landscaped spaces.”

Tom Callison, MBA Engineering, announced Design Initiative Citation Award | Jury Comments: “Rigorously planned and engaging with the community, this project is both uplifting and restorative. Congrats not only to the designers but the community at large.’” “‘The simplicity of the building massing works well, and the site plan and building floor plan are well composed and organized.’”

ONEPRATT Park WINNER

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People’s Choice Award

Studio 2H People’s Choice Award Winner

Building C and Campus Renovations for United Way of Central Alabama WINNER

Entries

2021 | Design Initiative

186 Building

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2021 | Williams Blackstock Architects, PC

2200 Magnolia

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2021 | Design Initiative

400 41st Street

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2021 | Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc.

Athens Recreation Center

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2021 | bDot Architecture

Bay House

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2021 | Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc.

Birmingham Zoo Arrival Experience

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2021 | CCR Architecture & Interiors

Biso Collective

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2021 | John Hudson, AIA, LLED B+C

Boys and Girls Club – Polson

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2021 | Fifth Dimension Architecture

Brisa at St. Augustine

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2021 | Studio 2H Design, LLC | People’s Choice Award

Building C and Campus Renovations for United Way of Central Alabama

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2021 | Nequette Architecture & Design

Cahaba River House

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2021 | Birchfield Penuel & Associates LLC

Central Steel

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2021 | Birchfield Penuel & Associates LLC

Christ Health Center – Live Oaks Clinic

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2021 | Creature

Dagny

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2021 | Nequette Architecture & Design

Dexter Avenue Townhomes

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2021 | Fifth Dimension Architecture

Elements on 30th: Phase II

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2021 | TRO Jung|Brannen

Enoch Callaway Cancer Center Renovation/Expansion

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2021 | Christopher Architecture & Interiors

Grand Estate

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2021 | Christopher Architecture & Interiors | Citation Award

Highland Park Office Renovation

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2021 | David Baker Architects | Honor Award

Jeni’s Ice Cream Pavilion

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2021 | Williams Blackstock Architects, PC

KMS

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2021 | Williams Blackstock Architects, PC

Lee Building & 4th Avenue Parking Deck

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2021 | Birchfield Penuel & Associates LLC

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Workplace Transformation

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2021 | Creature

Monday Night Brewing

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2021 | Creature | Merit Award

Mountain Brook Residence

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2021 | Taylor Plosser Davis, AIA

Neighborhood Cottage

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2021 | Creature | Merit Award

New Ideal Building

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2021 | Studio 2H Design, LLC

New Warrior Elementary School

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2021 | Design Initiative | Citation Award

ONEPRATT PARK

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2021 | TRO Jung|Brannen

Pinnacle Cardiovascular Associates

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2021 | John Hudson, AIA, LEED B+C

Readiness Center

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2021 | Birchfield Penuel & Associates LLC

Renovation to Peter Bryce Hospital

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2021 | Fifth Dimension Architecture & Interiors, LLC

Skyfield Cabin

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2021 | Design Initiative

T.E. Stevens Headquarters

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2021 | Christopher Architecture & Interiors | Citation Award

The Collection

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2021 | Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc.

The Grand Hotel at Point Clear

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2021 | Fifth Dimension Architecture & Interiors

The Notch at Nora

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2021 | Birchfield Penuel & Associates LLC

UAB School of Optometry

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2021 | Goodwyn,, Mills and Cawood, Inc.

UAB University Hall, College of Arts and Sciences

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2021 | Williams Blackstock Architects, PC

University Hall

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2021 | David Baker Architects | Honor Award

Williams Terrace

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2021 | Nequette Architecture & Design | Merit Award

ZUMA – Alys Beach Wellness Center

June Newsletter

Sarah Godbee · June 10, 2021 ·

Coffee or Walk on the Rotary Trail?

Hi AIA Family,

Do you have any idea how excited I am that we are back to face-to-face meetings?!?!?! I am doing my happy dance! Most of you know I love people and get my energy from being with people. And my favorite people are creatives, you give off the best energy. I have missed all of you. It is my goal to see each of you by the end of the year or at the very least have some type of one-on-one communication with you. I learned from COVID to appreciate spending time with you. I would love to catch up and hear how you are doing, where you are in life, what you learned from COVID, any new ideas for AIA, and just SEE you in person. Shoot me an email, call, or text and let’s get coffee or take a walk on the Rotary Trail.

I hope I see you at the June 22nd in PERSON, FACE to FACE chapter meeting at Evolutia. Yummy lunch catered by Tre Luna.

See you soon! Have a fun weekend and live grateful.

Peace & AIA Love,

Rhea Williams, Executive Director AIA Birmingham, Alabama Center for Architecture (ACFA)

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Our Chapter Sponsors are the best of the best. Their continued support is crucial in everything we do; grateful is an understatement! We encourage our members to consider Sponsors first if they are in need of products or services.

See right sidebar for a full list of 2021 Chapter Sponsors.

2021 SPONSORS: See below for upcoming sponsorship opportunities at the 2021 AIA Birmingham Design Awards! July 15 at Regions Field.


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VW Gallerie at VW Supply Company
(Silver Chapter Sponsor)

Thanks to V&W Supply Company for their support of AIA Birmingham!

Sponsors– As a reminder, Platinum, Gold, and Silver Sponsors get one free ad in one AIA Birmingham newsletter, a $250 value! Please email katie@karmamanagementinc.com to take advantage of this opportunity.


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6/17: Design Awards Opening Reception

AIA Birmingham Design Awards Submissions are going on exhibit at The Pizitz Food Hall from 6/15-26.
Online voting begins Monday, 6/14!

Don’t miss the Opening Reception on 6/17 and from 4:30-6:30 PM. We cannot wait to see all your faces and catch up over Happy Hour drinks! Happy Hour drink specials at The Louis Bar end at 6 PM.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, 7/15! AIA Birmingham Design Awards are happening in-person this year at Regions Field. Join us for a night of baseball and celebration of design!

Tickets & Tables- Purchase online or by check mailed to AIA Birmingham at 109 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. S., Birmingham, AL 35205. If you mail in a check, please let us know who your attendees will be.

Interested in sponsoring Design Awards?

Download a sponsor form below and email katie@karmamanagementinc.com with any questions.


Download a Sponsor Form!
Download

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AIA Birmingham Events

Thanks to everyone who has continued participating in AIA Birmingham events virtually! We record many of our Zoom events, so feel free to check out the recordings of our March Chapter Meeting with Navigate Affordable Housing Partners and our April Meeting with First Light Shelter if you are interested.

We still have virtual events planned, but in-person events have returned!!! Keep reading to see what’s coming up.

Questions about an AIA Birmingham event or continuing education?
Email katie@karmamanagementinc.com!

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Click here to register for this FREE informational session!

Thanks to 1st Resource Credit Union for their support of AIA Birmingham and SEAoAL’s Emerging Professionals!

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Can’t wait to see you at the June Chapter Meeting!
The first in-person Chapter Meeting since February 2020.
(Lunch & 1.5 HSWs included
)

Click here to register online!

  • 11:30 AM-12:30 PM: Thermally Modified Wood Presentation by Thermory USA (1 HSW)
  • 12:40-1:10 PM: Reclaimed Wood Presentation & Site Tour from Evolutia (.5 HSW)

Email katie@karmamanagementinc.com with any questions or dietary restrictions before 6/14.

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Another Great Site Visit on 6/30
Register online here!

Creature’s Mercantile on Morris project will include 47 residential condos available for purchase ranging from micro to two-bedroom. Units will feature historic charm with modern finishes. Residents will have access to a terrace that overlooks the bustling pedestrian plaza. The project has 14,000 SF of retail space available for lease. Some retail options include frontage on Morris Avenue and 1st Avenue North that opens into an interior pedestrian plaza. Through the creation of the pedestrian plaza, patrons and residents will be able to experience the development as a destination for their entire day. Join us on 6/30 to learn more!


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Emerging Professionals

  • AIA Birmingham offers HSW opportunities and site visits throughout the year; these can also count as AXP Experience Hours!
  • Free AIA Membership for new grads
  • We have the Brightwood Architecture ARE 5.0 Study Guides available to check-out. Members provide a fully refundable $50 cash deposit. Click here to learn more.

4/28 Event Recap– ARE Prep: Understanding a Geotech Report

We had so much fun seeing our EPs for the first time in more than a year! Thanks to everyone who came out to MBA Engineers Geotech Lab in April. Huge shoutout to Drew Thornbury and the team at MBA Engineers, Inc. for being such gracious hosts.

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5/26 Event Recap — AG Gaston Site Visit w/ SEAoAL

We cannot thank Fred Keith and Rogers Hunt, III from AG Gaston Construction for sharing their time and expertise with us! It was a treat to see the AG Gaston Motel, a place where civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. stayed and planned.

Learn more about the AG Gaston Motel project:

  • City of Birmingham
  • Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
  • National Park Service
  • National Trust for Historic Preservation

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Job Search Assistance for AIA Birmingham Members

  • AIA Birmingham Careers Page
    • New opportunities are listed regularly here!
    • AIA Birmingham Member Firms can post openings free of charge. Email listings to katie@karmamanagementinc.com.
  • Resume Review & Sharing
    • AIA Birmingham can review your resume and share it with local firms looking to fill a position.

For additional job listings, check out the AIA National Career Center and AIA Alabama Job Board!


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Contract Documents

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AIA Birmingham Members get a 10% discount when they order documents through AIA Birmingham. Click here for more information!


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Helpful Links from AIA National

  • Free AIA Membership for new grads
  • Free AIAU Courses for members on risk management, business strategies, and virtual practice
  • AIA Knowledge Communities help members connect and are a source for information
  • AIA Award Programs
  • AIA Legislative Action Center advocates for architects
  • AIA Trust – Exclusive financial planning and insurance tools
  • COVID-19 Resources

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Register for all ACFA events & pay for Membership online here!

  • 7/20/2021: Auburn University Urban Studio Project (HSW Pending)
  • 8/10/2021: Zimmerman & David Baker Architects in Ensley (HSW Pending)
  • Fall 2021: Affordable Housing Symposium with David Baker Architects (HSW Pending)
  • October 2021: ACFA Golf Tournament (Benefitting Scholarship Program)
  • October 2021: National Building Museum’s Evicted exhibit traveling to Birmingham
    • Add the Pulitzer Prize winning book, Evicted: Poverty & Profit in the American City, by Matthew Desmond to your reading list!

Want to help the ACFA continue offering scholarships, educational outreach, and more?

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ACFA-Event-Powerpoint--1024x576.png

Become a Member! Do you want to impact the lives of Alabamians through architecture? Give to the ACFA and help support their educational outreach initiatives such as dreamARCHITECTURE, N2 Architecture, and the ACFA Scholarship Program.

Pay for Membership online here OR mail a check to the ACFA at 109 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. S., Birmingham, AL 35233. Email katie@karmamanagementinc.com with any questions about ACFA Membership!

AIA Birmingham is proud to have many Member Firms and Sponsors who belong to the ACFA:

  • Adams Gerndt Design Group
  • Alabama Concrete Industries Association
  • B-Group Architecture
  • Bill Whittaker, Registered Architect
  • Brasfield & Gorrie
  • Blackmon Rogers Architects
  • CCR Architecture & Interiors
  • Ghafari Associates
  • KPS Group
  • Line Scale Form
  • Revolutionary Architecture
  • Risk Strategies
  • Studio 2H Design
  • Studio C Architecture & Interiors
  • Taylor Plosser Davis, Architect
  • Thompson Architecture
  • Williams Blackstock Architects

Participate in fundraising HSW events! The ACFA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Each time you attend an ACFA fundraiser, proceeds from your purchase go directly to carrying out their mission of advancing the enjoyment of architecture and design through engagement, education, and collaboration.

Are you an Amazon Shopper? If so, consider starting your shopping at https://smile.amazon.com, and choose the ACFA as your nonprofit. Amazon will donate a portion of your sale to the ACFA!


March Newsletter

Sarah Godbee · March 2, 2021 ·

Our Chapter Sponsors are the best of the best. Their continued support is crucial in everything we do; grateful is an understatement! We encourage our members to consider Sponsors first if they are in need of products or services.

See right sidebar for a full list of 2021 Chapter Sponsors.

2020 SPONSORS: We want you in the AIA Birmingham Family in 2021! Email katie@karmamanagementinc.com to renew today! Click here to view the 2021 Sponsor Brochure.


AIA Birmingham Events

It’s only March, and we have already had some great HSW events: Solonia Mack with Jefferson County Housing Authority in January, and Zero Energy School Design from Kenny Stanfield, AIA, LEED AP. Keep reading to see what’s next!

Questions about an AIA Birmingham event or continuing education?
Email katie@karmamanagementinc.com!

We moved to all virtual events in the wake of COVID-19, and we will continue online in the foreseeable future. We will reach out when anything changes. Thanks for understanding!


3/11: March Chapter Meeting (HSW)

Click here to register online!

Matthew Churnock, Director of Planning and Development at Navigate Affordable Housing Partners will provide a background on Navigate’s Performance-Based Contract Administration in the preservation of Affordable Housing as well as holistic Community Development through community stabilization, workforce housing, equitable education opportunity and catalytic development.


Renew your AIA Birmingham Membership before 3/31

AIA Members who do not renew prior to 3/31 will be lapsed.

Click here for more information about renewal!


Renew your Cal EMA Online

Please follow these instructions for the online recertification training. Once you complete the exam, the system will automatically notify Cal OES, who will produce a new SAP ID card and send it to you at the address listed in the Cal OES database. After working through the instructions below, nothing more is needed on your part.

Access the on-line Refresher Course by means of the following steps:

  1. Go to   https://csti-ca.csod.com/default.aspx?c=caloes-recovery-sap
  2. Click on the yellow Register box and create a new account. You will need your SAP ID Number.
  3. Register with an e-mail where we can send a callout message to you, bearing in mind a callout may not happen while you are at work. We do not recommend a work e-mail in the event you change jobs or retire.
  4. Register with a mailing address where we can mail you your card.
  5. When submitting the form, you will see a message telling you the registration is pending approval. Cal OES will receive an e-mail that you registered and approve you within 24 hours.
  6. Once your account is approved, you need to request the SAP Online Evaluator Refresher Training. 
  7. (Look for the yellow SAP Training button and then click on the yellow box titled Online Evaluator Training).   
  8. Click on the Request button.  It may take up to 24 hours for the request to be approved.
  9. Click on Open Curriculum. The modules are separated into 6 different sections.
  10. Every slide and link in each module must be viewed before the module is considered complete.
  11. Each module must be completed before moving on to the next. Knowledge checks inside the modules are not scored and are only used for reference.
  12. Once all modules are complete you may then take the final exam. If you fail the exam, you must review the modules and retake the exam.  You may retake the exam up to three times before you need to wait a week before retaking the exam.

On-Demand HSWs from Lighting Solutions Alabama (Platinum Sponsor)

Click here to view the full selection.

Thanks to Lighting Solutions of Alabama for their support of AIA Birmingham!


Job Search Assistance for AIA Birmingham Members

  • AIA Birmingham Careers Page
    • New opportunities are listed regularly here!
    • AIA Birmingham Member Firms can post openings free of charge. Email listings to katie@karmamanagementinc.com.
  • Resume Review & Sharing
    • AIA Birmingham can review your resume and share it with local firms looking to fill a position.

For additional job listings, check out the AIA National Career Center and AIA Alabama Job Board!


Contract Documents

AIA Birmingham Members get a 10% discount when they order documents through AIA Birmingham. Click here for more information!


  • We miss getting together with our EPs!
  • Looking back on Liquor Treat 2019!
  • Looking back on our Design in Film Series!
  • Looking back on Liquor Treat 2019!
  • 2019 YAEC Holiday Party w/ other industry professionals
  • Looking back on Liquor Treat 2019!
  • Looking back on our Design in Film Series!

Emerging Professionals

  • AIA Birmingham offers HSW opportunities and site visits throughout the year; these can also count as AXP Experience Hours!
  • Free AIA Membership for new grads
  • We have the Brightwood Architecture ARE 5.0 Study Guides available to check-out. Members provide a fully refundable $50 cash deposit. Click here to learn more.

  • Group 1 & 2 Luncheon Pre-COVID
  • 2019 Mixer at CCR Architecture & Interiors
  • 2019 Mixer & Tour of Studio Goodlight
  • 2019 WIA Mixer at the ACFA
  • WIA Meeting at PracticeWorks
  • 2019 WIA Mixer at the ACFA
  • 2019 Mixer at CCR Architecture & Interiors
  • 2019 WIA Mixer at the ACFA
  • 2019 WIA Mixer at the ACFA
  • Group 1 & 2 Luncheon Pre-COVID
  • 2019 WIA Mixer at the ACFA

Women in Architecture

  • Our Women in Architecture Mentor Groups can forge connections between women in the profession. In normal times, our groups meet regularly for fun and fellowship. We look forward to getting back to this later in 2021.
  • For the time being, we recommend taking advantage of this new virtual world by participating in some online discussions. You can connect with other professionals from across the USA by checking out these WIA and EDI events from AIA National!

Helpful Links from AIA National

  • Free AIA Membership for new grads
  • Free AIAU Courses for members on risk management, business strategies, and virtual practice
  • AIA Knowledge Communities help members connect and are a source for information
  • AIA Award Programs
  • AIA Legislative Action Center advocates for architects
  • AIA Trust – Exclusive financial planning and insurance tools
  • COVID-19 Resources


Alabama Center for Architecture (ACFA)

Register for all ACFA events & pay for Membership online here!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is BLOCK-Project-Invite-1024x1024.png
  • April 2021: The BLOCK Project + Facing Homelessness (HSW)
  • May 2021: ACFA Clay Shoot Fundraiser — More info soon!
  • Fall 2021: Affordable Housing Symposium with David Baker Architects (HSW)
  • October 2021: ACFA Golf Tournament (Benefitting Scholarship Program)
  • October 2021: National Building Museum’s Evicted exhibit traveling to Birmingham
    • Add the Pulitzer Prize winning book, Evicted: Poverty & Profit in the American City, by Matthew Desmond to your reading list!

Want to help the ACFA continue offering scholarships, educational outreach, and more?

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ACFA-Event-Powerpoint--1024x576.png

Become a Member! Do you want to impact the lives of Alabamians through architecture? Give to the ACFA and help support their educational outreach initiatives such as dreamARCHITECTURE, N2 Architecture, and the ACFA Scholarship Program.

Pay for Membership online here OR mail a check to the ACFA at 109 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. S., Birmingham, AL 35233. Email katie@karmamanagementinc.com with any questions about ACFA Membership!

AIA Birmingham is proud to have many Member Firms and Sponsors who belong to the ACFA:

  • Adams Gerndt Design Group
  • Alabama Concrete Industries Association
  • B-Group Architecture
  • Bill Whittaker, Registered Architect
  • Brasfield & Gorrie
  • Blackmon Rogers Architects
  • Ghafari Associates
  • KPS Group
  • Line Scale Form
  • Risk Strategies
  • Studio 2H Design
  • Studio C Architecture & Interiors
  • Taylor Plosser Davis, Architect
  • Thompson Architecture
  • Williams Blackstock Architects

Participate in fundraising HSW events! The ACFA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Each time you attend an ACFA fundraiser, proceeds from your purchase go directly to carrying out their mission of advancing the enjoyment of architecture and design through engagement, education, and collaboration.

Are you an Amazon Shopper? If so, consider starting your shopping at https://smile.amazon.com, and choose the ACFA as your nonprofit. Amazon will donate a portion of your sale to the ACFA!

February 2021

Sarah Godbee · February 11, 2021 ·

2020 Year End Newsletter

Sarah Godbee · December 8, 2020 ·

Happy December,

The year has come and gone, and I still have not seen you. I miss all of you and look forward to seeing you in 2021. We still managed to have a great year and hosted interesting programs.  We learned about the lack of affordable housing and how many people are suffering from no safe place to live in our city. It is sad to think of teenagers (and others) living on the streets scraping by for food and essential needs.

We will continue this discussion in 2021, bringing in more dynamic speakers with potential solutions. We hope you will be inspired through the programming.  I have been inspired by a Denver University college student; he has been attending our virtual meetings and is passionate about finding a solution to the housing crisis.

It’s best to learn the whole truth to find where we can fix any issues that are hindering people from performing at their best.

Francisco Carnaggio

What a thoughtful statement. I want all of us to think about this as we move into 2021. We have an opportunity to make a difference and help others. If you are interested in getting involved, email me. 

Wishing you and your family a happy healthy holiday season. Sending you good karma and peace for 2021.

Peace & AIA Love,

Rhea Williams, Executive Director AIA Birmingham & Alabama Center for Architecture

Chapter Sponsors

  • We missed the Tradeshow this year! We plan to bring it back in 2021.
  • We missed the Tradeshow this year! We plan to bring it back in 2021.
  • Coffee & Conversation w/ Platinum & Gold Sponsors in February 2020!
  • We missed the Tradeshow this year! We plan to bring it back in 2021.
  • We missed the Tradeshow this year! We plan to bring it back in 2021.
  • We missed the Tradeshow this year! We plan to bring it back in 2021.
  • We missed the Tradeshow this year! We plan to bring it back in 2021.
  • Coffee & Conversation w/ Platinum & Gold Sponsors in February 2020!
  • We missed the Tradeshow this year! We plan to bring it back in 2021.
  • We missed the Tradeshow this year! We plan to bring it back in 2021.
  • Coffee & Conversation w/ Platinum & Gold Sponsors in February 2020!
  • We missed the Tradeshow this year! We plan to bring it back in 2021.
  • We missed the Tradeshow this year! We plan to bring it back in 2021.
  • Coffee & Conversation w/ Platinum & Gold Sponsors in February 2020!
  • We missed the Tradeshow this year! We plan to bring it back in 2021.
  • Coffee & Conversation w/ Platinum & Gold Sponsors in February 2020!
  • We missed the Tradeshow this year! We plan to bring it back in 2021.
  • We missed the Tradeshow this year! We plan to bring it back in 2021.
  • We missed the Tradeshow this year! We plan to bring it back in 2021.

Our Chapter Sponsors have been incredible! Their support has been crucial to our success in 2020 and will continue to be in 2021. We encourage our members to consider our sponsors first if they are in need of services.

See right sidebar for a full list of 2020 Chapter Sponsors.

SPONSORS: We want you in the AIA Birmingham Family in 2021! As a token of our gratitude, we are offering a $100 discount to all sponsors who renew at the Silver level or higher. Email katie@karmamanagementinc.com to renew today! Click here to view the 2021 Sponsor Form.


Looking Ahead to 2021

2020 was a wild ride, but we’re cruising into 2021 on a wave of positivity! We have the best sponsors and members around, and we will thrive together as we continue to explore housing and implement our Five Year Strategic Plan in the New Year.

We moved to all virtual events in the wake of COVID-19, and we will continue online in the foreseeable future. We will reach out when anything changes. Thanks for understanding!

2021 Programming:

  • January Chapter Meeting: Jefferson County Housing Authority (Pending Confirmation)
  • January Statewide ACFA Program: OJT, New Orleans, LA (Pending Confirmation)
  • March Chapter Meeting: Navigate Affordable Housing Partners
  • Fall 2021: Affordable Housing Symposium with David Baker Architects
  • Fall 2021: Partnering with Alabama Center for Architecture on the National Building Museum’s Evicted traveling exhibit coming to Birmingham
    • Add Evicted: Poverty & Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond to your 2021 reading list!


As you contemplate renewing your AIA Membership in the New Year, we hope you will consider the many benefits being in the AIA Birmingham Family:

  • 1/15/2020: Opportunity Zones & Funding (1 HSW)
  • 2/21/2020: Urban Impact (1 HSW)
  • 2/28/2020: Coffee & Conversation (Exclusively for Platinum & Gold Sponsors)
  • 9/10/2020: WELL & LEED Synergies (1 HSW)
  • 9/29/2020: Greyhound Virtual Site Visit (1 HSW)
  • 10/1/2020: Making Sense of ARE 5.0
  • 10/27/2020: One Roof (1 HSW)
  • 10/29/2020: Virtual Design Awards (Pictured: People’s Choice Winner, AG Gaston Boys & Girls Club by Hendon + Huckestein Architects)
  • 11/10/2020: Congo Street Initiative (1 HSW)
  • 12/1/2020: Procrastination Ed CEU Event (4 HSWs)
  • Unique HSW opportunities that are not product-driven
    • Scroll through the slideshow above for a recap of 2020 programs!
    • Discounted registration price for AIA Birmingham members
    • AIA Birmingham reports Members’ CEUs at our events
    • AIA Birmingham offered more than 20 CEUs in 2020; more than half were HSWs.

  • HONOR AWARD WINNER: Blueprint Building – David Baker Architects (Chris Luker Photography)
  • HONOR AWARD WINNER: Community Catalysts – 100 Fold Studio (Photo by Hannah Hudson)
  • HONOR AWARD WINNER: Dread River Distilling Co. – Williams Blackstock Architects (Chris Luker Photography)
  • HONOR AWARD WINNER: Golden Age Wine – David Baker Architects (Rob Culpepper Photography)
  • HONOR AWARD WINNER: Guest House – Krumdieck Architecture + Interiors (Rob Culpepper Photography)
  • HONOR AWARD WINNER: Stillwater Christian School – 100 Fold Studio (Photo by Banks Nash)
  • MERIT AWARD WINNER: The Denham Building – Creature (Chris Luker Photography)
  • MERIT AWARD WINNER: Israel Residence – Jeffrey Dungan Architects (Photos by William Abranowicz & Chris Luker)
  • MERIT AWARD WINNER: Jay & Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center – Wilson Butler Architects (Robert Benson Photography)
  • MERIT AWARD WINNER: Lake Pavilion – ArchitectureWorks (Art Meripol Photography)
  • MERIT AWARD WINNER: Spencer Cancer Center – TRO|Jung Brannen (Tim Hursley Photography)
  • MERIT AWARD WINNER: The Thomas – Nequette Architecture & Design (Chris Luker Photography)
  • PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER: AG Gaston Boys & Girls Club – Hendon + Huckestein Architects (Photos by Oscar Martinez)
  • AIA Birmingham Design Awards
    • Scroll through the projects above to get a glimpse of our 2020 winners! Visit our Design Awards Page for more photos.
    • Winning projects scroll on our website’s homepage for the following year; the AIA Birmingham website had 50,000 views in 2020!
    • The Design Awards page garnered almost 13,000 views!
    • Online voting for People’s Choice was new in 2020. We received nearly 5,500 votes!
    • This year also included a traveling exhibit that exposed the public to our members’ work in partnership with Pepper Place and Jasper Main Street.
    • Participants in AIA Birmingham Design Awards received great press in 2020:
      • Birmingham Home & Garden (Fall Issue)
      • Bham Now

  • Resume Review & Sharing
    • AIA Birmingham can review your resume and share it with local firms looking to fill a position
    • We have placed several AIA Birmingham members (and nonmembers, too!) at new firms in 2020!

  • AIA Birmingham Job Board
    • New opportunities are listed regularly here!
    • Member firms can post openings for FREE, nonmembers must pay a monthly fee.

  • Contract Documents
    • 10% discount for members when they order documents through AIA Birmingham.
    • Click here for more information!

  • We miss getting together with our EPs!
  • Looking back on Liquor Treat 2019!
  • Looking back on our Design in Film Series!
  • Looking back on Liquor Treat 2019!
  • 2019 YAEC Holiday Party w/ other industry professionals
  • Looking back on Liquor Treat 2019!
  • Looking back on our Design in Film Series!
  • Emerging Professionals
    • AIA Birmingham offers HSW opportunities and site visits throughout the year; these can also count as AXP Experience Hours!
    • Free AIA Membership for new grads
    • We have the Brightwood Architecture ARE 5.0 Study Guides available to check-out. Members provide a fully refundable $50 cash deposit. Click here to learn more.
    • Opportunities to network with other professionals in the AEC industry

  • Group 1 & 2 Luncheon Pre-COVID
  • 2019 Mixer at CCR Architecture & Interiors
  • 2019 Mixer & Tour of Studio Goodlight
  • 2019 WIA Mixer at the ACFA
  • WIA Meeting at PracticeWorks
  • 2019 WIA Mixer at the ACFA
  • 2019 Mixer at CCR Architecture & Interiors
  • 2019 WIA Mixer at the ACFA
  • 2019 WIA Mixer at the ACFA
  • Group 1 & 2 Luncheon Pre-COVID
  • 2019 WIA Mixer at the ACFA
  • Women in Architecture (WIA)
    • Our Women in Architecture Mentor Groups can forge connections between women in the profession. In normal times, our groups meet regularly for fun and fellowship. We look forward to getting back to this in 2021.
    • For the time being, we recommend taking advantage of this new virtual world by participating in some online discussions. You can connect with other professionals from across the USA by checking out these WIA and EDI events from AIA National!

  • Advocating for the Profession
    • Opposing threats to the practice of architecture
    • Supporting and encouraging enhancements to the practice of architecture
    • Protecting the public health, safety, and welfare by advocating for adoption of new building codes
    • Encouraging energy-efficient design through governmental requirements (i.e. mandates) and rewards (i.e. tax credits/deductions)
    • Urging lawmakers to target benchmarks for highly efficient and net-zero buildings.
    • Email katie@karmamanagementinc.com to join AIA Birmingham’s Government Affairs Committee!

  • Resources from AIA National
    • National Job Board
    • Free AIA Membership for new grads
    • Free AIAU Courses for members on risk management, business strategies, and virtual practice
    • AIA Knowledge Communities help members connect and are a source for information
    • More than 30 award programs
    • AIA Legislative Action Center advocates for architects
    • AIA Trust – Exclusive financial planning and insurance tools
    • COVID-19 Resources

Final HSW of 2020: Tuesday, 12/15

Register for our Virtual December Chapter Meeting here!

Many people choose to make a difference during the Holiday Season. Do you want to impact the lives of Alabamians through architecture? Give to the ACFA and help support their educational outreach initiatives such as dreamARCHITECTURE, N2 Architecture, and the ACFA Scholarship Program!

A great way to support the ACFA is by becoming a member. Visit the ACFA website for more information about membership!

  • Vulcan Park & Museum – $20
  • Alabama Theatre by Jonathan Meadows – $10
  • Railroad Park by Rebecca Whitlow – $20
  • Rotary Trail by Jane Reed Ross – SOLD OUT
  • Auburn University Samford Hall – $20
  • The Capitol by Iain Stewart – $10
  • University of Alabama Denny Chimes – $20
  • University of Alabama Denny Chimes – $20
  • U.S. Space & Rocket Center by William W. Herrin, Jr. – $10

Another way to support the ACFA is through their holiday ornament fundraiser. These ornaments feature Alabama and Birmingham landmarks; there’s one for everyone on your list! Visit the ACFA Shop to view the full collection.

Are you an Amazon Shopper? If so, consider starting your shopping at https://smile.amazon.com, and choose the ACFA as your nonprofit. Amazon will donate a portion of your sale to the ACFA!

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