More...
The design firm’s international, peer-driven awards program honors architects, designers, and technicians.
The 2017 IA Act Awards Winners: From left: Bridget Schmitt, Lauren Foley, Diane Rogers, Ali Ucer, Mallory Schoendorf
As the importance of establishing positive workplace culture permeates among our clients, IA has proudly continued its recognition of outstanding work and service with its internal firm-wide award program IA | Act (IAct). In a new category from years past, (see the 2016 winners), the 2017 awards program added the Rising Star Award which recognizes excellence by an IA professional within three years of their highest degree earned.
Each category highlights IA’s priorities for professional development and success while giving thanks to our professionals, the lifeline of the firm. “It is an honor to be a part of this program that celebrates what truly makes IA so special: our people,” explains Joe McClelland, Chief Financial Officer and Managing Principal. “I am proud to be involved with this extraordinary program and in recognizing this year’s class of stellar and inspiring nominees.”
2017 Leadership Award: Lauren Foley & Bridget Schmitt
With Bridget and Lauren representing the next wave of leadership, the design profession has a bright future ahead of it.
"
By independently developing a program that has gone viral within the firm, the IA Pitch Academy, Lauren and Bridget observed and defined a solution to the age-old problem of helping other professionals become comfortable with presenting and public speaking. Lauren and Bridget’s Pitch Academy program has the hallmarks of a great design: the ability to communicate design ideas and concepts and convey one’s point to clients and colleagues. We are thrilled to recognize them with this award.
Tom Powers & David Bourke
Co-Presidents/CEOs
2017 Innovation Award: Ali Ucer
"
In the 17 years I have known and worked with Ali, we have collaborated on a wide range of projects that includes: interior design, architecture, environmental graphic design and creative technology installations. On every one of these projects, Ali has been a forceful advocate for the innovative design and communication techniques that have heavily impacted and contributed to the quality of design work across IA. I look forward to continuing the collaboration with one of the most creative minds I have worked with during my career.
Julio Braga, AIA
Managing Director, Principal
2017 Service Award: Diane Rogers
"
By generously sharing her knowledge and mentoring others, Diane exmplifies the true meaning of service at IA. She always goes above and beyond in all that she does. And it shows: she spends a great deal of her spare time expanding her knowledge as well as helping others to grow in their careers.
Diane’s efforts to move IA’s Wellness program forward has had a huge impact in advancing the firm’s expertise on the issue within our industry. We are proud to have her!
Mick McCullough, AIA,
Chief Operations Officer, Managing Principal
2017 Rising Star Award: Mallory Schoendorf
"
Being nominated by her peers for the first Rising Star award is a testament to Mallory’s influence across the firm. By creating the IA Reach platform to better connect the firm with our greater communities, she embraces IA as employee-owned and we are so pleased to be recognizing her! The passion she exudes is matched by the size of her heart, and her spirit of giving is very contagious!
Kim Parsley
Managing Director, Principal
The winners in each category will each receive a custom fabricated award, inspired in design by an award presented to David Mourning from IA leadership in 2010. The original award commemorates IA’s founder for shaping not only the firm but also the profession of interior architecture. The 2017 IAct awards acknowledge that spirit in the individuals who were both honored and nominated by their colleagues.
“In our third year of the IAct Awards program, the number of nominations more than doubled, and the caliber of the people and their work is truly remarkable,” adds Jennifer Hatton, Managing Principal. “I am exceptionally proud of this year’s winners and nominees.”
