May 2006

Two AIA MI Awards

Ann Arbor, MI

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) State of Michigan Chapter named Integrated Architecture, IA, as Michigan Firm of the Year at their annual awards banquet last Friday. Integrated Architecture, founded just 18-years ago by Paul Dickinson, AIA, President and Mike Corby, AIA, LEED AP, Executive Vice President, is the youngest firm ever to receive the prestigious award, which traditionally has gone to 50-year-old + firms on the East side of the state.

The twelfth winner since its inception in 1991, the Firm of the Year Award focuses on the quality of the firm's architecture and is given to an AIA-MI firm that "has consistently produced distinguished architecture for a period of at least 10 years." In presenting the award, the AIA -MI recognized Integrated Architecture for it's "impressive resume of iconic projects that have helped redefine the way architecture is practiced in West Michigan and across the country". Local landmarks include the IA Learning Center Office at Cascade and I-96. Its falling wall sculpture and silver shingles illustrate IA's ability to successfully challenge the status quo, the new David D. Hunting YMCA and the Forest Hills Public Schools Fine Arts Center.

The only West Michigan firm to receive AIA MI 2006 Honor Awards, Mike Corby, AIA, Executive Vice President, was jokingly greeted by the presenter with a playful "You again?", when he came forward to receive the firm's third plaque.

IA's AIA-MI 2006 Honor Award Winners also include the Hurwitz Home, Building Award and Keystone Community Church, Sustainable Award

Hurwitz Home Jury comments:
"In the process of designing a very crisp and contemporary project, the architect never lost sight of the fact that he was, indeed, designing a house. All in all, an eminently livable home."

Keystone Community Church, the nation's first LEED certified church, was recognized for its sustainble efforts and overall architectural design.
"The jury was impressed by the fact that this project had received LEED certification (these are hard earned points), but did so in a very quiet way; the building could stand on its own with or without certification."

"When I founded IA, in November of 1988, I wanted to create a firm where exceptional people could do exceptional work," said Paul Dickinson, AIA, President. "That tradition continues today at the IA Learning Center and in Ann Arbor where we opened a second office in 2004."

"By creating an exceptional, unconventional firm, we've supported the creation of award-winning architecture. The success of our projects relates directly to the talents and dedication of our staff and our clients who provide us the opportunity to design buildings that not only provide shade and shelter, but also buildings with soul," Dickinson said.

Hurwitz Home

Keystone Community Church