Kansas City, Mo. – May 12, 2010 – American Institute of Architects (AIA) President Clark Manus, FAIA today presented BNIM with the 2011 AIA Architecture Firm Award. The Kansas City, Mo.-based firm is celebrated for advancing the design of sustainable architecture from nearly its inception to today when it has become a preeminent force fundamentally re-shaping the built environment.

Also during the AIA Convention two other important awards will be given: BNIM architect Amy Slattery will be recognized as one of eleven recipients of the 2011 AIA Young Architects Award and the Kiowa County K-12 Schools in Greensburg, KS will receive an AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects Award.

The AIA Architecture Firm Award, given annually, is the highest honor the AIA bestows on an architecture firm and recognizes a practice that consistently has produced distinguished architecture for at least 10 years. BNIM will be honored at the Thursday morning keynote, which kicks off the 2011 AIA National Convention in New Orleans.

“This Award is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the ongoing support of our clients, colleagues, peers that make our work possible.” Says Steve McDowell, FAIA, principal of BNIM. “Forty years of passion, vision and hard work have gone into this award. It comes at a time when people are realizing the importance of generous, sustainable architecture — and we look forward to our role in defining what the future will hold for the profession.”
Amy J. Slattery, AIA, is an Associate at BNIM with nine years of professional experience. Young Architects are defined as professionals who have been licensed 10 years or fewer regardless of their age. This award honors individuals who have shown exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the profession early in their careers.
“I am honored to be one of the recipients of the 2011 YA Award. Much of what I have accomplished so far in my career is due to the mentorship and encouragement from the leaders at BNIM,” says Slattery. “This recognition is a great opportunity to raise the visibility of Women in Architecture networks around the country that are working to achieve parity for women in our profession.”
Each year The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) select the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. Following the devastating tornado that destroyed their town and schools, USD 422 in Greensburg, Kan. chose a bold strategy to combine their schools into a single K-12 facility that would align with the town's sustainable comprehensive master plan. The facilities design optimizes daylighting and natural ventilation in all classrooms, which increases student academic performance/potential and focus.