SUGGESTED SEARCH



IMI and BAC Honored at Oculus Award Luncheon

The International Masonry Institute (IMI) and the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers (BAC) were honored at the American Architectural Foundation’s inaugural Oculus Award Luncheon at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. The Oculus Award was developed to highlight organizations whose preservation initiatives promote vibrant, sustainable communities.

Internationally renowned architect Stanley Tigerman, FAIA, RAAR, shared remarks remotely via video at the Luncheon. Mr. Tigerman designed the IMI/BAC John J. Flynn International Training Center in Bowie, Maryland, a state-of-the-art facility that houses critical programs for young architects, apprentices and masonry craftworkers. The International Masonry Institute and the International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers work to promote quality masonry construction, with the latter organization providing union representation to craftworkers in the trowel trades.

2014 AAF Oculus Award from GVI on Vimeo.

“The International Masonry Institute and International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers demonstrate great stewardship and an immeasurable contribution to the field of preservation through their steadfast dedication to providing comprehensive training to maintain the highest quality of craftsmanship,” said Ron Bogle, Hon. AIA, President and CEO of AAF.  “Without IMI’s and BAC’s vision to maintain the skills of the craftsman, the visions and designs of the architect could not be realized. We remain honored to celebrate the achievements of IMI/BAC by presenting them with the inaugural Oculus Award.”

Since its founding in 1943, the American Architectural Foundation has served as a national steward of architectural history and the architecture profession.  In 2013, AAF launched the Center for Design and Cultural Heritage (CDCH) as a platform to elevate its efforts in support of America’s historic and culturally important sites, structures, and communities. The Center promotes the role of significant cultural and historic resources in creating more vibrant, sustainable and livable communities.

Photo caption: Ron Bogle, President & CEO of American Architectural Foundation, Diane Hoskins, FAIA, LEED AP, Co-CEO of Gensler, Joan Calambokidis, President of IMI, James Boland, President of BAC, and Thom Minner, Director of AAF’s Center for Design and Cultural Heritage at the Oculus Award Luncheon.Photo courtesy of Jocelyn Augustino. Video courtesy of GVI.

< Return to Previous Page
TEXT
Share | Print
Posted in: Center for Design & Cultural Heritage, Oculus Award, Print

About AAF: Mission | Supporters |

The American Architectural Foundation has been dedicated to advancing the role of architecture and design in American society since its founding in 1943 by the American Institute of Architects.

In its 75 years in existence the Foundation’s work has taken many forms — from educational programming and exhibitions in its early years to large-scale design initiatives and programs —all of which serve to create a rich legacy.

As the managing partner of the Mayors’ Institute on City Design for twenty years, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the United States Conference of Mayors, the Foundation helped move the needle on design and cities. And, through its other signature programs like Save America’s Treasures in partnership with National Parks Service, the Sustainable Cities Design Academy, and Design for Learning, the Foundation has provided critical design leadership training and technical assistance to hundreds of elected officials, education leaders, business leaders, and other key decision makers in the design process.

In recent years, cities and civic leaders have embraced design and design thinking in a way that could not have been imagined when the Foundation begin its work back in 1943 — and AAF’s role in this transformation is a source of great pride for the Foundation. With this increased interest in the role of design in shaping our cities came a proliferation of new organizations to support and facilitate this cultural shift. These advances in the role of design in American society and changes in the nonprofit design sector, coupled with the departure of the organization’s longest-serving CEO, prompted the Foundation’s Board to embark on an intensive and lengthy process to examine the ongoing role and work of the Foundation.

As the Board of Regents reflected on the positive changes of the cultural value of design, the accomplishments of the Foundation, and how the legacy of the Foundation’s work is being carried out by its former staff in new roles and organizations across the country, they reached the conclusion that the American Architectural Foundation had accomplished what it set out to do. As a result, the Foundation began to complete its remaining programs and wind down its operations in the Summer of 2018 and the organization’s endowments have been distributed to allied organizations. The Foundation’s research and reports will remain available on its website as a resource to the field.

The Foundation’s work would not have been possible without the incredible talents of its many staff over the decades, the generous support of its funders, and the tireless dedication of its civic & design partners across the country. The Board remains deeply proud of the significant contributions Foundation has made in its 75-year history and would like to acknowledge that this would not have been possible without the efforts, dedication, and support from so many of you.