The Rochester chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Rochester) presented its 2020 Honor Awards at its Annual Business Meeting at La Luna Restaurant on Friday.
Peter R. Wehner, AIA, Vice President and Director of Architecture Services at Passero Associates, received the prestigious AIA Rochester Medal of Distinction, which recognizes a lifetime of achievement in architecture including service to the profession, the chapter, and the community. This award is the highest honor that AIA Rochester can confer on one of its members.
Wehner has been an active member of the AIA for nearly 35 years, holding such positions as President, Treasurer and member of the Board at AIA Rochester. Recently he has become engaged with the AIA at the state level, where he is currently an Executive Member of AIA New York State. In addition to his roles within the organization, Wehner has contributed to the profession by co-founding the Design-Build Institute of America, Upstate NY Chapter, serving as a mentor to future architects, and teaching in the Master of Architecture program at the Rochester Institute of Technology as an adjunct professor. Wehner has lent his professional skills as a member of the Town of Irondequoit's Architectural Review Board and as member and chairperson of the Planning Board. He is currently an elected official of the Irondequoit Town Council. "Peter’s career has many facets which result in a knowledgeable, well-rounded person and architect. He continually benefits the community with his time, expertise, and positive attitude." said Jennifer Takatch, AIA, current president of AIA Rochester. Selection committee member Bridget Carney, Associate AIA, noted that, "Peter is constantly working to better his community and his profession. He has dedicated years of his time to the AIA and is constantly seeking out new ways to get involved and give back. Peter is truly a valued mentor, leader, and advocate."
Barbara I. Burke, Associate AIA, of LaBella Associates, received the 2020 Emerging Architect of the Year Award. This award is intended to recognize the efforts of emerging leaders within the chapter who have contributed their time and talent towards the improvement of the architectural community and have made considerable advances in their professional career. As a rising young architect, Burke has already made notable contributions to the field. Burke was a member of the AIA Rochester Board of Directors and was active with both the Emerging Rochester Architects' Committee and last year's Centennial Committee. Burke serves as a mentor to students in many facets; most notably through her work as Program Director of the ACE Mentor Program of Rochester, for which she was named ACE National Outstanding Mentor of the Year in 2018. Burke was instrumental in the ideation and implementation of AIA Rochester's Centennial Installations project in 2019, which placed temporary architectural sculptures by local designers at Midtown Commons. In addition to receiving AIA Rochester's Volunteer of the Year Award in 2019, Burke has been recognized by the Democrat and Chronicle's "Women to Watch" in 2018, named a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Rochester's Finest Honoree in 2019, and was the recipient of the 2018 AIA New York State Intern Associate Award. "Barbara amazes me with her ability to always make time to volunteer and mentor," says Jeffrey Roloson, AIA, President at LaBella Associates. "Her commitment and involvement with the ACE Mentorship Program, the AIA Explorer's Program and LaBella's LINC Committee (LaBella IN the Community) have been instrumental in these programs realizing successful initiatives and providing significant impacts to our community, profession and lives. Barbara is always promoting these endeavors within our profession, and encouraging others to participate alongside her. She serves as a great role model for staff and anyone who comes in contact with her."
Jason T. Streb, AIA, of CPL, received the 2020 Volunteer of the Year Award. Streb served as president of AIA Rochester during the chapter's 2019 Centennial celebration. He led the planning and implementation of Centennial
events throughout the year in order to elevate the public’s understanding of the architectural profession, encourage membership participation,
and create great design that all could enjoy. Streb spearheaded the chapter's kickoff Friday night show, "Product Runway," at Fashion Week of Rochester and managed the Installations project with Burke. He authors a bimonthly column for the Rochester Business Journal entitled "Architecturally Speaking" on behalf of AIA Rochester. "Jason is a natural leader, encouraging people to get involved and serve alongside him, creating excitement and getting things done," remarked Takatch. Streb was also presented with the Past President's Medal.
Mike Gilevski, Senior Field Representative for Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance, received the Allied Member of the Year Award. Gilevski has been an unwavering supporter of the chapter's endeavors both as an underwriter and as a participant.
In addition to the accolades, the Annual Business Meeting included a review of the
chapter's 2020 events, the announcement of the 2021 AIA Rochester Board, and a keynote lecture by Jonathan Moody, AIA, NOMA, NCARB, LEED AP, FITWEL; CEO of Moody Nolan, an award-winning firm headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
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