Author: ArchitectureWorks

Dick Pigford Elevated to College of Fellows by the American Institute of Architects

Posted on by ArchitectureWorks

It is with great pleasure that we announce ArchitectureWorks’ Founding Partner Dick Pigford’s elevation to the prestigious College of Fellows by the American Institute of Architects. Of the 115 Fellows admitted this year nationally, Dick is the only candidate from Alabama to receive this honor. Dick’s elevation to the FAIA recognizes both his leadership of award-winning projects and his dedication to service within the Birmingham community. AIA Fellows are recognized with the AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. Only 3 percent of the AIA members have this distinction.

Dick’s sense of community stewardship was evidenced in the early years of his practice with the establishment of SawWorks, a pro-bono gathering space for local non-profit groups that is co-located with the ArchitectureWorks office. Many diverse groups have developed regional community projects out of SawWorks, among them SpeakFirst, United Way, Friends of Railroad Park Development, Cahaba River Society, the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, and Create Birmingham.

Additionally, Dick co-founded the Tuesday Group as a non-profit organization of local architects, planners, and engineers to provide low and moderate income neighborhoods with quality design services. This group helped springboard revitalization efforts in Ensley through its partnership with the Bethel Ensley Action Taskforce (BEAT). Dick’s successful career includes a broad range of project types – residential, education, commercial, retail, institutional, and religious. His expertise and passion working with diverse community groups is evidenced by his long relationships with Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, BEAT, Kingston Coalition, and Jones Valley Teaching Farm, among many others, through multiple projects across more than four decades since he established his practice.

Congratulations to Dick and the others who have been honored! Link to the AIA’s press release announcing full listing of 2019 Fellows

Marzette Fisher inducted into Alabama Construction Hall of Fame

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AW’s Marzette Fisher, AIA, NCIDQ, has been inducted into the Alabama Construction Hall of Fame. This is the highest honor bestowed by the Associated General Contractors of Alabama to recognize outstanding individuals in the construction industry. Aside from being a respected architect and mentor, Marzette has been a leader in the profession throughout his career serving the AIA Birmingham, NCARB, and the Alabama Board for Registration of Architects. Congratulations, Marzette…and thank you. Link to full listing of winners here.

Living Building project caps Gulf State Park’s sustainable makeover

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“Pop-quiz: In September, what U.S. state became the first to open a building designed to meet the world’s most stringent green building standard? California? Nope. Washington? Nu-uh. Vermont? Fuggetaboutit.”

“I’m guessing you didn’t say Alabama, because — be honest, now — that’s not sort of thing you expected Alabama to do before anyone else. But playing against type was part of the game for the team that completed the first building in the Deep South that is a candidate for full certification under the Living Building Challenge.”

Read the full article from the Kendeda Fund’s website here

Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Awarded Grant from National Trust

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Sixteenth Street Baptist Church has been awarded a $150,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This money will go toward the restoration of the bell towers, cupola and stained glass windows. The National Trust in partnership with American Express spearheaded the Partners in Preservation campaign, and in turn awarded 11 organizations with a total of $1.6 million in grants. With a focus on sites that “celebrate buildings playing a crucial role in the fight for equality, each of the sites featured in this campaign have played a role in the development of a more diverse nation.” Link to the article highlighting the 11 winners here.