2023 Design Awards Gala Program

5:30pm-6:45pm

Cocktail Hour & Chapter’s Choice Voting

Cocktail hour with local craft beer and wine sponsored by S&ME, heavy hors d’oeuvres sponsored by Proficient Engineering, a SESCO Lighting 360 photo booth, and the opportunity to network with others within the profession.  Cast your vote for the Chapter’s Choice Award before finding your table at 6:45 pm!

5:30pm-6:45pm
7:00pm – 8:00pm

Design Awards Ceremony

Opening Remarks and Announcements- Cody Rau AIA NCARB, 2023 AIA East Tennessee President
– Presidential Citation Award Presentation
– People’s Choice Award Presentation
– Chapter’s Choice Award Presentation
– Newly Licensed Architects Recognition

Design Awards Presentation- Cameron Bolin AIA, 2023 Design Awards Jury Coordinator, Kim Wilson AIA, 2023 Jury Chair, & Kevin Valk, 2023 Jury Chair
– Citation Awards Presentation
– Merit Awards Presentation
– Honor Awards Presentation

Closing Remarks and the City of Knoxville Proclamation Presentation- Cody Rau AIA NCARB, 2023 AIA East Tennessee President and Rebecca Jane Justice, Chief of Urban Design and Development

7:00pm – 8:00pm
8:00pm- 9:30pm

After Party at Pour Taproom and PostModern Spirits

Continue celebrating with us at Pour Taproom and PostModern Spirits with the two drink tickets in your SESCO Goodie Bag. If you are not seated at a table, please make sure to grab a bag before exiting the event.

8:00pm- 9:30pm

2023 Design Awards Jury

This year’s Design Awards will be chaired by Kim Wilson, AIA and Kevin Valk of Holst Architecture. A women-owned firm based in Portland, Oregon, Holst’s thoughtful and progressive body of work has led to numerous National recognitions including the AIA COTE Top Ten Award and, most recently, the 2023 AIA Housing Award. With projects at every scale, a clearly defined value system and an open and collaborative approach has governed their design methodology. With their commitment to this internal collaborative process, the Jury members accompanying Kevin and Kim will be a collective from the firm itself. We look forward to the varied perspectives and voices reviewing our Chapter’s work for this year’s 2023 Design Awards.

2023 Jury Chairs

Kim Wilson, AIA Bio
Kevin Valk Bio

2023 AIA East Tennessee Design Awards Jury Coordinator and Jury Witness

Cameron Bolin, AIA– 2023 Jury Coordinator

Jen McMahon, AIA ETN Executive Director- 2023 Jury Witness

2023 Chapter’s Choice Voting Portal

2023 Design Awards Gala Sponsors

We want to thank our amazing 2023 Design Awards Gala Sponsors! Without the amazing businesses and firms below, we would not have such a successful and fun celebration! Make sure to click on their logos or names. to learn more and connect after the gala!

Presenting Sponsor

Host Sponsors

Venue Sponsor

Beverage Sponsor

Food Sponsor

Contributing Sponsors

Table Sponsors

Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc

McCarty Holsaple McCarty

FSA Lighting 

Johnson Architecture 

Sanders Pace Architecture 

Design Innovation Architects

Cope Architecture 

University of Tennessee College of Architecture + Design

S&ME 

Haines Structural Group

SESCO Lighting 

Proficient Engineering

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Kim Wilson, AIA
2023 AIA East Tennessee Design Awards Gala Jury Chair

During Kim’s two decades at Holst Architecture, she has contributed to the firm’s most iconic projects. Her ability to turn ideas into reality is highly valued by clients and Holst’s design team. As Quality Director, Kim brings 25 years of experience delivering complex buildings through detailing, building structure, and emphasizing craftsmanship, and design quality. Kim’s collaborative work ethic and rigorous quality standards make everyone around her better. As a designer and builder of custom furniture, metalwork, and cabinetry, she has developed close positive relationships with craftspeople, giving her an excellent understanding of real-world constraints and constructability.

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Kevin Valk
2023 AIA East Tennessee Design Awards Gala Jury Chair

Kevin joined Holst Architecture in 1996 and has been an integral part of the firm’s growth and success. As Design Director, he guides the overall design direction of the office by working with each team to ensure that their work aligns with Holst’s core values.  He provides guidance in meeting the project’s goals, while also setting the tone for design being a priority in the office culture and professional development. Kevin has contributed to dozens of the firm’s award-winning projects, including many of Holst’s most significant multi-family housing developments, major hospitality and restaurant projects, as well as renowned office buildings. Kevin’s passion for design, diverse skill set, and commitment to serving his clients and community are the hallmarks of his career.

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