2023 Design Awards Gala

Join the American Institute of Architects East Tennessee Chapter in the heart of the Old City as we honor and celebrate built and unbuilt works of architecture designed by AIA members in Upper and Middle East Tennessee at our Annual Design Awards Gala on Thursday, September 28th, from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm at Jackson Terminal. We have changed the format for our Design Awards this year, so check out the evening schedule below!

Design Awards Gala Evening of Events

  • 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm- 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. 
  • 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Design Awards Presentation. Wine and grazing plates will be available at your table during the awards ceremony. If you do not have a seat at a table, you can select snacks from our large grazing board in the back! 
  • 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm- After Party at Pour Taproom and Post Modern Spirits with goody bags from our Host sponsor, SESCO. 

Ticket Prices:

  • $60– Member Ticket
  • $35- Student or Associate Member Ticket
  • $80- Non-Member Ticket

TABLES ARE SOLD OUT. All tables for the 2023 Design Awards Gala have been reserved. However, we do have standing room available at cocktail tables. We also have a limited number of seats at tables specifically designated for individuals with mobility disabilities or those who cannot stand for extended periods of time. If you, or your plus one, are in need of seating during the awards ceremony, please select yes to needing seating on our ticket form. We want to ensure that everyone can comfortably celebrate together! 

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2023 Design Awards Gala Submission Portal

What are the Design Awards? To recognize excellence in architecture, AIA East Tennessee conducts an annual juried Design Awards Program. This program seeks to honor built and unbuilt works of distinction designed by AIA members in upper and middle East Tennessee and to serve as a catalyst for local participation in the AIA Tennessee Awards Program. The program also brings public attention to outstanding examples of architecture. Winners of this year’s program will be announced and celebrated at the 2023 Design Awards Gala, this competition is open to all members of AIA East Tennessee.

AIA East Tennessee is no longer accepting 2023 Design Awards Submissions. Check back in 2024 to submit! To view our 2023 Submissions and cast your vote for the 2023 People’s Choice Award, CLICK HERE.

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

2022 Gold Medal Award Recipient

2022 Gold Medal Recipient: Lee Ingram

View Lee’s Award HERE.

Gold Medal Award Nomination Portal is closed for the 2023 year. Check back next year!

2023 Design Awards Gala Sponsors

Sponsors like the amazing folks below have signed onto help create an amazing atmosphere for our 2023 Design Awards Gala, and to get their business out in front of sought-after firms throughout our East Tennessee Region. Please browse our sponsorship opportunities via our Partnership Shop or reach out to Jen McMahon at [email protected] if you have any questions.

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 

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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