2023 Design Awards Gala

Save the Date

Mark your calendars! Our Annual Design Awards Gala returns this year on Thursday, September 28th at Jackson Terminal. More details to come!

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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. Our 2023 Design Awards Portal opens on June 30th, and submissions are due on August 11th. Check back at the end of June to Submit!

View Previous Award Projects 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

2022 Gold Medal Award Recipient

2022 Gold Medal Recipient: Lee Ingram

View Lee’s Award HERE.

Gold Medal Award Nomination Portal opens June 30th!

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

In-Kind Graphics and Website Design

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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