On October 6th 2016, PelGC was honored to have the opportunity to attend the American Institute of Architect’s (AIA) 2016 Awards Gala. This annual event, held by AIA GR, recognizes excellence in architecture throughout the Grand Rapids area. These yearly awards recognize Architects and Firms who have put emphasis on the value of good design within their projects and those who encourage members to pursue excellence through their work and public service.
Held in the Bissell Tree House at John Ball Zoo, this picturesque location couldn’t have been a more perfect venue for this year’s awards gala. This architectural beauty was designed by Progressive AE, a firm who took home multiple awards that very night.
Progressive AE swept the floor with four distinguished awards; The Interior Architecture Award (Mercy Health St. Mary’s Cafeteria), and not one but TWO Building Awards (St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church & Mary Free Bed YCMA). Additionally, Mark Kastner of Progressive AE, was awarded the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award, an award that is given to an architect who demonstrates distinguished leadership in the profession over an extended period of time. This heartwarming tribute to the late Mark Kastner was received by his wife and two sons.
This lively event was complete with some delicious local catering and door prizes that included beer from breweries that call Grand Rapids, “Beer City”, home. PelGC would like to personally congratulate all of this year’s Award winners and thank all of those at AIA GR who made the Awards Gala possible. We truly believe that all of the projects submitted this year were of the utmost caliber and we can’t wait to see what next year holds.
