AIA gives inaugural architecture and design awards to women

The American Institute of Architects awarded the first annual Women in Architecture and Design awards to Lori Garrett and Lira Luis, Media Bistro reported. Garrett, who received the Athena Leadership Award is senior principal, vice president and director of the higher education studio at Richmond, Va.-based Glavé & Holmes Architecture. Luis, the self-described “electric force” behind organic architecture-focused Atelier Lira Luis in Chicago, received the Athena Young Professional Leadership Award. The inaugural honors were bestowed at a recent New York City gathering by Martha Mertz, director and founder of Athena International. The honorees were selected by the AIA’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the planning
committee of the Women’s Leadership Development Summit. The awards were granted for demonstrating excellence, creativity and initiative within the design professions, provided valuable service to improve the quality of life for others and for actively assisted women within the design professions in achieving their full potential. [Media Bistro]