This year's Design Awards Ceremony will be held at The Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange, on September 19th at 6pm. Celebrate the architectural achievements of DA participants! 

Agenda

6-7: Cocktail hour 
7-8: Dinner and Awards Ceremony
8-9: Course Presentation by Edwin Harris, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP, Co-Founder and Design Principal of EVOKE Studio Architecture

Course Description 

This lecture, led by Edwin Harris, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP, Co-Founder and Design Principal of EVOKE Studio Architecture, delves into the transformative power of architecture in shaping communities and the world. Titled "Space Power," the course explores the innovative design methodologies and pedagogical approaches that Harris and his team at EVOKE employ to create meaningful, award-winning public architecture. Participants will gain insights into how EVOKE's designs are deeply rooted in sustainability, community engagement, and inclusivity, demonstrating how architecture can be a force for positive change. Through case studies and real-world examples, Harris will illustrate the ways in which thoughtful, purposeful design can enhance the quality of life and foster a sense of belonging in diverse communities. Whether you're an architect, student, or design enthusiast, this lecture will inspire you to think critically about the impact of your work and how you can contribute to building a better, more sustainable future through the power of design.

Learning Objectives

Speaker

Edwin Harris, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP

As Co-founder of EVOKE, Edwin believes remarkable architecture enriches the lives of its occupants. For over a decade, he has consistently generated exciting designs that are decisive, focused, and rooted in clear objectives and novel concepts. Edwin’s distinctive design abilities have been recognized throughout his career. His design aptitude and competitive spirit have resulted in several competition wins including the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. These striking achievements complement the over 50 design awards that Edwin’s projects have achieved. He has served as design award juror for the Society of College and University Planning, AIA Detroit, AIA New England, AIA South Carolina, and AIA Tennessee. Edwin currently serves on the University of Washington’s Architectural Commission. While at The Freelon Group and Perkins+Will, his visioning for projects like Emancipation Park garnered him recognition as an Emerging Designer for the global firm. Renowned architect and Edwin’s mentor, the late Phil Freelon, declared Edwin a supremely talented architect on the rise in Architectural Digest Magazine. 

Edwin is a role model for aspiring designers and encourages them through career lectures and design dialogues. He is a 2022 recipient of the National AIA Young Architects award. In 2020, he was named to the Triangle Business Journal 40 under 40 for his professional achievements and community service initiatives. He also serves as a board member for Diversify Architecture, a non-profit which aims to reach grade school students to increase diversity within the architecture profession. He regularly mentors grade school students throughout the Triangle area. Edwin has also nurtured collegiate talent nationally as an juror for the National Organization of Minority Architects Student Design Competition and invited guest critic at numerous architecture schools across the United States. Currently, he teaches and empowers the next generation of architects and designers as a Professor of Practice at North Carolina State University.

Design Awards Jury Panel

CHARLES BLOSZIES, FAIA, SE, LEED^AP

Principal, The Office of Charles Bloszies, Ltd.

Charles Bloszies is an architect, structural engineer, writer, and educator. He is principal of an award winning practice in San Francisco engaged in merging both architectural and technical disciplines resulting in thoughtful, innovative, and economically executed work. His firm has completed various urban infill projects and major additions to old buildings in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has taught in the design studios of California College of the Arts, the University of California at San Diego, and the University of Pennsylvania. He is the author of Old Buildings, New Designs | Architectural Transformations, published by Princeton Architectural Press in 2011.  He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

EDWIN HARRIS, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP
Co-Founder EVOKE

As Co-founder of EVOKE, Edwin believes remarkable architecture enriches the lives of its occupants. For over a decade, he has consistently generated exciting designs that are decisive, focused, and rooted in clear objectives and novel concepts. Edwin’s distinctive design abilities have been recognized throughout his career. His design aptitude and competitive spirit have resulted in several competition wins including the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. These striking achievements complement the over 50 design awards that Edwin’s projects have achieved. He has served as design award juror for the Society of College and University Planning, AIA Detroit, AIA New England, AIA South Carolina, and AIA Tennessee. Edwin currently serves on the University of Washington’s Architectural Commission. While at The Freelon Group and Perkins+Will, his visioning for projects like Emancipation Park garnered him recognition as an Emerging Designer for the global firm. Renowned architect and Edwin’s mentor, the late Phil Freelon, declared Edwin a supremely talented architect on the rise in Architectural Digest Magazine. 

Edwin is a role model for aspiring designers and encourages them through career lectures and design dialogues. He is a 2022 recipient of the National AIA Young Architects award. In 2020, he was named to the Triangle Business Journal 40 under 40 for his professional achievements and community service initiatives. He also serves as a board member for Diversify Architecture, a non-profit which aims to reach grade school students to increase diversity within the architecture profession. He regularly mentors grade school students throughout the Triangle area. Edwin has also nurtured collegiate talent nationally as an juror for the National Organization of Minority Architects Student Design Competition and invited guest critic at numerous architecture schools across the United States. Currently, he teaches and empowers the next generation of architects and designers as a Professor of Practice at North Carolina State University.

Thank you to our Annual Design Awards Sponsors!

PLATINUM

Brandon Trautman
Sr. Operations Manager
Pella
973-981-1049 cell
[email protected]
https://www.pella.com/

Jake Butler
Specification Sales Manager
Specification Lighting Sales (SLS)
973-830-7249
[email protected] 
https://sls-lighting.net/

GOLD

Diana Rattazzi
Architectural and Design Representative
Benjamin Moore
914-261-8603 cell
diana.rattazzi@benjaminmoore.com
https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us

Jennifer Knaust
Director of Business Development
DDB Contracting
973-271-5816 cell
973-300-0069
[email protected]
https://ddbcontracting.com/

Paul Gibeault
Sales Manager
Specification Sales Group
Diversified
973-439-1524
609-306-7906
[email protected]
https://diversified-group.com/

Jeff Beeden
President
Engineering Driven Design PC
848-247-6150
[email protected]
https://www.engineerdriven.com/

Tickets

$50.00 Non-Members

$25.00 Students

$0.00 AIA Members

$25.00 AIA Members From Other Sections