Petersen Aluminum sponsors AIA Chicago design awards night

Hundreds of architects, contractors and manufacturers filled the spacious Architectural Artifacts gallery in Chicago in May for the AIA Chicago’s Small Project Awards night. Petersen Aluminum was proud to be a lead sponsor of the event.

Projects entered in the competition were displayed on boards hung throughout the space for Chicago construction professionals to browse and admire as they networked and shared ideas with each other. Awards were given in several categories to a variety of small-scale projects in the Chicago area.

“Architects are responsible for creating the beautiful projects that utilize our metal products in such interesting ways, and these people deserve to be recognized for their talent, especially when they’re in our back yard here in Chicago,” says Mike Petersen, CEO, Petersen Aluminum. “Any time we can support innovative architecture and design by celebrating it at events like this, we’re happy to do our part.”

The AIA Chicago Small Project Awards program recognizes the projects that impact people’s lives on a daily basis including homes, businesses and workplaces, explains Scott Rappe AIA, LEED AP and principal, Kuklinski+Rappe Architects in Chicago. “The reception where the awards are presented is unique among AIA Chicago events by bringing together architects, clients, contractors, product manufacturers and potential clients for an evening that celebrates great design,” Rappe says.

“I love catching up with my colleagues, talking to the product reps about new applications and watching the excitement of everyday people as they view the project boards. My hope is that people leave the event inspired to do something with their own home or business, and feeling like architects are accessible and relevant to them,” Rappe adds.

Nate Kipnis FAIA, principal, Kipnis Architecture+Planning in Evanston, Ill., attends the Small Project Awards for several reasons. “It’s always great to see the current design work being done by other, local firms,” he says. “It also gives me a chance to see some colleagues I haven’t seen in a while. And, there’s always the possibility that I might meet a new client!”

Projects entered in this year’s competition, including the winners, can be viewed here.