AIA San Joaquin Chapter Receives Chapter Award

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) San Joaquin Chapter has been the recipient of the 2011 Academy for Emerging  Professionals (AEP) Chapter Award presented by the AIA-California Council. This award is given to an AIA chapter for the development of superb programming and fostering the highest qualities of leadership within the emerging professional membership. The San Joaquin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects was formed in 1949, to represent the growing number of Architects within Fresno, Kings, Madera and Tulare Counties.

Paul Halajian, President of the AIA San Joaquin chapter understands the importance of placing an emphasis on training future generations of architects. “In our industry, emerging professionals are leading the way to new and more robust design and technical competency. The digital dexterity of this generation is at the leading edge of that which is making local firms competitive,” he said.

In addition to the AEP Chapter Award, the AIA California Council bestowed the 2011 AEP Firm Mentorship Award to Darden Architects, Inc. located in Fresno, CA. The Firm Mentorship award is given to an AIA firm that has made an extraordinary effort to mentor Emerging Professionals through the implementation of specific programs.

Darden Architects, Inc., was founded in 1959 by Edwin S. Darden, Sr., FAIA, who earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University. Darden Architects has always believed that the core of any community lies within its educational centers, health care facilities and other spaces and structures intended to meet the needs of the public. With careful attention to utility and quality, efficiency and sustainability, Darden Architects establishes the signature elements of its designs. The
principals and associates at Darden Architects bring a wealth of experience to the firm. They recognize their role is to support the profession and good-works in their community.

In 2008, the Emerging Professionals program was formed to encourage students in the San Joaquin Valley to continue their education at accredited architectural universities while also preparing an increasing number of Emerging Professionals in their path towards licensure. The AIASJ Board of Directors has placed a strong focus on a number of programs that meet the needs of this segment of our memberships. The AIA San Joaquin chapter’s commitment to Emerging Professionals was recognized when the AIACC awarded three of four AEP awards to the San Joaquin region. Associate Director Julie Jaurique-Chipps was the 2011 recipient of the AIACC AEP Associate’s Award.