Vosbeck Receives AIA Edward C. Kemper Award

Washington, DC, December 20, 2006--The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Board of Directors have elected R. Randall Vosbeck, FAIA, former president of the Institute and principal of Vosbeck, Vosbeck, Kendrick & Redinger, as the 2007 recipient of the Edward C. Kemper Award. Named in honor of the AIA’s first executive director, the award recognizes individuals who contribute significantly to the profession of architecture through service to the Institute. In nominating Vosbeck for the award, AIA President-elect Marshall E. Purnell, FAIA, wrote, “I have not met anyone with more passion for service to the profession. Randy has been in active service to the AIA here and abroad for 25 years after serving as AIA President. He continues to inspire my commitment to the importance of giving back.” In more than 40 years of AIA membership, Vosbeck distinguished career has enveloped the practice of architecture and serving the Institute with equal fervor. His early years culminated in service as the 57th president of the Institute in 1981. His priority during his tenure was energy in the built environment, as reflected in the AIA’s 1981 theme, “A Line on Design and Energy.” The energy crisis of the late ‘70s was in full swing, and Vosbeck focused the Institute’s efforts--and the public’s awareness--toward the role architects play in reducing energy consumption in the built environment. Under his leadership, the AIA implemented “Energy in Architecture,” a comprehensive professional development program that has influenced the profession’s role to the current day. In the 1970s, the U.S General Services Administration appointed Vosbeck as the only architect in private practice to serve on a US/USSR joint working group, “Building Design and Construction Management,” through which members exchanged information and toured sites in both countries. This experience triggered his strong interest in international relations. In 1981, as president, Vosbeck presented an address on “Energy in Architecture” to the International Union of Architects 15th Congress in Warsaw, Poland, and subsequently was elected to serve a three-year term on the UIA Council representing the AIA and Region 3. He was elected to a second three-year term and worked diligently to build relations with architects from many countries. During his UIA tenure, he also was instrumental in establishing the criteria, process, and procedures to establish a Gold Medal Award program for the UIA. Vosbeck also was instrumental in advocating to the AIA Board to have the Institute host the 1993 UIA Congress and General Assembly, which took place in Chicago. Held in as high esteem by architect abroad as in his native land, he has been awarded honorary memberships from architecture societies in Canada, Mexico, Bulgaria, and Spain. In describing Vosbeck’s role in international relations, Vassillis Sgoutas, Hon, FAIA, past president of the International Union of Architects, wrote: “The significance of Randy Vosbeck’s international presence is difficult to put on paper because many of the benefits were in fact intangible. In a unique way he established, and more importantly maintained, links with many architects and architects institutes throughout the world--And it has won him many friends--But it has also won many friends for the AIA and the United States.” Vosbeck’s contributions to the Institute, profession, and his community have also earned him numerous awards: • AIA Fellowship (1978) • George Washington Leadership Award, Alexandria (Va.) Chamber of Commerce (1980) • Award of Honor, Northern Virginia AIA (1982) • William C. Noland Award, Virginia Society of Architects (1983) • Honorary membership, Society of Architectural Administrators (1986) • Academician, The International Academy of Architecture (1987) • Alumni Achievement Award, University of Minnesota College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2001).

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