By Russell Boniface
Associate Editor

How do you . . . draw attention to the value of architects through component and firm involvement in the community?

Summary: On June 2, the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Florida) was named the 2009 Association of the Year by the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Small Business Excellence Award. In addition, Tallahassee-based EMO/Architects, Inc., an AIA Florida firm member, won the 2009 Small Business of the Year Award from the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented during the awards luncheon held at the University Center Club at Florida State University.

AIA Florida was selected 2009 Association of the Year for its growth, retention of members, media coverage around the state about its members and programs, and numerous awards for association management. AIA Florida was also recognized for its philanthropic involvement with the 1% Program, which is sponsored by Public Architecture and connects nonprofit organizations in need of architectural services with AIA Florida architects who have pledged at least one percent of their time to pro bono work. “We are so pleased to be honored for the hard work of staff and the dedication of our members to move AIA Florida to the forefront of professional associations,” says AIA Florida Executive Vice President Vicki Long. “We are all about service to our members, service to the state and local communities, and to supporting a truly sustainable Florida.”

AIA Florida’s 1% Program
The AIA Florida’s 1% Program pledge equals approximately 20 hours per year per architect. There are nearly 9,200 hours pledged in Florida to date. AIA Florida staff can also donate 20 hours per year, taking up to one percent of their work time away from the office to perform community service.

“Our members and staff have consistently raised the bar for the association’s management and innovative programming,” says AIA Florida President Steve Jernigan, AIA, LEED-AP. “It is exciting and humbling to know that our work is recognized by those outside of our profession. It is definitely motivation to keep striving for excellence.”

AIA Florida firm wins 2009 Small Business of the Year Award
In addition, Tallahassee-based EMO/Architects, Inc., an AIA Florida firm, won the 2009 Small Business of the Year Award from the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce. The award is for the 5-30 employees category. With a staff of 20, EMO/Architects offers architectural design and planning, plus design-build and construction management services. Says EMO/Architects President Warren Emo, AIA: “I attribute our continued growth and success to our focus on quality and our integrated approach, which has consistently resulted in distinguished client service and satisfaction. We stick to our strategy and have cultivated a community of clients across the Southeast who appreciate our creative approach to architectural design and to our entrepreneurial integrated capability as a design-builder.”

The firm was also presented with an AIA Unbuilt Design Award for its 25-year master plan of the Tallahassee Community College campus.

“Without a doubt, I believe AIA Florida has the best firm members of any trade association,” says Jernigan. “And that is evident with members like EMO/Architects. They do great work and their commitment to excellence was recognized by the Chamber.”