AIA elects officers, honors members at annual meeting - American Institute of Architects New York Chapter, 1992

Real Estate Weekly, July 29, 1992

David Castro-Blanco, FAIA, was installed as president of the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter at this year's Annual Meeting celebrating the organization's 125th Anniversary.

The Annual Meeting was held at the New-York Historical Society which offered members a special private viewing of the exhibition "Building City Hail. The GI en-Gery Corporation sponsored the event.

David Castro-Blanco is the rounding panner of the firm Castro-Blanco, Piscioneri & Associates. Castro-BIanco, who has just completed a term as AIA/New York chapter first vice president, is the first Hispanic member to be elected president.

Castro-Blanco was presented with the chapter's gavel by outgoing president Frances Halsband, FAIA, dean of the School of Architecture at Pratt Institute and partner in the firm R.M. Kliment and Frances Halsband Architects. Halsband concluded her year as president by presenting the chapter's annual honors and awards to individuals and organizations having impact upon the profession of architecture.

Other awards and honors included:

* Special Citation presented to Mario Salvadori and the Salvadori Educational Center on the Built Environment for helping to educate inner city youth thro. ugh the hands-on study of the built environment

* Rutkins Award for service to the chapter, institute, and the profession awarded to Peter Samton, FAIA for his consistent commitment to the highest standards of the profession of architecture

* Public Architect Award conferred upon Frank Emile Sanchis III, AIA in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the stewardship of our cultural and' architectural heritage

* Thomas/Pioneer in Housing Award recognized Andrew Cuomo for piloting the H.E.L.P. program which brings safe housing and comprehensive services together under one roof to create a supportive community for homeless families

* George S. Lewis Award for an individual who has helped to make New York City a better place to live and practice. Presented to Gene A. Norman for his devotion to the people and architecture of our City, for his tenacity in seeking ways to strengthen the urban environment, and for his faith in our capacity to create and renew our cities.

* Award of Merit for contributions as a client, public servant, critic or layman in an appropriate field related to the profession of architecture. Presented to the Honorable Ruth W. Messinger in appreciation of her leadership and for recognizing that the Borough of Manhattan is a physical place susceptible to improvement by design.

* Medal of Honor the chapter's highest award for distinction in the profession. Presented to Richard Dattner, FAIA for creating, throughout his more than 25 years in practice, projects which enrich the lives of those who use them while simultaneously enhancing the public realm.

* President's Award presented to the members of the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter in celebration of the Chapter's 125th anniversary to recognize each individual's achievements, successes, and continued support of the profession's collective goals.