image: SFCD staff accept AIA Virginia Medal on November 4 at the VMFA
Storefront for Community Design received the American Institute of Architects Virginia (AIA Virginia) Chapter’s Architecture Medal for Virginia Service at the Visions for Architecture celebration on November 4 at the VMFA. The award is the highest honor that AIA Virginia hands out and recognizes an individual or organization that makes an “unusually significant contribution” to Virginia’s built environment, or awareness of the built environment.
“This award emphasizes the value and importance of designing spaces for the communities who use them. We want to thank AIA Virginia for choosing to recognize Storefront for its community-driven design and build efforts.”
In a letter to Storefront informing them of the award, AIA Virginia noted they wanted to recognize Storefront for its influence and contributions to uplifting underserved populations through the power of design. “AIA Virginia is delighted to honor Richmond’s Storefront for Community Design,” said Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA, Interim Executive Vice President at AIA Virginia. “Since 2011, Storefront has been a stalwart non-profit design hub that seeks to make design programs and resources accessible to all. Leveraging their large network of volunteers, they have prioritized equitable growth, benefiting Richmond and the broader metropolitan area.”
Since 2011, Storefront has convened over 370 low-cost design and planning assistance projects and over 20 design education initiatives to community members, businesses, nonprofit organizations, local governments, schools, and neighborhoods. Last year, Storefront celebrated 10 years of community impact and recently launched a new strategic plan that will focus on more community-driven design. The organization plans to serve over 200,000 residents in Richmond through community design over the next three years.
“This award reaffirms what we’ve known about the importance and influence of design on communities. We remain humbled by and thankful for AIA Virginia’s recognition, and we look forward to continuing our important work in the communities that matter most around Richmond.”
image: SFCD co-founder, staff, and consultants celebrate awards
It was a serendipitous occasion. Not only did Storefront for Community Design receive the Architecture Medal for Virginia Service but Burt Pinnock, Storefront’s co-founder, was recognized with the William C. Noland Medal, the highest honor bestowed by AIA Virginia upon an architect for his exceptional career and commitment to preserve and celebrate historic black communities and create opportunities for future generations within and beyond those communities. Congratulations Burt!