Design Awards
2024 Central States Excellence in Design Awards Jury

Jury Chair
Karen Fairbanks, FAIA, LEED AP
Partner | Marble Fairbanks
Karen Fairbanks is a founding partner of Marble Fairbanks Architects where she has focused on the design and planning for both public and private educational and cultural clients. Throughout the development of her practice, Karen has led the architecture department at Barnard College where she is the Claire Tow Professor of Professional Practice and Department Chair. At Barnard, she has been instrumental in the capital planning of the campus, and she brings this extensive knowledge of institutional organizations and the specific needs of academic clients to the work of Marble Fairbanks. Karen has been recognized with the Oculus Award by the Beverly Willis Foundation, as the Educator of the Year by the AIA New York State, and was honored by the University of Michigan with the Distinguished Alumna Award. Marble Fairbanks is a design-driven, client-focused architecture firm located in New York City. The practice has received local, national, and international design awards and their work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York where their drawings are part of the museum’s permanent collection.

Juror
Hana Kassem, FAIA, NOMA, LEED WELL AP
Principal | Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates
Hana Kassem is a Principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates with nearly three decades of experience, leading the design of projects globally and in the United States. Her architectural approach centers around human-centric, experiential design, aiming to elevate well-being and meet societal needs, fostering enriching and equitable spaces. Her portfolio spans academic, research, cultural, hospitality, residential, and mixed-use projects in Brazil, the USA, France, the Philippines, and China. Kassem's work has earned awards and recognition in projects like the Red Hook Houses Resiliency and Recovery for NYCHA and the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center in NYC.
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Juror
Pascale Sablan, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP
CEO New York | Adjaye Associates
Meet Pascale Sablan, a visionary architect with an impressive track record of transforming the built environment. Pascale has been recognized as one of the most influential architects of her generation, with a practice characterized by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability. She currently serves as the NOMA Global President and Chief Executive Officer at Adjaye Associates, New York Studio in charge of all operations, whilst continuing to lead efforts for architectural projects, community engagement, and business development.

Juror
Kim Yao, FAIA, LEED AP
Principal | Architecture Research Office
Kim Yao, FAIA, is Principal of Architecture Research Office (ARO). She holds an undergraduate degree in architecture from Columbia College: Columbia University and a Master of Architecture from Princeton University. She is a lecturer at MIT and has taught at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, the School of Constructed Environments, Parsons the New School for Design, and Barnard College (2001-2011). She has lectured throughout the United States and abroad. Kim has been awarded the AIA New York (AIANY) Medal of Honor and the Beverly Willis Foundation Mentorship Award. She was President of AIANY in 2020 and serves on the Board of the Center for Architecture.
2024 AIA Springfield Design Awards Professional Jury

Jury Chair
Edwin Harris, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP
Design Principal + Co-Founder | EVOKE Studio
As Co-founder of EVOKE, Edwin believes remarkable architecture enriches the lives of its occupants. For over a decade, he has consistently generated exciting designs that are decisive, focused, and rooted in clear objectives and novel concepts. Edwin’s distinctive design abilities have been recognized throughout his career. His design aptitude and competitive spirit have resulted in several competition wins including the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. These striking achievements complement the over 50 design awards that Edwin’s projects have achieved. He has served as design award juror for the Society of College and University Planning, AIA Detroit, AIA New England, AIA South Carolina, and AIA Tennessee. Edwin currently serves on the University of Washington’s Architectural Commission. While at The Freelon Group and Perkins+Will, his visioning for projects like Emancipation Park garnered him recognition as an Emerging Designer for the global firm. Renowned architect and Edwin’s mentor, the late Phil Freelon, declared Edwin a supremely talented architect on the rise in Architectural Digest Magazine.
Edwin is a role model for aspiring designers and encourages them through career lectures and design dialogues. He is a 2022 recipient of the National AIA Young Architects award. In 2020, he was named to the Triangle Business Journal 40 under 40 for his professional achievements and community service initiatives. He also serves as a board member for Diversify Architecture, a non-profit which aims to reach grade school students to increase diversity within the architecture profession. He regularly mentors grade school students throughout the Triangle area. Edwin has also nurtured collegiate talent nationally as a juror for the National Organization of Minority Architects Student Design Competition and invited guest critic at numerous architecture schools across the United States. Currently, he teaches and empowers the next generation of architects and designers as a Professor of Practice at North Carolina State University.

Juror
Everald Colas, AIA, NOMA
Founding Principal | STORYN Studio for Architecture
Everald Colas is an award-winning Haitian American architect, educator and storyteller and is the founder of Storyn Studio for Architecture. He has led a variety of internationally acclaimed projects during his time as an architect and specializes in projects that require a sensitive approach to integrating mixed-use buildings in a historical context. As a practitioner, he is committed to civic engagement and how design can promote stronger communities, create more inclusive spaces, foster place making to a neighborhood, and be identity affirming to individuals within a community and greater city. He is motivated to find solutions for designing equitable spaces for all voices and believes that design is a tool for social change.

Juror
Mark Gardner, AIA, NOMA
Principal | Jaklitsch / Gardner Architects
Mark has led many of Jaklitsch / Gardner’s design initiatives and works to best understand the role of design as a social practice. He is the Associate Professor of Architectural Practice and Society at the School of the Constructed Environments, Parsons the New School. He was Director of the M.Arch Program from 2017-2020. Mark is on the Board of Advisors for the University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design, where he advocates for issues of diversity and inclusion. Currently, he is helping support the Julian Abele Fellowship at Weitzman, which honors the first Black Architecture graduate from UPenn. Mark also serves on the Board of Youth Design Center (YDC), a nonprofit on a mission to reduce the number of disconnected youth in Brownsville, Brooklyn by lowering their barriers to entry to the STEAM professions and increasing their relevant experience in the innovation economy.

Juror
Andre Johnson, AIA, NOMA, NCARB
Principal + Designer | Andre Johnson Architects
Andre is the President and Design Principal with Andre Johnson Architects. He has over 24 years of experience in architecture and started his practice based on the basic principles of design excellence, client service, collaboration, diversity, and mentoring. Andre’s background in engineering and architecture gives him a unique perspective in project design and development, with a keen eye for the practical and the conceptual. His leadership and rigorous design process have helped the firm achieve recognition for design excellence with various design awards, including multiple from the AIA at the local, state, and regional levels. Andre’s drive for success and client service allows the firm to expand its client base with every successful project delivered. He is a board member of Diversify Architecture, a non-profit founded in 2020 to encourage and make meaningful changes in diversifying the architecture profession. Andre believes his greatest impact on architecture is not the buildings that are constructed, but the young architects that he can mentor and help in the profession.
2024 AIA Springfield Design Awards Public Jury

Liaison
Robert Weddle, AIA
Professor of Architecture | Drury University
Robert Weddle is Professor of Architecture and Dean of the Hammons School of Architecture, Drury University. He holds an M.Arch. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Ph.D. from Cornell University’s History of Architecture and Urbanism program. Professor Weddle teaches a broad range of courses including design studios, research seminars, and courses in the history of architecture. He also regularly co-leads study-abroad programs, drawing upon his six years of experience living and teaching in France. As a respected member of the university’s leadership team, he has contributed to the development of comprehensive educational programs and initiatives that enhance student learning and engagement. Professor Weddle’s commitment to academic integrity, community involvement, and student success has made him a valued and influential figure in the Drury University community.

Juror
Heather Hardinger
City Councilmember | Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Officer for CoxHealth
Heather Hardinger is a prominent community leader and advocate based in Springfield, Missouri. Known for her dedication to public service and community development, Heather was elected to City Council to represent General Council Seat A in April 2021, where she focuses on issues such as economic development, social equity, and sustainable growth. With a background in nonprofit management and a passion for inclusive policy-making, Heather has played a vital role in numerous local initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for all Springfield residents. Her commitment to fostering a vibrant and equitable community has earned her recognition as a respected and influential figure in the region.

Juror
Nick Nelson
Director | Springfield Art Museum
Nick Nelson serves as the Director of the Springfield Art Museum. Nick holds a bachelor of fine arts from Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Georgia, and a master of fine arts degree from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. With a deep passion for the arts and a commitment to cultural enrichment, Nick has significantly contributed to the museum’s growth and prominence since assuming the role. Under his leadership, the museum has expanded its collections, enhanced its educational programs, and increased community engagement. Nick’s vision for the Springfield Art Museum emphasizes accessibility, diversity, and innovation, ensuring that the museum serves as a vibrant cultural hub for the entire community. His dedication to promoting the arts has made a lasting impact on Springfield’s cultural landscape.

Juror
Jason Nunn
Realtor | Murney Associates | Mid-century modern architecture enthusiast
Jason Nunn is a dedicated and experienced realtor at Murney Associates, serving the Springfield, MO area. With a deep understanding of the local real estate market and a commitment to providing exceptional service, Jason has built a reputation for helping clients find their dream homes and achieve their real estate goals. His personalized approach, attention to detail, and strong negotiation skills have earned him the trust and respect of both buyers and sellers. Jason’s passion for real estate and his dedication to client satisfaction make him a standout professional in the industry.

Juror
Geoff Steele
Executive Director | Historic Gillioz Theatre
Geoff Steele is a visionary leader of the historic Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, Missouri. As the Executive Director, Geoff has played a pivotal role in revitalizing and promoting this iconic venue, ensuring it remains a central hub for arts and entertainment in the region. His passion for the performing arts and commitment to preserving the theater’s rich history have been instrumental in its continued success. Under his leadership, the Gillioz Theatre has expanded its programming, increased community engagement, and enhanced its reputation as a premier cultural destination. Geoff’s tireless efforts and strategic vision have made a lasting impact on Springfield’s cultural landscape.

Juror
Stephanie Stenger
President | Ron Stenger Companies
Stephanie Stenger is the president of Ron Stenger Companies, where she plays a crucial role in the company’s operations and strategic initiatives. Stephanie has contributed significantly to the company’s success in the real estate and development sectors. Her expertise in project management, coupled with her dedication to fostering positive client relationships, has helped Ron Stenger Companies achieve sustained growth and industry recognition. Stephanie’s commitment to excellence and her innovative approach has made her a respected professional in the field. She was also part of the group that in 2010 purchased the Moxie Cinema and turned it into a sustainable nonprofit enterprise. Her passion for seeing a thriving community is the thread that weaves through all her work.