Architizer Journal Recognizes Hafsa Burt for Significant Contributions as a Green Building Advocate / Consultant

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is pleased to announce the 14 recipients of the 2015 Young Architect Award. AIA defines “young” in reference to years in practice rather than the age of the individual — the award can go to any AIA member who has been licensed for 10 years or less, regardless of age. The awardees are recognized for demonstrating exceptional leadership and making significant contributions to the profession in an early stage of their architectural career. Each of the 14 young architects will receive the award at the AIA 2015 National Convention and Design Exposition, set to take place in Atlanta from May 14–16 of this year.

The award, now in its 22nd year, will be presented to:

Poydras Residential Tower

Jose Alvarez, AIA, of Eskew+Dumez+Ripple

A native of Caracas, Venezuela, Alvarez holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Universidad Jose Maria Vargas in Caracas and a Master of Architecture from Tulane University. He has called New Orleans home for the past 17 years, working for Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, where he is credited to some of the firm’s most iconic and challenging projects to date, including the New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC); the Shaw Center for the Arts in Baton Rouge, La.; 930 Poydras Residential Tower in New Orleans; and Teatro Santander, in São Paolo, Brazil.

Image via MKM architecture + design

Zachary R. Benedict, AIA, of MKM architecture + design

Benedict has three degrees from Ball State University: a Bachelor of Architecture, a Master of Architecture, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design. He has remained in Indiana, practicing as an architect and urbanist at Ft. Wayne-based firm MKM architecture + design. The firm is known for its focus on health and wellness and projects, thanks largely to Benedict’s strength in urban sociology and neighborhood revitalization. He is responsible for the firm’s community-based projects and research efforts, from senior care facilities to public libraries. The focus of his work lies in the future of the American Midwest and the socioeconomic benefits of intergenerational communities.

Ashland Youth Center by HB+A Architects

Hafsa Burt, AIA, of HB+A Architects

Burt completed both her Bachelor and Master of Architecture at Savannah College of Art and Design. She established her own firm, HB+A Architects. For 16 years, she has been practicing as an architect, project manager, green building advocate/consultant, and indoor air-quality specialist. Just as she focuses on improving environmental impact and community enrichment in her work, she also volunteers her time to issues concerning the health of the planet and its inhabitants.

Giant Ocean Tank at the New England Aquarium by Cambridge Seven Associates

Justin Crane, AIA, of Cambridge Seven Associates

Crane received his Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Environmental Studies from Harvard and holds a Master of Architecture from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He co-founded Common Boston, a popular, grassroots architecture festival. He helped it grow from a small organization to an 11-day, city-wide event that creates a dialogue between the public and architects in shaping a more sustainable, equitable, and inspiring built environment. Justin has focused on education in various ways, as a board member and currently president of Learning By Design in Massachusetts, which focuses on K–12 education, as well as in his professional work designing museums and educational institutions, such as the Giant Ocean Tank at the New England Aquarium.

Image via Life at HOK

Sarah W. Dirsa, AIA, of HOK

Dirsa holds both of Master of Architecture and Master of Urban Design from Washington University of St. Louis. She co-founded HOK IMPACT and SEED St. Louis. Both initiatives serve as ways to recognize the great community work already being done within the international design firm and in St. Louis, respectively, as well as to promote a community of givers and advocate for increased participation in public interest design projects. Sarah pioneered the role of HOK’s first-ever global chair of social responsibility, which speaks to her passion for promoting public interest design engagement at both the firm-wide and community scale. An example of her socially conscious work includes an orphanage in Haiti that allows for 100 percent on-site energy generation and borrows from ideas of biomimicry to provide a safe haven for vulnerable children.