AIA Nebraska Announces 2021 Honors & Awards

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Young Architect Award

^{Recognizes an AIA Nebraska member, licensed less than 10 years who has shown exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the profession in the areas of design, education, and or service in an early stage of their architectural career. Must be nominated by an AIA Nebraska member.}

Andrew M. Conzett, AIA, is a young architect and designer with a passion for exploring the complex challenges and opportunities that are present within the profession of architecture. Recognized early in his career as an accomplished designer and architect, Conzett has been responsible for leading and carrying out the design for numerous projects including residential, corporate, civic, and design-build art projects that have expanded design discourse within the community. Conzett pairs his design talents and experience with a commitment to community service through his participation on local and regional boards related to arts, culture, education and professional development. Conzett’s unique combination of artistic acumen and tireless commitment to extending the architect’s role more effectively into the community are extraordinary examples worthy of recognition.

Architectural | Design Education Award

^{Recognizes a living person of esteemed character who has rendered distinguished service to the profession of architecture design or to the arts science in a Nebraska institution of higher learning.  The award recognized an individual whose activities have consistently influenced students and provided the ability to make connections between the educator’s particular areas of expertise and other areas as appropriate.}

David Karle, Associate AIA, Director and Professor of Architecture in the UNL College of Architecture, has made a significant contribution to architectural education and exemplified a highly successful teaching career focused on student success and excellence, as well as excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. David brings a willingness to contribute innovative thought and approach to all situations, and helps others grow. He inspires students to push the boundaries of what they thought possible and his success (and the success of students) is profound. David has inspired and encouraged students to apply for awards at the state, regional and national levels and they have experienced success at the highest levels. David’s leadership and wide-ranging influence is noteworthy throughout not only the architecture program, but the college and university as well. He has served in leadership roles on the College Curriculum and Student Affairs Committee, in the College’s Strategic Plan, and on the UNL Faculty Senate.


Firm of the Year Award

^{Recognizes an AIA Nebraska firm that has shown exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the profession in the areas of design, education, and or service to the State of Nebraska and its communities.}
HDR Great Plains Studio(s) portfolio and list of accomplishments attests that they continually bring to their profession more than they take away. Innovative thinking and accountability characterize the firm culture, and these values extend from their designers to their projects and the communities they impact. Located in Omaha and Lincoln, the Great Plains Studio(s) are a multi-disciplinary group of designers, engineers, and architects. These studios have earned national distinction from the American Institute of Architects, Institute for Interior Architecture and Regional & Urban Design.

Fundamental to HDR’s Great Plains Studio(s) is the belief that a great design practice must maintain a strong connection to the academy. The practice’s support of academic institutions is generous and significant and includes studio service on the advisory boards of regional schools. Professional and community engagement is central to the practice with numerous members of the firm serving in various leadership capacities. The goal of these efforts is to promote public education and the appreciation of architecture and the design arts.

HDR’s Great Plains Studio(s) are a talented and committed partnership of design professionals whose practice has represented Nebraska well in local, national and international contexts.


2021 Harry F. Cunningham Gold Medal Recipient Architectural Excellence in the State of Nebraska


Lynn L. Jones, AIA Member Emeritus, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is the recipient of the 2021 Harry F. Cunningham Gold Medal for Architectural Excellence in the State of Nebraska. The Gold Medal is the highest honor the Nebraska Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) can bestow and is awarded in recognition of the most distinguished achievement in architecture or service to the profession of architecture in the State of Nebraska.

Throughout Jones’ career spanning 45 years at Davis Design, he held many leadership positions, including Chairman, Board of Directors from 1993 – 2006. Jones’ distinguished career has elevated the practice of architecture in Nebraska, most notably through his design of health care facilities, schools, institutional buildings and religious places of worship. Many of his contributions led to award winning projects. Lynn Jones has also been a major force in maintaining the architectural landmark, First-Plymouth Church’s design integrity and beauty.

Jones has also been instrumental in guiding young architects at the beginning of their careers with his extensive design experience. “Lynn has been a mentor to me and many during his career in architecture. He has a long-standing and continued interest in the education of the general public on architecture as well as his fellow architects. His contributions to the built environment are admired” said nominator Nancy Hove-Graul, AIA.

The Gold Medal commemorates the achievements of Harry Francis Cunningham who came to Nebraska as lead architect for Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue’s office during completion of the tower phase of construction for the State Capitol following Goodhue’s death in 1924. It was Goodhue’s revolutionary building design which won the nationwide competition in 1920 for the creation of the state house in Lincoln. Cunningham subsequently established the first school of architecture at the University of Nebraska- Lincoln.