The Harry F. Cunningham Gold Medal

The Harry F. Cunningham Gold Medal is the highest honor AIA Nebraska can bestow upon an individual and is awarded in recognition of the most distinguished achievement in architecture or service to the profession of Architecture.

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. Below is a list of past recipients.

2024 Harry F. Cunningham Gold Medal Recipient

John Sova, AIA, is managing principal/president at RDG Planning & Design with more than 40 years of experience strengthening the firm’s commitment to innovative design and thoughtful planning. “John Sova has been a fixture in the landscape of Nebraska Architecture for nearly 45 years. From his participation in growing a small Nebraska-based firm to a nation-wide footprint with over 225 employees in six offices to his influence on the communities across the state, John is through and through a Nebraska Architect.” Said nominator Joe Lang, AIA.

Through his advocacy for a culture of trust and collaboration, John fosters an environment where individuals are encouraged to bring innovative ideas forward. His overarching aim is to inspire and support, ensuring each RDG employee feels valued and motivated to realize their potential. Through everyone’s growth and participation, RDG becomes a better place that allows the employees to grow the firm, providing more opportunities for those same individuals.

Since joining the firm in 1981, John has assumed diverse roles such as project architect, project director and principal-in-charge, contributing to hundreds of projects. His design portfolio spans multiple markets, including work for RDG’s College & University, Commercial, Education, and Worship markets. John has comprehensive experience with all project phases, from master planning to construction administration.

Holding a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, John extends his knowledge and passion to aspiring design professionals as a guest lecturer at UNL’s College of Architecture and as a member of the college’s Professional Advisory Council. John is an active member of Design Intelligence – Design Futures Council and the Coxe Group’s Design Network Roundtable, where he engages in insightful discussions at a national level and collaborates with fellow thought leaders across the country to shape the future of the design field.

John and his wife of forty-three years Tami, have four children, two daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren. His immediate family and the RDG family have made it possible for John to dedicate and contribute so much of his time to educational initiatives, the design profession and community work in the state of Nebraska.