Victor Smith, Associate AIA, Project Designer at SHP. “I like the idea that in a couple of years, somebody will be in that space that was designed and it will be the backdrop for some memory that lives with them forever. A first job, meeting a new romantic partner, the best chicken wing they ever had, something will make an indelible mark and a space I designed will be the backdrop for it.”

Allison Beer McKenzie, AIA; Principal, Director of Sustainability at SHP. “I tend to think of AIA membership as a layer cake of diverse benefits that all work together to make you a more well-rounded architect. Just a few of these for me include: strong connections to layers of networks at local, state and national levels, diverse continuing education opportunities, and advocacy opportunities to help me find my own voice as an architect and as a human.”

Reading Rock, Inc. / RockCast. “ We are an AIA Continuing Education Provider and education is critical to this relationship because we have such a diverse product offering of masonry products that can be utilized on all aspects of the building envelope.”

Doug Richards, FAIA, Associate, GBBN. “For the last ten years, I have been able to meet and learn with the best young architects in the region [through the AIA Vision program]. I have watched some of these folks go on to lead in their firms and communities while also expanding my personal acumen from countless national experts that we have brought here to share their knowledge.”

Jeff Raser, AIA, communication director for the Congress For The New Urbanism – Midwest and owner of CUDA Studio. “My experience in providing urban design and community planning services gives me an understanding of the many hurdles communities have when seeking to rebuild neighborhoods into pedestrian-friendly places with cherished gathering spaces.”

Rob Stewart, Sales, Harlan Graphics. “We produce wall murals, environmental graphics, ADA, wayfinding, framing and matting services, and small format printing. We even have a full metal shop, wood shop, and paint booth to produce prototypes, from concept to finished products.”

Wendy Klepcyk, AIA, NAWIC Board Director, Cincinnati Chapter and Principal at Envisage Architecture. “Envisage is interested in building mutually beneficial relationships in the local construction community. We are also passionate about mentoring women in the industry, specifically in architecture, but also in construction as a whole.”

Rick Meyer, AIA, President and Architect, Meyer Brothers and Sons. “[The CRANawards are] a unique program, with few other CRAN chapters hosting their own awards, and we are proud to continue the tradition.”

Jeff Samuelson, AIA, NCARB, CEO and Founder, JZ Companies and ChalkLine4D. “We wanted to give architects more control of a project instead of having what can or can’t be done dictated by contractors.”

Allison McKenzie, AIA, Cincinnati Historic Conservation Board, and Principal, Director of Sustainability at SHP. “Not only is it personally rewarding [to volunteer], but boards like historic boards or zoning boards are essential to protecting the health, safety and desirability of our communities, and architects can, and should, have strong voices on these boards.”