Practicing ArchitectureAwards

2010 HONORARY MEMBERSHIP

As a journalist and publisher, Peter H. Miller, Hon. AIA, principal and president of Restore Media, LLC, in Washington, D.C. has long been contributing to the profession and the Institute through his tireless support of the preservation community. He has been dedicated to and promoted excellence in advancements in practice and continuing education for architects in the fields of historic preservation and traditional building.

In addition, through his collaborative spirit he has been instrumental in developing several preservation and design recognition programs that promote the concept that good design matters. He established the Design Challenge Awards in partnership with the American Institute of Building Design to encourage architects and designers to practice drawing plans by hand for sensitive in-fill sites in historic residential neighborhoods. He has continued the Palladio Awards established by Clem Labine to promote project excellence for historic preservation, rehabilitation, and traditionally-inspired new construction for residential, commercial, and institutional architecture and recently launched the Clem Labine Award to recognize individuals who promote human values through the built environment.

One of Miller’s significant contributions has been his pioneering work to advance education opportunities so architects can earn learning units to fulfill AIA membership or state licensing continuing education requirements. Peter is a media innovator who creates “tipping points"—the moment when widespread adoption develops real traction and major players begin embracing a new innovation. Restore Media was among the first to develop and offer AIA Continuing Education System (CES)-approved Webinars to the profession on historic preservation and contemporary building practice. Launching his Webinar series in 2008, a total of 8 Webinars have been broadcast to date, in addition to the nearly 1100 other educational programs that Restore Media Conferences have supported for AIA members. The AIA Historic Resources Committee (HRC) has partnered with Peter and Restore Media on several occasions where he has been instrumental in hosting or sponsoring the HRC events. In support of Miller’s nomination, James J. Malanaphy III, AIA, the 2006 chair of the AIA HRC wrote “Peter is committed to promoting the role of architects, celebrating the enduring value of good design, and emphasizing the critical contribution of historic preservation to the creation of sustainable livable communities.” Malanaphy went on to describe him as “a dedicated individual who possesses a unique ability to inspire others to recognize the value of architecture, architectural traditions, and design excellence.”

When describing the impact that Miller has had on the profession and particularly those in the field of restoration and preservation, his nominator, H. Thomas McGrath Jr., FAIA strongly emphasized that “None of the case-study presentations, architectural tours, workshops, or best-practices presentations at any of the dozens of HRC conferences held in this past decade would have occurred were it not largely for the efforts of Peter Miller. There is no other corporate president in this country that has been as consistent and diligent as Miller in supporting continuing education in the field of historic preservation.”

Indeed, his impact is felt far and wide. With his founding of Restore Media, LLC, in 2000, what once was an array of independent publications was molded into a focused series of quality professional magazines that have, over the course of the last decade, redefined and solidified perceptions of traditional design and the building rehabilitation industry in the United States. These publications, such as Period Homes and Traditional Building magazines, provide ready access to hard-to-find products as well as exploration of cutting-edge preservation issues. Applauded by W. Lewis Barlow, IV, FAIA, in his letter of support, “They offer direct benefit to my practice of architecture and the nationally significant historic landmarks of the National Park Service.”

Peter H. Miller, Hon. AIA

2010 JURY FOR HONORARY MEMBERS

James H. Eley, FAIA
(Chair)
Eley Associates Architect
Jackson, Miss.

Mary Fitch, Hon. AIA
AIA Washington DC
Washington, D.C.

Leslie J. Thomas, AIA
Thomas Bracy Architects,
PLLC
Concord, N.H.