Career StagesNational Associates Committee

Contact: Mary Felber
mfelber@aia.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 27, 2008— The American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Associates Committee (NAC) announces six recipients will receive the 2008 Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship. The recipients are Vasso Kampiti, Assoc. AIA, Karen E. Lesney, Assoc. AIA, Joshua Lloyd, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP , Dalimar Martínez-Carreras, AIT and Paul J. Pascarelli, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, and Jason Dale Pierce, Assoc. AIA.

The recipients of the Scholarship were chosen by a jury composed of AIA members, component and NAC representatives, a former recipient and others representing various stages of their professional career. Ms. Kampiti and Mr. Lloyd attended the National Associates reception at the AIA National Convention and Design Expo in Boston on May 15th and were honored at that time. The remaining recipients were honored through a previously recorded interview that was presented at the reception. All recipients receive compensation for the entire cost of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE®) and a full set of study guides provided by Kaplan AEC Education.

The jury sited these candidates’ extraordinary commitment to community and professional service. They commented that Karen Lesney “exemplifies what a citizen architect should be”. She is able to touch many aspects of the community because of her wide range of skills. A letter of support noted that not only did Jason Dale Pierce share Pettigrew’s first name but also shares Pettigrew’s boundless energy for service to the profession.

The jury recognized Paul Pascarelli is in the early stages of his career and is already mentoring those that will come after him. He is an ambassador for the profession, participating in many outreach programs for high school and college students that stimulates and educates with the intention of getting a new generation of architects in the pipeline. “Dalimar Martínez-Carreras exhibits leadership beyond architecture”, one reviewer said. Her service to the community is to be commended. She has already completed four sections of the ARE and is holding herself accountable for taking one section a month until she has finished.

Vasso Kampiti has been actively involved with the Emerging New York Architects Committee, participating in the development of design, educational and professional programs and this year serves as the Associate Director on the AIA New York State Board of Directors. According to Roger Beck, a high school teacher with 34 years experience, Joshua Lloyd is committed to sustainability. He started a program at the high school which integrates English, U.S. Government and Technology Education with the building of affordable homes for the working poor. Josh helped the students earn the President’s Award for the Columbus (Ohio) Landmarks Foundation for 2007.

Overall, the jury commented on the outstanding quality of all of the applications. As the scholarship fund grows from contributions from the professional community, the opportunity to award more scholarships to deserving candidates will be expanded.

Find out more information on the Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship.

About Jason Pettigrew, Assoc. AIA (1974-2004)
Jason Pettigrew, Assoc. AIA served on the inaugural National Associate Committee. During his two-year term as the Western Mountain Regional Associate Director, Jason also served on the NAC Executive Committee as the Mainstream Director championing issues of internship and licensure. Jason dedicated much of his time with the AIA towards the development and growth of others and a commitment to community service. He touched the lives of everyone around him through his selfless service which included not only leadership roles locally, and with AIA Colorado, but through his national service as well. His significant contributions also include serving multiple years as Representative to the IDP Coordinating Committee and involvement in the development of the Emerging Professional’s Companion released in 2004.

About the NAC
Formed in October 2000, the NAC was an evolution of the Intern/Associate Committee, originally formed in 1993. Today, the NAC represents the body of Regional Associates Directors (RAD), one from each of the 18 AIA regions. The NAC is charged with representing associates, both mainstream and alternative, and providing information and leadership to every regional, state and local component. At the center of the NAC’s mission is the desire to bring together the growing community of associate AIA members into a strong voice within the Institute.

About The American Institute of Architects
Since 1857, the AIA has represented the professional interests of America's architects. As AIA members, more than 75,000 licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied professionals express their commitment to excellence in design and livability in our nation's buildings and cities. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct that assures the client, the public, and colleagues of an AIA-member architect's dedication to the highest standards in professional practice.