The Board of Directors and the Strategic Council of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) are honoring Marlon Blackwell, FAIA, with the 2020 Gold Medal. The Gold Medal honors an individual whose significant body of work has had a lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture. Blackwell is being recognized for his important body of transcendent work in the hills of Northwest Arkansas.
Although he was born in Germany, Blackwell is a product of the American South. He received a Bachelor of Architecture from Auburn University and a Master of Architecture from Syracuse University. His firm, Marlon Blackwell Architects, is eager to tackle any project type that serves the common good, regardless of scale and budget, and has been widely recognized with more than 120 national and 14 international design awards.
In addition to his exemplary architecture, Blackwell’s influence and achievements as a teacher parallel the successes of his practice. Because of his outstanding leadership as a distinguished professor, the E. Fay Jones chair, and department head of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas, Blackwell was named one of DesignIntelligence magazine’s “30 Most Admired Educators.”
Blackwell will be honored at the 2020 AIA Conference on Architecture in Los Angeles. Visit AIA’s website to learn more about Blackwell’s selection as the 2020 AIA Gold Medalist.
ST. NICHOLAS EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH
THE STEVEN L. ANDERSON DESIGN CENTER AND VOL WALKER HALL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
VISITOR CENTER AT SHELBY FARMS PARK
THE RUTH LILLY VISITORS PAVILION AT THE INDIANAPOLIS MUSEUM OF ARTAbout AIA
Founded in 1857, AIA consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through more than 200 international, state and local chapters, AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing.
AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation, and world. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards.
About the 2020 Gold Medal
The Gold Medal is the AIA’s highest annual honor, recognizing individuals whose work has had a lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture.
2020 Advisory Jury
Kelly M. Hayes-McAlonie, FAIA (Chair), The State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
Emily Grandstaff-Rice, FAIA, Arrowstreet Inc., Boston, MA
Norman Foster, Hon. FAIA, Foster + Partners, London, United Kingdom
Marsha Maytum, FAIA, LMS, San Francisco, California
Takashi Yanai, FAIA, Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects, Culver City California
Scott Shell, FAIA, EHDD, San Francisco, California
Melissa Harlan, AIA, Christner, St. Louis Missouri
Maurice Cox, City of Detroit, Detroit, Michigan