Alums, Faculty Recognized with Texas Society of Architects Honor Awards

Congratulations to alumnus John Kirksey (B.Arch ’70), Professor Larry Speck, and a handful of other School of Architecture alums who recently received Texas Society of Architects’ 2022 Honor Awards! One of Texas Society of Architects’ highest honors, the Honor Awards recognizes exceptional members, firms, individuals, and organizations for outstanding achievements in support of the profession of architecture, the built environment, and quality of life in Texas. Texas Society of Architects will recognize the award winners later this fall at their 83rd Annual Conference and Design Expo in El Paso.

A graduate of the School of Architecture’s Bachelor of Architecture Program, John Kirksey, FAIA, was recognized with Texas Society of Architects’ highest honor, the Medal for Lifetime Achievement. Kirksey is the founder and chairman emeritus of Kirksey Architecture, which he started 51 years ago with a mission to design high-performing, healthy buildings that positively impact the people, environment, and communities they serve. The firm has gone on to become a national leader in sustainability and its recognized for its commitment to quality, innovation, and the professional growth of its employees. As a co-founder of programs and organizations such as Trees for Houston and the Galveston Bay Foundation, Kirksey has also spearheaded bold initiatives to improve quality of life and the environment in the Texas Gulf Coast region and beyond. His visionary ideas, services, and leadership in environmental stewardship have made Texas a more beautiful and better place to live.

Professor Larry Speck, FAIA, was recognized with the Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Architecture through the Media. As a prolific author, revered professor, television narrator, and online media and video personality, he has for over 30 years engaged an ever-growing audience on the value of architecture to society. Although Speck’s contributions to media have included commentary on architects and buildings all over the world, he has been a particularly passionate advocate for Texas architecture, authoring 76 publications as well as numerous articles and essays, a PBS documentary, and his own website—all focused on Texas topics.

Other UTSOA alums who received awards include:

• Jim Susman (M.Arch ’79), Jack Tisdale (B.Arch ’73), and DeWitt Gayle (M.Arch ’79) whose firm STG Design received the Architecture Firm Award. Susman and Tisdale currently serve as senior principals, and STG employs many UTSOA alumni.
• Robert G. Hanley (B.Arch ’79), who received the Award for Community Service
• Dwayne Bohuslav (B.Arch ’79), who received the Award for Outstanding Educational Contributions
• Stephi Motal (B.Arch ’04), who received the Award for Young Professional Achievement, and
• Aaron Prinz (M.Arch ’19), who received the Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Architecture through the Media

Congratulations on the well-deserved recognition!