DC Metrocentric

This past Friday night the best and brightest in the architecture community gathered in DC to be honored at the annual Accent on Architecture Gala at DAR Constitution Hall. We were on the scene capturing every moment of the lavish gathering put on by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Architectural Foundation (and of course enjoying the open bar and dessert reception).

For us the highlight of the night was the “conversation” style acceptance speech Glenn Murcutt, the AIA Gold Medal winner, gave where he answered submitted questions, and even some video messages from local high school students (though some of the kids clearly were being prompted which elicited laughs from the audience). Murcutt has practiced architecture solely by himself for over 40 years in Australia and his passion really came through in his responses which were both entertaining and insightful.

Some of the other winners from the evening were West Coast firm Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects, The AAF Keystone Award to Manuel A. Diaz, Mayor of the City of Miami, and the AIA Twenty-Five Year Award to Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Benjamin Thompson & Associates. It was a great evening of celebrating the best in architectural achievement; our congratulations go out to all this years winners.

Some more photos of the event and reception including Miami Mayor Diaz and Gold Medal winner Glenn Murcutt after the jump…

2009 AAF Keystone Award to Manuel A. Diaz, Mayor of the City of Miami

Glenn Murcutt, the 2009 AIA Gold Medal winner

The Accent of Architecture Reception after the awards and dinner where crazy glasses seemed to be the most popular fashion statement. Though the President of AIA has to be the winner with his iconic circular rimmed black pair.

[Photos: DCMetrocentric]