Submitted by Thomas Architecture Studios
The American Institute of Architects Southwest Washington (AIA/SWW) Chapter announces Ron Thomas, President of Thomas Architecture Studios, as winner of the 2017 Charles T. Pearson Honor Award. The award is named after the late Tacoma-based architect Charles T. Pearson who was a founder of the AIA SWW Chapter and known for his exemplary service to the community. The award, which recognizes community-minded architects who serve in the spirit of Pearson, was presented to Thomas during the AIA/SWW Honor Awards ceremony on November 2, 2017 in Tacoma, WA.
Thomas was introduced by Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby who was one of six people to nominate him for the award. Selby remarks, “I’ve had a front row seat watching Ron and his firm repurpose existing buildings as well as design inspiring new projects that have spurred a virtual renaissance of our historic main-street downtown.”
Thomas donated the prize of $500 to SideWalk, an Olympia-based organization focused on ending homelessness in Thurston County.
TAS received the additional honor of winning the Merit Award for Campus Lofts which was completed in 2016. A multifamily housing project by prominent local developer Walker John, Campus Lofts is an adaptive reuse of a former office building into “campusstyle” apartments and townhomes. Project partners include: 3rd Gen Investment Group, LLC; PCS Structural Solutions; Landau & Associates; Parametrix; Bailey General Contractors; and Doug Walker Photography.
The 2017 jurors for both honor awards were Ray Calabro, FAIA, Principal at Bohlin Cywinski Jackson (Seattle, WA), Cima Malek-Aslani, AIA, Principal at Schacht Aslani Architects (Seattle, WA) and Mark Pynn, AIA, of Mark Pynn Architecture (Sun Valley, ID).
