The 2014 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Convention will be held June 26–28 in Chicago at McCormack Place. This conference allows architects to network, explore new trends, and stay ahead of the game with the latest design techniques. The conference also includes keynote speakers such as internet entrepreneur Tony Hsieh, founder of Zappos shoes, and Catch Rick Bell, FAIA, one of the creators of the FitNation program and an innovator in active design.

Jori Erdman, director of the School of Architecture, and Julie LeFebvre, director of development for the LSU College of Art & Design, will be in town for the convention and to join the national architecture community in celebrating the accomplishments of several LSU alumni. John Cryer, BArch ’71, principal architect at Page’s Houston office, has been named a 2014 AIA Fellow. Additionally, Eskew+Dumez+Ripple has received this year’s AIA Architecture Firm Award.

The Architecture Firm Award is an annual, national award and the highest honor AIA can award a practicing firm. Eskew+Dumez+Ripple is the 51st recipient of the award and the only practice in the Gulf South to receive this honor. Through their efforts, specifically their “Reinventing the Crescent: New Orleans Riverfront Development Plan,” the firm is using modernism to restore and revitalize the distinct culture of New Orleans, contributing to its role as a civic leader throughout the community.

Founded 25 years ago by Allen Eskew, FAIA (1948–2013), all three principals—Eskew, BArch ’71; Steve Dumez, BArch ’82; and Mark Ripple, BArch ’79—are alumni of LSU’s School of Architecture.

For more information about the AIA Convention, please visit convention.aia.org.

More about Page
Page (formerly Page Southerland Page) is a 400-plus person multidisciplinary architecture and engineering firm with offices in the United States and abroad, including Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Texas; Denver, Colorado; and Washington, D.C. Page’s work consists largely of complex projects that benefit from their integrated disciplines and that make a significant impact on the communities they serve. Page is guided by the three core values of creativity, collaboration, and commitment. Visit pagethink.com for more information.

More about Eskew+Dumez+Ripple
Eskew+Dumez+Ripple is widely recognized for its award-winning, innovative architecture and planning projects, grounded by a strong understanding of context and culture, which resonates beyond the Southeast region. Housed in an open studio offering expansive views of the Mississippi River and the historic Vieux Carre, the New Orleans–based multidisciplinary practice is comprised of 45 professionals who offer clients a deep commitment to every project they touch. Visit eskewdumezripple.com for more information.

About LSU School of Architecture
LSU School of Architecture students develop a solid foundation of traditional design, hand building, and drawing skills and learn to use computer and technological resources. The architecture program at LSU provides a balance between broadening educational experiences and discipline-focused coursework. In addition to learning how to make buildings, students develop a sense of professionalism and leadership in shaping the world by learning how to see, think, and act creatively. For more information, visit architecture.lsu.edu.