Architect Campaneria Receives Highest Award from The American Institute of Architects Miami Chapter

MIAMI - Nov. 12, 2014 - PRLog -- Each year, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Miami chapter, bestows its highest honor – the H. Samuel Kruse Silver Medal for Service or Design – upon one individual. The award recognizes an individual architect for his or her accomplishments over an extended period of time, for either design or leadership and service to the profession; and who, by their example, advances the cause of architecture and the profession, and provides inspiration to their fellow architects at the local, state and national levels.

Virgil Campaneria, AIA, RID, vice president and project manager with HKS Miami, received this year’s medal in recognition of his decades of service. The 60^th Annual Design Awards Gala was held Friday, November 7, at the historic Alfred I. Dupont Building in downtown Miami.

Over the past two decades, Campaneria has been a driving force in developing numerous AIA programs locally in Miami, statewide and at the national level.

Through AIA Miami, Campaneria created and established the ARE Preparation Program – complete with seminars, resource centers, libraries and study groups – which has become the state and national model. This program has enabled hundreds of young architects to become licensed. He also re-established the Young Architects Forum (YAF), to promote AIA programs and grow the associate membership.

“When Virgil first joined AIA Miami, the chapter had approximately 12 associate members,” said Natividad Soto, former president of the AIA Miami chapter and former vice president of AIA Florida. “Today, we have the largest associate membership in Florida, with well over 150 active members, due in large part to Virgil’s pro-active leadership and participation.”

Throughout his career, Campaneria has maintained a leadership role in the professional development of interns/associates, not only at the AIA Miami Chapter, but throughout the state and the region.

Just as strong as his dedication to the architecture world is his support of the local Miami community. On any given weekend, he can be found participating in charitable endeavors and volunteering at local events. “As architects, we have a responsibility to not only improve the built environment, but also contribute at all levels of our community, enhancing the human experience,” Campaneria commented.

Campaneria is currently serving on the AIA Florida Board of Directors Advocacy Committee and the State Convention Committee, representing the AIA Miami Chapter. He recently rolled out a new statewide program, the Gubernatorial Appointment Program (GAP), to help place architects on boards and committees around the state, representing their communities.

Previous AIA appointments and accomplishments include chapter leader for the 2012 AIA Florida 100th Anniversary Program, 2012 AIA Miami State Director Award and 2011 AIA National Component Excellence Award.

With more than 21 years of experience in architectural design, Campaneria leads teams on commercial, residential and healthcare projects throughout South Florida.

HKS, Inc. is a leading architectural design firm ranked among the top five architectural engineering firms, according to Building Design+Construction magazine. Since its founding in 1939, HKS has completed construction projects totaling more than $77 billion in more than 1,498 cities located in 84 countries. The firm operates from 27 offices worldwide.

For more information, contact Jennifer Stewart at jstewart@hksinc.com.

Full story at http://www.hksinc.com/insight/campaneria-receives-aia-miami-samuel-kruse-silver-medal-for-service/