DLA Architects, Ltd. announces 2010 scholarships recipients

June 1, 2010 - PRLog -- Through the years, DLA Architects, Ltd. has helped nearly 200 local high school graduates who have aspirations of a career in architecture. The award winning firm, with locations in Hinsdale and Elgin, provides financial assistance scholarships and an opportunity to experience the working environment of a professional architect.

DLA Architects established the scholarship program in 1997 for high school graduates who excel in areas of pre-architectural studies and who are planning to pursue undergraduate studies in an accredited architectural program.

The 2010 scholarship winners are:

•   Rachel Krueger, Elgin Academy
•   Miguel A. Ortiz, Jr., Community High School, District 94
•   Alea Olson, Lyons Township High School, District 94
•   Claire McDermott, Lockport Township High School, District 205   
•   Gavin Fleagle, Lincoln-Way Central High School, District 210   
•   Joseph Pavilonis, Lincoln-Way East High School, District 210   
•   Meagan Radloff, Lincoln-Way North High School, District 210
•   Evan Ray, Loyola Academy
•   Marlena Rossi, Homewood Flossmoor Community High School, District 233
•   Felipe Rivera, Dwight Eisenhower High School, District 218
•   Bryon Chiaramont, H.L. Richards High School, District 218
•   Catherine Lomar, Marist High School
•   Manuel J. Guallpa, Ridgewood High School, District 234
•   Alex Dungey, Bartlett High School, District U-46
•   Michael Frerichs, Elgin High School, District U-46
•   Kurtis Streich, Larkin High School, District U-46
•   Alyssa Krause, South Elgin High School, District U-46

This year, to apply for the scholarship, students submitted an essay about an architectural aspect of their school. Some observations from the essays are:

“The Foyer is reminiscent of an ambulatory cathedral as well, which was created by Romanesque designers to allow visitors of the cathedral to move around the alter without disturbing others.” – Claire McDermott

“The synthetic turf in the field is always clean and was a good idea because it saves costs on re-sodding, re-painting and grass cutting. The field drainage system collects water into our bio-pond, and I think that is a very efficient idea as well.” – Marlena Rossi

“On the arc of the wall, touching the ceiling is a band of windows. They are small and high enough for outsiders to not be able to look in but situated in the perfect spot to let in plenty of sun.” – Gavin Fleagle

“Another positive aspect of the building is the flow of the computer lab into the library, then how the library extends into the kids’ reading area.” – Rachel Krueger

The scholarship recipient receives a one-time cash award to be applied to tuition and/or books and materials at a college or university with an accredited architectural program.

In addition, award recipients are invited to the offices of DLA Architects to participate in the job-shadowing program. During the visit, the student will meet and work with a project architect and be given an opportunity to observe the “real-life” work environment of a professional architect.

The firm’s founders, Bruce Dahlquist of Bartlett and Dwain Lutzow of Burr Ridge, hope the scholarship program promotes the value of pre-architectural training at the high school level and it introduces students to architectural career opportunities.

“Architecture is an art form that enhances our quality of life,” Dahlquist said. “More and more, people recognize the value of creating and designing healthy environmental systems. Dwain and I hope the scholarships encourage more young people to consider a career in a field that plays such a vital role in our past, present, and future.”

For more information call 630-230-0420 or visit http://www.dla-ltd.com.

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DLA Architects is a full service architectural firm specializing in educational, medical, recreational, office/commercial, specialty office, and theater design.