Contact: Joan Jeffers (775) 827-6600
Date: Nov. 9, 2005

Reno, Nev. – The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Northern Nevada Chapter and Reno Magazine have teamed up to develop a design awards competition celebrating the unique design characteristics of the Northern Nevada area and the Eastern Sierra. The program will include projects from the past five years for both new and/or renovated projects. Designers may choose one or all of the following categories: Residential, Commercial, Public, Interior Environment, Landscapes and Sustainable Design.

There will be a separate award given to honor the accomplishments of the late Jack Sheehan, one of the most notable and influential architects to ever live and work in Northern Nevada . The Jack Sheehan Visionary Award will be given to an architect, firm or project that has most influenced the direction of architecture in the community. This award will be voted on by the AIA membership.

The jury is comprised of R. K. Stewart, President-elect for AIA National; Gil Cooke, AIA , Dean of the New School of Architecture in San Diego; Julie Eizenberg, AIA, founding Principal of Koning Eizenberg Architecture ; Andrea Turman, architectural writer; and Steven Sailor, artist.

Winners will be announced at an Awards Gala and Ceremony at the Nevada Museum of Art (NMA) on May 3, 2006. Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the NMA by calling (775) 329-3333.