The Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) will launch a new awards program at the SAH Awards Gala this November. Dedicated to the study, interpretation, and conservation of architecture, landscapes, and urbanism, SAH’s new awards format continues the organization’s mission of honoring excellence in design related professions. 



The following awards will be presented:

• The SAH Award for Excellence in Design, Planning, and Sustainability honors Philip J. Enquist of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) for scripting a Vision for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Region. The master plan addresses the increases in human population, the impacts or urbanization, and the threats of climate change to the largest fresh water lake system in the world. The SAH headquarters, the Charnley-Persky House designed by Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, was also renovated by SOM in the early 1980s and served as the location for SOM’s Chicago Institute for Architecture & Urbanism. 



• The SAH Award for Excellence in Architectural Media honors Gwendolyn Wright and Geoffrey Baer and their broadcast work that brings architecture to millions of television viewers each week. Wright is an associate professor of Architecture & Planning at Columbia University and hosts the PBS program “History Detectives.” Baer is a producer and program host at PBS-affiliate WTTW in Chicago and is currently filming for a nationally syndicated program, “Ten Buildings that Changed America.”

• The SAH Award for Excellence in Architectural Conservation honors architect John Eifler, principal with Eifler and Associates Architects, for his restoration of the Charnley-Persky House and his efforts to make historic structures environmentally friendly.

“The SAH mission of making man-made structures and landscapes relevant to contemporary cultural life is increasingly important,” says Pauline Saliga, SAH’s executive director. “Our inaugural SAH Awards for Excellence celebrate pivotal contributions to design made in the fields of architecture, media, urban planning, and preservation. We are delighted to honor these distinguished individuals for their innovative work in the fields of design and architectural history.”

The event will be held on November 10 at the Racquet Club of Chicago and will be emceed by Walter Jacobson of CBS–Chicago. SAH Awards Gala event co-chairs include Cynthia and Benjamin Weese, Weese Langley Weese Architects; Linda Searl, Searl Lamaster Howe Architects; Joseph S. Valerio, Valerio Dewalt Train Associates; and Aric Lasher, HBRA Architects.



To purchase tickets or learn more, visit sah.org.