M. Kirk Train Honored with Noland Medal


M. Kirk Train, FAIA
M. Kirk Train, FAIA

Kirk Train, FAIA, has been selected to receive the Society’s highest honor bestowed upon an architect: the William C. Noland Medal. Train will be acknowledged before his colleagues during the Annual Meeting of the Membership on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 1 p.m. in room E11b during Architecture Exchange East, and the Medal will be presented at the Visions for Architecture gala on Friday, Nov. 7, at the Jefferson Hotel.

The award recognizes a lifetime of achievement for an individual architect. “In his integrity, character, service and commitment Kirk Train signifies for me that which is the best in our profession,” says Willard Scribner, FAIA. “His has been a thoughtful and principled voice advocating for an engaged profession, and leading by example.”

A gifted designer, Train and his firm have amassed a broad portfolio of award-winning designs over the past 25 years for projects throughout Virginia and the mid-Atlantic region. One client — another architect — noted that he designs simple things well. The rigor of the plan and the application of materials is beautifully resolved, and his work is both honest and straightforward, the embodiment of his belief that architecture dignifies our existence.

With decades of dedicated service to the community and as a champion of architectural causes that benefit humankind, his efforts have advocated for an engaged profession focused on public awareness, inspiration, and education. His long history of lending his expertise to make substantial contributions to the communities and citizens of Central Virginia includes serving as chair of the Albemarle County Board of Architectural Review and continued involvement in the Friends of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library and the United Way Thomas Jefferson Area.

Emerging Leaders in Architecture inaugural session. From the left: Kirk Train, Bryan Green, Will Scribner, Jay Hugo, Brian Frickie
From the inaugural session of Emerging Leaders in Architecture. From the left: Kirk Train, Bryan Green, Will Scribner, Jay Hugo, Brian Frickie

The capstone of Train’s broad public engagement has been his role as a founding committee member for the Virginia Society’s Emerging Leaders in Architecture program. He played a pivotal role in establishing and leading this honors academy for young architects in Virginia, and it is through this program he believes his greatest impact will occur, as his passion for service and volunteerism will cultivate a new generation of Citizen Architects. “Acting with diplomacy and dignity, he is a true leader, one others have always wanted to follow throughout his career and in all spheres of influence,” says VSAIA Past President Brian J. Frickie, AIA. “We could not have a better advocate for the profession.”

Most notably, Train’s service to his fellow architects, and the profession as a whole, has been truly exemplary. He has worked tirelessly to strengthen the AIA at all levels, holding a variety of leadership positions in both local and state chapters including president of the VSAIA and president of the Central Virginia AIA chapter. Of particular note is his leadership in the Virginia Center for Architecture, serving as Chairman and working to raise the public’s awareness of good design through the establishment of the first architectural museum in the Southeast.

As a passionate leader and public servant whose efforts have yielded great benefits for his community, his fellow architects, and the greater society we serve, he has exemplified the profession’s highest ideals and created an enduring legacy. “Kirk’s extraordinary efforts to initiate collaborative projects within communities, his remarkable dedication to the AIA as the voice of the profession, and his steadfast belief that the architecture profession can meaningfully assist citizens in achieving a more balanced and wholesome life are, when considered collectively, attributes of the highest order for an architect,” says 2014 AIA President Helene Dreiling, FAIA.

For his unparalleled leadership, dedicated support of the profession, and service to the community, the Society awards M. Kirk Train, FAIA, the William C. Noland Medal.