Michael Ermann, AIA, David Keith, AIA, and Kevin Sneed, FAIA, will be recognized with the Award for Distinguished Achievement at the Visions for Architecture gala on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, at the Hilton Downtown Richmond. The Award for Distinguished Achievement signals especially noteworthy achievement by an architect in any one of the following categories: design, practice, education, service as “citizen architect,” and service to the profession. This award may serve as an accolade for the work of an entire career or recognize the current accomplishments of a younger leader.
“I am pleased to have been a colleague of his, and continue to be impressed with his selfless approach to the education of professionals, young and old.”
Jack Davis, FAIA
Since 2001, Michael Ermann, AIA, has made significant contributions to the profession as an educator and researcher. During his time as a professor at Virginia Tech, he has taught design studio, building systems, architectural acoustics, materials and methods, architectural structures, and even a walking tour class for non-majors titled “Design at Every Scale.” For this work, he has been recognized with numerous teaching awards, including the university-wide Virginia Tech Teacher of the Week award and the Virginia Tech School of Architecture + Design Lecture or Seminar Teaching Excellence Award, twice. He has received perfect student evaluations in six different courses.
In addition to his more than 18 years teaching at Virginia Tech, he launched an ARE prep program that has benefited thousands of practitioners around the country. His Amber Book and video series, have transformed the understanding of critical information on life safety, site design, construction, structures and mechanical and electrical systems aiding countless professionals along the path to licensure. He has also conducted vital architectural acoustics research which was published in Architectural Acoustics Illustrated (Wiley, 2015), and recognized with the AIA Virginia Prize for Design Research and Scholarship.
He has further been recognized as an accomplished designer, winning several design awards from AIA Blue Ridge.
“David has a visceral enthusiasm for every step of the design process. People want to work with him, work for him … Throughout his career, he has raised the bar for what qualifies as ‘good design’ all across Virginia.”
–Eric Keplinger, AIA
David Keith, AIA, is a design principal and the Chief Executive Officer of Hanbury. Throughout his 30 year career, he has left a tangible impact on some of Virginia’s most well-known architecture firms as well as cities and institutions across the state. Recognized for his unwavering commitment to design excellence, he has worked on more than 250 projects, amassing an impressive number of Design Awards.
In addition to his service as Vice President on AIA Virginia’s Board of Directors and the Editorial Advisory Board for Inform Magazine, he has also served on the Hampton Roads Design Build Institute of America and the Virginia Beach Planning and Design Review boards.
A leader who is deeply committed to education and mentorship, he has delivered dozens of lectures and talks and has contributed numerous articles to nationally-recognized publications. Deeply engaged in Hanbury’s Summer Scholars program, he has helped to identify research areas that frequently reveal opportunities in communities that could profoundly impact their shape, vibrancy and economy.
Kevin G. Sneed, FAIA, is an architect passionate about the profession who, early in his career, engaged in
John Burns, FAIA
groundbreaking activities that have become mainstream initiatives for guiding the future of the profession.
OTJ’s Kevin Sneed, FAIA, has approached his career with a clear dedication to public and professional service.
Since joining the AIA in 1987, right out of school, he has been an enthusiastic advocate and engaged participant. In addition to serving as secretary, treasurer, and president, he also co-founded AIA Northern Virginia’s Young Architects Committee, setting a precedent for organizing activities to nurture emerging architects that now thrives in components throughout the Commonwealth — and across the country. He later served on AIA Virginia’s board and at the national level on the Young Architects Forum, Diversity Committee, Brand Advisory Committee, and the Interior Architecture Knowledge Community. In 2004, he was recognized with the National AIA Young Architect Award for his substantial contributions to the profession.
He used his role as a leader in the AIA to forge connections within the industry. He strengthened ties between the AIA and the National Organization of Minority Architects and leveraged his chairmanship of the Interior Architecture Knowledge Community to improve collaboration with interior design organizations, the Construction Specifications Institute, and the U.S. Green Building Council.
He has also been a model for community service. Canstruction, Habitat for Humanity, the Board of Architectural Review for the City of Alexandria, the Maryland State Board of Interior Designers, and the Maryland State Board of Architects have all benefited from Kevin’s generous donation of his time and expertise.
