INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Hafer team recently received the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Indiana Honor Award for design excellence for the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana project. Hafer, a local architecture, engineering and interior design firm, was recognized at the annual joint AIA Indiana and AIA Kentucky convention.

An Honor Award is the highest award given for a nominated project, followed by a Merit Award and then a Citation Award. The Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana project included a renovation of a historic building on Main Street in Evansville that once housed Weingarten Furs. The building was transformed into an eclectic art gallery with a
unique roof terrace. The roof terrace provides space overlooking downtown where outdoor arts exhibits can take place as well as other events.

The jury was comprised of architects from AIA Baltimore in Maryland. Comments from the jury included:

“Extraordinary project accomplishes what every great civic interior should by thoroughly linking interior activity to street and neighborhood. Confidently restrained, monastic design permits maximum spatial flexibility for occupants. Linkages to urban context extend from the street through the visually permeable storefront through to a narrow, deep interior and then segues vertically to the rooftop, which returns occupants back to the street life via sight lines.”

“Restrained, thoughtful expression that will have a huge impact on its community.”

“Sensitive and artful intervention. Restrained elegance. Contemporary space but the historic elements contribute to the experience.”

“With minimal integration of a few new elements, this place offers a vibrant venue for community engagement.”

Hafer Principal, Jack Faber, AIA, received the AIA Indiana Julie Peddle Award at the recent AIA Indiana / Kentucky convention. Hafer said Faber embodies the spirit of this award, named for Indiana architect, Juliet Peddle. The award recognizes an individual architect for their strong willingness to pioneer, being successful in breaking new ground, strong devotion and commitment to architecture, display of professionalism and perseverance, and having a kind spirit.

Hafer said Faber is fueled by a desire for design excellence and a belief that every project begins with a story. They said he finds joy in the opportunity to truly improve lives of the people who live, work and inhabit the environments he creates. He serves as a mentor to young designers both in and outside the firm and gives back to his community through many philanthropic efforts. Faber has given much back to the profession through service to AIA, lectures, presentations to students and communities, and charity projects. He is well recognized in the community as a passionate and giving leader.