It’s generally understood that local architects and planners contribute immeasurably to the quality of Pittsburgh’s built environment. But each year
Design Pittsburgh honors a non-architect for using design to advance the region. This year’s Gold Medal recipient is Lisa Schroeder, Riverlife CEO.
“She’s done a tremendous amount of work with Riverlife,” says Anne Swager, AIA Pittsburgh executive director. “They’ve really set the standard for development on the rivers, and made our city in many respects a world class city because of that.”
According to Swager, Riverlife often goes beyond just advocating for healthy and sustainable riverfront developments, and has raised funds and administered several such projects itself.
“And it’s all under Lisa’s leadership,” Swager says. “She’s been a tremendous ally in the world of design.”
Design Pittsburgh is AIA Pittsburgh’s annual celebration of local architecture and architects, from work here at home, to both national and international projects.
Schroeder will be presented with her Gold Medal award at a ceremony next week. Following the reception, the winners of this year’s Design Awards will be announced during a gala and awards ceremony.
Design categories include Architectural Detail/Craftsmanship; Architecture; Design & Innovation; Historic Preservation; Interior Architecture; Regional & Urban Design; Timeless Architecture; and the Young Architects Studio Competition. The winner of this year’s People’s Choice Award will also be announced at the ceremony.
Swager believes Pittsburgh is continuing to emerge as a design center, where architects have been at the forefront of green and now evidence-based design.
“When you hear about Pittsburgh being one of the greatest cities to live in, I think that that’s a lot about the design of the city and how pleasing it is, and how well it functions,” she says.
The Design Gala and Awards will be held on Thursday, October 11th, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Education Center, 805/807 Liberty Avenue, downtown.
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Writer: Andrew Moore
Source: Anne Swager