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The 2016 American Institute of Architects San Joaquin Chapter Design Awards was held at the Fresno City College Old Administration building; a building whose renovation Darden Architects worked on in 2012. This event is held every two years and draws entrants from throughout the  California Central Valley. Design Projects and photos are submitted in eleven categories.

The dinner beforehand was catered by Fresno City College Students, and gave attendees the chance to mingle and look over display boards of the design projects that had been entered for consideration.

The Awards Ceremony was held in the main auditorium. 

AIA San Joaquin Chapter President Julie Jaurique-Chipps welcomed those in attendance and thanked the event sponsors. 

She introduced the evening’s Master of Ceremonies: Mike Fennacy.

The judges for the competition had traveled to attend the event and spoke about each award that was given.

Darden Architects’ design work received five awards:

The Garden Trellis and Canopy project won the Award of Honor in the Craftsmanship Category.

Pool Trellis and Canopy

Ed Darden Jr. accepting the award.

The South American Rain Forest Exhibit project at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo won the Lived Well award. This category is for projects older than twenty years which still exemplify excellence in design.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo South American Rain Forest Exhibit

(As a side note, if you haven’t yet visited the Fresno Zoo, it really is not to be missed. Check it out, you’ll be glad you did)

The Phillip J. Patiño School of Entrepreneurship in Fresno Unified School District won the Award of Merit in the Educational Category. 

Phillip J. Patiño School of Entrepreneurship in Fresno Unified School District

Grant Dodson accepting the award.

Rutherford B. Gaston Sr. Middle School in Fresno Unified School District won the Award of Honor in the Educational Category. 

Rutherford B. Gaston Sr. Middle School in Fresno Unified School District

And the Edison High School Academic Building in Fresno Unified School District won the Award of Excellence in the Educational Category. 

Edison High School Academic Building in Fresno Unified School District

Antonio Avila accepting the award.

All in all it was an excellent event. Our firm was honored to be recognized, and we extend our sincere congratulations to all the other winners. Also a special thanks to the AIASJ Board of Directors for organizing this event, Fresno City College for hosting, and Mr. David Swan for the photos of the event.