06golden.html

Wisconsin Architect A. James Gersich Receives
Top Honor: The 2006 AIA Wisconsin "Golden Award"

April 12, 2006

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Madison — Architect A. James Gersich, AIA, Fitchburg, has been selected to receive the prestigious 2006 “Golden Award” from AIA Wisconsin, the state society of The American Institute of Architects (AIA).

The Golden Award is the highest honor that the state architects' society can confer upon a member architect. Gersich is being recognized for his exceptional contributions to the profession and practice of architecture through key leadership roles in local, state and national venues, his distinguished service in the design and development of ongoing educational programs for mentoring emerging professionals and enriching the creative minds of youngsters, and his inspiring commitment to community that has motivated and influenced other architects to “give back” by getting involved in their own local communities.

The Golden Award will be formally presented to Gersich during a special awards program on May 10 at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in Madison . The event is being held in conjunction with the 2006 AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo.

The first Golden Award was presented by the Wisconsin Society of Architects in 1986. Gersich is the nineteenth Wisconsin architect to receive the award.

“Jim Gersich is a sterling example of what architects can be and should aspire to become for the good of our profession and our individual communities,” said Colin Klos, AIA, La Crosse , 2006 President of AIA Wisconsin. “The Golden Award honors his strong performance in key AIA leadership roles at all levels and his unfailing service to community.”

Gersich is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, receiving his Bachelor of Architecture in 1973. He became a registered architect in 1975. He earned his MBA from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse in 1986. Gersich practiced in La Crosse for fifteen years before moving to Madison in 1988.

Gersich is founder and principal of Dimension IV – Madison. Established in 2002, the firm specializes in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture and engineering. Recent major projects include a luxury hotel in downtown Wausau, the Metropolitan Place condominium development on the isthmus in downtown Madison, and the new McFarland and Verona public libraries.

Approaching his 40 th year in architecture, Gersich's career reveals consistent and distinguished leadership that has served as both vanguard and inspiration to the profession. An action-oriented representative, Gersich has brought valued insight and ideas to the national level as Regional Director on the national AIA Board of Directors from 2002 through 2004, serving as a member of the Secretary's Advisory Committee and chair of the jury for the AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion that recognizes outstanding achievement in architectural education. He also served on national accreditation teams for three schools of architecture. Gersich currently serves as a member of the National Ethics Council for The American Institute of Architects .

Gersich provides an ongoing legacy of leadership at the state level, where he now serves on the Wisconsin Architects Foundation Board of Directors. From 1995 to 1998, he was a member of the Executive Committee of AIA Wisconsin, serving as President of the state society in 1997. During that period, he established the Architecture Firm Award and built strong relationships with allied design and construction organizations. An active member of AIA Southwest Wisconsin since 1987, Gersich served as Chapter President of the local AIA Chapter in 1994.

A staunch advocate for mentoring the next generation of architects, Gersich initiated the Young Practitioners Forum in 1992. This program helped to connect young practitioners with seasoned architects and recognized the importance of shared learning experiences concerning the built environment. In 1990, Gersich developed a “short course” that has introduced architecture to hundreds of Dane County elementary students. Through the UW-Madison Saturday Enrichment Program, he helps to cultivate an interest in architecture and to inspire tomorrow's potential architects in grades five through eight.

Another Gersich initiative, the “Working Homeless Shelter” in Madison , exemplifies how architects and allied professionals are giving back to their communities. Completed in 2000, the project involved collaborating with a nonprofit organization to totally renovate and rebuild a dilapidated three-unit apartment building into affordable transitional housing for homeless families and individuals. The success of this project sparked interest in similar initiatives in other Wisconsin cities and positively influenced fellow architects to get involved in housing issues affecting their communities.

During his distinguished career, Gersich has been involved in the planning, programming and design of numerous award-winning projects, including the La Crosse Center , University of Wisconsin – Madison Biochemistry Building , Wisconsin Air National Guard, and the State of Wisconsin – Department of Agriculture Prairie Oak State Office Building. He also received second prize for a national design competition in Key Biscayne, Florida .

“Jim Gersich personifies all the qualities honored by the Golden Award,” remarked AIA Wisconsin President Klos. “He is a source of inspiration and a valued asset to the profession of architecture and our state.”

With 1,500 members, AIA Wisconsin is the statewide professional society representing architects, architectural interns, students and allied design and construction industry leaders. AIA Wisconsin members include architects in private practice, business, industry, government and education.

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Contacts:
William Babcock, (608) 257-8477
Colin Klos, AIA (608) 785-2760
James Gersich, AIA (608) 229-4444

AIA Wisconsin, 321 S. Hamiton St., Madison, WI 53703-4000, (608) 257-8477