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Wisconsin Architect Cherie Claussen Receives
Top Honor: The 2007 AIA Wisconsin "Golden Award"April 26, 2007
Downloads:
Contacts:
William Babcock, (608) 257-8477
Marty Sell, AIA, (920) 450-8070
Cherie Claussen, AIA, (414) 278-3301
Madison —Architect Cherie K. Claussen, AIA, Wauwatosa, has been selected to receive the 2007 “Golden Award” from AIA Wisconsin, the state society of The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Claussen is being recognized for her distinguished leadership and service, which has advanced the profession and inspired her fellow architects. Through her significant contributions as a leader of the AIA in Wisconsin , a mentor of emerging professionals and a staunch advocate of member participation in their professional organization, Claussen has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to AIA Wisconsin for nearly thirty years.
The Golden Award is the highest honor that AIA Wisconsin can confer upon a member architect. The award will be formally presented to Claussen during a special awards program on May 16 at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center in Madison. The event is being held in conjunction with the 2007 AIA Wisconsin Convention & Expo.
The first Golden Award was presented by the Wisconsin Society of Architects in 1986. Claussen is the twentieth Wisconsin architect to receive this honor.
“ Cherie Claussen is a role model whose contributions have not only raised the profession as a whole, but also are a constant source of inspiration to other architects across the state,” said Martin Sell, AIA, Juneau, 2007 President of AIA Wisconsin.
Claussen holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. In 1977, she received the Henry Adams Medal for Excellence in the study of Architecture from The American Institute of Architects. She became a registered architect in 1978. Claussen was named a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 2003.
In 1989, Claussen joined Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc. (HGA). She currently is principal/vice president and regional office director of the 120-person Milwaukee office of the firm, which is now known as HGA Architects and Engineers. As a firm principal and medical planner, her project responsibilities include medical, skilled nursing and laboratory facilities throughout the Midwest.
A review of Claussen's professional career reveals an impressive balance between her commitment to advancing the profession and her dedication to providing an ongoing results-oriented history of leadership to AIA Wisconsin. Claussen has been an active member of AIA Southeast Wisconsin since 1982. Serving as President of the local chapter in 2000, she coordinated successful programs that injected new energy into AIA activities in the Milwaukee area and stimulated greater member participation.
From 2003 to 2006, Claussen was a member of the Executive Committee of AIA Wisconsin, serving as President of the state society in 2005. During her tenure, she was an effective advocate for expanding services for members while, at the same time, maintaining the organization's strong financial foundation through improved policies and procedures. Her management and leadership skills as AIA Wisconsin President only are rivaled by her articulate voice as a perpetual champion for the profession's future through her mentorship of emerging professionals and support for the Intern Development Program and Architect Registration Examination preparatory programs – “to keep the architect in architecture.”
As a healthcare principal in a large and respected architectural firm, Claussen has initiated new and innovative design solutions for a variety of healing environments. In addition, throughout her distinguished career, she has provided endless energy in volunteering hours of service to not only The American Institute of Architects, but also other nonprofit organizations. For example, serving on the Board of Directors of the Girls Scouts of Milwaukee Area since 2001, Claussen has been an excellent role model for young women exploring future career opportunities and has helped the organization pursue important strategic goals.
“Honoring Cherie Claussen with the Golden Award will be among my greatest privileges this year,” remarked AIA Wisconsin President Sell. “She is a true leader; and we owe her a debt of gratitude for her significant contributions to our members and the profession of architecture.”
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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