AIA Tennessee (“AIA TN” / American Institute of Architects, TN Chapter) is proud to announce two individuals were recently honored with prestigious lifetime awards, AIA TN’s highest honors, whose efforts and achievements have significantly improved the presence of AIA Tennessee, the profession of architecture and/or the built environment in Tennessee.
Lee Askew, FAIA
2023 William Strickland Lifetime Achievement Award for the Profession of Architecture
Lee Askew III, FAIA, was the recipient of the 2023 William Strickland Lifetime Achievement Award for the Profession of Architecture. This award recognizes achievements of those architects who, by their skill, professionalism, dedication, ability, and commitment, have consistently fostered quality in the built environment, creating a lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture.
With his deep commitment to design, the arts, and the profession of architecture, Askew, has made lasting contributions in the Memphis community and in the profession through his vision, leadership and service.
In 1971, Lee founded what is now ANF Architects, an innovative design-focused firm that is rooted in the purpose of service to the community. Through his passion for improving the urban environment and his knowledge of the inner workings of policy, Lee was the impetus for many significant and award-winning designs in Memphis, from the renovation of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, to the revisioning of the historic Levitt Shell pavilion at Overton Park, to the relocation of The University of Memphis law school to the former downtown post office, and many more.
Lee’s work has been characterized by a sense of service to the profession. He has shared his firm leadership models with the profession as the national chair of what is now the AIA Practice Management Knowledge Community, where he authored national articles on excellence in firm leadership, and served on the editorial committee for the Twelfth Edition of the Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, a resource that is still used today in academia and practice.
After being elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 1996, Lee has worked to modernize the institution and make it more accessible though his service on the Fellows Jury and implementation of Fellows Workshops for the Gulf States Region with Allen Eskew, FAIA, which resulted in greater recognition of the contributions of architects from our region. Most notably, Lee has continued to advance AIA initiatives well beyond his terms of service in AIA leadership roles, leading AIA 150 initiatives that resulted in the Paul R. Williams Project, which documented the legacy of the first African-American Architect to become a Fellow of the AIA. In 2017, the AIA posthumously awarded the Gold Medal to Williams, based largely on information documented through the Paul R. Williams Project.
Jerry Preston, FCSI
2023 Samuel Morgan Lifetime Service Award for Contribution to Architecture in the Public Realm
Jerry Preston, FCSI, was the recipient of the 2023 Samuel Morgan Lifetime Service Award for Contribution to Architecture in the Public Realm. This award recognizes the achievements of architects employed in the United States public sector, State of Tennessee, or governmental agencies who have consistently fostered quality in the public built environment.
With an exceptional career spanning over four decades, Preston’s leadership transformed the built environment in Tennessee through his creativity in fostering design solutions, advocacy for design excellence and as a trusted advisor for governors, universities, state officials and the design/construction community.
His experience as a program executive and owner’s representative brought a unique perspective to project teams while addressing owner’s needs. In his position as Assistant to the Commissioner for Capital Project Management, he was the owner’s representative for the 1982 World’s Fair state pavilion, the statewide correction program, Tennessee State University Master Plan implementation and Campus Center Project, and the Tennessee Bicentennial Mall. He served as Executive Director for the Tennessee Board of Regents’ Office of Facilities Development and oversaw the design and construction of numerous facilities including the Middle Tennessee State University Student Services Building and Science Building, and the conversion of the Federal Customs house/Post Office for the University of Memphis Law School.
As a visionary leader, in 2007 he facilitated the organization of a team of architects and engineers to develop the Tennessee High Performance Building Requirements introducing, for the first time, requirements for sustainable design into State projects. Preston recognized the benefits and need for sustainable design requirements. His approach has now led to more efficient and healthier buildings thought the state for nearly twenty years.
His pursuit of excellence in all aspects of design and construction while always being fair with architects, engineers, and contractors, often during challenging circumstances, earned their respect as well as respect from state officials. Preston’s professionalism, technical knowledge and steady guidance helped shape exceptional facilities across the entire state.
As a public architect, he took the time to help a colleague, mentor a young professional or offer his expertise to help resolve a challenge. Most importantly in his role, he has touched the lives of countless citizens, visitors, and students as they walk through the doors of buildings that he helped develop.