Just two days after the passing of R. Allen Eskew, FAIA, the New Orleans-based architect’s practice, Eskew + Dumez + Ripple (EDR), has been announced as the recipient of the 2014 AIA Architecture Firm Award. Presented by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the annual award is the highest honor bestowed by to a firm by the national institution. EDR is being recognized for “rigorously crafting Modernism to repair, restore, and enhance the exceptionally unique cultural and historic context of New Orleans.”
“The firm’s active civic leadership provides a stimulus for thoughtful urban reconstruction as the city heals,” wrote Julie Snow, FAIA, in a letter of recommendation. “This kind of leadership demands a generosity of time, a patience for the public process, and a lack of self-interest that is worthy of recognition.”
Nearly 25 years after founding their practice, partners Allen Eskew, FAIA, Steven Dumez, FAIA, and Mark Ripple, AIA, have built a culture dedicated to the advancement of next generation architects. This leadership has lead them to be a two-time recipient of the AIA National Intern Development Program (IDP) Firm Award.
In a press release from EDR, Eskew’s team stated:
“Many will remember him for his built works and endless contributions to the civic and social fabric of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Region. Projects such as the Audubon Institute’s Aquarium of the Americas, the Shaw Center for the Arts, Downtown New Orleans’ Champions Square, the award-winning Reinventing the Crescent Master Plan and its first phase, Crescent Park, to name a few. All bear the signature of a modern-day urban philosopher, designer extraordinaire, environmental and cultural steward, and community champion.” View a selection of EDR's projects here.
The firm will be honored at the 2014 AIA National Convention in Chicago.
Read a complete firm biography on the AIA website and about the legacy of Allen Eskew via his obituary.
