The James Kling Fellowship Award

Celebrating Collaboration: The James Kling Fellowship Award

The construction and architecture industries thrive on collaboration, where design vision meets building expertise. Recognizing the importance of bridging these worlds, the AIA-MBA Joint Committee established the James Kling Fellowship Award, honoring individuals who exemplify excellence in fostering cooperation between architects and constructors.

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About the Award

Named after Jim Kling, an advocate for teamwork and mutual respect in the construction and design industries, this prestigious award celebrates those who set the gold standard for collaboration. Recipients of the award are not only leaders in their fields but also champions of unity, working to build stronger connections between the architecture and construction professions. Through their actions, they inspire others to strive for excellence in both design and construction.

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The Nomination Process

The James Kling Fellowship Award is reserved for members of the AIA Pittsburgh Chapter or employees of Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania member firms. To be considered, nominees must:

• Exhibit unwavering commitment to high professional standards.
• Actively foster a spirit of collaboration between architects and builders.
• Be nominated by a professional from the opposite field, underscoring their impact on bridging the gap between disciplines.

Nominations are carefully reviewed by the AIA-MBA Joint Committee, and the award is only presented with unanimous approval, ensuring that each recipient truly embodies the values of collaboration and excellence.

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Honoring Excellence Through the Years

Since its inception, the James Kling Fellowship Award has recognized outstanding individuals who have shaped the future of the architecture and construction industries through teamwork. Past winners include:

• 2009 – Ted Frantz, TEDCO Construction
• 2010 – Tom Murphy, Jendoco Construction Corporation
• 2011 – William English, AIA, Valentour English Bodnar & Howell
• 2012 – Pat Navarro, Navarro Corporation
• 2013 – Luke Desmone, AIA, Desmone & Associates Architects
• 2014 – Angelo A. Martini, Sr., A. Martini & Co.
• 2015 – Richard “Dick” Rittelmann, FAIA, Burt Hill Kosar Rittelmann Associates
• 2016 – Joseph A. Massaro, Jr., Massaro Corporation
• 2017 – Albert Filoni, MacLachlan, Cornelius & Filoni Architects
• 2018 – Jack Mascaro, Mascaro Construction Company, LP
• 2019 – Chuck Parker, AIA, Stantec
• 2020 – Steven Bishop
• 2021 – George Ehringer, AIA
• 2022 – Clifford R. Rowe, Jr., PJ Dick Incorporated
• 2023 – Martin E. Powell, The Design Alliance Architects
• 2024 – Todd Dominick, Rycon Construction, Inc.
• 2025 – David Wells, AIA, RM Creative

These leaders represent the best of both professions, reminding us of the importance of collaboration in achieving success.

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Looking Ahead

As the architecture and construction industries continue to evolve, the James Kling Fellowship Award remains a beacon of what’s possible when professionals from different disciplines come together to achieve a shared vision. By celebrating collaboration, the AIA-MBA Joint Committee not only honors past achievements but also inspires future leaders to work together in creating innovative, sustainable, and successful projects.

Do you know someone who embodies the spirit of the James Kling Fellowship Award? Start the conversation and nominate them today. Together, let’s continue to bridge the gap and build a stronger future.