medal of honor nomination

AIA LOUISIANA
MEDAL OF HONOR NOMINATION
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA
March 12, 2015
Subject:
AIA Louisiana Medal of Honor
Letter of Endorsement
AIA Louisiana Board of Directors
521 America Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802
To whom it may concern:
It is my distinct honor and pleasure to sponsor the nomination of Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA, for the AIA
Louisiana Medal of Honor as testimony to his achievements to advance the profession at the local, state, and national
levels of the Institute.
I have known Ron well since 1984 when the two of us joined our firms to seek the project at the Department of
Veterans Affairs Medical Center to design a Nursing Home Care Unit and Parking Structure, ultimately a $40-million
project, on a relatively small site in the center of the medical district of downtown New Orleans. Despite
interruptions in funding, the project, begun in 1985, was completed in 1994. We have completed other projects there
together since then.
Ron was the Host Chapter Chairman of the National AIA Convention in New Orleans in 1997, but found time to help
me with two State Design Conferences in 1999 and 2003 and a second National Convention in 2011.
In addition to managing his own firm with his partner Ken Knevel, Ron has found time to devote his “spare” time to
service to the profession, a nationally known and respected design architect in many building types, particularly
medical facilities and retirement facilities.
He has worked for AIA at all levels, local, state, and national, lists outlined in the “Statement of Nomination”.
As a member of the Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners, a member board of the NCARB, Ron served
as Chairman of two national committees on licensure and rose to serve as President of the NCARB in 2014. How
does he find the time?!
Ronald B. Blitch is probably the most prominent member of our profession in Louisiana by his accomplishments, of
our organization by his service to it and others like it at high levels, and of the community by his dedication of time
and talent.
We honor ourselves by bestowing on him the AIA Louisiana Medal of Honor, and I heartily sponsor his nomination.
Yours Very Truly,
MATHES BRIERRE ARCHITECTS
CWB/bb
Creed W. Brierre, Architect, FAIA, NCARB
Past President of AIA Louisiana
Contents
Introduction.........................................................................................3
Nomination Statement..........................................................................4
Endorsement Letters............................................................................5
Bio...................................................................................................14
Blitch Residence
•AIA LA - Honor Award of Excellence
•AIA New Orleans - Merit Award
•HGTV - “Home Strange Home”
•Country Road Magazine
•Discovery Channel “Extreme Houses”
Professional Recognition.....................................................................15
American Institute of Architects..........................................................16
Community Service/Honors..................................................................17
Organizations and Service...................................................................18
Professional Boards/Service.................................................................19
Publications, Media/Broadcasts...........................................................20
Design Awards...................................................................................21
Lectures and Exhibits.........................................................................25
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA • MEDAL OF HONOR NOMINATION
Page 2
Introduction
Nominee’s Name
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA
Firm Name
Blitch Knevel Architects, LLC
757 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 524-4634
PACE at St. Cecilia
•AIA National/AAHSA - Citation for
Design Excellence
•IIDA - Design Excellence Award
Nominee’s Assigned AIA Chapter
New Orleans
Sponsor’s Name
Creed Brierre, FAIA, NCARB
Past President, AIA Louisiana
Mathes Brierre Architects
201 St. Charles Avenue, Suite 4100
New Orleans, LA 70170
AIA Louisiana Members Submitting Endorsement Letters
Ron S. Martinez, AIA
AIA LA Board of Directors
Raymond G. Post, Jr., FAIA
Past President, AIA Louisiana
Stephen P. Maher, AIA
Past President, AIA Louisiana
Fabian A. Patin, AIA, NCARB
Past President, AIA Louisiana
Norman L. Koonce, FAIA
Past President, AIA Louisiana
J. David Brinson, AIA, NCARB
Past President, AIA Louisiana
Edwin W. Elberson, AIA, NCARB
Past President, AIA Louisiana
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA • MEDAL OF HONOR NOMINATION
Page 3
Nomination Statement
Ronald B. Blitch FAIA, FACHA deserves the AIA Louisiana Medal of Honor in recognition of his significant achievements
and efforts to advance the profession of architecture in the State of Louisiana and throughout the US.
His leadership and service to the profession includes:
AIA National
• Conventions – Host Chapter Chair, Convention Committee, Continuing Education Committee/Merchandise
Chairman
Holy Cross School New
Campus
•Gold Award - Brick in
Architecture
•South Central Construction Best K-12 Education
• Chair – Convention Task Force
• Chair – Design for Aging Committee
• Vice President – Academy of Architecture for Health
• College of Fellows – Regional Representative (Gulf States)
• Jury of Fellows – Nominating Committee
• AIA IDP Firm of the Year Award 2011-2014
AIA Louisiana
• President
• Arch-Com Seminar series – 1970-71
• Board Member
• Continuing Education Chairman
• Convention Chairman
AIA New Orleans
• Chapter Secretary
• Newsletter Editor
• Fellowship Committee Co-Chair
He has also served on the Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners for three terms, and has represented
Louisiana nationally:
NCARB (National Council of Architecture Registration Boards)
• President
• Chairman – Examination Committee
• Chairman – Licensure Task Force (Licensure upon graduation)
NAAB (National Architecture Accreditation Board)
• Board Member
• Member : Merger Task Force (considering merger of ACSA and NAAB)
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA • MEDAL OF HONOR NOMINATION
Page 4
March 30, 2015
Board of Directors
AIA Louisiana
521 America Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Re:
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA
2015 AIA Louisiana Medal of Honor
Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is my pleasure to support the nomination of Ron Blitch for the 2015 AIA Louisiana
Medal of Honor.
Few architects in Louisiana have worked as tirelessly as Ron toward the
advancement of the architectural profession. As long as he has been an architect,
Ron has been an outspoken advocate for our profession, and has been active in
the AIA, volunteering his service at the local, state, and national level. He served
as Secretary of AIA New Orleans and President of AIA Louisiana, and has chaired
several committees for AIA National.
In addition to his work for the AIA, Ron served for three terms on the Louisiana State
Board of Architectural Examiners and has served on the National Architecture
Accreditation Board and as President of the National Council of Architecture
Registration Boards. He chaired the NCARB Licensure Task Force, which is
developing paths for licensure upon graduation.
Ron is currently active with AIA New Orleans, working as co-chair on the Fellowship
Committee. He helped to establish that committee to encourage architects in
Louisiana to pursue fellowship and to assist them in the application process.
Because of his service to the profession which has spanned his entire career, and
in recognition of the outstanding and professional manner in which he has
represented the architects of Louisiana at a national level, it is my privilege to
support the nomination of Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA for the 2015 AIA Louisiana
Medal of Honor.
Respectfully,
Scairono Martinez Architects
A Professional Architectural Corporation
Ron S. Martinez, AIA
March 19, 2015 Mrs. Lisa Nice, President AIA Board of Directors 521 America Street Baton Rouge, La 70802 Re: Medal of Honor – Letter of Support Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA President Nice and Members of the Board of Directors, It is my honor to submit this letter of support of Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA for the 2015 AIA Louisiana Medal of Honor. If you were to look solely at Mr. Blitch’s dedication to the AIA through his leadership on the local, state and national levels, this alone would deem him worthy, in my opinion, of this honor. However, his real contribution to the advancement of the profession came while he was serving as Board President of the Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners as well as him time with NCARB. It was during Ron’s service with the LSBAE that I became acquainted with him as I was serving as AIA Louisiana President. During this time, he and I had the opportunity to work together on many issues. He has a strong vision for the future of licensure and has a passion to ensure that the leadership of AIA is engaged in the process. Over the course of two years, he and I had many conversations where he shared his numerous ideas about how to help future generations of architects. Ron always had a long list of issues that LSBAE and NCARB were discussing at the local and national levels and truly cared about each of the issues. His energy for this subject seemed endless. Ron’s passion for guiding future architects led him to serve as National President of NCARB in 2012‐13. It was there, where he led the way for many of the changes to the ARE that we see today. It is individuals like Mr. Blitch and their dedication and passion that will ensure that our profession will remain strong for the next generation of architects. I fully support Mr. Blitch’s nomination for AIA Louisiana’s Medal of Honor and am hopeful that the Board will see him fit for the honor as well. Sincerely, Stephen P. Maher, AIA Past President, AIA Louisiana 4880 Bluebonnet Blvd., Ste. A ▪ Baton Rouge La 70809 ▪ (225)383‐4321▪ (225)383‐4323 ▪ www.rittermaher.com [EE1]
AIA LA Board of Directors
Ronald B. Blitch FAIA, FACHA
Nomination for the AIA LA Medal of Honor
It is my honor to support the nomination of Ron Blitch for the AIA LA Medal of Honor.
I have known Ron for over 20 years and have worked with him at both the AIA and NCARB.
I have admired his skill as an Architect, Designer and Organizer over this time and feel no one is more
deserving of this honor then Ron.
Sincerely;
Edwin Wallace Elberson AIA, NCARB
SOMDAL ASSOCIATES 5925 Line Avenue, Suite 3
Shreveport, LA 71106
www.somdal.com
phone 318-425-7721
fax 318-425-7676
Bio
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA
New Orleans, Louisiana
Education
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
1976 - Bachelor of Architecture Magna Cum Laude
• 1976 - American Institute of Architects Award - Henry Adams Prize
• 1976 - Dean’s Award for 10 Consecutive Semesters on the Dean’s
Honor List
• 1976 - Sollitt Thesis Award - Outstanding Thesis
Studio de Architettura
•AIA Louisiana - Honor Award
• 1975 - Kerwick Design Award - Outstanding 4th yr. Student
• 1973-74 - Rome Studies Program Rome, Italy
Licensed to Practice Architecture
• Louisiana
• Florida
• Mississippi
• Indiana
• Alabama
• Pennsylvania
• Texas
• New York
• Oklahoma
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA • MEDAL OF HONOR NOMINATION
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Professional Recognition
AIA - American Institute of Architects
• Fellow - 1999
• Vice President of the Academy of Architecture for Health Committee
• Chairman, Design for Aging Committee 1988-2000
Xavier University of Louisiana
Qatar Pharmacy Pavilion
•Associated Builders and
Contractors - Gold Award
ACHA - American College of Healthcare Architects
• Fellow, 2000
NCARB - National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
• President’s Medal - 2014
• President - 2013
• 1st Vice President/President-Elect - 2012
• 2nd Vice President - 2011
FCARM - Federacion de Colegios de Arquitectos de la Republica Mexicana
• President’s Medal
NAAB - National Architecture and Accreditation Board
• Board Member - 2014-2016
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA • MEDAL OF HONOR NOMINATION
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American Institute of Architects
AIA College of Fellows
• Regional Representative 2014-2016
• Nominating Jury - 2015
Northshore Harbor Center
•Convention South Magazine
Readers’ Choice Award
AIA National
• AIA Design for Aging Center
ŒŒ Founding Chairman
ŒŒ Aging Design Research Program
ŒŒ Chairman 1988-2000
ŒŒ AIA Design for Aging Exhibits - Jury Chair
ŒŒ AIA Design for Aging Series Publications - Editor
• 2011 AIA National Convention –New Orleans – Convention Committee
• 1997 AIA National Convention - New Orleans - Host Chapter Chairman
• 1997 AIA National Convention - New Orleans - Continuing Education Committee
• 1997 AIA National Convention - New Orleans - Convention Committee
• 1983 AIA National Convention New Orleans - Merchandise Chairman
• AIA IDP Firm of the Year Award 2011-2014
AIA Louisiana
• 1990 President
• 1988 Convention Chairman
• Board Member
• Continuing Education Chairman
AIA New Orleans
• Newsletter Editor
• Chapter Secretary
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA • MEDAL OF HONOR NOMINATION
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Community Service/Honors
• 2013 - Abita Springs Citizen of the Year
• 2011 - Orlando Maione Award – University of Notre Dame School of Architecture –
Outstanding Alumnus Award
• 2009 – Archbishop’s Community Appeal (ACA) Award - “30 Years of Outstanding
Volunteer Service”
• 2000 - “Who’s Who in America, Millennium Edition”
• 1998 - “Distinguished Service Award” – AIA Louisiana (first recipient of award)
Our Lady of Wisdom
Healthcare Center
•AIA National/AAHSA - Citation
for Design Excellence
•AIA Louisiana - Merit Award
•AIA N.O. - Award of Merit
•Alpha Award
•ASID - Bronze Award
• 1997 - “Outstanding Service and Leadership Award” - AIA New Orleans
• 1995 - “Community Role Model” Award - Young Leadership Council
• 1994 - “Service Award” – East Jefferson General Hospital – Foundation Chairman
• 1993 - “Volunteer Activist” Award - St. Elizabeth’s Guild
• 1986 - 1999 “Who’s Who in the South and Southwest”
• 1991 - 1999 “Who’s Who in America”
• 1990 - “Living and Giving” Award - Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
• 1988 - “Executive of the Year”- Greater New Orleans Executives Association
• 1985 - “Outstanding Young Men of America”
• 1982 - Rotary International Foundation, Group Study Fellowship The Netherlands
• 1978 - New Orleans Museum of Art, City of New Orleans - “Commendation for Service” Treasures of Tutankhamen Exhibit
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA • MEDAL OF HONOR NOMINATION
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Organizations and Service
• Town of Abita Springs Historic Commission, Commission Chairman 2000-2015
• Town of Abita Springs Trailhead Museum Board 2008-2015, President 2015
• Catholic Charities Association, Board of Directors 2000-2015
• Our Lady of Holy Cross College - Ambassadors Committee 2015, Board of Regents Member
1993-2009
• Archbishop’s Community Appeal 1978-2015
• Archdiocese of New Orleans Bicentennial Campaign - Major Gifts Committee 1993
University of Louisiana at
Monroe - New Library
•AIA Louisiana - Honor Award
• Chateau de Notre Dame - Retirement Community - Advisory Board Member 2000-2009
• Holy Cross School - Board of Trustees, Chairman 1994/1995
• East Jefferson General Hospital Foundation Chairman 1989/ Member 2008
• St. Elizabeth Children’s Home, President Advisory Board 1989-90; Chairman Task Force
Committee, 1989
• Associated Catholic Charities, Children’s Day Care – Past Board Member
• Serra Club of New Orleans – Past Board Member
• Rotary Club of New Orleans – Past Board Member
• Traveler’s Aid Society – Past Board Member
• Catholic Foundation for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Inc. – Past Board Member
• Metropolitan Area Committee – Past Board Member
• Jefferson Performing Arts Society – Past Board Member
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA • MEDAL OF HONOR NOMINATION
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Professional Boards/Service
• NAAB
ŒŒ Board Member
ŒŒ Merger Task Force
• Fellow – American College of Healthcare Architects, 2000
• Fellow – American Institute of Architects, 1999
• State of Louisiana - State Board of Architectural Examiners 1993-2000, 2008-2014
President, 2000, 2010
Lambeth House at Uptown
Square
•AIA National/AAHSA - Citation
for Design Excellence
•Louisiana Contractor Magazine Best Private Project
•National Institute of Senior
Housing - Design Award
• Louisiana State Board of Architectural Examiners
ŒŒ Member - 3 - 6 Year Terms
ŒŒ Architects/Engineers Joint Committee, 1993-2013
• State of Louisiana - Facility Planning and Control
• Architects Selection Board - Chairman 1994
• NCARB
ŒŒ Past-President 2013-2014
ŒŒ President 2012-2013
ŒŒ First Vice President / President-Elect, 2011
ŒŒ Second Vice President, 2010
ŒŒ Committee on Examination 2003-2007, Chair 2008, 2009, 2010
ŒŒ NAAB Accreditation Team, 2009-2012
ŒŒ Regional Chairs Committee, 2010
ŒŒ Committee on Procedures and Documents, 2010
ŒŒ ARE (Architectural Registration Exam) Assistant Chair 2003-2005
ŒŒ ARE (Architectural Registration Exam) Committee, 1998-2005
ŒŒ Coordinator – Construction Documents & Services, 2000-2002
• Board of Directors, Academy of Architecture for Health, 1995-97 - Vice President for
Design 1995
• Chairman, Design for Aging Committee, 1991-2002
• National Institute of Senior Housing, Member, 1993
• National Council on Aging, 1993, Convention Committee 1989
• LSU Foundation for Architectural Education, Charter Member, 1991
• American Hospital Association (AHA) - Member
• American Association of Homes and Services for Aging (AAHSA) - Member
• Greater New Orleans Executives Association, President 1988, 2000
• Tau Beta Pi Honor Society for Engineering
• Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society for Architecture and Allied Arts
• University of Notre Dame Alumni Club of New Orleans President, 1984-85
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA • MEDAL OF HONOR NOMINATION
Page 19
Publications, Media/Broadcasts
• 2013 - HGTV’s “Home Strange Home”
Blitch Residence
• 2012 - Country Road Magazine
Blitch Residence
• 2008 - BEST OF 2008 – South Central Construction
Blitch Knevel Architects - 50 year retrospective
Xavier University
New Library
•AIA Louisiana - Honor Award
•AIA New Orleans - People’s
Choice Award
•Louisiana Contractor Magazine Best Public Project
• 2003 – Case Study File: Religious design - Design Cost Data Magazine, September/
October, 2003
Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church, LaPlace, LA
• 2000 - Design for Aging Review – Our Lady of Wisdom, Malta Square and Lambeth House
• 1999 - Design ’99 – Nursing Homes Magazine
St. Joseph Hall Assisted Living Facility
• 1998 - The Discovery Channel - Lynette Jennings Design
“Showcase” Segment Featured Home, Studio di Architettura
• 1997 - Home & Garden Network (USA), Life Network (Canada) Homes by Design (International TV Series) - Featured Home
Studio di Architettura
• 1997 - AIA Architect - October Issue
Design for Aging Center - “Not Old, but Wiser”
• 1994 - Design for Aging Review - Lambeth House, New Orleans
• 1994 - Retirement Community Business Magazine - Editorial Advisory Board
• 1993 - AIA Health Facilities Review
ICU Pavilion/East Jefferson General Hospital
• 1993 - AIA Health Facilities Review
Emergency Services Facility/East Jefferson General Hospital
• 1992 - Retirement Community Business Magazine - Spring 1992 Issue
“Design for Aging Awards”
• 1992 - “Design for Aging - Facilities Review”,
Published by American Association of Homes for the Aging/American Institute of Architects
- Jury Chairman/Slide Show Editor
• 1991 - Southern Living Magazine - August Issue
Read Kitchen
• 1991 - Gambit Magazine - “Renovation of the Year” Grand Prize,
Grimstad Residence
• 1990 - Architecture Magazine, July 1990
Senior Housing Forum - National Association for Senior Living
• 1990 - AIA Health Facilities Review
VA Medical Center NHCU/Parking Structure
• 1989 - Southern Living Magazine, Cover Story - July 1989 Issue
Blitch Residence
• 1986 - Faith and Form - “Site Planning Religious Facilities”
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA • MEDAL OF HONOR NOMINATION
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Design Awards
• 2014 READERS’ CHOICE AWARD
Convention South
Northshore Harbor Center, Slidell, LA
• 2013 READERS’ CHOICE AWARD
Convention South
Northshore Harbor Center, Slidell, LA
St. John of the Cross
•AIA National - Interfaith Forum
on Religion, Art & Architects
•AIA Louisiana - Honor Award of
Excellence
•AIA New Orleans - Honor Award
of Excellence
• 2012 READERS’ CHOICE AWARD
Convention South
Northshore Harbor Center, Slidell, LA
• 2011 – Development of Distinction
Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits
St. Thomas Community Health Center, New Orleans, LA
• 2011 – Merit Gold Award
Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.
Xavier University of Louisiana - Qatar Pharmacy, New Orleans, LA
• 2010 - Award of Recognition
International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Food Court, Gulfport, MS
• 2010 - Award of Recognition
International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
Manhattan Athletic Club, Harvey, LA
• 2010 - Best K-12 Education
South Central Construction Best of 2010
New Campus for Holy Cross School, New Orleans, LA
• 2010 - Award of Excellence
South Central Construction Best of 2010
Daughters of Charity Health Center at St. Cecilia, New Orleans, LA
• 2010 - Award of Excellence
South Central Construction Best of 2010
Army Aviation Support Facility, Hammond, LA
• 2010 - Gold Award, 2010 Brick in Architecture Awards
New Campus for Holy Cross School, New Orleans, LA
• 2009 - Outstanding Design: Renovation/Modernization
American School & University Architectural Portfolio,
Nicholls State University, Vernon G. Galliano Hall Cafeteria Renovation,
Thibodaux, LA
• 2007 - Recognizing Excellence in Healthcare Design Award
International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
PACE at St. Cecilia, New Orleans, LA
• 2006 - Excellence in Construction Award – Exterior Finishes
Mississippi Associated Builders & Contractors
Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, Gulfport, MS
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA • MEDAL OF HONOR NOMINATION
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Design Awards
• 2004 - Citation for Design Excellence– American Institute of Architects (AIA) and American
Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA)
PACE at St. Cecilia, New Orleans, LA
• 2002 - Excellence in Construction Award – Interior Finishes
Mississippi Associated Builders & Contractors
Gulfport Medical Office Building, Gulfport, MS
• 2001 - Award of Merit - American Concrete Institute, Louisiana Chapter
New Orleans Regional PET & Gamma Knife Center, New Orleans, LA
Vatican Pavilion - 1984
Louisiana World Exposition
•AIA Louisiana - Honor Award of
Excellence
•AIA New Orleans - Honor Award
of Excellence
• 2001 - Merit Award, Renovation – The Central Business District, Historic District
Landmarks Comm.
Swiss Confectionery, New Orleans, LA
• 2001 - ASID Award, Louisiana District Chapter – Bronze, Healthcare
Our Lady of Wisdom Skilled Nursing Facility, New Orleans, LA
• 2000 - Honor Award – AIA Louisiana
New Library - University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA
• 2000 - Award of Merit – AIA Louisiana
Our Lady of Wisdom, New Orleans, LA
• 2000 - Alpha Award – Interior Design, Commercial
Our Lady of Wisdom, New Orleans, LA
• 2000 - Best Practice Award – “Crafting Contemporary Appeal”
Contemporary Long Term Care Magazine
Malta Square at Sacred Heart, New Orleans, LA
• 1999 - Citation for Design Excellence
American Institute of Architects and American Association of Homes and
Services for the Aging
Our Lady of Wisdom Skilled Nursing Facility, New Orleans, LA
Malta Square at Sacred Heart, New Orleans, LA
• 1999 - Best of 1999 – Architecture - Best Private Project – Louisiana Contractor Magazine
Lambeth House at Uptown Square, New Orleans, LA
• 1999 - Alpha Award – Bronze, Interior Design, Residential
Lambeth House at Uptown Square
• 1998 - Best of 1998 – Architecture - Best Public Project - Louisiana Contractor Magazine
Xavier University - Living/Learning Center, New Orleans, LA
• 1997 - People’s Choice Award - AIA New Orleans and Gambit Weekly
Xavier University Library and Resource Center, New Orleans, LA
• 1997 - Honor Award - AIA New Orleans
Studio di Architettura, Ron Blitch Residence
• 1997 - Honor Award - AIA Louisiana
Studio di Architettura, Ron Blitch Residence
• 1997 - City of New Orleans - Golden Hammer Award - “Adaptive Reuse Project of the Year”
Volunteers of America, SRO Housing, New Orleans, LA
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA • MEDAL OF HONOR NOMINATION
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Design Awards
• 1997 - City of New Orleans - Golden Hammer Award - “Renovation Commercial - Council
District E” Pendleton Memorial Methodist Hospital, New Orleans, LA
• 1996 - City of New Orleans - Golden Hammer Award - “Adaptive Reuse of a Historic
Building”Swiss Confectionery - New Orleans
• 1996 - Alpha Award - Touro Infirmary, Oncology Pavilion, New Orleans, LA
• 1995 - Honor Award - AIA Louisiana
Xavier University Library and Resource Center, New Orleans, LA
757 St. Charles - Blitch
Knevel Architects Office
•AIA Gulf States - Honor Award
•AIA Louisiana - Honor Award of
Excellence
•AIA New Orleans - Honor Award
of Excellence
•HDLC N.O. - Certificate of
Recognition
• 1995 - Merit Award - AIA Louisiana
East Jefferson General Hospital - Critical Care Unit
• 1994 - The Nature Company/Sunset Magazine - Honorable Mention Award
National Birdfeeder Design Contest
• 1994 - American Institute of Architects/American Assoc. of Homes and Services for the
Aging Citation for Design Excellence
Lambeth House
• 1994 - National Institute of Seniors Housing - Honorable Mention for Design
Lambeth House
• 1993 - Intensive Care Unit Design Citation, Society of Critical Care Medicine, American
Association of Critical Care Nurses, and AIA/Committee on Architecture for Health
East Jefferson General Hospital – Critical Care Pavilion
• 1993 - Alpha Award - East Jefferson General Hospital – Critical Care Pavilion
• 1992 - Alpha Award - WLAE - Channel 32 “FOCUS” Set Design
• 1992 - Gambit Magazine - Commercial Design Award
WLAE - Channel 32 “FOCUS” Set Design
• 1992 - Honor Award, Louisiana Architects Association
St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Fairhope, AL
• 1991 Gambit Magazine “Renovation of the Year” Grand Prize,
Grimstad Residence
• 1990 Alpha Award Grimstad Residence
• 1988 Honor Award, Louisiana Architects Association - The Lutheran Center
• 1988 Design Award, Louisiana Architects Association,
Design/Build Birdhouse Competition
• 1987 Honor Award of Excellence, Louisiana Architects Association
Blitch Residence
• 1987 Award of Merit New Orleans Chapter, AIA
Blitch Residence
• 1987 Certificate of Recognition, The Central Business District
Historic District Landmarks Commission
Renovation of 757 St. Charles Building
• 1987 Honor Award, New Orleans Chapter, AIA
St. John of the Cross Church, Lacombe, LA
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA • MEDAL OF HONOR NOMINATION
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Design Awards
• 1986 Merit Award, Interfaith Forum on Religious Art and Architecture
St. John of the Cross Church, Lacombe, LA
• 1986 Honor Award of Excellence, Louisiana Architects Association
St. John of the Cross Church, Lacombe, LA
• 1986 Honor Award of Excellence, AIA New Orleans Chapter
Offices for Blitch Architects, Inc.
757 St. Charles Building Renovations and Additions
Memorial Hospital at
Gulfport - Food Court
•IIDA Award
• 1985 Honor Award, AIA Gulf States Region,
Offices for Blitch Architects, Inc.
757 St. Charles Building Renovations and Additions
• 1985 Honor Award of Excellence, Louisiana Architects Association,
Offices for Blitch Architects, Inc.
757 St. Charles Building Renovations and Additions
• 1984 Honor Award of Excellence, Louisiana Architects Association,
Vatican Pavilion, 1984 Louisiana World Exposition
• 1984 Honor Award of Excellence, New Orleans Chapter AIA,
Vatican Pavilion, 1984 Louisiana World Exposition
• 1984 Honor Award, Louisiana Architects Association,
WDSU TV6 Telecommunications Center, 1984 Louisiana World Exposition
• 1984 Honor Award, New Orleans Chapter, AIA,
WDSU TV6 Telecommunications Center, 1984 Louisiana World Exposition
• 1982 Honor Award of Excellence, Louisiana Architects Association,
The Bullis School Founder’s Hall, Potomac, MD
• 1980 Honor Award, Louisiana Architects Association,
American Rent All Headquarters, Metairie, LA
• 1976 American Institute of Architects Scholastic Award, University of Notre Dame
• 1976 University of Notre Dame, Ralph T. Sollitt Thesis Award,
Carmel Inn New Orleans Vieux Carre
• 1975 University of Notre Dame, Nellie Wynn Kerwick Design Award,
Outstanding 4th Year Student
• 1973 Northern Indiana Chapter American Institute of Architects Award,
LaFortune Student Center Design University of Notre Dame
(completed 1975)
• 1972 Commendation, Louisiana Architects Association
ARCH COM Seminar Series
• 1971 Holy Cross High School Silver Medallion
Loyalty Service Leadership
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA • MEDAL OF HONOR NOMINATION
Page 24
Lectures and Exhibits
• 2014 – AIA National Convention and Design Exposition – Chicago, IL
Presenter, with Lorraine G. Hiatt, PhD, Environmental Gerontologist
“Design a Future of Vitality in Aging: Navigate Limits, Expand Choices, Multiply Outcomes”
• 2014 – Environments for Aging Annual Conference – Anaheim, CA
Presenter, with Lorraine G. Hiatt, PhD, Environmental Gerontologist
“What Were We Thinking? Avoiding and Fixing Design Glitches”
• 2013 – Home Strange Home, HGTV
Abita Springs Home Featured on “Architectural Gumbo” Episode
East Jefferson General
Hospital - ICU
•AIA//Committee on Architecture
for Health and Critical Care
Nurses Association - Best ICU
in the U.S.
•AIA Louisiana - Award of Merit
• 2013 - Environments for Aging Annual Conference, New Orleans
Presenter, with Lorraine G. Hiatt, PhD, Environmental Gerontologist
“New Opportunities in Design for Aging—Are You Tooled Up?”
• 2012 – Home Strange Home, HGTV
Abita Springs Home Featured on “Architectural Gumbo” Episode
• 2012 - AIA National Convention & Design Exposition, Washington, DC
Presenter, with Lorraine G. Hiatt, PhD, Environmental Gerontologist
“Design for Aging Opportunities: “Preparing for New Questions, Expectations, and
Economics”
• 2008 – Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo, Chicago, IL
Presenter “Urban, Multi-Story Triumphs for Small House & Culture Change”
• 2008 – Chase Community Development Competition, New Orleans, LA
Juror
• 2007 - Healthcare Design 07 Conference, Dallas, TX
Presenter “Hospital Disaster Planning”
• 2004 - PACE (Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly) National Conference, Miami, FL
Presenter “PACE in a Gothic Church”
• 2003 - AIA/Academy of Architecture for Health Conference, Tampa, FL
Presenter “Design for Aging Forum”
• 2003 - AAHSA Annual Meeting & Exposition, Denver, CO
Presenter “Design for Aging Forum”
• 2002 - AIA/Academy of Architecture for Health Conference, Boston, MA
Presenter “Design for Aging Forum”
• 2001 - AAHSA Annual Meeting & Exposition, San Diego, CA
Presenter “Design for Aging Forum”
• 2000 - AAHSA Annual Meeting & Exposition, Miami, FL
Presenter “Innovations in Designing Urban Vertical CCRC’s”
• 2000 - AIA/American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, Miami, FL
“Design for Aging Forum”
• 2000 - AAH/ASHE PDC Conference - Nashville, TN
Speaker “Design for Aging”
• 1999 - American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, Chicago, IL
“Design for Aging Forum”
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA • MEDAL OF HONOR NOMINATION
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Lectures and Exhibits
• 1998 - AIA/American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, New Orleans, LA
“Design for Aging Forum”
• 1997 - AIA Design for Aging Center Awards Program - Program Coordinator
• 1996 - American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, Philadelphia, PA
“Design for Aging - Facilities Review”
• 1995 - American Institute of Architects - National Convention, Atlanta, GA
“Design for Aging - Facilities Review”
St. Lawrence Church Fairhope, AL
•AIA Louisiana - Honor Award
• 1995 - International Facilities Management Association National Conference, Miami, FL
“Trends in Aging Design”
• 1995 - International Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, Amsterdam, Holland
“Design for Aging - Program Overview”
• 1994 - American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, Orlando, FL
“Design for Aging - Facilities Review - Forum”
• 1994 - American Association of Homes for the Aging, New Orleans, LA
“Trends in Assisted Living Facilities”
• 1993 - American Association of Homes for the Aging, San Diego, CA
“Design for Aging - Facilities Review - Forum”
• 1993 - American Institute of Architects – AIA Alabama
Juror/Awards Program
• 1993 - National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
Examination Grading Committee - Panama City, FL
• 1992 - National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
Examination Grading Committee - Monterey, CA
• 1992 - American Institute of Architects/American Association of Homes for the Aging Orlando, FL
“Design for Aging: Breaking the Barriers for Innovation” - Symposium Chairman
• 1992 - American Association of Homes for the Aging - National Convention – Boston, MA
Exhibit Coordinator/Design Jury Chairman
• 1992 - American Institute of Architects - National Convention – Boston, MA
Exhibit Chairman/Design Jury Chairman
• 1992 - Illuminating Engineering Society – New Orleans, LA
Presentation, “Lighting for Health Care Facilities”
• 1991 - American Healthcare Association, Region 10 Meeting, Perdido Beach, FL
“Aging Design Trends for the ‘90s”
• 1991 - American Association of Homes for the Aging - National Convention - San Francisco,
CA
Exhibit Coordinator/Design Jury Chairman
• 1991 - National Symposium on Health Care Design Exhibition – Boston, MA
East Jefferson General Hospital - Outpatient Facilities
• 1990 - Biennial ‘90 Architecture - Exhibition of New Orleans Architecture - Buenos Aires,
Argentina
Exhibits: Vatican Pavilion, 1984 Louisiana World Exposition and 757 St. Charles Building
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA • MEDAL OF HONOR NOMINATION
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Lectures and Exhibits
• 1990 - Association for the Advancement of Health Care Managers
“Considerations in the Design and Layout of the Outpatient Department”
• 1990 - American Association of Homes for the Aging - National Convention - New Orleans, LA
Exhibit Coordinator/Screening Jury Chairman
• 1990 - National Association of Senior Living Industries - Nashville, TN
Speaker
The Bullis School
•AIA Louisiana - Honor Award
• 1990 - National School Supply & Equipment Association National Convention - New Orleans, LA
Panelist
• 1989 - National Council of the Aging - National Convention - New Orleans, LA
Site Visits Chair/Lecturer
• 1988 - American Society of Landscape Architects - Louisiana Chapter
Juror/Awards Program
Ronald B. Blitch, FAIA, FACHA • MEDAL OF HONOR NOMINATION
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