Mathews Architecture, P. A. selected as AIA NC 2011 Firm of the Year

A prestigious award to Jane and her team

Mathews Architecture, P. A. was honored with the 2011 Firm of the Year Award at the annual Design Awards Ceremony of the North Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects in Raleigh on Saturday, September 10, 2011.

The Firm of the Year Award is the highest honor and most prestigious award bestowed on an architecture practice by North Carolina AIA.

The 2011 Firm of the Year Award to Mathews Architecture marks the first time a firm in western North Carolina has received this award. In addition, it is only the second instance a woman-owned firm has been so honored.

The Awards Committee, in its unanimous selection, noted the contributions and culture of the entire firm and not just of the firm’s owner and principal, Jane Gianvito Mathews, AIA, LEED™ AP BD+C. Mathews Architecture was recognized for exhibiting sensitivity to the regional vernacular, with a strong sensitivity to green building design and for its service to its clients, to the community and to the AIA.

In her letter of nomination, Holly Jones, Buncombe County Commissioner and Executive Director of the YWCA of Asheville, noted “If I had to choose one WNC firm that most fully represents a combination of design excellence and service to the community, there is no doubt that I would choose Mathews Architecture. As Executive Director of the YWCA of Asheville, I had the honor of becoming Mathews Architecture’s first major client when Jane Mathews founded the firm in 2000.  During the interview process, our Building Committee was impressed with the quiet professionalism of Jane and her staff.  It was clear that they were not only interested in our project, but attuned to our budgetary restraints and listening closely to our programmatic needs.  The committee’s decision was quick and unanimous:  Mathews Architecture was the right choice for our project.  And we never looked back.”

Al Kopf, ASLA, the City of Asheville’s Superintendent of Park Planning & Development, noted in his letter of recommendation to the Committee, “Jane, you and your staff always elicit the best out of people by striving for excellence and challenging everyone involved in a project including yourself to attain the finest possible result. Your firm works tirelessly, generously and skillfully. As a result, Mathews Architecture has created and continues to create lasting, memorable architecture in the region of Western North Carolina as well as a team of professional architects who are highly respected and admired in the community.”