To celebrate and promote the profession of architecture, provide opportunities for professional growth, and improve the built environment.

2009 AIA/NEI Student Scholarships

AIA Northeast Illinois Awarded Three Scholarships
In conjunction with The American Institute of Architects, the Northeast Illinois Chapter of The American Institute of Architects has awarded a total of $4,800 in scholarships to three students pursuing architectural degrees.
All three are students at University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, and all see sustainability and environmental impact as key issues in architecture. 

David Kleinwachter
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

David Kleinwachter of Warrenville, who expects to receive his bachelor’s degree in architectural studies in May, received $2,000. He eventually wants to pursue LEED accreditation, because of his interest in the environment. “I believe that designing buildings to be sustainable should no longer be an option, but rather a responsibility,” he said. Understanding sustainable design holds tremendous importance to the environment, and ever-increasing demand for environmentally friendly buildings “is yet another cue that inefficient buildings and irresponsible use of our resources will be a major issue in the near future.” He is co-founder and an active member of UWM’s Alternative Power and Energy group.

 

 

 

Agnieszka Szpara
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Agnieszka Szpara of Franklin Park, now beginning her sophomore year, received a $1,600 scholarship. She has become particularly intrigued with vernacular architecture, and how the layout of spaces affect the people who inhabit those spaces. “I would like to do more research about vernacular architecture and develop ideas based on it,” she said, adding, “I hope to apply these ideas in a sustainable or green residential architecture.”

 

 

 

 

Caitlin Guinan
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Caitlin Guinan of Geneva received a $1,200 scholarship. After earning her bachelor’s degree in architecture in 2012 she plans to pursue her master’s degree. While she anticipates starting her career locally, she eventually hopes to work on a more global basis, perhaps planning commercial buildings overseas, and wants to not only design the buildings but also create the landscaping that showcases the structures. Sustainability features large in her thoughts. “The buildings I produce should leave as little impact on the environment as possible,” she said.

 

 

 


Arnold “Les” Larsen Memorial Scholarship
The chapter also selected a recipient for the $1,000 Arnold “Les” Larsen Memorial Scholarship of the DuPage Community Foundation.

Britta Hayne
University of Illinois - Chicago

Britta Hayne of Aurora will receive her master’s degree in architecture from the University of Illinois - Chicago in May. Hayne has always been intrigued by remodeling, in taking something apart and putting it back together in a new and better way. She also is interested in having a global impact. Her bottom line is to practice architecture as a means to better the lives of those who live within the space she creates. “I firmly believe that one’s environment has a huge impact on (his or her) well-being, and every effort should be made to provide an environment that will induce a positive result.” Hayne will study in Barcelona, Spain, this fall. After graduation, she hopes to obtain an internship in her native Aurora and help with city efforts to revitalize the downtown.
Larsen’s widow, Sandra Larsen, established the scholarship in 2007. Les Larsen was a charter member of AIA Northeast Illinois and was an active member of the AIA at the local, state and national levels. The scholarship is administered by the DuPage Community Foundation; the NEI Scholarship Committee reviews applications and selects the recipient. 

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s architects, and the future of our profession,” said committee Chairman Chuck Ditchman, AIA. “Helping them earn their degrees fits perfectly with one of our core missions, which is to promote the profession of architecture.”

The national organization contributed a total of $1,800 for the three chapter awards.

 

 


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