October AIA Nevada Honor Awards Jury C/o AIA Nevada 401 S. Fourth Street, Ste. 175 Las Vegas, NV Dear AIA Jury, Sincerely,

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1 October 2017 AIA Nevada Honor Awards Jury C/o AIA Nevada 401 S. Fourth Street, Ste. 175 Las Vegas, NV Dear AIA Jury, I am both pleased and honored to support the nomination of Dominic Armendariz for the Nevada Chapter of the American Institute of Architects Associate Award. Dom s commitment to the profession, to his community and to his AIAS UNLV chapter and AIA Chapter is exemplary. As I have come to know him more directly while he has worked for our firm, I appreciate his thoughtful and insightful approach to nurturing the future designers of Nevada. Dom has been an integral part of growing the AIAS chapter of UNLV. Through his leadership the students have engaged with professionals in monthly education seminars that focus on developing skills that will assist students in future employment. These seminars also give the professional members of the AIA the opportunity to know the students and become engaged in their education. Student membership at the AIAS chapter has grown because of his leadership. The AIA Las Vegas chapter also has a burgeoning mentorship program because of the efforts of Dom. He was able to work with the AIA Las Vegas board to establish an ad hoc committee that looked at the needs of students and developed a one on one mentorship program that has become an excellent introduction to the AIA for our future architects. Leading by example, Dom has sought out mentorship opportunities throughout his community and has solidified valuable relationships and resources. Leadership and service are evident parts of Dom s life and his passion. He is an excellent leader and has shown the acumen to develop and shape the AIA of the future. I whole-heartedly support Dom s nomination for this award. Sincerely, SHARCHITECTURE Eric M Roberts, AIA Eric Roberts, AIA John Anderson, RD Curt Carlson, AIA Mark McGinty, RD John Sawdon, AIA

2 AIA Nevada Associate Award Dominic A. Armendariz ASSOCIATE AIA BIOGRAPHY Starting his AIA journey at an early age, Dominic Armendariz is a firm believer that the Institute empowers its members to play an active role in shaping the future of the profession, generating positive change in their community. Dominic represents a new Emerging Professional and AIA Associate. One that, at an early point in their career, can serve to join the efforts of AIA, AIAS, ACSA, NCARB and NAAB in maintaining the progression of the field of architecture. Born in Tucson, Arizona, Dominic grew up surrounded by architecture. His father was a licensed residential designer and contractor who was the principal and owner of a design-build firm. He spent much of his younger years in his father s office, drawing on trace paper, being fascinated by models and touring construction sites. This exposure was the catalyst that Dominic has been instrumental in spreading the word about Architecture to our youth, Nevada AIA Associates, and Emerging Professionals. He spearheaded and helped form our AIA Board approved Mentor program for AIAS UNLV students and emerging professionals. He has been an advocate for our K-12 Outreach where he has given presentations in our local schools educating the youth about Architecture as a career choice... While serving on the AIA Las Vegas Board over the last few years I have had the pleasure of working with Dominic and I admire his tireless accomplishments and efforts in promoting our profession. Brett K. Ewing, AIA 2017 AIA Nevada President Principal Cunningham Group prompted Dominic to proudly declare to his parents that he intended to be an architect at the age of three. In 2007, he relocated with his family to his father s home town, Las Vegas. Upon graduating from Bishop Gorman High School, he entered the Work Junior Design Associate SHARCHITECTURE Education University of Nevada, Las Vegas (ongoing) Involvement American Institute of Architects American Institute of Architecture Students Design Build Institute of America ACE Mentor Program of America Green Our Planet s Garden Classroom Project Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society School of Architecture and Honors College at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, minoring in Business Administration. While attending an event hosted by AIA Las Vegas, Dominic met the chapter s Past-President Eric M. Roberts, and Treasurer, John Sawdon, of SHarchitecure. This meeting ultimately led to Dominic joining the firm during the summer of Leadership at all levels of the office are very active in the community and are heavily involved in the AIA with representatives serving in local, state and regional leadership roles. SHarchitecture was the recipient on the 2016 AIA Nevada Firm of the Year Award. This exposure has demonstrated to Dominic the impact that the citizen-architect can have on a community. Not long after starting college, Dominic became involved in the school s chapter of the America Institute of Architecture Students. After serving in several leadership roles, Dominic successfully ran for President and immediately set new goals for the chapter. While attending several board meetings of AIA Las Vegas, he recognized that the key to success was to partner the AIAS with the professional organization on initiatives of mutual benefit. Recognizing the need for an established mentor program, Dominic worked with AIA Nevada Executive Director Randy Lavigne, Hon. AIA and Emerging Professionals Director Dennis Panars, AIA to create the AIA Las Vegas Mentor Committee. The group met at the AIA office twice a month, developing ideas that would become the chapter s mentor program. Previous attempts had been unsuccessful at creating such a program in Southern Nevada, so it was important to all involved that this one would succeed. After seven months, he presented the

3 program to the Board of Directors, who unanimously passed the measure in time for the new school year. The program pairs AIAS members in their third-year studio with emerging professionals in Las Vegas. The committee saw this as an opportunity to help new members of the AIA get involved in their local component. It was an immediate success, encouraging individuals to join the AIA and the AIAS, in order to participate. In 2016, AIA Las Vegas received a grant from Hanley Wood to help fund the program. As it enters its second year, numerous success stories coming from the mentors and mentees are a testament of its impact. After the recession devastated the construction industry, leaving a vast number of Las Vegas architects unemployed, the AIA saw many licensure candidates leave for other career paths and enrollment at the UNLV School of Architecture plummeted. It was this that prompted Dominic to establish a K-12 Outreach Committee at AIAS UNLV, hoping to educate students in Clark County on what it is architects do, clear up any misconceptions and to generate interest in architecture as a career path. Since then, Dominic and others from the UNLV School of Architecture have spoken to hundreds of students in classrooms across the Las Vegas Valley. Searching for avenues to expand outreach, Dominic joined the AIA Las Vegas School Outreach Committee. Uniting the efforts and resources of the AIAS with that of the AIA, Dominic collaborated with community leaders on innovative methods for getting the next generation excited about architecture and design. Joining In today s world, where most architecture students and young professionals are focused on advancing their individual agendas and professional careers, Dominic stands out, providing an inspiring example of civic engagement and leadership that embodies and reflects the very best qualities that an architect has to offer to society. Dominic maintains a multi-track approach to his career, which has substantially advanced his understanding of the profession and the multiple roles an architect can play to effectively become a leader in the community. Wherever he goes, Dominic invariably leaves and indelible mark for his generosity, leadership, and commitment to advance the role of architecture in our community. Alfredo Fernández González Professor and Interim Director UNLV School of Architecture Dominic Armendariz has volunteered time out of his personal schedule to be a guest speaker in Valley High School s College and Career Prep classes throughout the course of his college career. He shares his experiences and insight into this field, and is able to leave a lasting influence on our students, many whom, after listening to Mr. Armendariz s presentation, are motivated to continue research and pursue the architect path. Dominic s natural leadership shines as he interacted with our high school students Tara Hottendorf English Teacher at Valley High School the A.C.E. Mentor Program of America, Dominic serves as a part-time mentor, working with students interested in architecture, construction and engineering at the Northwest Career and Technical Academy. Dominic has also volunteered with Green Our Planet s Garden Project, giving a presentation to third-grade students at Selma F. Bartlett Elementary School on the profession. He then helped the students design a garden for their playground. With a number of high schools expressing an interest in architecture student organizations, Dominic began to investigate instituting AIAS high school chapters in the Las Vegas area. With approximately 20 high school chapters in the nation, these organizations could draw students into the program at UNLV, from there pursue licensure in Nevada and join the AIA. Working closely with the leadership of AIA Las Vegas and the AIAS National Office in Washington, DC., Dominic helped the East Career and Technical Academy establish an AIAS chapter and has assisted the Advanced Technologies Academy in restarting their chapter. Since then he and his team have worked to make the chapters sustainable and are currently looking for other schools to partner with. Researching trends in education and innovative designs for learning spaces, Dominic is finishing his degree at UNLV and planning to pursue his architect s license in the State of Nevada. Committed to the mission of the AIA, he looks forward to taking on new roles in his community and mentoring future generations.

4 DOMINIC S ACHIEVEMENTS Served as the Student Liaison on the AIA Las Vegas Board of Directors, where he worked to establish a mentor program, advocated for K-12 outreach and collaborated with the chapter leadership on the 2017 theme, the Next Generation of Architects. Dominic is currently serving on the AIA Las Vegas School Outreach Committee, investigating how the chapter can properly educate younger generations on the profession and drum up interest in architecture as a career. Dominic represented Nevada Associates and UNLV AIAS members on a panel of Emerging Professionals at the 2017 AIA Western Mountain Regional Conference in Las Vegas. The panel discussed regional and national issues concerning young architects including emerging professional involvement in the AIA, membership incentives, expedited licensure, NCARB certification and intern titling. Established the AIA Las Vegas Mentor committee and worked with AIA and AIAS members for seven months to develop a mentor program for Emerging Dominic s role in strengthening the AIAS connection with the local AIA Chapter has brought a renewed sense of community between local professionals and university students. His dedication to engaging emerging professionals has been appreciated and will have a lasting impact on our members. Christopher G. Lujan, Assoc. AIA ArchiPAC EP Committee Chair Senior Associate TSK Architects Professionals and students. Dominic presented the program by-laws to the Board of Directors, who passed it unanimously. Meeting tremendous success individuals joined the Institute to be involved in the program. Established one of the only AIAS High School Chapters in the nation at the East Career and Technical Academy and reestablished a chapter at the Advanced Technologies Academy. Southeast Career and Technical Academy is currently filling out paper work to become the third high school chapter in Las Vegas and several other schools are gaging interest among their students. One of the goals of these chapters is to create a talent pool of students who attend UNLV and pursue licensure in the state of Nevada. Under Dominic s leadership, Las Vegas has become the capital of high school AIAS involvement. Serving on the AIAS National Finance Committee, Dominic oversees the creation and adoption of the National Budget, performs an audit of the Institute and strategies ways for the organization to be more financially transparent with its members. Joining at 20, Dominic became the youngest member of AIA Nevada. Dominic giving a speech at an AIA Las Vegas Meeting Moderating a panel of emerging professionals on future of architecture in Southern Nevada.

5 Under Dominic s administration, the relationship between AIAS UNLV and AIA Nevada has matured into two organization, collaborating, side-by-side, to advance the profession of architecture. Under his leadership, UNLV AIAS received the 2017 National Chapter Honor Award, the highest citation that the American Institute of Architecture Students can bestow on a school. The chapter s commitment to high school outreach and its special relationship with AIA Las Vegas and AIA Nevada were focal points in the award package. Dominic received the 2017 AIAS National Chapter President Award Honorable Mention for his work with the UNLV AIAS, the School of Architecture and AIA Las Vegas. Dominic has made presentations about the profession of architecture in Las Vegas to hundreds of K-12 students in classrooms across Clark County. After listening to the presentations, several students have committed to the profession without previous knowledge of the field. Dom is that rare individual who is simultaneously a mentor, a leader, a positive role model, a talented designer and, perhaps most importantly, an impassioned champion for the profession through his work, writing and educational outreach... His work, in all its forms, resonates on both a local and regional levels, and is accented by connecting students and practitioners... Edward Vance, FAIA, NCARB Founder & CEO EV&A Architects Secretary AIA College of Fellows The most important role a professional plays is in their interaction with the community. Rarely do emerging professionals find the time to balance the demands of following the path to licensure with service to our organization. Dominic is incredibly unique in this regard his efforts and initiatives touch all levels of the Institute, and, yet, he extends himself further to engage and inspire our future generations. Dominic does more than honor his grandmother, Gloria Armendariz, and her immeasurable work on behalf of our state s licensed professionals and the NSBAIDRD Board. John R. Klai, FAIA, NCARB Principal Klai Juba Wald Architects Serves as a Part-Time ACE Mentor. The program pairs students at the Northwest Career and Technical Academy who are interested in entering the architecture, engineering or construction professions with locals in those industries. Dominic moderated a panel discussion of students and emerging professionals on the future of architecture in Southern Nevada at an AIA Las Vegas membership meeting. The discussion highlighted how interns and senior architects can deal with generational gaps in the workplace, trends in technology, the role of sketching in architecture and changes in the architecture curriculum. He works to coordinate student volunteers for AIA events, including the 2017 Western Mountain Regional Conference, A 19 Conference on Architecture and the AIA Nevada Holiday Awards Gala. Dominic was a finalist for the AIAS National Top 60 at 60 Conference. The event brought together the 60 best members in the organization to Orlando, FL, to strategically plan the next 60 years of the AIAS. He has successfully balanced architecture school, taking classes in the Honors and Business Colleges, while working as at SHarchitecture, earning over 1100 AXP hours, and being involved in the leadership of AIAS UNLV and AIA Las Vegas. Dominic has obtained a GPA in the top 7.5% his class, earning an invitation to join Phi Kappa Phi, the oldest and most prestigious honor society in the United States AIA Las Vegas Board of Directors

6 MISCELLANEOUS Architecture Las Vegas Magazine - Spring 2017 Issue Excerpt from Young, Restless and Bold by T.R. Witcher DOMINIC ARMENDARIZ, AIA, AND RAFAEL ARMENDARIZ, AIA American Institute of Architecture Students, UNLV chapter SH Architecture ++++ Family ties and strong community bonds underscoreπ their passion for architecture and design TWIN BROTHERS DOMINIC and Rafael Armendariz grew up around the romance of architecture. Their father was a licensed residential designer and contractor in Tucson and later in Las Vegas, and both boys spent long hours watching him draw on tracing paper and build models. They saw plenty of homes being built. (What s more, their grandmother was the director of the Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design.) Dominic was first to realize he wanted to be an architect; Rafael had the same desire, but was hung up because he hadn t gotten there first. Growing up as a twin, you want to find your own identity, Rafael says. So he considered careers in engineering and construction management. Finally, when he was 17, he decided to pursue his first passion. The brothers, both 21, also got a front row seat to the recession, which decimated the ranks of professional architects in Las Vegas. It didn t deter them, but it led them to add business-related minors to their degree programs. They ve also taken leadership positions in the UNLV chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students, an independent, student-run organization with more than 200 chapters around the world. The twins joined AIAS their freshman year. This school year, Dominic is serving as president. He s helped create a mentorship program that teams practicing professionals with third-year students. During his tenure, AIAS has also conducted professional development workshops focused on software such as Revit or Photoshop, mock interviews and portfolio reviews. They ve proved to be can tmiss events for grads and undergrads alike. They attract students from sixth year down to first year, who are all working together to advance each others careers as well as improve the school, Dominic says. The organization is also rigorously reaching out to high school students. They started a high school AIAS chapter at East Career & Technical Academy, one of only 20 in the nation. Our goal was to go into high schools, speak to students about the profession, demystify it, talk about what architects do, Dominic explains. Rafael will take over as president next year, and wants to grow membership. The local chapter has 48 members right now. I would like to see well over 50 percent (of the student body) benefit from AIAS membership, he says. He wants to continue to push community outreach and professional development events. Rafael believes involvement in AIAS and AIA provide architecture students a more complete education. Our goal is to not only get students jobs, but to create a culture built on mentorship among the students, he says. In the end, I want to see my classmates get the most out of their experience at the UNLV School of Architecture. Dominic says the groups are doing nothing less than forging the next generation of leaders. Our organization empowers members by plugging them into an international coalition, committed to advancing the profession and enriching their communities. Both brothers are working for SH Architecture while they aim to complete their undergraduate degrees next year. The brothers may head off for master s degrees when they graduate, but there s little doubt they ll be back. While we may not have the starchitect-design buildings other than Frank Gehry and a couple other exceptions, I think Las Vegas provides almost a blank slate as far as creativity goes, says Rafael. Las Vegas is coming into its own as a city, as a big city, says Dominic. To be a part of that as an architecture student and a future architect is something I love. I can t get enough of it. I love being here.

7 As Executive Director of the AIA Nevada and AIA Las Vegas Chapters for the last twenty-two years, I have never met a more genuinely dedicated and enthusiastic young leader than Dominic. As President of the UNLV AIAS Chapter he has strengthened both the student organization and the AIA partnership with the UNLV School of Architecture. Speaking at the AIA Las Vegas High School Design Awards As President of the UNLV AIAS Chapter, Dominic served as a full member of our AIA Las Vegas Board of Directors, and represented the concerns and interests of all UNLV architecture students admirably... I hope that you will agree that he is most deserving of recognition as the recipient of this year s AIA Nevada Associate Member Award Randy Lavigne, Hon. AIA Executive Director AIA Nevada & AIA Las Vegas Giving a presentation to students from the Southeast Career and Technical Academy Speaking to students from the East Career and Technical Academy with Jon Sparer, AIA.

8 Dominic leads by example. His leadership at the AIAS UNLV chapter has not only positioned college students for greater success, but has also advanced the greater Las Vegas community as well as the profession of architecture. His efforts and innovation surrounding K-12 outreach are fantastic examples of how students, the profession, and the community can all come together toward a better tomorrow. Nick Serfass, AIA, CAE Executive Director AIAS National Dominic speaking to prospective architecture students at Bishop Gorman High School Dominic Armendariz, Assoc. AIA I am a member of AIA because the Las Vegas architecture community and the AIA are one and the same. The organization allows for me to build relationships that could last a lifetime and to facilitate connections between local professionals and the UNLV School of Architecture. At five years old I proudly declared to my parents my intentions to become an architect. I grew up idolizing my father who owned a small residential design build firm in Arizona. This instilled in me a passion for design that has never left. When I was twelve, my family moved to Nevada where my father had grown up and my grandmother had served as Executive Director of the State Board of Architecture. I am currently a third year student, intern at SH Architecture along with my twin brother and President of the UNLV Chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students. As the AIAS President, I also have the honor to serve on the AIA Las Vegas Board and represent the architecture students of UNLV. Where will you be in 20 years? I can see myself as a licensed architect with a family. I also hope that I will be able to be teaching part time in addition to practicing. There is a long and proud tradition of mentorship within the profession and I would be honored to be a part of it. What is your favorite piece of architecture? Why? It would have to be the Church of the Light. It is a perfect illustration of how the architect can create a spiritual place that evokes such powerful emotion with simple geometry and materials. What is the most important thing you learned? I have learned that faith and family come first. It is important to me that those remain a central part of my life. What person, living or dead, would you most like to talk with? I would love to sit down and chat with Saint John Paul II. In my eyes he was a very wise man who lead by example, living a life of faith and peace. I know that I could learn a lot from his words and guidance. November 2016 Spotlight member. Excerpt from AIA Las Vegas Forum Newsletter SHARCHITECTURE receiving the 2016 AIA Nevada Firm of the Year Award Mr. Armendariz is the most professional undergraduate student I have had the pleasure of working with in over ten years of teaching... his work stands out at every presentation, and his service is found throughout the valley with visits to high schools and outreach initiatives with the AIA Glenn NP Nowak, AIA, NCARB Graduate Coordinator & Associate Professor UNLV School of Architecture Academic Liaison AIA LV Boad of Directors Faculty Advisor AIAS UNLV

9 WORK Elementary School Prototype Clark County School District SHARCHITECTURE Since joining SHarchitecture, Dominic has spent a substantial amount of his time working on the construction documents, project manual and construction phase services for the firm s Elementary School Prototype. With the population of Southern Nevada exploding and classrooms becoming overcrowded, these schools directly impact the community. Featuring state of the art technology, classrooms provide children an exciting and safe learning environment. The criteria set forth by CCSD were challenging but inspiring; with designs using half the energy of a typical school of the same size and coming in at 2/3 of a typical cost per square foot. In addition to design features to enhance student and staff performance, such as daylighting, increased thermal control, and superior indoor air quality, SHarchitecture designed vitality and dynamism into standardized spaces. While dozens of copies of this school might be built, they have been given design identity schemes that will make each school unique, giving students a sense of ownership and individuality.

10 FLOOR PLAN - LEVEL 2 NORTH 20 FLOOR PLAN - LEVEL 1 NORTH 20

11 SITE PLAN 40 NORTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL- CONQUISTADOR & TOMPKINS CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT ZONING DATE: SHEET: 1 OF PACKAGE 7 SH PROJECT NO.:

12 Oquendo Center Addition Western Veterinary Conference SHARCHITECTURE Dominic has had the opportunity to work on the addition to the Western Veterinary Conference s Oquendo Center. Founded in Utah almost 90 years ago, WVC provides continual education to those in the veterinary profession. The conference relocated to Southern Nevada in the 1960 s and moved into the new Oquendo Center in The 70,000 square foot building houses offices, classrooms, a lecture hall and labs where dedicated professionals can work, educate and network. SHarchitecture was hired to remodel and expand the current facilities, including the design and construction of a barn. Dominic s duties on this project have included design concepts and construction documentation.

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14 Zahid Business Park Zahid Group SHARCHITECTURE The first major project that Dominic worked on when he joined SHarchitecture was the Zahid Business Park in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The projects main goal was to design an entire business park that will be entirely selfsupporting and off-the-grid. Zahid is situated miles away from the closest jurisdiction which required it to be selfsufficient with all the components of a mini city and influences of a western hemisphere live-work-play concept. Beyond business related buildings, a residential compound, recreation and wellness center, medical clinic, restaurants, prayer halls, outdoor recreation areas, cultural center/ mosque and a regional training/learning center were incorporated. The concept for the Master Plan design is a central landscaped boulevard running through the middle of the site which provides the public access and Front Door to the major buildings. The boulevard is anchored at the main entry with a Corporate high-rise and at the opposite end with high density residential housing bordering along future neighboring residential. WASH SHOP LAB CATERPILLAR UTILITY KING SAUD ROAD HEADQUARTERS PARK COMMUNITY CENTER WATER TOWER UTILITY EQUIPMENT RENTAL PROPERTY MGMT. PARK BOULEVARD RENTAL DIVISION SHOP WASH ZAHID LEARNING CENTER VOLVO WATER & SEWAGE PLANT TRUCK ENTRY TRUCK ENTRY

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16 Kaktus Life Mixed Use Development Tru Development Co. SHARCHITECTURE Designed for a site bordered on the east side by Interstate-15, the north by a new major freeway interchange, Kaktus Life Mixed-Use Development provides a buffer from more intense to less intense uses. The 212 Unit loft style apartments are located adjacent to the Southern Highlands Master Planned Community and includes 21,000 SF of professional office/retail space, community room, gym and recreation facilities for the entire complex. The 9 acre lot also includes individual garages for the residential units, two dog parks and an perimeter exercise/walking trail. Dominic has worked on several phases of the project including designs for the development s clubhouse and construction documents.

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18 October 23, 2017 The AIA Nevada Service Award Jury 401 S. 4th Street, Suite 175 Las Vegas, NV Dear Distinguished Members of the Jury, It is an honor to support the nomination of Dominic A. Armendariz, Associate AIA, AIAS for the 2017 AIA Nevada Associate Member Award. I have known Dom for more than five years through which time I have personally observed his career trajectory develop through a tireless, multi-faceted and deeply focused effort that serves as a potent example of what can be achieved early in one s career. Dom is that rare individual who is simultaneously a mentor, a leader, a positive role model, a talented designer and, perhaps most importantly, an impassioned champion for the profession through his work, writing and educational outreach. His work, in all its forms, resonates on both a local and regional levels, and is accented by connecting students and practitioners guided by an unquenchable desire to bridge the gap between the academy and practice. This is evidenced by his tireless work ethic while serving as the AIAS Representative to the AIA Las Vegas Board of Directors where he was responsible for initiating, planning, leading, and executing mentorship programs that influenced the success of AIAS and AIA members alike. Through his active engagement with public youth programs, mentorship of young professionals and sharing of ideas & information he has had an impact on the next generation of architects that will be seen and witnessed for many years to come. Dominic is at once a deeply engaged individual whose commitment does not end with his personal achievements and whose leadership efforts will continue to resonate though our community and our profession, ever strengthening the institute s missions and goals. Convinced that this recognition will only inspire him to keep giving as he grows into the next phases of his career, I urge you to give serious consideration to Dominic A. Armendariz, Associate AIA, AIAS for the 2017 AIA Nevada Associate Member Award. Sincerely, Edward Vance, FAIA Founder & CEO Secretary AIA College of Fellows Page 1

19 2017 Associates Award Jury AIA Nevada Las Vegas 401 S. 4th Street, Suite 175 Las Vegas, NV RE: AIA Nevada Associates Award Candidate, Dominic A. Armendariz Dear Members of the 2017 Associates Award Jury, I am honored to support Dominic A. Armendariz, AIAS, Associate AIA and Past President of the University of Las Vegas AIAS Chapter. Over recent years on the AIA Las Vegas Board and as AIA LV President, I have witnessed Dominic s tremendous leadership, commitment, vision and passion that has had an immeasurable impact on students, young practitioners and our entire professional community. The recession impacted every aspect of our profession with drops in first year students enrolled in UNLV s architecture program and declining membership in AIA Nevada, AIA LV and AIAS UNLV. Dominic ignited enthusiasm across the student community and led the UNLV AIAS chapter to successfully expand the value and meaning of AIAS membership. He put forth an aggressive agenda, partnering with AIA LV to form a robust professional-student mentorship program; create a local elementary through high school outreach program; and establish a yearlong program of workshops to help students gain the right skills for success in practice. These efforts all establish a natural pathway for sustained AIA membership. Dominic built strong partnerships between AIAS UNLV and AIAS members at mixer events that introduced many students to a practicing architect for the first time and increased paid UNLV student membership. We have combined outreach efforts to students in the Clark County School District, the country s 5th largest, that continue to increase awareness of architecture as a career path and helped create the nation s only AIAS high school chapter. Dominic has personally facilitated UNLV architecture students presenting to hundreds of K-12 students across the Las Vegas Valley that have forged lasting connections. Under his leadership, AIAS UNLV partnered with the School of Architecture to establish a workshop series designed to give AIAS members practical internship skills including technical, B.I.M., digital media, conceptual sketching, portfolio building, and presentation skills as well as tours of local firms and projects. He led fundraising initiatives that substantially increased national conference attendance for UNLV s architecture students: seven students attended Grassroots Conference (a 600% increase over prior years), ten at Forum Boston (a 400% increase), six attended West Quad in Portland, and Dominic represented UNLV at the Top 60 at 60 Conference in Orlando. Thanks to Dominic s vision and leadership, UNLV AIAS ended the year with 51 members, including 89% of the 3rd year class, for a total of 40% in a school of only 128 students, thereby transforming our declining UNLV chapter into a larger, stronger organization and with an upward trajectory. Dominic has been a constant presence at our Board meetings, where his notion of what it means to be an architect surpasses anything I ve seen. He is intelligent, informed, poised, professional, aware and passionate about the Institute and membership, presenting a brilliant model for those considering the profession, immersed in our academic programs, moving through the licensure process, and involved in our organization. I ve seen our future in Dominic, and our future is looking fantastic. Sincerely, Jon Sparer, AIA 2017 AIA LV President /2018 AIA Nevada President-Elect

20 RYAN PATENTS MARK A. RYAN, AIA Registered Patent Attorney Admitted in Iowa only October 8, 2017 AIA Nevada Honor Awards Jury c/o AIA Nevada 401 S. Fourth Street, Suite 175 Las Vegas, NV Dear Distinguished Members of the AIA Jury: Yada yada yada. We all know the routine of providing nominations and recommendations for awards. Once in a great while, we are able to truly support someone who has made a real, distinct, and even measurable difference. And at this time I am able to humbly offer that unique and deserved support for Dominic Armendariz. I m sure that Dominic s submission package describes his exceptional leadership in connecting students of ALL levels with the profession of architecture. But I doubt that it tells the real, and to me impresive, reason it was all so difficult and important. Dominic began to excel in his leadership at the same time that the leadership at the UNLV School of Architecture distanced itself from the AIA. Without Dominic s planning and efforts, years invested in the relationship would have wasted away, to the great detriment of the students and the profession. Despite that adversity, Dominic was able to build consensus and real teams, to achieve substantial results for the AIA in Nevada, our next generation moving into the profession, and importantly, young K-12 students who are now much more likely to see architecture as a career for them. While serving as the AIAS Representative to the AIA Las Vegas Board of Directors, he was responsible for initiating, planning, leading, and executing mentorship programs helping to lead to the success of all involved: the AIAS and AIA members. Dominic has taken that same energy into outreach to students in K-12 throughout the Las Vegas Valley, even establishing and re-establishing AIAS high school chapters. In my five years on the AIA Las Vegas Board (two as President) and four years on the AIA Nevada Board (only one as President), I have never been more proud of an individual and their accomplishments. It is my hope that we provide enough of a glimpse into Dominic Armendariz s early career to show how justly deserving he is of the AIA Nevada Associate Award for Respectfully. Mark Ryan, AIA, Esq West Torino Avenue Las Vegas, NV