AIA Chicago to Honor Linda Searl, FAIA, Founding Principal of Searl Lamaster Howe, with 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award

Award to be given on September 5 at Designight 2024, AIA Chicago’s signature award program, at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park

Linda Searl

AIA Chicago, the second largest local chapter of The American Institute of Architects and the collective voice of over 4,000 licensed architects, emerging professionals, architecture students, and allied professionals, on Aug. 7 announced that Linda Searl, FAIA, of Searl Lamaster Howe (SLH) will be given the 2024 AIA Chicago Lifetime Achievement Award. Searl will be honored at Designight 2024, AIA Chicago’s signature awards program honoring Chicago architects’ global design achievements, which will be held at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

“Linda’s dedication to the profession through her teaching and mentoring, and involvement in The AIA locally and nationally, has left a long-lasting impression and will continue to affect the next generation of architects and her twenty-five-year civic role in Chicago’s Plan Commission provides a legacy of leadership to the city,” said AIA Chicago President Lynda Dossey, AIA, Principal, Jahn.

For over fifty years, Linda Searl has been a leading figure in shaping the built environment. As an esteemed architect and a founding principal of Searl Lamaster Howe, she has consistently produced exceptional work balanced with a dedication of service to the architectural profession and to the people of Chicago and beyond.

As the daughter of one of the first female mayors of Florida, Searl was raised to honor the power that comes from community and coalition building. While core principles carry through from project to project, the firm’s work is distinguished by its diversity which is a direct result of prioritizing the unique voices, constraints, and aspirations of each project both from the client perspective and that of each member of the SLH team. Expanding beyond the office, the firm has collaborated over the years on a series of projects with other firms. This spirit of inclusiveness has extended into her volunteerism through initiatives such as the Central Area Plan where Searl fostered coalitions representing the many populations who need to be heard to achieve excellence in urban planning.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is nominated by the AIA Chicago general membership, reviewed by a committee of Fellows and previous Lifetime Achievement Award winners, and selected by the AIA Chicago Board of Directors.

In awarding the Lifetime Achievement Award, the AIA Chicago Board of Directors noted that Searl’s “dedication to supporting the advancement of women in architecture is an example for how all architects should lift each other up.”

Previous recipients include Cynthia Weese, FAIA (2023), Ralph Johnson, FAIA, LEED AP (2022) Stuart Cohen, FAIA (2021); Phillip C. Johnson, FAIA (2020); John Syversten, FAIA (2019); Peter Landon, FAIA (2018); Carol Ross Barney, FAIA (2017) among many others.

Searl received her Bachelor of Architecture in 1971 and her Master of Arts in Architecture in 1973, both from the University of Florida. Searl taught as an associate professor at UNC- Charlotte, from 1973 – 1976, and Florida A&M University, from 1976-1980. Each of these schools of architecture were brand new programs. The faculty was engaged in developing and inventing curricula for design studios and academic areas of architecture, such as materials and methods of construction, architectural history and others. She also was charged with establishing the architectural library at Florida A&M University.

Among Searl’s most significant designs (see images here) are:

Modern Lodge, Private Residence, Grand Traverse Bay, Michigan, Custom Home Design Award

Oriental Theater, Cinema Restoration, Milwaukee, WI, AIA Chicago Interior Award

Willow, Private Residence, Chicago, IL, AIA Chicago Distinguished Building Award

Hale Elementary, School Remodel & Addition, Chicago, IL, LEED Silver

55 East Erie, Residential Highrise, Chicago, IL, when built was the tallest all residential building in the world designed by a woman

UCAN City Campus, Offices & Youth Living, Chicago IL, LEED Silver

Eagle River Finance, Corporate Offices, Chicago, IL, AIA Chicago Interior Award

Harbert, Private Residence, Harbert, MI, AIA Chicago Distinguished Building Award

Searl’s engagement within the architectural community has been a priority throughout her career. Her volunteer activities have focused on mentoring, design advocacy, civic planning, and community building. Highlights include her tenures as AIA Chicago President, National AIA Vice President, and founding participant in AIA Chicago’s Bridge Mentorship Program.

Both formally and informally, Searl has listened, advised, and advocated for younger generations. Many relationships established during that program have endured. For several years she took part in Chicago Public Schools’ Principal for a Day program, serving as a role model to students and as a representative of the architectural profession. Within SLH, fostering an environment where employees can advance in their careers has always been a priority. One reflection of her commitment to team building is the successful transition of the firm from Searl and Associates to SLH: both Pam Lamaster and Greg Howe started with Searl not long after they entered the workforce.

During Searl’s twenty-five-year tenure on the Chicago Plan Commission, she advocated for better designed buildings, more affordable housing and minority participation in projects that were city owned or funded by the city. In certain wards of the city aldermanic privilege prevented the building of affordable housing and she fought to change these conditions through a verification process that ensured minority voice and participation.

“Linda Searl has been a vocal advocate for quality design and a collaborative process among stakeholders,” said AIA Chicago’s Executive Director Jen Masengarb. “As an architect, civil servant, and mentor, her impact on the profession continues to ripple through our City.”

Among the honors Searl and SLH have received are:

  • AIA Michigan Honor Award, Lawless Retreat, 2021
  • Chicago Women in Architecture, Lifetime Achievement Award, 2019
  • AIA Illinois, Gold Medal, 2018
  • AIA Chicago, Distinguished Building Award, Harbert Cottage, 2014
  • City of Evanston Preservation Award, Asbury Residence, 2014
  • AIA Chicago, Interior Architecture Award, Pearson Condo, 2014
  • Custom Home, Grand Design Award for Renovation, Harbert Cottage, 2014
  • AIA Chicago Small Project, Honor Award, Harbert Cottage, 2014
  • Builder’s Choice Planning and Design Awards, Harbert Cottage, 2014
  • AIA California, Distinguished Building Award, Rita Atkinson Housing, 2012
  • National AIA Interior Architecture Award, Gardner Loft, 2008
  • Custom Home Design Award, 2007
  • Chicago AIA Distinguished Building Award, Willow Residence, 2007
  • Best Plan Award 2006, Columbia College Master Plan
  • Custom Home Merit Award, Willow Residence, 2005
  • AD 100, Architectural Digest Top 100 Architects and Designers, 2004
  • Custom Home Design Award, Grand Traverse Bay Residence, 2001
  • AIA Illinois, Excellence in Service Award, 1999

Among other awards to be given during Designight 2024 are the Design Excellence Awards that recognize projects of all scales, from Architecture Extra Small to Extra Large, and Interior Architecture Small to Large. Separate awards, chosen by additional juries/committees, will be given: the Decarbonization Award, the Divine Detail Awards and the Roberta Feldman Architecture for Social Justice Award which is administered by the AIA Chicago Foundation. Designight 2024 will also feature the third annual Lerch Bates People’s Choice Awards presented in partnership with the Chicago Architecture Center. Finalists for the juried awards and the Lerch Bates People’s Choice Awards will be announced in August along with information on how the public can vote for their favorite designs.

Designight 2024

Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park
205 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601
Thursday, September 5, 2024
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with After Party to follow

To purchase Award Ceremony tickets call or visit:
Harris Theater Box Office: (312) 334 7777;
Harris Theater Website: https://www.harristheaterchicago.org/performance/designight-2024
Harris Theater Address: 205 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601
Theater rental and services have been underwritten through support of the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park.

To purchase After Party tickets visit: https://aiachicago.org/designight2024/

About AIA Chicago

The American Institute of Architects Chicago (AIA Chicago) serves nearly 4,000 architect members in Chicago and is the second largest local AIA chapter in the country. AIA Chicago’s mission builds on the city’s architectural legacy by advocating for the profession, sharing knowledge among members, and partnering with communities. It fosters a culture of design excellence for equitable, sustainable places and spaces.

AIA Chicago offers lectures and continuing education courses; specialized, issue-specific Knowledge Communities; advocacy for architects; and help for consumers looking for an architect.

AIA Chicago is the local Chicago chapter of The American Institute of Architects. Based in Washington, D.C., The AIA has been the leading professional membership association for licensed architects, emerging professionals, and allied partners since 1869. Learn more by visiting www.aiachicago.org.