12.10.09 | Chicago, IL | The Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Chicago) is pleased to announce that Brian Vitale, AIA, LEED^® AP is the winner of its 2009 Dubin Family Young Architect Award.  Vitale, 38, is a design director at Gensler.
 
One of Vitale’s most notable recent assignments was the Barney’s New York store in Chicago, which was completed this year.  Located in the popular Gold Coast neighborhood, the six-story building features a façade of limestone, architectural precast, glass, and laser-cut metal panels and trim.  Vitale’s other recent projects include the Johnson Controls Headquarters in Milwaukee, Wis., an award-winning conceptual design for a pedestrian bridge, “Glow,” in Pittsburg, Pa., and FFSB in Mishawaka, Ind.  His pro bono work includes founding the program, “VOLUME: Creating New Libraries for Chicago Public Schools,” that matches designers with builders and corporate partners to redesign school libraries at no cost to the school.  
 
“Brian Vitale is a skillful, talented and well-rounded architect.  His exceptional ability will take him very far in this profession,” said Zurich Esposito, Executive Vice President of AIA Chicago.  Vitale’s award will be presented tonight at AIA Chicago’s Annual Meeting at the Wit Hotel.
 
The Dubin Family Young Architect Award was established in 1983 to recognize excellence in ability and exceptional contributions by Chicago-area architects between the ages of 25 and 39.  Founded in 1869, AIA Chicago represents over 3,200 licensed architects, architectural interns and allied professionals in and around Chicago, Illinois.  AIA Chicago is the second largest AIA chapter in the nation.