The North Carolina Chapter of the
American Institute of Architects (AIA NC) Emerging Professional Award is meant to honor associate members and licensed members of less than 10 years, and recognizes members who have already demonstrated noteworthy achievements in their careers. This year, AIANC was pleased to present the Emerging Professional Award to Albert McDonald, AIA.
McDonald holds a Bachelor in Architecture with honors from NC State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from UNC Charlotte.
He currently works for Clark Nexsen, and serves as treasurer on the AIA Triangle board of directors, is a member of the Raleigh Appearance Commission, and regularly mentors architecture students and interns.
During McDonald’s career he has employed design competitions to sharpen his skills and knowledge, this leading to being recognized regionally, nationally, and internationally for his commitment. More recently he has formed the educational qualities of design competitions into an initiative within Clark Nexsen called Combustion Chamber.
“I think that two things Albert has done most significantly are his initiating what we call a scholarship in practice with Clark Nexsen, and that is a way of not just helping a student pay for their tuition but it’s focused on the work they do in the office. So as an advocate for that connection, I think that Albert has made a significant impact on many of our students” said Ken Lambla, AIA.
Dennis Stallings, FAIA said “Something else that is important to him is to give something back to the community. So he volunteered for the City of Raleigh Appearance Commission where he still sits today, and I think all of these things were important to him, to his plan, his reinvention of himself after graduate school, and I am really proud as to what he has accomplished in the firm and in his career.”