NEW YORK (June 7, 2007) —Retail Traffic magazine and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced that the AIA will partner with the publication in a variety of ways, including the judging and presenting of the winners in this year’s 18th annual Superior Achievement in Design & Imaging (SADI) awards competition. The SADI Awards, now in its 18th year, is a self-nominating awards program that recognizes outstanding architectural achievement in retail environments.
"Retail Traffic's SADI Awards have always strived to recognize the best in retail architecture and design,” said Retail Traffic editor-in-chief David Bodamer. “With AIA entering the mix and aiding in the judging, the awards will only grow in significance."
The SADI Award has long been recognized as the industry's most respected and coveted design tribute, honoring retail designs that successfully balance form and function to create imaginative environments for consumers. SADI awards will be handed out in up to 13 categories in 2007. In addition, one of the category winners will be awarded the Grand SADI as the top project submitted in the competition. The deadline for entries is Friday, June 15th. Entry forms can be found on the Retail Traffic Web site at http://retailtrafficmag.com/sadi_entries
“Our partnership is important because this is a premier awards program that promotes the value of architectural design in the retail sector,” said Michael Lingerfelt, AIA, chair of the AIA Retail and Entertainment Committee. “Some people don’t consider retail establishments to be ‘real architecture,’ but communities and neighborhoods depend on retail and entertainment options for their vibrancy and livability. These awards showcase how design excellence is a major component in ensuring that retail establishments thrive economically.”
Judging for the awards will take place on July 18th at The InterContinental Chicago Hotel. The winners will be announced in the September issue of Retail Traffic and will be presented with awards at a special ceremony.
For 150 years, members of The American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. AIA members have access to the right people, knowledge, and tools to create better design, and through such resources and access, they help clients and communities make their visions real. For more information visit http://www.aia.org/
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