SILVER SPRING – Citing Planning Director Rollin Stanley’s leadership in sustainable community development and smart growth, the Potomac Valley chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) named him the fifth recipient of the Kea Medal. The award goes to professionals the regional group identifies as leaders in architectural advocacy.
First presented in 2002 to recognize Paul Kea, an architect and civic leader who died in 1968, the award is the group’s highest honor. Kea, who lived much of his life in Hyattsville, founded an architectural firm that built schools, banks, churches, and other commercial projects. Kea also funded the Distinguished Professorship at the University of Maryland, which is now fully endowed.
Stanley, the first non-architect to receive the award, was chosen because he furthers “good architecture, design and sustainable building practices that involve the entire building community,” said Susan Apollonio AIA-Potomac Valley chapter executive director.
The professional group accepts nominations for the award all year from chapter members, then selects a winner by committee.
Last summer, Stanley was invited to deliver the keynote address at DesignDC, a three-day conference sponsored by local AIA chapters that draws regional architects, planners and urban designers.
Stanley has been director of the county Planning Department, one of the largest planning agencies in the country, since February 2008. Stanley has steered staff and the Planning Board toward new ways of thinking about growth that focuses on sustainability, diversity, design and the environment. Since his arrival, planning staff have incorporated that vision in the proposed 2009-2011 Growth Policy and five new master plans – for Germantown, Gaithersburg West, White Flint, Takoma and Kensington – delivered within the past year.
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