Karen Blanchard, AIA, LEED AP, an Associate at Wallace Roberts & Todd, was named this year’s recipient of AIA Philadelphia’s 2010 Young Architect Award. Initiated in 1987 by the Philadelphia Chapter of The American Institute of Architects, the award is bestowed upon a young architect “of exceptional achievement for past accomplishment and future promise.”
Karen has played a leading design role on numerous WRT projects. Her recent notable project work includes the design of the Levitt Pavilion in Bethlehem, the Germantown Academy Upper and Middle School in Fort Washington, and the Haverford Township Free Library in Haverford, PA.
“Achieving the Young Architect Award for my accomplishments, along with confidence in my potential, is an astonishing recognition. As I continue to develop my career in architecture, my personal goal is to keep discovering design and to use design to keep challenging myself on a personal and public level,” Karen said.
“Karen elevates the design quality of our projects through her thoughtful and collaborative design approach and skillful three-dimensional representations of the team’s design ideas,” said Principal Maarten Pesch, AIA.
“Karen’s exceptional achievements to date well presage the arc of a promising career—one that stands to be of great credit and service to our profession,” said Principal Antonio Fiol-Silva. “She represents the best of a new generation of architects who are fully attuned to collaborative, integrated design practices, and are passionate about making a difference."
A graduate of Philadelphia University with a Bachelor of Architecture, Karen was named Associate within two years of joining WRT, quickly recognized for her unique design skills and project dedication. She received her award on October 13 at AIA Philadelphia’s Annual Design Awards ceremony at Loews Hotel.
