News release:
Mathews Architecture, P. A. was honored with the 2011 Firm of the Year Award at the annual Design Awards Ceremony of the N.C. Chapter of the American Institute of Architects in Raleigh on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011.

The Firm of the Year Award is the highest honor and most prestigious award bestowed on an architecture practice by North Carolina AIA.

The 2011 Firm of the Year Award to Mathews Architecture marks the first time a firm in western North Carolina has received this award. In addition, it is only the second instance a woman-owned firm has been so honored.

The Awards Committee, in its unanimous selection, noted the contributions and culture of the entire firm and not just of the firm’s owner and principal, Jane Gianvito Mathews, AIA, LEED™ AP BD+C. Mathews Architecture was recognized for exhibiting sensitivity to the regional vernacular, with a strong sensitivity to green building design and for its service to its clients, to the community and to the AIA.



In her letter of nomination, Holly Jones, Buncombe County Commissioner and Executive Director of the YWCA of Asheville, noted, “If I had to choose one WNC firm that most fully represents a combination of design excellence and service to the community, there is no doubt that I would choose Mathews Architecture. As Executive Director of the YWCA of Asheville, I had the honor of becoming Mathews Architecture’s first major client when Jane Mathews founded the firm in 2000. During the interview process, our Building Committee was impressed with the quiet professionalism of Jane and her staff. It was clear that they were not only interested in our project, but attuned to our budgetary restraints and listening closely to our programmatic needs. The committee’s decision was quick and unanimous: Mathews Architecture was the right choice for our project. And we never looked back.”

Al Kopf, ASLA, the City of Asheville’s Superintendent of Park Planning & Development, noted in his letter of recommendation to the Committee, “Jane, you and your staff always elicit the best out of people by striving for excellence and challenging everyone involved in a project including yourself to attain the finest possible result. Your firm works tirelessly, generously and skillfully. As a result, Mathews Architecture has created and continues to create lasting, memorable architecture in the region of Western North Carolina as well as a team of professional architects who are highly respected and admired in the community.”

Mathews Architecture does not specialize in any one type of building design. Its projects have ranged from the historic Shook House museum in Clyde, NC, to Prospect Terrace, the affordable housing community in the West End / Clingman Avenue Neighborhood, to a new, mountain-top private residence, designed to showcase the owner’s extensive collection of African art.

One of the firm’s latest projects is the Recreation Center at Livingston Street Park, which will officially be named the Dr. Wesley Grant Southside Center and will have its grand opening ceremony in October, 2011. The Center is the first City of Asheville facility to receive LEED™ certification and is on target to achieve the highest level possible, LEED™ Platinum Certification.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
In August, the Asheville City Council appointed Jane G. Mathews to fill one of three vacancies on the Planning & Zoning Commission.

At the AIA North Carolina Annual Membership meeting held on September 10, 2001, Jane G. Mathews was elected to serve a two-year term as a Director on the AIA North Carolina Board.

Jane G. Mathews, AIA, LEED™ AP has recently achieved the specialty professional credential of LEED™ AP BD+C signifying that she is now a LEED™ Accredited Professional with a specialty in Building Design and Construction.