AIA Ohio is a component of the American Institute of Architects. The award is given annually to an individual architect, by the AIA Ohio Board of Directors for “exemplary efforts and significant accomplishments,” according to a press release from AIA Ohio.

The AIA Ohio Gold Medal is the highest honor that AIA Ohio can bestow on an individual.

“The AIA Ohio Board of Directors was impressed with the high quality of Terry’s overall body of work,” AIA Ohio President, John Orsini said in the release. “Additionally, Terry’s community service, dedication to the AIA and inspiring artistic creations reflect his passion for elevating the profession of architecture.”

Responding to the Gold Medal Award presentation, Terry shared his “10 Rules for Being Happy as an Architect,” which he attributes to the wisdom of his “Brain Trust” of artists and architects.

“Lifelong friends, Department Chair Mary Rogero and Dean John Weigand, AIA, have been quite gracious to invite me to make CCA a part of the tapestry of my life,” commented Welker. “I feel like I’m living out a dream here—teaching design students at all levels as I continue to collaborate with faculty, make, and learn every day.”

More about Welker

• Terry Welker, FAIA, is an architect/sculptor living in Kettering, Ohio.
• He began his formal education in fine art, later moving toward architecture.
• He taught architecture at the University of Cincinnati after completing his graduate degree as a Wolfson Fellow in 1987. 
• In 1994, he opened his Dayton architectural firm and created the Archetype Gallery as a “gift to the street” featuring installations by Ohio artists.
• In 2000, he launched the Welker Studio focused on creating large scale suspended sculptures in public places. 
• 2000 also began 22 years of public service as the City Architect, Chief Building Official, and Master Plans Examine for Kettering. 
• In 2016, he was elevated to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows (FAIA) for his national influence on architecture and sculpture.
• Welker continues his work in public art, commissioned works and Urban Sketching, (exercising his ‘10 rules’), as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Architecture at Miami University.