Sometimes society’s obsession with all things new—the latest products, the buzziest talents, the hottest trends—overshadows our appreciation of tradition. Swimming against that current, the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) was established to preserve and advance “the classical tradition in architecture, urbanism and their allied arts.” That mission will be front and center on tonight, when the organization bestows its 2012 Arthur Ross Awards at the University Club in New York City. Five honorees were selected by a nine-member panel—which included architects William Bates and Peter Pennoyer and was chaired by landscape designer Kathryn Herman—for their significant contributions in the categories of architecture, artisanship, history/journalism, landscape design, and stewardship. The ICAA will also present a special Board of Directors honor for achievements that “transcend categories.”
And the honorees are:
Architecture award
Hammond Beeby Rupert and Ainge Architects (HBRA)
Founded in 1961 by James Wright Hammond, this Chicago firm—which now includes principals Thomas Beeby, Dennis Rupert, and Gary Ainge, as well as design director Aric Lasher—does work that ranges from intimate residential projects to large civic master plans and historic renovations, all exhibiting HBRA’s hallmarks of technical expertise, creative artistry, and sensitivity to context. hbra-arcom
Artisanship award
Rhett Butler, owner of E. R. Butler & Co.
E. R. Butler & Co., a New York firm with roots that go back to the 19th century, manufactures and distributes some of the finest architectural hardware in the country. It also maintains the industry’s most comprehensive archive of historical manufacturers’ catalogues and drawings and has helped to revive interest in hardware as a decorative art. erbutlerom
History/Journalism award
Francis Morrone
Whether leading a private tour through Manhattan’s Plaza Hotel (he’s the only guide afforded that privilege) or waxing lyrical about Greek and Romanesque Revival architecture found in Brooklyn’s Carroll Gardens neighborhood, Morrone never fails to engage and delight. The historian and raconteur’s nine books on New York and Philadelphia make for captivating reading.
Landscape design award
Edwina von Gal
With an emphasis on sustainability, Von Gal’s creations tread lightly and imaginatively on the landscape. Clients of the East Hampton, New York–based designer include fashion designer Calvin Klein and artist Richard Serra, while her high-profile public projects range from the fanciful topiary animals that grace the Channel Gardens in Rockefeller Center to a park that will accompany architect Frank Gehry’s first Latin American building, the forthcoming BioMuseo in Panama City.
Stewardship award
U.S. Commission of Fine Arts
Whether advising the U.S. Mint on the design of a new coin or approving land-use plans for a national memorial, the commission’s seven appointed members work with the President, Congress, and other governmental departments to uphold artistic and design standards. The committee also administers the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs program, which funds nonprofit exhibitions and performing arts events in the Washington, D.C., area. cfa.gov
Board of Directors honor
Marc Appleton
Much of Appleton’s early training was in 20th-century trends, but a love of classical forms—paired with an interest in regional California styles—led the Yale-educated, AD100 architect to focus on traditional buildings. An author, teacher, and ICAA trustee emeritus, Appleton has helped launch multiple ICAA chapters across the country, beginning with one in his home area of Southern California. appleton-architectom
