Wednesday, March 23, 2011

NEVADA’S SEVENTH AIA FELLOW - RIC LICATA, FAIA



Richard Licata, FAIA, principal of Licata Hansen Architects in Reno, Nevada, current AIA National Director for the Western Mountain Region, previous President of AIA Nevada, and AIA Northern Nevada Chapters has been elevated to Fellowship, and joins Nevada’s distinguished group of six other architects who have achieved this great honor.

Based upon his commitment to the community and his concern for the environment Richard Licata began teaching an Introduction to Solar Energy class in 1989 at Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC). Licata’s position grew from a part-time instructor to full professorship, while still maintaining his practice and being active in the AIA. As a Professor and AIAS advisor Richard has helped students to understand the profession. He teaches that the AIA is a symbol, demonstrating commitment and being a part a profession that is dynamic, and makes a difference in the quality of life in the communities we serve. As the only architect to ever receive the AIA Nevada Livable Community Medal, Richard utilizes
Nevada’s regions, cities and environment as a teaching lab.

Ric’s students have won many national design competitions, in most cases two-year students competing against five-year or graduate students. His students are coveted by many architecture schools nationally and internationally for their excellent work and the excellent qualities of education they’ve receive. So respected is Licata’s work with his students that he was recognized as the 2005 Alumnus of the Year at the New School of Architecture and Design in San Diego. In his address to the New School commencement at the Salk Institute, Licata shared with the graduates his vision of sharing and that they connect to their creative essence; to believe and trust in themselves and their intuitive nature to connect to that something greater inside them to give hope, solidify dreams and continue to develop their unique abilities and bring forth their innate talents out to share with all.

Nominated three years running as Professor of the Year Richard Licata is respected by his students and his academic peers for his commitment to education and the belief that a design education should be accessible to all. Licata has chosen to remain teaching at the community college level believing that it provides access to those otherwise left un-served in a culturally diverse region where no accredited school of architecture exists. The numbers of students from TMCC transferring to accredited programs of architecture and landscape architecture has steadily grown under his tenure at the college. This trend shows the commitment and desire Licata helps to nurture in his students -- the fire within for the passion of design and the power of making a difference in people’s lives.

Ric Licata is recognized by architects and the public as a great resource for the profession, our communities and the American Institute of Architects, at both national and state levels. His lasting contributions have had a cumulative effect on the practice of architecture by virtue of his work, the effect he has on his students, his leadership on issues important to architects and the communities they serve, and for his continued vision for what the built environment can be. His efforts have transcended the standard notion of what architects do as a profession, into what it means to be an architect as a way of life.

He has connected the seemingly separate areas of practice, service and teaching to one flowing dialog of creative force; all the while, acknowledging the humbling experience of being recognized for doing what he believes in because “it’s the right thing to do.”