The Austin Foundation for Architecture hosted its year-end celebration on December 4, 2008 at the Austin Center for Architecture.

Board members, their families, and invited guests from the greater Austin community joined to renew their shared commitment to promoting excellence in design for Austin.

Board chairperson Chris Noack welcomed everyone and served as the evening’s host.

Chris summarized the many and important goals that the AFA reached in 2008, including support for the Architecture in Schools program, support for Leadership Austin, partnership with the Art Alliance Austin for the international TOGS design competition, and a year of successful fundraising.

The Foundation presented two awards for exceptional contributions to Austin.

The Honorable Kirk Watson

The Honorable Kirk Watson received the award for his leadership and vision for downtown Austin and Ms. Missy Woods accepted the award on behalf of the Children’s Medical Center Foundation for its pioneering work in promoting health and wellness for children throughout Central Texas.

Each recipient was given a hand blown glass bowl designed by Kathleen Ash of Studio K in honor of their extraordinary leadership.

Wilfried Wang

Toward the end of the evening, Wilfried Wang, the O’Neil Ford Centennial Professor in Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin, offered challenging remarks concerning “Quality in Architecture.” Wang encouraged architects to enter more fully into public discussion and debate about the built environment, and to be willing to criticize fellow architects in the service of better architecture. A lively discussion followed Professor Wang’s comments and slideshow.

All the guests enjoyed a delicious buffet and holiday beverages.