At a black tie dinner in Orlando at the AIA Florida’s convention, DAG Architects was awarded the Firm of the Year for the state of Florida.  This honor is given in recognition of outstanding achievement in design, community service, education, and service to the profession and the AIA by an architectural firm.  Projects, accomplishments and service must reflect a period of at least 10 years.  DAG’s entry reflected the firm’s commitment to the profession, to the community, to the firm, and to design excellence. 

Accepting the award on behalf of DAG were DAG principals Charles W. Clary, III, FAIA, Roger Godwin, AIA, Jack Baker, AIA, Patrick Ballasch, AIA, and Robert Johnson, AIA.  DAG co-founder Samuel Blimling was unable to attend.  Also on hand to share in the occasion were DAG associate principals Alex Gacic, David Luttrell, and Gail Ennis, along with firm members Rita Bronson, Wayne Dewhirst, Owen Gipson, Don Whitehead, Robert Charles, and Dan Augustin.

In the 26 years since the firm’s inception, DAG has personified the definition of commitment.  Among the key points which led to DAG’s selection was the involvement of Charlie Clary over the years in public service, first as a city councilman in Destin and then later as the first architect ever to be elected to Florida’s State Senate.   Also cited was the involvement of Clary and other firm members in local and state professional and community organizations, such as the Design Futures Council, the U. S. Green Building Council, and the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation.

“DAG Architects has been, and continues to be, a dedicated and respected leader in the AIA, a strong voice in the advocacy of architecture, an influential player in the legislative process in the State, and a major factor in the success of AIA Florida and the improvement of quality of life in the State of Florida,” wrote Mickey Jacob, AIA, in support of the nomination.