The Silver Medal recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the AIA, the profession, the citizens of the Western Mountain Region, and their communities, and who has transcended local boundaries in making these contributions. It is the highest honor presented by the AIA’s Western Mountain Region (representing Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming).
This honor was bestowed based on Neal’s record of continuing service toward the enhancement of humankind. The award submission included biographical data (education, registrations/certifications, experience, professional affiliations, academic appointments and juries, speaking engagements, publications, awards, etc.); a statement of contributions noting Neal’s efforts in the advancement of the profession (for Neal this included being a champion for favorable public sector contracts for architects, involvement in governmental affairs and legislation, and numerous academic engagements over his long career); a statement on his sense of duty towards social responsibility, for which we noted Jones Studio’s ‘open door’ policy towards neighbors and the community, sustainability through projects such as the APS Environmental Showcase Home, his successes in mentoring emerging professionals who go on to form some of the finest architectural firms in the WMR, and opening borders with investment in projects like the Mariposa, San Luis 1 and Otay Mesa Land Ports of Entry. The submission also included quotes from those impacted by Neal’s work as well as four letters of recommendation from Neal’s peers—some of the most prominent architects in the Western Mountain Region.