I'm truly honored to receive this award; it means the world to me. To think that I moved to this city twelve years ago without knowing a soul in the architecture community but felt welcomed and nurtured by this incredible group of people.
Today, I want to thank everyone that believed and encouraged me to push forward always, especially to those that helped me with the submission of this award by writing letters of recommendation, wordsmithing, and editing. To my clients, Mark Escamilla and Patrick Brown, not only to let me design their buildings but to put so much trust in our efforts. To Frank Kelly, who brought me to Houston and has been a supporter since then. My friends, partners, and co-workers that wrote heartwarming letters, Stephanie Wherry, Taryn Kinney, Kimberly Hickson, Trey Laird, Laura Sachtleben, and Solano Benitez. To my friends Gustavo Ayala and Raul Pinol, who spent endless nights editing, refining, and polishing what goes behind preparing a submission like this one.
And lastly, to my family, for supporting me always, no matter how crazy the ideas, like leaving a comfortable life in Paraguay and starting a new one from scratch in Houston.
From AIA Houston:
Congratulations to Luis Ayala, AIA, chosen as the recipient of AIAH’s 2020 Ben Brewer Young Architect Award. Named in honor of Ben Brewer, FAIA, for distinguished service to the profession and his significant influence on young professionals. This Award recognizes excellence in ability, exceptional work, and significant contributions to the practice of architecture. The Award is given for exceptional work and general excellence in the practice of architecture. The jury considered contributions to team activities as well as individual efforts in its evaluative process. The Award recognizes accomplishment rather than promise alone.