Andrew Mendelson, AIA (left) and Jack Bowman, AIA; Photo by Rick Aguilar

The Board of Directors voted in November to bestow the Chapter's Distinguished Service Award on John (Jack) Bowman, AIA and Andrew Mendelson, AIA.

Bowman was praised for his dedication to detail and his kindness to young architects. "His understanding and appreciation for the art of building have made him one of the last architects for whom design and construction have equally important significance," wrote Dirk Lohan, FAIA.

"I met Jack on [the] third day of my career," wrote Roger McFarland, AIA. "I expected to work with the best talent at Fujikawa, Conterato and Lohan. I did not expect to meet the kindest gentleman I have ever met."

Bowman worked for more than 40 years for Chicago firms, including

Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the offices of Mies van der Rohe, and Lohan Caprile Goettsch. After retiring in 1995 from the latter, he began teaching at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT).

"His patient ability to educate and nurture young architects at IIT is a commitment Jack has demonstrated in recent years even as he continues to learn and develop his intellect," wrote James Torvik, AIA.

Bowman has been a long-time volunteer with the Lincoln Central Association, planning and designing two key neighborhood parks - Oz and Lincoln Central.

Mendelson, a principal at OWP/P, was honored most notably for his extraordinary, intensive effort as part of the A/E/C Study Group, a collection of architects and engineers from AIA Chicago and the Consulting Engineers Council of Illinois (CECI). The group is dedicated to pursuing revisions to contractual language in City of Chicago and Public Building Commission contracts. As the steward of this group, Mendelson has been instrumental in organizing activities and establishing a relationship with legal consultants. The group has been in discussion with the City regarding Indemnification, Standard of Care, Warrantee Issues, Dispute Resolution, Right of Offset, Copyright and Prompt Payment - contractual areas of universal importance to the well-being of large and small firms.

"As his responsibilities within his firm have increased, his contributions to our profession and community have grown commensurately," wrote Charles Smith, AIA.