3rd Annual Impact Dallas Gala Returns November 9

The black-tie event highlights the architects, organizations, and community members making a difference in the Dallas area; honorees include Bob Meckfessel, FAIA, Brother Bill’s Helping Hand, For Oak Cliff, and Pastor Vincent T. Parker

The Dallas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Dallas) and the Architecture and Design Foundation (the Foundation) announce their third annual Impact Dallas Gala presented by Page and Schmidt & Stacy Consulting Engineers, Inc., a black-tie event will take place on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at The Thompson Hotel.

Impact Dallas raises funds to directly impact real-world problems, connect communities, and improve peoples’ lives. Since the inaugural event in 2021, the Gala has raised over $275,000 for the Foundation to fund community projects, provide scholarships to increase access to architecture education, and host year-round public programs, tours, camps, and exhibitions for all ages.

Serving as co-chairs for Impact Dallas Gala are Shelley Potter, ASLA, and Jeff Potter, FAIA. Shelley serves on the Board of the Dallas Arboretum, is a member of the Oak Lawn Committee and is currently serving as its president for a second consecutive year. Jeff is the recipient of both the 2023 Texas Society of Architects Lifetime Achievement in Honor of Llewellyn W. Pitts; and the 2023 AIA National Edward C. Kemper Award, the highest service award the AIA can confer upon a member for their significant impact on the profession. Jeff and Shelley have both been recognized as Texas A&M Distinguished Alumni, the first couple so bestowed with this highest honor.

Each year the Impact Dallas Gala bestows the organizations’ two most distinguished awards – the AD EX Community Cornerstone Award to a community-based organization or individual, and the AIA Dallas Lifetime Achievement Award to an AIA Dallas member.

“At the Impact Dallas Gala, the Foundation is proud to honor the architects and visionaries that contribute to the richness of the built environment in Dallas communities,” said Zaida Basora, FAIA, Executive Director of AIA Dallas and the Foundation. “And, to support those working to transform the places we live, work, and play in ways that will improve the lives of our city’s residents and future generations.”

The AD EX Community Cornerstone Award is awarded to a non-architectural entity in recognition of outstanding contributions that enhance the quality of life by shaping environments and building community. Each finalist for this award receives a grant from the Foundation to continue their important efforts. The winner will be announced at the Gala, among the three 2023 finalists: Brother Bill’s Helping Hand, For Oak Cliff, and Pastor Vincent T. Parker.

AIA Dallas’ Lifetime Achievement award is the highest honor given to an architect by the Dallas chapter, the nation’s 6th largest AIA chapter, and this year will be awarded to Bob Meckfessel, FAIA, president of the Oak Cliff-based DSGN Associates. Bob has over 30 years of practice and has been recognized for excellence in urban design, architecture, sustainability, and preservation.

The signature Impact Dallas Gala includes passed hors d’oeuvres, a three-course meal, open bar, silent auction, and live music by Emerald City. The pre-dinner reception will be held for the evening’s honorees, host committee members, and sponsors. Guests are requested to follow a black-tie dress code. Tickets go on sale August 31, 2023 at dallasadex.org/gala.