The Chicago office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill has earned the 2011 Firm of the Year Award from the American Institute of Architects' (AIA) Chicago chapter. The award recognizes outstanding achievements by a firm, excellence in the body of work produced by the firm, and the contribution made by the firm to the advancement of the architectural profession in the areas of design, research, planning, technology and architectural practice.
"Skidmore Owings & Merrill is the jury's unanimous choice for AIA Chicago's 2011 Firm of the Year," stated the jury. "It is evident in the submission that SOM has a distinct culture that is collaborative and team-oriented with a history of high aspirations for design excellence. For the professional community, SOM's innovation continues to impact and inform tall building design around the world, while it is also evident that SOM is an involved and active citizen of Chicago, reaching outside of itself to positively impact the community and its organizations."