AIA PA Director of Legislative Affairs, Amal Mahrouki, presents Senator Dave Argall with the 2023 Government Award
HARRISBURG – October 31, 2023
The Pennsylvania chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), AIA Pennsylvania, has named Senator David (Dave) Argall the recipient of their 2023 Government Award.
Senator Argall represents the 29th District, which includes all of Schuylkill and Carbon Counties, and parts of Luzerne County, including the city of Hazleton. As a member of the Senate’s majority leadership team, his top legislative priority is revitalizing our downtowns and older industrial neighborhoods. He’s led successful battles to pass several new anti-blight laws. Because of his grassroots teamwork, “left behind” communities across Pennsylvania, from his hometown of Tamaqua to parts of our largest cities, have witnessed a positive transformation.
AIA Pennsylvania recognizes Senator Argall as a champion of historic preservation and blight remediation. The Senator is lauded for ensuring architects’ expertise is part of community and economic development conversations around construction and housing. As Chair of Senate Education Committee, the Senator recently invited AIA Pennsylvania to weigh in on public school facilities and as chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Statewide Blight Task Force, he extended a task force seat to the chapter to ensure architects are part of the solution.
Upon receiving notice of the honor, the Senator shared, “Throughout the years, my most rewarding work has been with local volunteers and bipartisan government leaders to breathe new life into many of our old towns. One of the biggest issues we continue to face is the urgent need to transform more blighted properties into new housing throughout Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne Counties.”
AIA Pennsylvania’s Director of Legislative Affairs presented Senator Argall with the award ahead of the reveal of the remaining eight (8) categories of the Architectural Excellence Special Awards, debuting with the 2023 Architectural Excellence Awards Broadcast and Viewing Parties on November 16. The Architectural Excellence Special Awards recognize significant achievements by members, non-members, civic leaders, allied professionals, and firms contributing to the built environment and the profession’s advancement in the Commonwealth.
Annually, the Government Award recipient(s) are put forward to the AIA Pennsylvania Board by the AIA Pennsylvania Government Affairs Committee for final approval. The award is given in recognition of significant contributions to, or particular support of, the profession and business of architecture and/or the built environment in Pennsylvania.
About AIA Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), AIA Pennsylvania, represents nearly 3,000 members across the Commonwealth working at the forefront of a nearly $17 billion construction industry. AIA Pennsylvania advocates for the value of architecture and policies that promote economic prosperity and the health, safety, and welfare of the public. As a membership organization, the chapter provides architecture professionals with the statewide community, advocacy, and knowledge to affect positive outcomes through the power of design.