The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has announced that David Lake, FAIA, and Ted Flato, FAIA, founders of the San Antonio-based firm Lake|Flato, will be awarded the prestigious 2024 AIA Gold Medal. This honor recognizes individuals whose extensive body of work has left a lasting impact on the theory and practice of architecture.
Lake and Flato's collaborative efforts have consistently demonstrated a commitment to connecting people with nature through innovative and sustainable design strategies. The duo, hailing from the heart of Texas, has propelled Lake|Flato to the forefront of sustainable architecture, securing an impressive 15 Committee on the Environment (COTE) Top 10 Awards and contributing to the creation of healthier, more sustainable, and inclusive spaces inspired by nature.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Design Excellence
of the ecotypes of the South Texas region and the function of the San Antonio River watershed.
David Lake, an Austin native, co-founded Lake|Flato with Ted Flato in 1984. Known as outspoken advocates for urban development, they have established themselves as citizen architects through their extensive plans and designs, not only in Texas but also across the nation.
Ted Flato, who earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Stanford University, has garnered acclaim for his straightforward designs that seamlessly integrate with each unique site, fostering a connection between people and the natural environment. Beyond design, Flato's collaborations and environmental advocacy, alongside Lake, have played a pivotal role in protecting and preserving 50,000 acres of land in Texas, contributing significantly to conservation efforts spanning from West Virginia to the Florida Everglades.
Sustainability Leadership and Recognition
Over the last four decades, Lake and Flato have reshaped the discourse surrounding sustainability, social responsibility, and environmental consciousness. Their inclusive design practice is poised to have a lasting impact for generations to come.
Earlier this month, Lake|Flato was awarded an ARCHITECT magazine RADA Honor award for their for their River Bend Residence in New Braunfels, Texas, which juror Benjamin Anderson described the house as reinforcing “community because it’s a multitude of smaller buildings or pavilions that create more complex spaces between each other.”
In ARCHITECT magazine’s groundbreaking article on what rewilding means for architects, Madeleine D’Angelo used the firm’s New Braunfels Utilities project as exemplary project that is about ecosystem regeneration.
The San Antonio- and Austin, Texas-based company is the first architecture firm in the state to also receive the B Corp Certification from B Lab earlier this year.
In a testament to their exceptional work, Lake|Flato also placed first in ARCHITECT mgazine's 2019 Architect 50 rankings–an annual ranking of the best U.S. firms, where they excelled notably in sustainability and design categories. Judges of the Architect 50 praised the firm's portfolio for its "gorgeous projects, inflected by a western U.S. regionalism," noting that each project feels deeply rooted in its location. The firm has been honored with over 300 design awards, including the American Institute of Architects Firm of the Year Award in 2004 and 15 Top Ten Green Project Awards from the AIA Committee on the Environment.
Furthermore, founders Ted Flato and David Lake also received the O’Neil Ford Medal for Design Achievement from the Texas Society of Architects, recognizing the firm's 35-year commitment to regionally sensitive Modernism and sustainable design.
Lake|Flato's unique approach begins with an integrated design charrette involving owners, users, and citizens. The firm sets metrics for building performance, resiliency, and regenerative principles at the outset, fostering a collaborative environment that aligns with the aspirations of both the architects and the community.
David Lake reflects on the firm's journey, stating, "From the start, our principal passion has been to merge the built environment with the natural environment, and the contextual and cultural environments as well."
As Lake|Flato continues to pioneer sustainable design, the 2024 AIA Gold Medal serves as a fitting tribute to the indelible mark left by David Lake and Ted Flato on the world of architecture.
The AIA Gold Medal was established in 1907. Last year, the award went to Chicago architect Carol Ross Barney and other recipients including Angela Brooks and Lawrence Scarpa (Jointly) , and Ed Mazria.
