With deep admiration and pride, we announce that John Kirksey, FAIA, founder of Kirksey Architecture, has received the 2023 AIA Houston Award for Career Distinction for his many contributions to the design field and community.  

"John is a visionary. He has bold, creative ideas with the persuasive charm, charisma, and skill in leadership to show others his vision and the enormous persistence and courage to make things happen," remarked President of Kirksey Architecture, Wes Good.  

John Kirksey, FAIA, founded Kirksey Architecture 52 years ago, just one year after graduating from college. Currently, the firm has three locations in Texas, a staff of 234 people, and specializes in diverse project types across a range of market sectors. Kirksey Architecture's mission is to design healthy, high-performing buildings that enhance the lives of the people, communities, and environment they serve. The firm has gained national recognition for its sustainable designs and is well-known for its dedication to quality, innovation, and employee development. Under John's leadership, Kirksey has received over 200 awards for firm and project design accomplishments. Kirksey has consistently ranked among the top design firms in local and national ENR rankings and featured in the top 100 of Building Design + Construction's Giants List - Top Architecture Firms. Additionally, Kirksey has been recognized as one of Houston Business Journal's Best Places to Work for the past 20 years. 

John has demonstrated his dedication to the community through a lifetime of service. His visionary leadership and passion for the environment led to his involvement in the creation of Trees for Houston and the Galveston Bay Foundation, two organizations that positively impact the Texas Gulf Coast region and beyond. John has also served as a Board Member for the Society of Performing Arts, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, and Houston Museum of Natural Science. His bold initiatives, service to others, and leadership in environmental stewardship have undoubtedly made Texas a more beautiful and better place to live. 

John Kirksey received his AIA Houston Career Distinction Award on December 19th at the AIA Holiday Party at the Museum of Fine Arts. To honor John, MFAH raised funds to buy an architect-designed piece for the museum's permanent design collection with AIA Houston. John worked with MFAH's Cindi Strauss, the Sara and Bill Morgan Curator of Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design, to select the piece, a copper and brass fire screen designed by architect W.A.S Benson in 1891.