Patty Opitz Receives National AIA Young Architect Award

Posted February 19, 2019

Patty Opitz, AIA, a senior associate and licensed architect at Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects, has been honored with the Young Architect Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). She is just one of 22 architects selected from across the country for this prestigious recognition. The annual program now in its 26th year recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers. Since the program’s inception, there have only been three other architects from the state of Arkansas who have been honored with this recognition, making Patty the fourth and first female architect from Arkansas to receive this award.

“Patty’s passion for the architect’s role in shaping community policy and elevating the human experience makes her an excellent example for the next generation to emulate,” said Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects Principal Reese Rowland, “Patty leads with actions beyond words; she is an architect of consequence beyond our profession.”

Patty is currently the project architect team manager for the new Bank OZK Headquarters building, one of the largest construction projects in the state. The 247,000 square foot facility sits on a 44-acre site at The Ranch located on Highway 10 in Little Rock. Patty’s project experience also includes the University of Central Arkansas Donaghey Hall, The Village at Hendrix Market Square South, The Purple Cow Restaurants, Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas, and numerous private residences across the state of Arkansas.

Patty is also a recipient of the Arkansas Construction Hall of Fame 2018 Emerging Professional Award and the AIA Arkansas 2016 Emerging Professional Award. She was named by Little Rock Soiree Class of 2014 “Women2Watch” and is a graduate of the Little Rock Regional Chamber’s Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXII.

Patty will receive the award at the annual AIA Conference on Architecture this coming June in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Read more at www.aia.org