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Lerch Bates proudly congratulates Adrian Smith, FAIA, RIBA, on receiving the prestigious 2025 AIA Chicago Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition that honors his extraordinary contributions to architecture and urban design over the past five decades, including multiple Lerch Bates projects such as the Burj Khalifa, Jeddah Tower and Obama Center.
From his early days as a design partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) to his visionary leadership at Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG), Adrian Smith has been a driving force behind some of Chicago’s most iconic structures and transformative public spaces. His work has not only reshaped skylines around the world but has also deeply enriched the fabric of Chicago’s communities.
Smith’s legacy is rooted in a profound sense of civic responsibility. His designs reflect a commitment to public benefit, evident in projects like the Millennium Park Master Plan, which welcomes over 25 million visitors annually, and the Lakeshore East development, which transformed a freight yard into a vibrant, green-centered neighborhood. His revitalization of State Street, once dubbed “that great street,” stands as a testament to his dedication to urban renewal and community engagement.
Beyond his architectural achievements, Smith has mentored over a thousand architects, championed diverse and emerging firms, and pioneered sustainable design strategies long before they became industry standards. His work on the Chicago Central Area Decarbonization Plan exemplifies his forward-thinking approach to environmental stewardship and urban resilience.
“Lerch Bates is honored to be part of the ceremonies recognizing Adrian Smith at Designight 2025, AIA Chicago’s signature awards celebration, on Sept. 18,” said Eric Rupe, Lerch Bates CEO. “This recognition places him among an esteemed group of past recipients who have shaped the architectural identity of Chicago and beyond, and we are eager to celebrate his innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to community. His legacy inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and designing with purpose. Congratulations, Adrian, on this well-deserved honor.”
