Architect Walter L. Wilson, FAIA, Glendale, has been selected to receive the 2020 “Golden Award” from AIA Wisconsin, the state society of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The Golden Award is the highest honor the professional organization can bestow upon a member architect.

The Golden Award will be presented to Wilson on April 29 during the 2020 AIA Wisconsin Conference on Architecture at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison.

Wilson is being recognized for his distinguished leadership and service in advancing the profession of architecture and inspiring other architects. Committed to the future of the profession and its role in improving our communities, his career has been dedicated to mentoring the next generation of architects and serving as a role model for black, Native American and brown emerging professionals pursuing academic degrees and careers in architecture.  Wilson also unselfishly shares his knowledge and skills to improve local communities and the state of Wisconsin as a “citizen architect” paying it forward through public service.

Wilson launched his own firm, The Wilson Firm, Ltd, Architects and Engineers, in 1985, serving as CEO for over 16 years. He retired in 2013 as principal architect for Milwaukee County. Wilson currently is the founding architect, artist and visionary for his new firm, DESIGN 4U, which focuses on architectural consulting, owner representation and programming.  

“Walter Wilson has contributed significantly to the American Institute of Architects and our profession, effectively advocating on behalf of our profession and working to enhance the public’s awareness of architects and the positive impact that architecture has in our communities,” according to Andy Malanowski, AIA, New Berlin, president of AIA Wisconsin. “He has demonstrated a fearless willingness and strength of character to overcome barriers and boundaries to provide inspiration to fellow architects and many others outside of the profession.”

“I am very surprised and honored to be recognized with this award,” commented Wilson. “It reminds me of a poem I was given when I left active duty in the United States Air Force to start college in Oklahoma that includes the following passage: ‘Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.’”

Wilson became active with the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) at Oklahoma State University, where he received a Bachelor of Architecture in Architectural Design and a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering. He has remained engaged as a leader of the AIA ever since. Wilson served as the 1992 president of AIA Southeast Wisconsin and as a Director-At-Large on the AIA Wisconsin Board of Directors. In 2011, he was elevated to the prestigious AIA College of Fellows in recognition of his significant contributions to the profession of architecture. After serving as treasurer of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), Wilson was instrumental in establishing the Wisconsin Chapter of NOMA in 2019.

A “citizen architect,” Wilson gives back to his community in many ways, including his current volunteer service on the City of Glendale Architectural Review Board. Appointed by two Governors, he served with distinction as the architect on the State Capitol and Executive Residence Board for twelve years until 2003.

In 2005, Wilson was appointed to the Architect Section of the Wisconsin Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers and Professional Land Surveyors, serving as chair until 2011. Representing Wisconsin on the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), he helped shape policies on state licensing requirements, professional conduct, continuing education, architecture registration examination and sustainable design criteria.

With over 1,500 members, AIA Wisconsin represents architects in private practice, business, industry, government and education. Founded in 1911, it is the state society of the American Institute of Architects. The first Golden Award was conferred by the Wisconsin Society of Architects in 1986.