Phillip C. Johnson, FAIA, to Receive 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award
10.05.2020
Mentor, firm leader, and trailblazing architect, Phillip C. Johnson, FAIA, will receive the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award
Phillip Craig Johnson, co-founder and principal of Johnson & Lee, Ltd. has 44 years of experience in a variety of architectural areas prior to and since co-founding the firm in 1983. In May 2005, Mr. Johnson was elevated by the American Institute of Architects to the College of Fellows. Mr. Johnson served on the Board of AIA Chicago and as an advisor to the Board of the Illinois Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (INOMA).
As one of Johnson & Lee’s design principals, Mr. Johnson earned AIA Chicago Design Excellence Awards and also the Driehaus Neighborhood Design Awards. Johnson & Lee, Ltd. is one of a small number of Chicago-owned, African-American architectural firms to achieve such prestigious awards as lead designers.
“I am truly humbled by this award. Architecture is a complex art form that relies on the collaboration of many,” commented Johnson. “This achievement would not have been possible without the support family, partners, team members and clients—all who are willing to give a firm of color the opportunity to lead design programs to build and improve urban communities.”
Mr. Johnson is a member of the Art Institute of Chicago Leadership Advisory Committee, Business Leadership Council, Trinity United Church of Christ and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (founder Psi Gamma Chapter). He has served on boards or been a member of: Chicago Architecture Club; Newhouse Architecture Committee; Near South Planning Board; Archeworks Board; City Club of Chicago; National Trust for Historic Preservation; Masters of Fine Art Program, Advisory Board for Columbia College Art & Design Department; AIA Chicago Board of Directors and the Chicago Historical Society Architectural Alliance—among myriad other contributions to the architectural profession.
"Collectively, the winners of the AIA Chicago Lifetime Achievement Award form a rich tapestry of varied career accomplishments, in one of the world’s most innovative cities of architecture," commented John Syvertsen, FAIA, AIA Chicago Interim Executive Vice President. "While each story is unique and fascinating, all of the recipients have shared a passion for improving the world through their work, and have succeeded impressively."
