AUSTIN, Texas (02.08.2019) – On February 1, 2019, the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) recognized BLGY Architecture (BLGY) with the Employers for Education Excellence Gold Award.
The Award was created by the Texas Legislature in 2007 to recognize Texas employers that support employees in participating and volunteering in Texas’ public schools.
Employers for Education Excellence Award
Tom Maynard, SBOE Member District 10 presented the award to Benny Hawkins, BLGY President and CEO. BLGY was recognized for its service to schools and teachers in central Texas. BLGY employees attend parent-teacher conferences, mentor students, and volunteer in the schools.
As stated in the SBOE award announcement, “BLGY Architecture is a great business partner for Central Texas schools. Its leaders look for opportunities to bring mentors and business training into schools and then work to sustain the programs and partnerships. The State Board of Education is pleased to award this outstanding company with the 2018 gold-level Employers for Education Excellence Award,” said Donna Bahorich, board chair.
One example of the firm’s support is its student – mentor partnership with Westwood High School in the Round Rock Independent School District. The firm hosts a Soft Skills for College and Career Readiness workshop that teaches students about critical thinking and collaboration, listening, punctuality and respect.
In the Austin Independent School District, the firm, one of its Vice Presidents Sita Lakshminarayan, and industry partners are launching a pilot program at Lanier High School. The program, LEED Prep: Green Building Lessons for a Sustainable Future, will introduce students to green building principles and requirements of the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) program.
BLGY also organizes externships to provide teachers with hands-on experience in architecture and engineering. Teachers can incorporate what they learn into classroom Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum.
BLGY Architecture
Established in 1955 and based in Austin, Texas, BLGY offers full architectural services, including programming and space planning, design, construction drawings, construction administration, master planning, facility assessments and program management.
The firm has broad and deep experience that includes education facilities, government and municipal buildings, financial institutions, office structures, recreational centers, and manufacturing buildings.
Service to community is a core component of BLGY’s business model. The firm has been recognized for its community service and design achievements by clients, nonprofit groups and a broad spectrum of organizations. As Mr. Hawkins noted in his acceptance remarks, “It is the ethical thing to do to give…back to the community that enables you to make a living.”
Media Enquiries
Vicki McCullough
Sequitur Marketing, on behalf of BLGY Architecture
vicki@sequiturmarketing.com
512.771.3969
