AIBD names the 2021 Designer of the Year.

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – The American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) names Robert W. Platt of Habitations LLC in Atlanta, Georgia as its 2021 Designer of the Year.

For the past six years, AIBD Professional Member Robert Platt has assisted Stephanie Voltolin, write a curriculum, obtain accreditation, and offer a Residential Building Design program at Georgia Piedmont Technical College in Atlanta, Georgia. 

“I couldn’t have gotten a Residential Building Design program through the system without him,” Ms. Voltolin wrote in her nomination of Robert for the award.

Robert and his daughter Aaron Michelle came to the college to share their vision for a residential architecture program with Stephani, now the program director. It was a long and arduous process from that first meeting to get to where the program is today, a fully accredited associate degree. 

Despite the amount of time and effort, he never once wavered in his commitment. When the going got tough, Ms. Voltolin expected Robert to abandon the effort due to his hectic business schedule. But, instead, he obligated himself further to the cause, including gathering extensive numerical data and then documenting it as needed for accreditation. As well as reviewing course content and attending every meeting held along the way.

Stephanie also shared, “It may have taken 6 years, but we now have a one-of-a-kind accredited Residential Building Design associate degree. It wouldn’t have happened without Rob and his dedication to education and the industry.”

Congratulations, Rob, and thank you for your vision! We applaud you. You more than deserve to be AIBD’s 2021 Designer of the Year for your talent as a designer, but also your unwavering commitment to the field of residential building design.

The announcement came at the conclusion of the American Residential Design Awards annual gala dinner held at The Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on August 31, 2021. The event serves as the closing ceremony for the AIBD’s Annual Membership Meeting and the Design & Build Summer Conference.

Robert Platt (Rob) has been a construction professional for 37 years. He began Habitations LLC as “Designs for Living” in North Florida in the early 1980s when his passion for residential design transitioned to Atlanta in 1996. 

The American Institute of Building Design (AIBD), a nonprofit professional organization established in 1950, strives to protect and enhance the practice of residential building design. AIBD is committed to providing certification and quality continuing education to ensure that our members remain current with technology, materials, and building codes.

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