Established by an act of Congress in 1980, the National Building Museum is charged with inspiring curiosity about the world we design and build. To further this mission, the Museum established its annual Honor Award in 1986 to recognize those individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to our built environment.
The legacy of the Honor Award is its power to recognize excellence and connect some of the most compelling industry leaders for an evening of celebration that promotes the Museum as a leading voice and vital resource for the built community and raises funds to support the Museum.
On June 17, the National Building Museum will recognize Skidmore, Owings & Merrill as its 34th recipient of the Honor Award. This award acknowledges SOM’s extraordinary contributions to the architectural canon and its historic leadership on the critical issues of our industry. At the onset of a decade that may very well determine the future of our planet, SOM is leading the building industry’s response to the climate crisis through action and advocacy. Even as we celebrate the firm, SOM is challenging all of us by calling for immediate action that recognizes the urgency of the crisis and a transformational shift in how we design, build, and do business.
This year’s Honor Award presents a dynamic new framework for thought leadership, engagement, and celebration. In partnership with SOM, the Museum is transforming the June 17 event into an inspiring Call to Climate Action.
- Hosted by Tony Kornheiser of ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption
- Keynotes from Senator Cory Booker and LA Mayor Eric Garcetti
- Guest Speakers - Senator Ed Markey & The Carlyle Group’s David Rubenstein
David Rubenstein will interview Senator Booker and Mayor Garcetti about the urgency for climate action in the building industry and beyond, and explore how each is championing accelerated positive change. Attendees can look forward to a robust discussion on how public- and private-sector collaboration and innovation are needed to address the critical issue of global warming, this generation’s most compelling challenge. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts will also contribute his perspective during the event as co-sponsor of the Green New Deal.
All attendees will be able to enjoy a variety of online experiences, as well as a live Q&A after-party.
Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available that provide access to exclusive VIP experiences, including meeting new Museum President & Executive Director Aileen Fuchs, hearing SOM architects talk about their most innovative projects, and engaging with thought leaders from the pre-event programming.
The Honor Award celebration and NBM Climate Action programming is offered free of charge to students to foster engagement regarding the critical issue of climate change.
Starting on May 19, the Museum and SOM will co-host associated NBM Climate Action online programming, a weekly series of expert panel discussions exploring the building industry’s role in addressing the climate crisis:
May 19, 6:30 – 8pm: Getting to Net Zero – Immediate Climate Action in our Industry. The bold steps the industry needs to take, the potential for an all-electric future, and the opportunities that lie ahead on the path to net zero.
May 27, 6:30 – 8pm: Climate Justice and Social Equity. How climate change and economic and social inequity are intertwined, and what actions the industry should take to address this.
June 3, 6:30 – 8pm: “Green Innovation” as Savior? Rethinking Technology. The complex role of technology in achieving net zero and the importance of looking forward and backward for solutions to the climate crisis.
June 10, 6:30 – 8pm: Investing in Our Future. The opportunities and challenges of green investing and the necessity of government action to spur the creation of green infrastructure.
Your Honor Award Ticket gives you access to all programming. Register Today. Individual Museum Members can attend the virtual celebration and associated programming for free. Explore Museum Membership here
