DETROIT— The Board of Directors of The Detroit Chapter American Institute of Architects voted to award the 2013 AIA Detroit Gold Medal to Rainy Hamilton Jr., FAIA, NOMA, principal at Hamilton Anderson Associates and AIA Fellow. The honor is awarded to an individual with notable contributions to the AIA Detroit Chapter and outstanding achievement of professional endeavor. This is the highest honor that AIA Detroit can bestow upon a member.
Hamilton was selected as the recipient through his ambitious work in hospitality, government and institutional projects, and dedication to the profession and greater world of design. Hamilton also is committed to the future and prosperity of the City of Detroit, and his leadership in the National Organization for Minority Architects.
Hamilton is a native Detroiter and graduate of the University of Detroit-Mercy School of Architecture. He established his own Detroit-based architectural firm as a solo practitioner in 1993. Hamilton Anderson Associates has grown to include partner, Kent Anderson, landscape architect, and over 50 full-time employees.
Detroit projects include: Wayne County Community College District Northwest Campus; Queen Lillian/WSU Medical Office Building; Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority Terminal; Woodward/M1 Light Rail; and the Detroit Future City Strategic Framework Plan.
In 1999, Hamilton was appointed by Former Gov. John Engler to serve on the Michigan Board of Architects, and in 2000 he was appointed to serve on the Michigan Board of Land Surveyors. Hamilton became the first Black American to serve as president of the Detroit Chapter of the American Institute of Architects in 2001.
In 2012 Hamilton served as president of the Detroit Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects
