Seay, Seay & Litchfield Architects (SS&L) proudly announces receipt of prestigious awards presented to two staff members at the AIA Alabama Conference on Architecture.
Mr. Jimmy Seay, Jr.,
AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, is the recipient of the esteemed AIA Alabama Gold Medal of Honor. This prestigious award recognizes Seay's consistent visionary leadership and outstanding service to the architectural profession throughout his distinguished forty-six-year career.
The AIA Alabama Gold Medal of Honor Award is the highest honor bestowed upon an architect member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in Alabama. It serves as a testament to individuals whose leadership, service, and contributions have had a direct and lasting impact on the AIA, their community, and the broader design and construction industries.
Jimmy Seay's legacy in the field of architecture spans nearly five decades, and this honor is a well-deserved tribute to his unwavering commitment to excellence in design and his significant contributions to the architectural landscape of Alabama. His visionary leadership has not only shaped the architectural profession within the state but has also left a lasting imprint on the communities and projects of which he has been involved. Mentoring aspiring architects has been a primary focus of Seay’s career. He served as the State of Alabama Coordinator for the AIA/NCARB Intern Development Program (IDP) from its establishment in 1986 until 2019. This program (recently renamed to the Architectural Experience Program) identifies tasks that are essential for competent architectural practice to best prepare students and aspiring architects for licensure through the state board.
"Generations of young architects in our state have benefitted from Jimmy Seay’s leadership and advocacy. In their eyes, as well as mine, Jimmy exemplifies a model of professionalism and servant leader they aspire to emulate," said David Hinson, Professor and Associate Dean of the Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction. Hinson, a past recipient of the Alabama AIA Gold Medal Honor Award, continued, "For nearly five decades Jimmy Seay’s consistent visionary leadership and tireless service to emerging professionals in Alabama have earned him the respect and appreciation of his peers. I can think of no better way to acknowledge and honor Jimmy than to award him the Gold Medal, the Alabama Council AIA’s highest honor."
Jimmy H. Seay, Jr. is a co-founder of Seay, Seay & Litchfield Architects, a leading architectural firm based in Montgomery, Alabama, which has been serving the region since 1977. Under his leadership, the firm has consistently delivered high-quality architectural designs that meet the diverse needs of clients and end-users.
Mr. Cody Smith, AIA, NCARB, has been honored with the Alabama Council of the AIA’s Young Architect Award. This prestigious accolade is the highest recognition bestowed upon a young architect within AIA Alabama, recognizing individuals whose leadership, service, and contributions have made significant positive impacts on the architectural profession and the AIA in the state of Alabama.
Cody Smith's remarkable journey in the field of architecture commenced after his graduation from Mississippi State University in 2017, where he earned his Bachelor of Architecture and was awarded the 2017 MSU Undergraduate Research Award. His passion and dedication to the field were evident from the start of his career. One of Cody's most noteworthy achievements is his rapid path to becoming a licensed architect, a milestone he achieved in just seven years, five years ahead of the national average. This accomplishment exemplifies his commitment to excellence and his drive to excel within the profession.
Cody's dedication extends beyond his professional achievements. He has been an active and valuable member of the architectural community, notably serving the Montgomery chapter of the AIA from 2018 to 2022 in various leadership roles, including a term as president in his final year as an officer. Currently, Cody serves on the board for AIA Montgomery, further contributing to the growth and development of the profession at the local level. In addition to his involvement with the AIA, Cody is a respected board member of the Alabama Center for Architecture, where his insights and expertise continue to shape the architectural landscape in Alabama. Outside of his architectural pursuits, Cody enjoys travel and quality time with his family, demonstrating a well-rounded approach to life and a commitment to balancing personal and professional growth.
Since joining Seay, Seay & Litchfield Architects, Cody Smith has made significant contributions as a project manager and member of design teams for a range of projects. Notable among these projects are the Troy University Health Science Building, Troy University Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences, Troy University Student Fitness Center, Alabama Orthopedic Office, and his participation on the design team for the Opelika Police Station.
“Cody Smith's achievements and dedication are a source of inspiration for young architects and professionals within the architectural community,” said Jimmy Seay, Jr., Founder and Senior Principal Architect at SS&L. “His selection for the Alabama Council AIA Young Architect Award is a testament to his exemplary leadership, unwavering commitment to the profession, and the positive impact he has made on the architectural landscape in Alabama.”
The award ceremony took place on September 30th, 2023, at the AIA Alabama Conference on Architecture in Orange Beach, Alabama. This event brought together architectural professionals, community leaders, and fellow AIA members to discuss trends within the industry, innovations, and to present design and honor awards.
ABOUT SEAY, SEAY & LITCHFIELD ARCHITECTS:
Delivering
Quality by Design for half a century, Seay, Seay & Litchfield Architects is a design-oriented firm grounded in exceptional client service. Based in Montgomery, Alabama, with branch offices in Dothan, Auburn, and Huntsville, the firm specializes in creating innovative solutions that enhance environments, bringing people together. The SS&L team focuses on attention to detail integrated with disciplined creativity to achieve total project success.
Services provided by SS&L include architectural design, interior design, landscape architecture, master planning, graphics, and more. Types of projects range from residential to civic, K-12/higher education, and even military facilities.
The firm was founded in 1977 by James Seay, Sr., and Jimmy Seay, Jr., later adding Frank Litchfield, III to the team. SS&L Architects now employs the largest number of registered architects under one roof in the central Alabama region and boasts one of the best intern development programs in the nation. A fast-growing small business, SS&L has widened its footprint across the state, opening branch locations within the last two years in Auburn and Huntsville.
For more information about Seay, Seay & Litchfield Architects, our team, or even our portfolio, please visit our website at
sslarch.com.