Manchester, NH — The 2012 Clinton Sheerr Award for Excellence in New Hampshire Architecture was bestowed on James Somes FAIA at the American Institute of Architects New Hampshire Chapter Awards Ceremony, January 20, at the NH Institute of Art in Manchester.
The Clinton Sheerr Award honors and promotes New Hampshire architects and their architecture that exemplify excellence in design at the highest level.
Jim Somes FAIA is a well-known architect in New Hampshire, New England, and national architectural circles, having practiced in the state for over 25 years. In 1980 he founded his own firm, JSA Inc., in Portsmouth and grew it to be of the largest in the state, then expanded it to other branches along the east coast. During that time he designed more than 20 award-winning projects, recruited and mentored a host of talented young professionals, and provided vision and leadership to the design and construction industry. Among his many designs are Pinewood Manor, Old Orchard Beach, ME (1981); Hewitt Hall Renovation, UNH (1995); and Exeter Hospital (2000).
Somes was president of AIANH in 1989-90, and a long term Board member. He was also one of the founders of Plan NH, an organization that thrives today as a proud offspring of AIANH serving the state’s communities. He served as a board member of Strawbery Banke, was a Boston Architectural College instructor, Portland School of Art Curriculum Advisor, and a Board Member of the Portsmouth Music Hall, among many other volunteer activities.
AIA conferred Fellowship status on Jim in 1995, a juried honor awarded to only 3% of its national members.
This list of achievements is just a sample of Jim’s service to his profession and his community. But nowhere on this list do you get the full dimension of his most appreciated contributions to the profession and practice of architecture here in New Hampshire. In presenting the award, Patricia Sherman FAIA, noted that “he saw the profession of architecture as a way to bring generosity and collaboration into the competitive business of architecture. Success was the common denominator in all of Jim’s efforts, but not for himself. He treated his clients as partners in successful projects. He treated his peers as friends even though they were competing for the same job. If you were a young person interested in architecture he found you a job, usually in his own office. He mentored his employees and encouraged them to start their own businesses.”
Many architects in New Hampshire owe their success to their interaction with Somes. He gave also gave huge amounts of time and energy to community efforts and knew the true meaning of pro bono work. As noted by two of his partners, James Warner FAIA and Bruce Dicker FAIA, Somes “set the bar high for everyone in the profession and then helped us all to succeed.”
The award is named after Clinton Sheerr AIA, a well-known New Hampshire architect who died in 1997. Sheerr was responsible for designing numerous award-winning New Hampshire buildings, notably the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and St. Paul’s Church, and was active in professional and community organizations. He exemplified great passion for beauty and design, a dedication to the community, and the tenacity to follow one’s tasks and dreams. The award honors other similarly outstanding architects in New Hampshire who carry on the tradition of deep love and dedication for the State, its architecture and environment.
Past recipients of the Clinton Sheerr Award are Christopher P. Williams AIA (2007), C. Stuart White AIA (2008), Daniel V. Scully AIA (2009), John Merkle AIA (2010), and Patricia Sherman FAIA (2011). The New Hampshire Chapter of the American Institute of Architects manages the Award, and the funds are held by the NH Charitable Foundation. Nominations can be made to the AIANH office by December 1 of each year and are viewed by a jury. For more information on the Award and to read about past recipients, please go to: www.aianh.org/clinton_sheerr.asp