This past week I was honoured to learn that I have been selected for an “Award of Excellence” from the American Society of Architectural Illustrators. The illustration that was recognized is the one that I’ve featured on my past two blog entries. Given I’m not a professional illustrator, I was humbled to be included among the 11 recipients of the Award of Excellence – which included Henry Sorenson from Montana, and Dennis Allain from Massachusetts. These two men, and the others recognized are at the top of their field. I look forward to meeting them in person in Boston this fall at the upcoming Architecture in Perspective event.

Ironically, the illustration “Forest Villa” would not have come to fruition had it not been for a negative turn in the Chinese economy. After spending the better part of the last decade working in Asia as a “imagineer” (the guy who comes up with the unprecedented concept for large scale projects – refer to examples below) – I found myself with “a little time on my hands”.

Chengdu University quadrangle (Designed and illustrated by Howard Rideout – consultant to B+H Architects)

Aerial perspective – Chengdu University (Designed and illustrated by Howard Rideout – consultant to B+H Architects)

After working seven months in Hong Kong and returning to Toronto last March, world news began to cover the slowing economy in China. This affected the Asian architectural design industry almost instantaneously, and my prospects for large scale international projects along with it.

Over the next few months, while I busied myself rekindling my client relationships in Canada, I had the opportunity to attend the annual conference of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI), which was held in Toronto in October.

Coming away from the conference I was inspired by the talent of many of the attendees, and found myself reflecting on how long it had been since I rigorously applied myself to a single illustration. What better time, than a slow time – to focus a little effort improving my drawing skills. I’ve always differentiated myself as an architect who actually puts pen to paper – and this time around I would put pen, coloured pencil, and marker to paper – and do it in a way that reflected the fullest expression of my creative intent. To be recognized for this effort with this award is both gratifying, and serendipitous.

As spring revealed itself this year, so did some new large scale projects – and I’ve now been tasked with envisioning a master-planned community in my own backyard (well, Canada at least!). Naturally, I’ve started the design process with a couple sketches and I find myself being fueled creatively by the energy that comes with recognition from my peers.