November 27, 2024
Just this fall, A49’s Aaron Hirota was awarded the David Erb Memorial Award from the OALA. The award is intended for members who show “outstanding volunteerism” and who “contribute to furthering the goals and strategic plans of the OALA as well as, making a real difference to the OALA and its members.”
Aaron was nominated by his peers at the OALA, which he said was quite a surprise. “It was nice to be part of it and to feel a little appreciated of the work I’ve been doing to promote the profession and make sure that our profession is heading in the right direction.” Aaron began volunteering in the Association shortly after joining, when the chair of the examining board encouraged him to get involved. He took that statement to heart, capitalizing on the chance to meet new people in the industry, get Architecture49’s name out there, and do some good for the landscape profession.
Aaron currently serves as the Vice President of the OALA and is involved with the Ottawa chapter. He also serves as Chair of the continuing education committee and peer review/advising for the examining board. With a volunteer resume that speaks to his passion and dedication to the profession it is easy to see why Aaron’s peers nominated him for the award.
“It’s a prestigious honour. It provides A49 with some exposure for our landscape architecture and urban design team that we can use toward the continued growth of our practice, and I hope it helps us with our upward trajectory as we move towards the future,” Aaron said.
