Hong Kong, 6 November 2010 ————– Architect and award-winning author and illustrator Thomas Schmidt, AIA, LEED® AP, has been awarded a 2010 chapter Citation from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Hong Kong Chapter for the creation of the Bumbling Traveller Adventure Series™.
Schmidt, Managing Director of Sepia Design Consultants Limited, was selected by AIA Hong Kong to receive one of two annual Citations in recognition of his significant achievement in promoting the values of cultural heritage, eco-tourism and vernacular architecture in the Chapter’s Asia-Pacific region through his creation of educational graphic novels. The Chapter Nominating Committee described the novels as, “… richly informed through detailed research and vividly portrayed through exquisitely hand-drawn illustrations.” As per the Chapter’s bylaws, this recognition is extended to individuals or organizations for their achievement in promoting the value of architecture in society and for fostering public awareness of issues related to the built environment.
Schmidt was presented with the Citation at the joint AIA Hong Kong / C40 Conference dinner on Friday, November 5, 2010 at the historic Helena May in Hong Kong.
Bumbling Through Sumatra, the second volume in the Bumbling Traveller Adventure Series™ and recent recipient of a bronze medal in the 2010 Independent Publisher Book Awards, seeks to promote environmental and cultural awareness through entertaining mysteries and adventures. Author and illustrator Schmidt noted, “As an architect, I am flattered to have received this prestigious award from my professional peers, and from an international organization that continues to champion the value of traditional vernacular architecture.”
Consisting of more than 76,000 US-licensed architects, emerging professionals and allied partners in design, the US-based American Institute of Architects (AIA) has represented the professional interests of architects and design professionals for over 150 years. The Bumbling Traveller Adventure Series ™ is published by Kakibubu Media Limited and is distributed throughout Asia by Foreign Press Distributors and MPH Distributors Sdn Bhd. The series is also available for international purchase through Kakibubu.com, Amazon.com and other online portals.
Editor’s Note: Thomas Schmidt, AIA, LEED AP is the founder of Sepia Design Consultants Limited, an award-winning design consultancy specializing in creative and sustainable design solutions for the hospitality industry. Schmidt is also author and illustrator of the award-winning Bumbling Traveller Adventure Series which seeks to promote environmental and cultural awareness through entertaining mysteries and adventures, which was recognized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) through a 2010 Chapter Citation.