2013 USITT Distinguished Achievement Award in Architecture Presented to Timothy Hartung

	Timothy Hartung

Each year the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) recognizes the work of individuals and corporations that have had a significant impact on its industry. Ennead partner Timothy Hartung has been awarded the 2013 Distinguished Achievement Award in Architecture for his "instrumental work in the design of numerous outstanding performing arts projects" and "decades of leadership in elevating the visibility and effectiveness of the USITT Architecture Commission."

Since the USITT's Architecture Commission established the Architecture Awards in 1994, five projects led by Hartung have been honored: The Ed Sullivan Theater restoration and adaptation in 1996; the Santa Fe Opera in 1999; the Holland Performing Arts Center in 2007; the Mercersburg Academy, Burgin Center for the Arts in 2008; and Allegheny College, Vukovich Center for Communication Arts in 2010. These award-winning projects, together with three others executed by his fellow Ennead partners -- Yerba Buena Gardens Center for the Arts Theater, Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, and New York City Center -- make Ennead the most recognized firm in the Commission's history.

Hartung attributes his and Ennead's success to "embedding ourselves in the culture of the client. Our clients appreciate that we're thinking the same way they are," he explains. "We're not coming from the moon, trying to convince them that they should do something that is inherently different from their own mission." Hartung most recently led the newly opened, state-of-the-art Stanford University Bing Concert Hall, which has been heralded as the embodiment and major milestone of the Stanford Arts Initiative, a university-wide effort to place the arts at the heart of a Stanford education.

The award was presented at the recent USITT Annual Conference and Stage Expo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at which Hartung participated in a "Distinguished Award Winners in Conversation" panel discussion moderated by USITT Board Member and Alley Theatre assistant artistic director Kevin Rigdon. Other 2013 Distinguished Achievement Award honorees include Neil Mazzella of Hudson Scenic for his impact in technical production; Desmond Heeley for his work in both scenic design and costume design; Otts Munderloh for his work in sound design; and Howard Jones and Rachel Keebler for their work in education and training through Cobalt Scenic Studios.