Presented by American Institute of Architects Kansas City Chapter

Peter Witte, dean of the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance, received the 2014 Architectural Advocate of the Year Award by the board of the American Institute of Architects Kansas City Chapter.

The award acknowledges a non-architect who’s shown extraordinary leadership in advancing the cause of architecture and its role in improving the quality of the built environment. It was presented to Witte at the AIA Kansas City holiday party and installation of officers.

“In naming Dean Peter Witte as AIA Kansas City’s Architectural Advocate of the Year for 2014, our chapter recognizes his vision and determination to enhance our cultural and educational landscape with an investment in not only an arts campus but also in the vitality that future performing artists will bring to the Crossroads Arts District,” said Dawn Taylor, executive director, AIA Kansas City.

Previous winners include former Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes, The Nelson-Atkins Museum trustees, Johnson County Commissioners, Kate Hackman and David Hughes of the Charlotte Street Foundation, Kansas City Star Editorial Page Editor Steve Paul, State Sen. Jason Holsman of Missouri, Chairwoman and CEO of the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation Julia Irene Kauffman and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Director Julián Zugazagoitia.