The Central Kentucky Chapter is the oldest of AIA Kentucky’s chapters. Established on February 3,1908, it was the state’s only AIA chapter until 1952 when the Eastern Kentucky Chapter was organized. AIA Kentucky was formed in 1962 Known as the “CKC”, this chapter has always been headquartered in Louisville, with AIA members throughout the central, southern, and western regions of Kentucky.
Louisville architect Charles Clarke was selected to be the first president. He was also the first Kentucky architect to join the Western Society of Architects in 1882. But he died on March 9, 1908, and his partner, Arthur Loomis, fulfilled the remainder of the year as president. Loomis was a well-known architect who created many local landmarks: Speed Art Museum, Conrad-Caldwell House, Levy Building; St. Peter’s Church; St. Paul’s Church; etc.
To promote architecture in the city and state, the chapter presented an exhibition of architecture in 1912. This event involved all of the prominent Kentucky architects of the period. As a result, a book was published that catalogued all of the building projects that the various firms had produced. This book is still referenced today as a valuable historical resource.
James Murphy, who was president when this exhibit was held, was a very active member of the chapter. He was the brother to D. X. Murphy, whose firm created Churchill Downs, the old Jefferson County Jail, and other notable buildings. Their firm still operates today under the name of Luckett & Farley. James Murphy was a vocal advocate for better civic design and planning. His efforts eventually led to the state’s first planning commission in 1928, of which he became the first chairman.
The list of former presidents is a ‘who’s who’ of legendary architects within Louisville and Kentucky, a few of which are: Mason Maury; Brinton B. Davis; Herman Wischmeyer; C. Julian Oberwarth; Frederick Morgan; Frederick Louis; as well as several father and sons: Arnold Judd, (Sr. and Jr.) and Thomas Dade Luckett (II and III).
The chapter was active in championing the state registration process, which was ultimately approved by the legislature in 1930.
Meeting locations have typically been held at Louisville restaurants in their private meeting rooms. These locations include: the old Hasenours; the original Cunningham’s; the original Kunz’s; former Jim Porter’s; old Winn Stay Club (next to the Pendennis Club); and since about the late 1980’s, in the upstairs meeting room of the Bristol Bar & Grille on Bardstown Road.
AIA members, while very competitive for building commissions, have a broad spirit of camaraderie and fellowship. Social events include holiday parties and summer picnics. Through chapter membership, they have developed lifelong friendships while accomplishing important public improvement projects.
During the mid to late 1980’s, the chapter became more community oriented and initiated numerous efforts that still exist to today. In 1987, Bill Weyland and Steve Wiser met with the newly formed Waterfront Development Corporation that sought to revitalize the Louisville riverfront. This resulted in the CKC volunteering to write the initial design guidelines for the waterfront in 1989 – 1991. These guidelines then guided Hargraeves Associates during their planning for the park that now is recognized world-wide for its aesthetic and recreational features. And, these same guidelines are still utilized today for changes and expansion of this beautiful park.
The chapter also initiated a house tour in the late 1980’s which features the residential designs of chapter members. Funds raised are contributed to Habitat for Humanity, which provides low-income families affordable homes. Funds from the annual golf tournament are donated as well to this charitable process.
Another noteworthy initiative by the chapter is the annual Trade Fair, where regional material suppliers display their products, and whose proceeds allow the Chapter to provide free programs to its membership – one of the few in the nation to do so.
The chapter has a very active committee structure. Board meetings usually are attended by fifteen members and the monthly meetings have about fifty or more members in attendance. It has also provided leadership at the national level with Larry Leis, FAIA, serving as national treasurer and FAIA Chancellor; Rick Kremer, FAIA, serving as national Vice President; David Proffitt, serving as national Secretary.
During the AIA’s 150 celebration in 2007, the chapter presented a variety of events such as a talk by acclaimed architect Michael Graves on the 25th anniversary of the announcement of the Humana Building; a photo competition; a commemorative calendar; a charrette to improve the Portland neighborhood; several lectures on architectural history; and, a presentation by 2007 AIA National President R. K. Stewart.
In 2008, to spotlight the 100 anniversary, the chapter is assisting in the reprinting of the 1912 architectural exhibition book and having local historians talk about the biographies of important chapter leaders like Arthur Loomis.
The CKC is a thriving, viable chapter with an active membership dedicated to making architecture a valued profession within the area that it serves.
Louisville architect Charles Clarke was selected to be the first president. He was also the first Kentucky architect to join the Western Society of Architects in 1882. But he died on March 9, 1908, and his partner, Arthur Loomis, fulfilled the remainder of the year as president. Loomis was a well-known architect who created many local landmarks: Speed Art Museum, Conrad-Caldwell House, Levy Building; St. Peter’s Church; St. Paul’s Church; etc.
To promote architecture in the city and state, the chapter presented an exhibition of architecture in 1912. This event involved all of the prominent Kentucky architects of the period. As a result, a book was published that catalogued all of the building projects that the various firms had produced. This book is still referenced today as a valuable historical resource.
James Murphy, who was president when this exhibit was held, was a very active member of the chapter. He was the brother to D. X. Murphy, whose firm created Churchill Downs, the old Jefferson County Jail, and other notable buildings. Their firm still operates today under the name of Luckett & Farley. James Murphy was a vocal advocate for better civic design and planning. His efforts eventually led to the state’s first planning commission in 1928, of which he became the first chairman.
The list of former presidents is a ‘who’s who’ of legendary architects within Louisville and Kentucky, a few of which are: Mason Maury; Brinton B. Davis; Herman Wischmeyer; C. Julian Oberwarth; Frederick Morgan; Frederick Louis; as well as several father and sons: Arnold Judd, (Sr. and Jr.) and Thomas Dade Luckett (II and III).
The chapter was active in championing the state registration process, which was ultimately approved by the legislature in 1930.
Meeting locations have typically been held at Louisville restaurants in their private meeting rooms. These locations include: the old Hasenours; the original Cunningham’s; the original Kunz’s; former Jim Porter’s; old Winn Stay Club (next to the Pendennis Club); and since about the late 1980’s, in the upstairs meeting room of the Bristol Bar & Grille on Bardstown Road.
AIA members, while very competitive for building commissions, have a broad spirit of camaraderie and fellowship. Social events include holiday parties and summer picnics. Through chapter membership, they have developed lifelong friendships while accomplishing important public improvement projects.
During the mid to late 1980’s, the chapter became more community oriented and initiated numerous efforts that still exist to today. In 1987, Bill Weyland and Steve Wiser met with the newly formed Waterfront Development Corporation that sought to revitalize the Louisville riverfront. This resulted in the CKC volunteering to write the initial design guidelines for the waterfront in 1989 – 1991. These guidelines then guided Hargraeves Associates during their planning for the park that now is recognized world-wide for its aesthetic and recreational features. And, these same guidelines are still utilized today for changes and expansion of this beautiful park.
The chapter also initiated a house tour in the late 1980’s which features the residential designs of chapter members. Funds raised are contributed to Habitat for Humanity, which provides low-income families affordable homes. Funds from the annual golf tournament are donated as well to this charitable process.
Another noteworthy initiative by the chapter is the annual Trade Fair, where regional material suppliers display their products, and whose proceeds allow the Chapter to provide free programs to its membership – one of the few in the nation to do so.
The chapter has a very active committee structure. Board meetings usually are attended by fifteen members and the monthly meetings have about fifty or more members in attendance. It has also provided leadership at the national level with Larry Leis, FAIA, serving as national treasurer and FAIA Chancellor; Rick Kremer, FAIA, serving as national Vice President; David Proffitt, serving as national Secretary.
During the AIA’s 150 celebration in 2007, the chapter presented a variety of events such as a talk by acclaimed architect Michael Graves on the 25th anniversary of the announcement of the Humana Building; a photo competition; a commemorative calendar; a charrette to improve the Portland neighborhood; several lectures on architectural history; and, a presentation by 2007 AIA National President R. K. Stewart.
In 2008, to spotlight the 100 anniversary, the chapter is assisting in the reprinting of the 1912 architectural exhibition book and having local historians talk about the biographies of important chapter leaders like Arthur Loomis.
The CKC is a thriving, viable chapter with an active membership dedicated to making architecture a valued profession within the area that it serves.