Honoring the Work and the People Who Inspire It - AIA Alabama Awards 2025

The 2025 AIA Alabama Awards highlighted what we value most at Williams Blackstock: thoughtful design and the emerging leaders who carry that work forward. With Auburn in Birmingham honored for its design excellence and craft, and Kayla Bailey recognized as the state’s Emerging Professional Award recipient, this year’s honors celebrate both our architectural achievements and the exceptional talent driving our work and community impact.

Auburn in Birmingham received both the 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 and the 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 at the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐈𝐀 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬.

Housed within one of downtown Birmingham’s most recognizable industrial structures, the project celebrates the building’s historic craftsmanship while introducing contemporary interventions that respect its past and reimagine its future.

The jury praised the project for its:
𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 — preserving the building’s DNA while ensuring its continued relevance in the city’s evolving landscape.
𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 — creating a quiet, authentic architecture that values continuity and craft over novelty.
𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 — activating the ground floor to engage the streetscape and strengthen community life downtown.

Thank you to our partners, clients, and collaborators who helped make this transformation possible.

Please join us in congratulating Kayla Bailey, on being named the 2025 AIA Alabama Emerging Professional Award recipient — the highest honor bestowed by AIA Alabama upon an Associate Member whose leadership, service, and contributions have advanced the profession.

Kayla’s passion for people-centered design, her mentorship of young professionals, and her dedication to community impact exemplify the very best of what it means to be an architect in training. Whether leading project initiatives, collaborating with clients, or volunteering through AIA Birmingham, Kayla brings creativity, integrity, and purpose to everything she does.

We are incredibly proud to see her recognized for the difference she’s making in both our firm and the broader design community.

As we celebrate these honors, we’re energized by what they represent: a commitment to design excellence, a belief in the power of collaboration, and a future shaped by leaders like Kayla and projects like Auburn in Birmingham.

Williams Blackstock Architects Named to BBJ’s Middle Market 30

We’re proud to share that Williams Blackstock Architects has been named to the Birmingham Business Journal’s Middle Market 30 for the second year in a row, earning the No. 14 spot among high-performing companies across the region.

Each year, the BBJ recognizes 30 Birmingham-area businesses with revenues between $5 million and $1 billion that demonstrate strong, measurable growth. This year’s honorees were selected from more than 1,000 surveyed organizations and celebrated at an event at The Club.

Reflecting on WBA’s continued momentum, President Stephen Allen shared:

“We’re navigating a cautious economy by broadening our reach, staying close to our clients, and making sure our marketing and business development efforts reflect what our regional market will need. Our diversification helps us weather fluctuations and continue growing while maintaining profitability.”

We’re honored to be recognized alongside so many impactful companies driving Birmingham forward. Thank you to our incredible team and clients—your trust and partnership make this achievement possible.

Inspiring the Next Generation: Samford University Students Visit

This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming freshman students from Samford University’s School of the Arts, Department of Architecture and Interior Design. As part of Professor Jim Griffo’s Survey of the Professions course, the visit introduced students to the many pathways and possibilities within the design industry — from architecture and interior design to planning, graphics, and project management.

During their visit, students heard from members of our team who shared insights about their own career journeys, the collaborative nature of our firm, and the variety of markets we serve — from civic and higher education projects to commercial, healthcare, and housing. A brief presentation highlighted several recent projects and the “big ideas” behind them, followed by a tour of our studio and open discussion about design culture, education, and professional growth.

These early opportunities for connection are invaluable — giving students a firsthand look at what it means to work in a creative, multidisciplinary firm while allowing our team to encourage the next generation of design professionals.

We’re grateful to Samford University and Professor Griffo for including Williams Blackstock Architects in this year’s firm visits and look forward to seeing where these students’ curiosity and passion for design will take them

Seacoast Collegiate High School Ribbon Cutting

Williams Blackstock Architects joined Seacoast Collegiate High School and Northwest Florida State College to celebrate the ribbon cutting of their expanded dual-enrollment campus in Walton County.

The new 68,000-square-foot facility reflects a shared vision to create spaces that inspire learning, collaboration, and connection between high school and college students. Supported by a Triumph Gulf Coast grant, the expansion enhances access to advanced programs in STEM, business, and the arts while accommodating the school’s continued growth.

The celebration brought together educators, community leaders, and state officials — including Governor Ron DeSantis and Hall of Famer Tom Glavine — to mark a milestone in educational opportunity for the region.

This project stands as a model for how thoughtful design and partnership can shape the future of education in Florida’s growing communities.

A Season of New Beginnings: Three August Groundbreakings

August marked a month of meaningful milestones across Alabama, as communities came together to celebrate three groundbreaking projects that will shape the state’s civic, educational, and research landscapes.

Irondale Civic Center

In the heart of downtown Irondale, the new Civic Center marks a major step in the city’s long-term revitalization plan. Designed as a flexible community hub, the facility will host local events, recreation, and public gatherings while strengthening Irondale’s identity as a destination for connection and growth. City leaders joined residents, project partners, and the Williams Blackstock design team to celebrate a shared vision of civic pride and progress.

Tuskegee University Center for Genomics and Health Disparity Research

At Tuskegee University, the groundbreaking for the new Center for Genomics and Health Disparity Research represents an important investment in the future of science and equity. The facility will advance cutting-edge research addressing health disparities affecting underserved populations, building on the university’s rich legacy of innovation and public health leadership. Williams Blackstock is honored to help bring this vision to life through a design that promotes collaboration and discovery.

Spring Hill College Annette N. Shelby Health and Science Innovation Center

Spring Hill College in Mobile celebrated the start of construction on the Annette N. Shelby Health and Science Innovation Center—an academic centerpiece that will expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in health sciences. The new facility reflects the college’s commitment to academic excellence and service, providing modern laboratories and learning environments that inspire curiosity and care.

Looking Ahead

Each of these groundbreaking moments represents more than just the start of construction—they mark the continuation of stories that will shape communities for generations. Williams Blackstock Architects is proud to partner with visionary clients across the state to design spaces that inform, inspire, and bring people together.

Southern Research Opens New Biotech Center in Birmingham

Williams Blackstock Architects recently joined Southern Research and community leaders to celebrate the grand opening of the new Southern Research Biotech Center — a 150,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art laboratory that anchors the organization’s long-term vision for innovation and discovery.

Southern Research partnered with Williams Blackstock Architects to create a comprehensive campus master plan aligning its physical growth with its strategic goals for the next 75 years. The centerpiece of that plan, this LEED-certified facility, doubles the organization’s laboratory space and enhances collaboration in life sciences, chemistry, and drug discovery. The building’s design emphasizes flexibility, daylighting, and transparency — creating a bright, interconnected environment that supports cutting-edge research and future expansion.

Complementing the new lab, Williams Blackstock also led the Station 41 renovation, transforming a former administrative building into a biotech incubator for early-stage startups. The adaptive reuse project offers shared lab spaces, open offices, and modern infrastructure designed to help emerging biotech companies grow.

Together, these projects strengthen Birmingham’s Innovation District and solidify Southern Research’s role as a leader in scientific advancement and economic development across the Southeast — setting the stage for the next generation of discovery.

Leadership Alabama Welcomes Stephen Allen to Class XXXV

We are delighted to announce that Stephen Allen, President of Williams Blackstock Architects, has been selected to participate in Leadership Alabama Class XXXV for the 2025–2026 program year.

Leadership Alabama is a statewide nonprofit that brings together established leaders from across Alabama to foster deeper understanding, network building, and collective action toward the state’s future. The program emphasizes exposing participants to a broad range of challenges and opportunities facing Alabama and encourages collaboration across regions and sectors.

Program Structure & Highlights

• The class year kicks off on October 15, 2025, in Montgomery, and continues through May 2026, with additional retreats in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile.

• During these retreats, class members will engage in issue-oriented forums, attend presentations, and participate in deep discussions designed to promote critical assessment of Alabama’s pressing needs, successes, and paths forward.

According to Michael Patterson, Board Chair of Leadership Alabama:

“Leadership Alabama’s long-standing mission is to facilitate strong partnerships and alliances for the good of our state, and Class XXXV, as with all previous classes, is comprised of outstanding leaders who will continue to effectively lead Alabama’s growth and innovation.”

Executive Director Ashley Kaplan added:

“Alabama always benefits from the collective actions and initiatives borne by this proven group of leaders … it is an honor to assemble such an esteemed and diverse cohort … from all regions in Alabama.”

Stephen’s inclusion in Class XXXV is a testament to his leadership, vision, and commitment to service. He brings to the cohort not only expertise in architecture and community development, but also a genuine passion for contributing to Alabama’s progress.

For more details on Leadership Alabama’s Class XXXV, see the official announcement:
Announcing LA Class XXXV

Celebrating Joel Blackstock’s Legacy and Lasting Impact

Williams Blackstock Architects is proud to recognize our founder and CEO, Joel Blackstock, for receiving not one but two prestigious honors this year: the Vistage Legacy Award and a place on the Birmingham Business Journal’s Who’s Who in Construction & Building list.

Vistage Legacy Award
Joel’s 30-year journey as a leader and visionary culminated in a successful succession plan that ensures the firm’s continued growth and excellence. Under his leadership, Williams Blackstock Architects has tripled in size, contributed significantly to shaping Birmingham’s skyline, and built a culture that empowers the next generation of leaders. A long-time Vistage member, Joel has always invested in developing others—helping them grow not only as professionals but as people.

BBJ Who’s Who in Construction & Building
As founder of Williams Blackstock Architects, Joel has always believed in the power of architecture to transform communities. His vision has guided projects that reimagine historic landmarks, strengthen institutions, and create spaces that bring people together. This recognition highlights the enduring impact Joel has had on Birmingham and beyond, as he continues to influence the built environment and inspire the people around him.

Together, these two honors celebrate not only Joel’s professional accomplishments but also his commitment to people, community, and the future of design. His legacy is one of leadership, innovation, and service—a foundation that will continue to shape Williams Blackstock Architects and the communities we serve for decades to come.

Ribbon Cutting Marks Grand Opening of Colina WeHo in West Homewood

The Homewood Chamber of Commerce officially welcomed Colina WeHo, a brand-new luxury apartment community in West Homewood, with a ribbon cutting and happy hour celebration on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Chamber officials, members, and community supporters gathered at 80 W Oxmoor Road in Birmingham to mark the grand opening. The celebration highlighted Colina WeHo’s contribution to the area as an upscale residential option and featured a festive atmosphere for attendees.

Colina WeHo offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments along with carriage homes, all designed with high-end finishes and modern layouts. The community is distinguished by its extensive amenities, including:

• A saltwater pool

• Pickleball courts

• A state-of-the-art fitness center

• Dedicated coworking spaces

• Pet-friendly features

Managed by Arlington Properties, Colina WeHo is positioned as a vibrant addition to West Homewood, combining elevated living with a strong sense of community.

The ribbon cutting underscored both the growth of the Homewood area and the Chamber’s continued support of businesses and developments that enhance the community.

Celebrating the 2025 ACFA Scholarship Recipients

The 2025 ACFA Scholarship Luncheon brought together students, families, and leaders from across the architectural community to recognize the next generation of architects. Hosted at the Alabama Center for Architecture, the event highlighted the achievements of nine Alabama students who were awarded a combined $16,000 in scholarships to support their pursuit of accredited bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture.

Keynote speaker James W. Shepherd, AIA, LEED, FAPT, shared insights from his extensive preservation and design work on the Washington National Cathedral, offering students a perspective on the complexity, creativity, and responsibility inherent in the profession. His presentation served as both inspiration and a reminder of the critical role architects play in shaping communities and preserving history.

The program was led by Bill Segrest, Principal at Williams Blackstock Architects, who introduced the scholarship recipients and underscored the importance of investing in students who demonstrate both promise and financial need.

The ACFA Scholarship exists to support aspiring architects from Alabama through financial assistance, helping to ensure that talent and dedication—not financial limitations—determine a student’s ability to pursue a career in architecture. By recognizing these students, the luncheon underscored ACFA’s commitment to strengthening the profession within the state and fostering future leaders in design.