Environments for Aging - Spring 2022 - AIA15

AWARDS JURY
15
Mohammed Lawal, FAIA
Mohammed Lawal, FAIA, has built a distinctive practice that brings award-winning
architecture to communities large and small, expanding the impact of the profession.
Throughout his career, he has been a design leader at major Minnesota firms, working
locally and nationally. Ten years ago, he co-founded Lawal Scott Erickson Architects, the
largest Black-owned architecture firm in Minnesota. He has had remarkable impact in such
a short time to raise the profession's tangible diversity and relevance for new audiences.
Moving forward, Lawal remains focused on developing a successful practice for change,
with a deeper approach to listening while continuing to mentor and diversify the profession.
Connie Fan, ASLA, PLA, LEED AP
Trained both in architecture and landscape architecture, Connie Fan's design work focuses
on placemaking that reflects the cultural, environmental, and architectural surroundings
for the land. A frequent recipient of American Society of Landscape Architects awards, her
designs create beautiful memorable places while enhancing real estate values. Her work
includes a wide variety of projects, ranging from commercial, institutional, and planning
projects to public streetscape revitalization. She brings energy and enthusiasm to all phases
of every project, a dedicated approach with extensive benefits to the client. Fan is a LEED
Accredited Professional with a focus on sustainable site initiatives and smart growth. She
leads sustainable design efforts at LSG.
Fan leads the firm's Hospital, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC), and
Assisted Living practice. Certified by the Chicago Botanic Garden in Healthcare Garden
Design, she is passionate about creating wellness-enhancing amenity-rich environments for
seniors. She has worked on several CCRC campuses (Erickson, Sunrise, BrightView, etc.),
four out of the five INOVA hospitals, and Sibley Hospital. Fan also serves as an associate
consultant for the Hong Kong Association of Therapeutic Horticulture.
Melissa Banko
Melissa Banko is founding principal of Banko Design, a full-service interior design and
fixtures, furniture, and equipment (FF&E) procurement firm located in Marietta, Georgia,
with additional offices in San Mateo, Calif.; Minneapolis; Amelia Island, Fla.; and Austin,
Texas, that partners with senior living, multifamily, and boutique hospitality developers and
operators. As founding principal, Banko oversees the day-to-day operations of a 50-person
team of designers, interior architects, purchasing agents, warehouse staff, and office
personnel. Under Banko's guidance, Banko Design provides an unparalleled level of design,
service, and efficiency for clients. Banko's passion for design has distinguished her as an
industry expert and advocate. She mentors interns and serves as an advisor and juror for
interior design students at various universities. Banko is a graduate of The Art Institute of
Atlanta, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design. Prior to founding Banko
Design, she worked in the interiors department at two prominent firms, Rule Joy Trammell +
Rubio and tvsdesign.

Environments for Aging - Spring 2022

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