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National Institute of Building Sciences Awards Honor Building Industry Leaders

On May 22, 2025, the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) celebrated significant contributions to the built environment at their annual awards luncheon during the Building Innovation 2025 (BI2025) conference, a key event for professionals in the building sector. The ceremony honored a range of individuals and organizations that have made impactful strides in the industry, showcasing innovative practices that aim to enhance construction and design standards.

2025 Award Recipients

The NIBS is dedicated to recognizing excellence through several prestigious awards, each reflecting unique achievements and contributions within the building industry. This year's prominent awards included:

• - NIBS Distinguished Service Award: Dr. Steven McCabe received this award for his invaluable service as the Director of the Disaster Impact Reduction Office (ret.) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). His commitment to improving building safety and resilience has left a lasting impact.

• - Exceptional Woman in Building Award: Leslie Chapman-Henderson, the President and CEO of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), was recognized for her exceptional leadership and advocacy in the realm of home safety and disaster resilience.

• - Future Leaders Award: This award went to Sam Villalobos, an Assistant Project Manager at SKANSKA and a student at Virginia State University, highlighting emerging talent in the field and the importance of nurturing future leaders in construction.

• - NIBS Innovator Award: The report titled Recommended Options for Improving the Built Environment for Post-Earthquake Re-occupancy and Functional Recovery Time, developed collaboratively by FEMA, NIST, the Applied Technology Council (ATC), and the Science and Technology Policy Institute (STPI), was recognized for its innovative approach to enhancing resilience in buildings following seismic events.

• - Beyond Green™ High-Performance Building and Community Award: The Pepper Construction project's historic rehabilitation at their Cincinnati headquarters garnered this award, recognizing its outstanding contribution to sustainable building practices and community revitalization.

In addition to these awards, NIBS awarded the Betty and Mort Marshall Memorial Scholarship to two exceptional students, furthering their commitment to promoting diversity within the architecture and engineering fields. This scholarship, established in 2020, supports students pursuing careers in these areas at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The 2025 scholarship recipients were:

• - Reeja Shrestha: An architecture student from Howard University, who has demonstrated exceptional academic performance and dedication to her studies.
• - William Corey: An electrical engineering student from North Carolina A&T State University, recognized for his commitment to innovation and leadership.

Significance of the Awards

The NIBS Built Environment Awards not only recognize individual excellence but also serve to inspire the next generation of building professionals. By honoring those who have made significant impacts and showcasing student achievements, NIBS emphasizes the value of innovation, safety, and sustainability in the built environment.

The Building Innovation 2025 conference continues to be a pivotal event, drawing together industry professionals who are shaping the future of architecture, engineering, and construction. As NIBS celebrates these achievements, it also looks forward to addressing the ongoing challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the building sector. For further details about the NIBS Built Environment Awards, visit nibs.org.

About NIBS

The National Institute of Building Sciences is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing together diverse stakeholders in the building sector, including labor interests, government representatives, and industry members. Their goal is to identify and address challenges within the built environment, promoting better building practices and policies. To stay updated, follow NIBS on social media platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.