Winner of the 2022 John Dale Thinker & Collaborator Award: Tom Bachman, AIA of gbA Architects

This award was created in honor of the late John Dale, who dedicated his service to AIAVT for several years and passed away during his term as 2020 president. This peer nomination award recognizes an AIAVT member architect who dedicates their time both to the profession and to their community, and who, like John, is a thoughtful leader, and an advocate for diversity and social equity.

Tom Bachman is a founding partner of gbA, and is strongly committed to Vermont and New England's communities and citizens. Tom has volunteered at Good Samaritan Haven, an emergency shelter network for people experiencing homelessness in central Vermont, for over twenty years and served on the organization’s Board of Directors. Tom has been an active member of AIA Vermont since 1990. He served as Vermont AIA President in 2013 and sat on the Executive Board of AIA New England the same year.

Tom was nominated by one of his colleagues, who submitted a narrative describing his work with unsheltered individuals. "Tom has a deep commitment to helping the homeless in Central Vermont. He has worked in a pro-bono fashion for over 20 years in a number of capacities with homeless issues including serving on the Good Samaritan Haven Board, the regional homeless shelter. He has volunteered at Good Sam for many years in many ways, including providing free architectural services, providing meals, fundraising and serving as overnight supervision. Tom is a tireless volunteer for finding solutions for all issues regarding the homeless population in our state."

On behalf of the award recipient, AIAVT will make a monetary donation to the charitable organization of their choosing. Tom has expressed his desire that the $1500 donation go to the Good Samaritan Haven. Learn more about the organization here: https://www.goodsamaritanhaven.org/

Congratulations Tom on this recognition for your generosity, passion, and volunteerism.