I was pleased to have my life’s work recognized by the Architectual Design Profession...

In 2000 THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS CONFERED

INSTITUTE HONORS FOR COLLABORATIVE ACHIEVEMENT

SOUGHT NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY BY THE WORLD'S LEADING DESIGNERS, HIS LIGHTING COMPLETES RATHER THAN COMPETE WITH ARCHITECTURE, SUPPORTING HIS STRONG CONVICTION THAT THE BEST LIGHTING RESULTS FROM THE INTEGRATION OF ALL DESIGN ELEMENTS THROUGH TEAM COLLABORATION.

The following endorsements were written in support of this award: Arthur Erickson, Moshie Safdie, John Field, Harry Weese, John Portman

ARTHUR ERICKSON Vancouver
...“Bill Lam with his background in architecture, his keen appreciation of all building systems that go into the makeup of a complex building has always been a stimulating and dynamic member of our design team. Because of his distinctive contribution to the eventual building form, I have always made sure that he was an early member of the team. Unlike the usual consultants he is aware of the potential contribution or conflict of the mechanical, electrical and structural systems and therefore has been effective in getting each one organized in to an integrated comprehensive system."...
....”His philosophical conception of the totality of the building effects the way he applies his own discipline to a design. His objective is to make each part of a building so much part of the whole that is difficult to regard it as a separate element or system. Thus, with respect to building illumination, lighting complements the mechanical and structural systems. His sensitivity to architectural priorities result in his highlighting and flattering a building without being self-conscious or distracting. He is able to achieve the effect of the building glowing with its own internal energy.
.....Since he has been so involved in the work of many other prominent architects in Canada and US, there is no question In my mind that his is a vital contribution to the distinction that these building have achieved.”

HARRY WEESE CHICAGO 1984
....”I have had a long pre-Metro association with Bill Lam In a field which is peopled with all manner of experts, mountebanks, and stage lighting experts. He is one of the few who combines a respect for the scientific method, esthetic Judgment and a penchant for elimination of cant. He does not go by the book, he sets standards rather than follows them”

JOHN PORTMAN Atlanta
....”He is exemplary in his ability to integrate a multi-disciplinary approach to the whole architectural design process. Working with Bill has produced many satisfying solutions of unusual problems on major significant designs especially in our atrium hotels and urban complexes. ......Bill has made a unique contribution to Architecture “

JOHN FIELD San Francisco
....."He has taught me and all of our profession a great deal about light. its color, its mood, its use as an information giver, its efficiency and the excitement it can bring to our work."... "He grasps your design intent and works with you to add to it all the dynamic richness that all forms of light can contribute. Often it is his ideas about natural light that become as important aspects of the building as his concepts for artificial light." "Early on he helped lead clients to selecting more efficient, better systems and not resorting to the theory that more light was better."

MOSHE SAFDIE Cambridge
...."For several decades Bill Lam has been one of the leading lighting designers in the country. What singles out his approach to lighting design is his conviction that lighting is part of architecture, not an end in itself. This underlying philosophy has made for creative and successful collaborations between Bill Lam and the architects with whom he has worked.... His collaborations have been unique because they have enriched the architecture while not attempting to create an independent and unsupportive 'lighting environment'."

In recognition of his career and influence on architectural lighting design.

In 2001 He was selected one of the inaugural inductees in
ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING's HALL OF FAME

...those "instrumental in forming the foundation of professional lighting design....shaping the industry as we know it today."